Headaches and painful neck after practising bikram yoga

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louisemary
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May 12, 2016 at 8:06 pm

Post count: 1

#21373

Hi Gabrielle,

Thankfully i found your site whilst googling for an answer for the problem that i have when practising bikram yoga…. Sinds 2011 i’ve been going on and off to bikram yoga (usually 3/4 times a week). I really love it and it relaxes my breathing, strengthens my body and clears my head. But i’m on the verge of stopping due to headaches and neck pain. I’ve had a break for a year and this week i have had two classes. I go to a really nice school with competent and relaxed teachers who know that i have a problem with the back bends due to my neck, they have already advised me to make an adjustment with the postures. I breathe throughout the whole lesson slowly and regularly and i also really concentrate on relaxing neck, tongue and jaw. I don’t raise my arms too high and bend my elbows. However, after just 2 lessons, i feel extremely tired. My neck hurts when i put my chin to my chest and i get a headache (starting from the back of my head, from the two ‘dimples’ behind my ears at the bottom of my skull). I also have some digestine problems which make me very stuffy and allergic and this has gotten worse now too. Hmm…

I get the feeling that it’s a problem that i’ve always had and the yoga makes it worse. In the past i practised 4 times a week hoping that the problem would solve itself, but it’s always been an issue. I’ve practised yoga at other studios, without the heat and experienced the same problem (with regards to the neck pain and headaches). So maybe yoga just isn’t it for me… Still, i figured i’d leave a message here to see if i’m overlooking something.

Look forward to hear from you!

Kind regards, Louise
Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

May 13, 2016 at 2:31 am

Post count: 3048
#21374
Hello louisemary

Just letting you know that I have read your post and I am going away for a few days so when I get back I will get onto it!

Enjoy your weekend

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
- This reply was modified 8 years, 6 months ago by Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor).
Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

May 17, 2016 at 4:37 am

Post count: 3048

#21379

Hello louisemary

Thanks for being patient. I really need to start by asking you some questions. I also need to preface that while you are experienced I can never assume that you have been practising in what I consider to be a risk-free or safe or effective fashion. If I do make those assumptions, I will miss something important. While you indeed maybe creating a great practice, I will have to ask you things to ascertain what you are doing. I am going to leave temperature and hydration and nutrition out of the equation but may have to bring it in later. I am not sure yet. Right now I really am on a fact-finding mission!!!

So I ask you to be patient and to give me details!!! As specific as you can. (I will always ask for more details if I need them, so don’t be too concerned.)

1) I am so happy you go to such a lovely studio. Are your teachers teaching the scripted class? How closely would they be following it?

2) I really need to know what adjustments they have recommended for you and in what specific poses. It is helpful to know that you are not straightening your arms when you hold them over your head.

3) You’ve been going on and off since 2011. When did the headaches and neck pain start? Have you always had them? Reading your post it seems that the problem happens with and without heat. Is it every time without fail?

4) Are you saying it happens with every style of yoga?

5) What relieves your pain? Is it just not going to yoga? Is it pain medication?

6) What can you tell me about what doctors, physios or other health care practitioners have told you about your condition or predicament? Have you had any radiographic or other investigative work done and what if anything did it show you?

7) Do you ever get the issue happening at any other time than when you do yoga? Walking, turning your head. Looking up. General activity. What exercise can you do where your headaches do not occur and your neck doesn’t hurt.

8) Confirm for me if there is or has there ever been a time where the frequency of yoga practice has meant that the symptoms disappear and you feel comfortable.

I had something else on the tip of my tongue and so I may add in another question if it comes to me. I look forward to reading your responses soon.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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