Re: EDS and spondylolisthesis and anterolisthesis questions

[Guest guest]

I'm pretty clueless on this topic. My book, Back Care Basics has a

brief section about Spondylolisthesis. The book is written by a

doctor and certified yoga instructor, Pullig Schatz, M.D. who

used yoga to heal her own back trouble. From my experience with

yoga - she has done extensive modification to accomadate back

injuries. Not necessarily recommending you get the book - just that

this one doctor thought exercise was not only possible but beneficial.

Bending forward is a motion of flexion.

Good Luck

Below is quoted from the book

" Spondyloysis and spondylolisthesis are two closely related disorders

of the lumbar spine in which the connections between the vertebrae

weaken and break. In spondyloysis, the vertebrae separate on just

one side. This fracture allows the bones to move too much, grinding

down the intervertebral discs.

In spondylolisthesis, the connections break on both sides of the

vertebra, and the vertebral body slips forward over the next lower

one. The disc at the slippage site rapidly degenerates. At first,

the condition may be without symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they

are related to nerve or spinal cord compression, which can produce

leg, buttock, hip or foot pain, or numbness or weakness on one or

both sides. "

The book then lists specific modified yoga poses (illustrated and

explained in the book) and goes on to say...

" In general, observe several basic principles when exercising:

To prevent the upper vertebrai from slipping forward over the lower

ones, do not hold the trunk forward of the pelvis. Do not allow the

arch in the lower back to increase. Avoid high heels, forward bends,

and such exercieses as rowing, bowling, gymnastics, and cycling.

Do movements that encourage the upper vertebrae to move backward over

the lower ones, such as lying on your back and hugging your knees to

you chest.

Strenghten muscles that can provide support for the lower back area,

including the paraspinals (the muscles on either side of the spine),

hip rotators, abdominals, and the leg and buttock muscles.

Increase flexibility elsewhere to aviod excessive demands for motion

in the lumbrosacral area. Increase the flexibility of the shoulder

girdle, arms and hip joints. Increase rotational flexibility in the

upper back. "