jenny*

Dear Gabrielle & everyone,

I was away for a day and there is so much here! I really appreciate the conversation on this, it’s very helpful!

Each day off yoga my back feels better, it has now been 4 days since I went to yoga. I am considering going tomorrow and not doing the forward bends and talking to the instructor and making modifications and avoiding any pose that feels slightly uncomfortable.

I replied to your questions below, but I will also answer about sitting, which you asked Jasse.

Seated: When I sit up straight my back does not hurt at all, it feels good. I have been stretching my back in the seated position by pushing my chest forward and butt out – that feels good. Sometimes I like to roll my pelvis forward and round my back, because that little stretch feels nice on my lower back.

Thanks so much, this forum is great.

Jen

Hi Jen

It’s great to be a part of such a supportive family! I feel blessed to read these posts. OK it’s time to ask you some questions:

>> Can you tell me does your back hurt ON THE WAY down to the floor in Hands to Feet pose?
Yes it hurts on the way into the pose, especially going from backbend to forward bend, and while I stretch my legs before grabbing my heels.

>> Does it hurt IN Hands to Feet pose?
It does not hurt once I’m in it, it feels quite nice.

>> What about your Standing Sep Leg Intense Stretch pose?
This is the most painful pose. Until recently, this pose was one of my favorites, but now it is painful from start to finish – and I can’t get into it fully anymore (or out of it without pushing myself up).

Same questions: ON the way to the floor?
Yes

And then in the pose?
Yes

>> In Standing Sep Leg Intense Stretch pose describe what you’re doing please. Where are you hands: Coming in from the SIDE or from the BACK or somewhere in between? Straight legs or bent? Arms straight or bent?

My arms are locked and parallel to my chest, I keep my chest forward as I bend forward, arms locked and parallel to my chest. My legs are straight, wide stance, knees locked. Normally I can cup my heels and pull forward (my forehead does not touch the floor yet) but the last class I went to (4 days ago) I was unable to straighten my legs and get into the pose. I ended up having to put my hands on the floor in front of me in order to get up from the pose.

>> Are you attempting the sit-up?
Yes

If you are what are you able to do?
I am able to sit up straight without any back pain or pulling. Once I stretch forward to my toes my lower back is in pain. It hurts but it also feels good to stretch my back and each sit up I am able to come down closer to my toes.

If not what are you doing?

>> What can you tell me about your core strength?
I suppose I could work on my core strength, but I feel it’s actually quite good. I do weight training, jog, and rockclimb. As much as possible I keep my core engaged in yoga.
That’s enough for now… Because I would really like you to get back to me soon with as much precise detail as you can.

I don’t really want to offer any solutions at this stage because it’s better that I have a clearer picture of what’s going on. In the meantime: It’s clear that you should be avoiding the yoga at least for a little while. Or you can go but don’t do any forward bends. There are other ways to get to the floor but I will not go into them for now.

Looking forward to your response

Namaste
Gabrielle