Modifications for bad backs?

Viewing 6 posts - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)

Author

Posts
Bricks
Participant

May 4, 2010 at 12:24 am

Post count: 10

#1803

I always avoid this pose, because of my back and neck issues. My first few classes I did try this pose, but it hurt so much during and after class that I thought it would be wise to avoid it altogether. Since I would like to try it, I was wondering if there are any recommendations for me to attempt this pose without compromising these areas?

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

May 4, 2010 at 12:43 am

Post count: 3048

#7001

Hi Michele

I have to ask you 😉 what happens in your backbend in Half Moon. What do you feel in your neck there? Are you able to let it go completely?

When you are in Camel, do you find it really hard to surrender your neck? Where are you feeling the pain exactly?

Can you just walk me through anything you can recall. See if you can give me information about your neck, your shoulders and your arms.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

Bricks
Participant

May 4, 2010 at 1:45 pm

Post count: 10

#7004

I had been feeling pain in my neck and middle of my back during half moon. Then I took the advice you had given someone else about relaxing the shoulders with a micro bend in the elbows. This helped so much! I no longer feel pain during that pose. And can actually feel the difference. Now I feel I am lifting up more than back (so thanks for that tip 🙂 ).

During camel I do find it hard to surrender my neck. I also feel a lot of pain in the middle of my back. Unfortunately, its been so long since I’ve even tried the pose that I can’t give to much information. But I can say that the pain was still present even when I eased up a bit.

My arms and shoulders are just fine. I wish I could give you more information about my back and neck problems, but I’ve been to many doctors over the years. None of whom could tell me what’s wrong with me.

Thanks,

Michele

fraseram
Participant

May 4, 2010 at 2:58 pm

Post count: 356

#7006

I know for me with tight shoulders found that I could not (at first) release and was bringing them up around my ears. If your shoulders are doing this half moon then its a good bet that bow floor bow and camel have the same shoulder earring accessories:-) were you going back with hands on hips on on heels?

Bricks
Participant

May 4, 2010 at 4:32 pm

Post count: 10

#7007

I had my hands on my hips. I actually don’t feel any back pain during the floor bow. Only discomfort I feel is in my knees. I’ll try the camel today with relaxed shoulders, and see if that helps. Thanks for your input!

Michele

Bricks
Participant

May 10, 2010 at 4:12 pm

Post count: 10

#7025

Thanks for the tip! Relaxing my shoulders does help with my back. My neck is still uncomfortable, but I’m hoping that I just need to adapt to the pose. Thanks again!!!
Author

Posts