Is your back pain, scoliosis or spinal fusion holding you back?

I’ll help you find relief.

I understand where you’re coming from because I had a spinal fusion at age 16. I’ve been on every point of this spectrum of back pain, discomfort, denial, neglect, disassociation…. But that’s no longer where I dwell day to day. It now brings me joy to share with you the tools that have helped me on this journey.

I am Stacy Joyce, a yoga teacher serving students with back concerns, and back pain, who want to find relief, enjoy more movement, improve their posture, reduce stress, and live a life not bound by their body.

I specialize in helping people with scoliosis and spinal fusions develop a yoga practice designed for their specific needs.

My experience with scoliosis and a spinal fusion

My mild childhood scoliosis progressed quickly in my teens and resulted in constant pain and a very uneven posture. I had a spinal fusion at age sixteen to stop the rapid progression of my scoliosis curves. I was in such denial about having to go through two major surgeries, that I didn’t even tell my friends. My spine was fused from T5-L3 and Harrington rods were used to hold this fusion in place.

When my surgeon gave me full clearance to resume any activities—without any guidance—I was even hesitant to step into the ocean because I feared being knocked down. Slowly, however, I gained the confidence to try new things, such as yoga. I was not flexible or strong, but I felt that the style and pace were safe, so I kept going back.

About fifteen years later, I was physically unable to sit all day at an office job anymore and had to make a major shift to regain my health. I had considered yoga teacher training, but thought that my practice wasn’t advanced enough for me to qualify.

My training & specializing on back care yoga, yoga for scoliosis, and yoga for spinal fusions

A lot of courage later, I went on to complete my 500-hour YTT through Yoga Works in New York City in 2012. This training experience finally motivated me to study how my scoliosis and spinal fusion related to my practice. I learned to rein in certain parts of my practice that could eventually make me more susceptible to a longer fusion down the road.

From this point, I knew that I wanted to serve students who, like me, needed a teacher with an atypical spine to guide them through this healing practice. My practice and image of yoga completely changed once I connected and practiced with teachers such as Mimi Rosetti, Alison West, Deborah Wolk, and Elise Browning Miller. I also completed Elise Browning Miller’s Yoga for Scoliosis teacher training in 2020. These teachers opened a new world of possibilities that wasn’t about fitting into some mold, but being proud of my unique self, connecting to my body, and finding joy. I also felt such relief to see and know that I wasn’t alone on this journey.

We shouldn’t feel that we have to hide our differences, but instead seek out others who can help to prop us up.

I’m in North Carolina’s Charlotte Metro area (Cornelius, Lake Norman). I work with students in-person and virtually.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, yoga can help people with scoliosis, but it's important to be careful and have guidance from a qualified yoga instructor. Working with an experienced instructor will help you create a personalized program. Some poses can help counteract scoliosis, while others may make it worse. Being consistent and patient is crucial. While yoga won't cure scoliosis, it can reduce curvatures for some people, though it's not guaranteed for everyone. Regardless, movement is good for everyone, and yoga is a safe and effective way to practice movement, breathing, and posture awareness.

  • Poses that focus on spinal elongation are a great starting point for an individual with scoliosis, such as Mountain pose. Not only is creating space beneficial to decompressing the vertebrae, it also allows more space for the breath in the body. As each individual learns their spinal curve patterns, poses will become more individualized based on which limb or curve they are addressing. When we know how to counter our pattern of scoliosis, we can focus on strengthening those areas of the body to support us against gravity. Additionally, relaxation poses with props are excellent for resting and calming the nervous system, reducing stress.

  • A spine with scoliosis has vertebrae that move in 3-dimensions, which differ at each level of the spine. It’s impossible to pinpoint a movement to a certain segment of the spine that won’t have a countereffect on another area. Working toward a neutral spine is the conservative approach. For this reason, avoiding poses that bring our spine into maximal rotation will help our scoliosis to not progress. Our practice should help promote a strong and stable spine, and flexing, extending or twisting the spine aren’t helpful in countering our curvatures. In our yoga practice, the aim is to create new movement patterns in our body rather than reinforcing our scoliotic curves. An example would be to avoid a forward fold when you are rounding forward from the spine, because that pose will reinforce the maximum rotation of your scoliosis convexities. Instead, you can hinge forward at the hips, keep the spine extending long, and place your hands on blocks or a chair.

  • Yes, you can begin exercising once your doctor gives you the green light after the healing period. Start with slow and gentle movements to understand how your body responds. In yoga, it's crucial to listen to your body rather than just going through the motions. Remember, the fused part of your spine needs stability, and it's important not to strain the unfused vertebrae nearby. Your fusion's level and length will affect the kind of movements and props that are best for you.Working with an experienced instructor is strongly advised.

  • Deciding on a spinal fusion for scoliosis is a personal choice. It's usually suggested during adolescence and depends on factors like the severity of the curve, how developed the bones are, and overall health. The good news is we're not stuck with a "wait and see" approach. There are different non-surgical treatments and healing methods available, like yoga.

  • Yoga helps overall well-being, lowers stress, and improves mental clarity. In the context of scoliosis, it fosters stability and a remapping of the body with a new awareness. Aside from building strength with poses, focusing on breath is especially helpful. Ultimately, it's essential to find something you enjoy and can stick with for years to come.

  • Yoga facilitates the development of a fresh connection with yourself. As you gain a deep understanding of your unique scoliosis, you may develop a newfound appreciation for and comprehension of your body's actions. This transformative process enables you to approach your body with greater grace and compassion. Our bodies are our lifelong homes, so investing time in learning how to nurture them can positively impact all aspects of your life.

Contact me for a free call.