Unable to stand for more than a few minutes at a time

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palex9
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August 2, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Post count: 1

#1897

I came across your site after injuring my back, although I’m still at a loss to know just how I did so. It just seemed to appear one morning after a restless night’s sleep.

I have had all the signs of sciaticia for almost 14 weeks now but my doc sent me for physio because he felt it might be something more serious. Mind you he didn’t x-ray me or send me for an mri or ct scan, so I’m very much in the dark as to what is causing the pain.

After 3 sessions of physio I am no better and continue to be plagued with lower back pain radiating down into my left hip and through and along my left leg right down to my toes. I am completely unable to stand to shave or talk for anything longer than a few minutes at most and walking any distance in excess of 50 yards is excruciating.

My physio has been giving me very gentle exercises and has been asking me to stand erect and lean backwards periodically to check my flexibiity which causes me excruciating pain.

So this is my problem…

You advocate backward bends as being highly effective in eliminating a lot of needless aches and back problems, but what if your back is in such bad shape to begin with that you can’t even lean back to begin with or trying to do so might aggravate an existing condition. Is there some alternative floor exercise I could do?

Thank you

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

August 3, 2010 at 1:39 am

Post count: 3048

#7517

Hi Pat

That is truly a terrible experience. You must be in so much pain that you can’t talk. I once had spasm in a spinal muscle that reminds me of the kind of thing you’re going through. So I am really feeling for you.

If you don’t have ANY relief with your next appointment, nothing personal, but go find someone else. You may need someone to think differently about what’s going on.

It could indeed be a spasm. I can’t say.

As for back bends. You are finding it excruciating to walk and to stand so try lying down on your stomach instead. You can try Cobra pose. You can support your body with your hands and that can be a welcome relief for you to lean on them when your body starts to tense up (from fear and or pain).

Here are some Photos Of Cobra Pose.

Generally in this pose the legs are strong and the butt squeezed. I would suggest seeing if you feel better with it squeezed or relaxed. Experiment with the depth of your backbend using NO help with the hands, a little and a lot.

For relief: Have you tried child’s pose (knees apart, toes together, arms out in front, face down)?

I am going to send you a PM to give you a little more info… with some specific instructions!

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂
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