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!

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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.  

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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