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9/16/2013

Upper Back Pain

Upper back and shoulder pain affect many of us, especially if we sit at a computer for many hours of the day. Proper posture is so important for holding the structure of the thoracic and cervical spine in proper alignment so that the muscles do not have to work so hard to keep the head and shoulders in line. Energetically and emotionally, posture that is rounded forward can deepen feelings of sadness and depression as the breath becomes shallow and stuck around the heart. Here you will find simple yoga techniques to help you align and bring movement into your upper back and shoulders. Namaste!

Rope Jacket
Take an 8 foot yoga straps or tie two neckties together to create a long strap. Begin with the center of the strap at the lower tips of the shoulder blades across the back (the bra line for ladies), draw it forward under the armpits and straight up in front of the shoulder joints so it begins to look like a back pack strap. Then cross the ends of the strap behind your head and allow the X of the strap to come down on the back between the shoulder blades. Then pull the ends of the strap from behind the armpits forward again so that they can be tied under the chest (or breasts). It should be tight enough to feel that the front of the chest is lifted up and the shoulder blades are drawn down the back. Notice how the breath is more free and the posture of the shoulders is much improved. The head should also easily perch on top of the neck. Sit like this for a few minutes in meditation with the following mudra.

Prajna Prana Kriya
Touch index finger nail to lowest joint of thumb and apply light pressure, extend all other fingers and turn palms up.
Benefits: Slows breath, releases deep stress
Practice Tips: Survival stressors, severe anxiety
Contraindications: low blood pressure

Supported Sidebend
Lie on side with rolled blanket under side ribs, bottom arm under head for support. Begin with both knees bent then try extending top leg in line with the rest of the spine. Raise top arm overhead and support with props or hold with bottom hand. Rest 3-5 minutes per side.
Therapeutics: Opens both sides of thoracic region increasing breath capacity

Table Twist
Begin on all fours. Inhale lift right arm out to side. Exhale press right arm under left armpit lowering right shoulder to floor. Continue to press left hand into floor for balance. Can also raise left knee up pressing left ball of foot into floor. Be careful not to put too much pressure on your head.
Therapeutics: Opens upper back, shoulders and rib cage.

Dharana Virasana (Hero's Concentration Pose)
Sit with legs in Virasana. Cross right arm over left arm intertwining forearms in front of face.
Repeat to both sides for up to 1 minute.
Therapeutics: Opens the upper back and stretches Rhomboids.

Bricklayers Rest
Place two blocks on mat, one perpendicular to mat on lowest height, the other parallel to mat on middle height. The blocks should be 4-6 inches away from each other. Sit facing away from blocks and lie back placing shoulder blades on low block, back of head on high block. Place arms on floor with palms facing upwards.
Therapeutics: Opens the heart and relaxes the trapezius muscles of the upper back

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9/9/2013

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Low Back Pain

Back pain affects most of us at some point in our lives. Sometimes all it takes is an unmindful moment of lifting and twisting or bending forward without good body mechanics and we are out of commission for days or even weeks.
As a sufferer of chronic low and upper back pain myself I know all too well how debilitating it can be. I am so grateful to have found yoga as a practice to keep my back supple and strong. And when my back does "go out" or flares up, I use this series of movements from the yoga medicine cabinet that releases the spasming muscles and the discomfort without relying on anything stronger than a little ibuprofen.

Paschima Mudra
Right Hand: Touch tips of thumb, middle and pinkie fingers together, extend all others.
Left Hand: Touch tips of thumb and ring fingers together, extend all others. Rest with palms up.
Benefits: Directs breath into the spine and back body
Practice Tips: Use with all kinds of back pain

Reclining Vinyasa

Begin laying on back with legs extended and arms overhead
Exhale bring right knee into chest
Inhale pull right knee out to side with right hand
Exhale cross right knee over with left hand to come into a twist
Inhale to center and straighten leg towards ceiling as you clasp hands behind leg
Exhale bring right knee into chest
Inhale return to starting position
Exhale repeat entire series with left leg

Windshield Wipers
Lie on back with knees drawn into chest. On an inhalation lower knees to the left side. Exhale and engage belly as you bring knees back to the center. Inhale as you lower kees to the right side. Exhale and engage belly as you bring knees back to the center.
Repeat alternately with the breath 5-10 times per side.
Therapeutics: Broadens back of pelvis, stretches outside of legs, gently compresses the abdominal organs

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
Lie on the belly with the hands under the shoulders. Press pubic bone into floor and lengthen legs behind you. Inhale and press upper body away from floor keeping shoulders back and chest broad.
Hold 5-10 breaths and release chest to floor.
Restorative: Can support lower abdomen with rolled blanket
Therapeutics: Opens front body, stretches lower back, strengthens arms

Setu Bandha
Lie on back with knees bent and feet on floor. Lift hips up and place block under back of pelvis. Turn toes slightly in and allow arms to rest out to sides with palm facing upwards. Rest up to 5 minutes.
Therapeutics: Opens front of belly and solar plexus allowing for increased breath in these areas as well as tractioning the lower spine

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