On the Rebound -- Oh My Aching Back

Did anyone get the number of that bus? I sure didn't but I've been down for the count. I've been hit with a double whammy since returning from SC -- a nasty sinus infection and something I rarely experience -- back pain. Needless to say, it hasn't been a very fun few weeks. Yoga has pulled me through yet again...

I'm still not myself and my yoga practice has morphed into something else entirely. I haven't done my regular yoga practice in weeks. Perhaps that's why my back rebelled -- from under-use. I'm not used to sitting on my bum that long and my back protested big-time. SIGH -- as if being sick wasn't un-fun enough, add a little back pain to really take the wind out of the sails.

So the bad news is that I've had a lackluster few weeks in which I've gotten precious little accomplished and have pretty much felt miserable the entire time.

The mediocre news is that I discovered that all of those "must do" tasks I normally accomplish really aren't all that critical, as they've been on hold for a while (my ego sees this as bad news rather than mediocre news) and the world hasn't failed to turn on its axis.

The good news is that I am blessed with enough knowledge of yoga to know how to help myself through this less-than-pleasant physical experience. My back is feeling markedly better since I started mixing in gentle yoga/therapeutic practices throughout this past week. At times getting on the mat was a real challenge, since all I wanted to do was sleep. I knew that getting moving was the only thing that would help with the back pain, so on my mat I got.

As I said before, I don't suffer from chronic pain so I realize that what I've done this week isn't possible for those of you that suffer with back pain, but I will say this -- gentle yoga can help with pain and perhaps prevent future pain. In addition to my own little mix of yoga therapy, I used and highly recommend the following:

• The Balance Center is an amazing resource for anyone suffering from back issues. If you'd like to put an end to back pain, I can't recommend their DVD highly enough. BUY IT! We've all developed bad posture habits and this DVD offers up quick and easy exercises to correct them. I first found them through my friend Maryam Webster, who came back from a debilitating car accident. Maryam's story is just amazing and if you'd like to read more about it, check out her new book, Everyday Bliss for Women. I read the book before I left for SC and I reread it while I was recovering. It's a fabulous read with lots of excellent suggestions for living a blissful rather than a stressful life.
• I did what I often do when I experience pain -- I break out the props. I've had training in body rolling, so I literally rolled away muscle tension. Rolling yourself on these heavy-weight balls is like giving yourself a massage. If you're interested in adding a unusual prop to your yoga practice, I highly recommend Yamuna Body Rolling. I suggest finding a class in your area and checking it out for yourself (if you'd rather get a preview on the Internet, click here.). Since I've been through the training I have a full set of rolling balls that I use on a regular basis to stay loose and pain-free. I also used a little something that's new to the yoga market -- the Three Minute Egg. I know, I know -- it sounds like a something that belongs in the kitchen. Actually it's a ingenious variation on the standard yoga block. These ergonomically shaped props offer just the right amount of support, comfort, and stability. I have as set of 4 of the eggs and used them in tandem with the Healthy Alignment for Yoga DVD. It's fabulous! In fact, I'm adding this into my regular practice. I'll write more about these incredible eggs in a future post.
• Although I created a practice to address my specific pain (location, type of pain, etc.), I also practiced with a number of DVDs, all of which I recommend to anyone wanting to treat and/or prevent back pain -- Dr. Yoga House Call from Ana Brett and Ravi Singh offers a brief Kundalini set entitled Bye Bye Back Pain. It's short enough to do every day and it's wonderful. One of my favorite practices to mix into my regular routine is Yin Yoga with Paul Grilley. I just love the deep work and when I'm in pain, a Yin practice seems to hit the spot. The hour-long spinal practice is one big AHHHHHHHHH. Anusara Yogi Desiree Rumbaugh also offers an excellent set of therapeutic back exercises that will bring relief in her Yoga to the Rescue for Back Pain DVD. The DVD is segmented for easy practice. Desiree shows you how you don't need to do an entire yoga practice to get relief and/or prevent pain -- you can choose the moves that work for you and practice them in just minutes a day.

Thanks to yoga and the recommendations above I'm now moving around without wincing. I'm not 100% pain free but I'm on my way. This is just one of the reasons I treasure my yoga practice (and make it a a priority above all else) -- because it keeps me healthy, helps me regain my health, and restores my health if it's been compromised. For me it's not just yoga, it's yogahhhhhhhhh!

Namaste!

P.S. If you're just too sore for movement, try Back Mudra.

Comments

[Lovelyn @ Massage Therapy Benefits]

I practice yoga also, even though I have to admit that during the past two weeks my yoga practice hasn't been what it should be.

Anyway, I wanted to say that massage can do wonders for back pain.