pain in back

[GSX-R girl]

Hi I have been doing Yoga for about 3 months, when I first started

I got a slight feeling of discomfort in my back (slightly to the right of my spine, about the

level of my belly button ) However this has increased to be much more painful,

my questions are :

Should I stop for a bit and hope it gets better ? or

Should I carry on and the muscle will get stronger ?

I really don't want to stop because I feel so good after my morning session

and its the only exercise that I've done that I've stuck to for longer than a

week

It doesn't hurt while I am doing the positions only afterwards !!!

[Cassy]

Originally Posted by GSX-R girl

Hi I have been doing Yoga for about 3 months, when I first started

I got a slight feeling of discomfort in my back (slightly to the right of my spine, about the

level of my belly button ) However this has increased to be much more painful,

my questions are :

Should I stop for a bit and hope it gets better ? or

Should I carry on and the muscle will get stronger ?

I really don't want to stop because I feel so good after my morning session

and its the only exercise that I've done that I've stuck to for longer than a

week

It doesn't hurt while I am doing the positions only afterwards !!!

Hi there I would advise you to get your back checked out by a physiotherapist or osteopath. I have a long standing back problem (as a result of an injury) and was advised not to do certain yoga positions. Hope this helps.

Every stretch has a counter stretch.

You likely stretched once without the opposing release counter stretch. This creates undo pressure on the joints, muscles and tendons.

1) Review your techniques. Video tape them and show them to an instructor.

2) Find a Chinese Massage Therapist or one who went through the A.R.E.s therapeutic massage training, they do slight osteopathic adjustments as well as massage the tension out.

3) If it continues to worsen seek extra-ordinary medical aid. Research your doctor like you would research a new area before traveling to it. A good doctor can aid but a poor one can cripple you.

[GSX-R girl]

Thank you Cassy and Racer x , it sounds like you know what you are talking about.
I didn't have any back problems before I started Yoga so like you say I must
have stretched incorrectly - I have been learning from a DVD !
I will take a break and try again when the pain has gone and maybe go to a class so I can learn to do it properly

GSX-R Girl,
I am a yoga teacher, and my first word of advice for you is to maybe take a class from a live instructor if thats available to you, tell them what your body is feeling, and also tell them that you would like to have help with proper alignment while your in the class.
While learning from a DVD can be amazing, and a wonderful way to start your home practice, there comes a time when you need a teacher there to watch you and point out some alignment issues.

As far as your back and what it sounds like to me, I would take out the back bends, and do any side bending very lightly.
Forward folds while standing, you should bend your knees a bit, even if your flexible enough not to, so as to not strain your back as badly.
Also, when you come up from a forward fold, to come up slowly and with control using your breathe on an inhale.
maybe try rolling up, instead of coming up with a flat back.

I hope that your back heals and that you can continue your practice.
And remember, if for some reason you cannot keep the physical practice up, keep up with breathing excercises. Stay connected to your Ujjayi breathe. The breathe is what moves energy through the body, and keeps you feeling great, with out it, there would be no wonderful feeling after you do yoga.

My best wishes and lots of yoga love

[GSX-R girl]

Hi Abraham

I have stopped the Yoga for 2 weeks and the pain has nearly gone completely

I did a session yesterday and the pain came back , so it must be my

alignment.

I will do as you have suggested , I would love to go to a class but its not

financially possible at the moment- Yoga -Love to you

[Spiritlite]

Can you see a chiropractor?
Also I never do asana's if they make me sore, instantly I will come out a pose if I'm hurting or straining......
Also make sure you're doing the poses correctly too...and if you're a beginner please make sure you do beginner poses until you feel you can continue onwards which can take a while.
Spiritlite.

[b]TO GSX-R GIRL... relax don't stress and remember BREATHE and you will find it amazingly easier and keep it simple ok for beginners a little done "correctly" goes a long way... when I taught I would take people right to the beginning of the beginning which is how to stand it might sound funny to say but the same as in ballet no matter how long you have been doing ballet whether you are 5 or 25 all do the same begining stretching exercises and warm ups and cool downs... also talking about cool downs... one of the "secrets" I will tell you is in fact I am whispering it to you... the magic is not the doing of the postures it is the resting afterwards go into the pose of the child and just stay there till you feel your breath settling and your body melting then ever so slowly begin to uncurl upwards ever so slowly ever so slowly...try it you will be amazed...
and to dear Spiritlite might I humbly add please all forum fellows do not under any circumstances ever see a chiropractor they kill people and I can not tell you how much I stress this if you need an "adjustment" go to an "osteopath" they will massage and prepare you and stretch you correct before performing any "adjustments" and to all out there
PLEASE NOTE
IF THE PRACTITIONER'S ROOMS ARE ANYTHING OTHER THAN IMMACULATE AND THEY ARE NOT IMMACULATE AND THE VIBE IS NOT IMMACULATE THEN RUN AND RUN QUICKLY... PLEASE

and to all another bit of old yogic advise...
NEVER EAT WHEN YOU ARE ANGRY
NEVER EAT WITH PEOPLE YOU DON'T LIKE
NEVER EAT FOOD PREPARED BY PEOPLE YOU DON'T LIKE

again it is the simple things and remember BREATHE....

ahrley's mum, not really into yoga, although I used to be when the house was less crowded and more quiet. But as far as the eating. DON'T EAT FOOD PREPARED BY SOMEONE WHO IS ANGRY WHILE COOKING OR WHO RESENTS HAVING TO COOK!