Would Yoga help me with my upper back and neck problems?

Question

I don't have serious problems, however it is relatively easy for me to get a stiff neck and suffer the consequences of it for a few days to a week. Sleeping in a bad position or just moving wrong can set it off. I've been to a specialist and I don't have anything wrong with me, at least nothing that X-rays and MRIs show.

I would like to get into a good exercise routine to loose some extra weight. It seems that everytime I start, I do something to pull a muscle and have to lay off of my routine for a while. Hence, I was wondering if a Yoga routine would be in order to assist in warming up before lifting weights and cardio exercise. Also wonder if it would help with a more balanced state of mind. What are some of the other benefits to Yoga?

Answer 1

I have back and neck problems and hatha yoga helps with strengthening and pain. Start with an instructor who knows what your problems are and they can help you with an all around program to strengthen your back. Also their are a lot of movements I can't do with back problems, so you will need to have an instructor with you at first to show you what to avoid and possibly some modifications to the different stretches.

Also a chiropractor maybe able to help you, mine gets my neck straightened out pretty quick

Answer 2

Firstly, I'd hate to say this, but with your problems, I'd lay off the weights for a bit and if you need to keep up the weights, have a personal trainer guide you through the weights as these guys are trained to look after injuries.
As a yoga instructor, I may guess that the back and neck problems might be linked to tight muscles from weight lifting and normal regular everyday work on the computer. Our culture is such that we have lots of neck tension and inward shoulder flexion as a result of sitting at our desks. So, yoga will help there.
As far as weight loss, yoga isn't exactly the exercise for that. Yoga will build stronger, leaner muscles in the core, arms and legs. For weight loss reasons, I'd compliment your yoga with cardio but I'd drop the weight training for now. You won't be losing out much there because yoga will give you a beautifully sculpted body if you keep it up.
Other benefits of yoga?
1. Ask your yoga instructor about the whispher breath and learn it. It's one movement one breath and if you practise this, your lung capacity will improve and your lungs will become stronger. Also, the whispher breath helps burn of the toxicities in our system and builds heat. You'll find yourself sweating like crazy if you practise this.

2. If you're going to be taking yoga at a gym, you're not going to find it as spiritual as yoga at a sudio. In a studio, there should be more mediation - more balancing and more centering. Gyms have stricter time restraints and most students at gyms want to just do it for the exercise.

3. Flexibility will improve. But whatever you do, make sure you don't stretch out your ligaments. If anything hurts - stop! Go into downward facing dog or child's pose. You want to be flexible but you do not want to damage your body.

4. You will learn to appreciate your body better. You will become more tolerant to it no matter what shape you are in. And this, I kid you not.

Finally, tell your yoga instructor about your condition. He/She should look out for you during the class.
Have fun.

Answer 3

If I wanted to do yoga i would go to prison! I heard a comedian say that one time...I hear good things about yoga, however, I don't know too much about it. I have had lower back problems as well as upper back/neck problems before. I found what helped me the most was going to the chiropractic clinic. Between that, possible medical attention, and definately REST, i think you should be fine. My best friend is a pharmacist, I asked him what was the best thing for my back problems and he recommended rest, and more rest...as well as my prescribed muscle relaxer and steroid treatment (presnalazon I think). Just be real careful with it, and think before you act...it can save you a lot of pain and discomfort. If you need help with a work out routine...I am your man! You are more than welcome to inquire about that. Good luck!

Answer 4

People who suffer from ongoing or recurrent bouts of back pain often have to try a number of different forms of exercise to find the most appropriate therapy to manage their pain. For many, yoga has proven to be a safe and effective way to finally alleviate many forms of back pain or neck pain and help prevent ongoing problems.

How yoga can help
Yoga can provide several healing benefits for people with various types of back pain. For example, yoga can help by:

Healing injured back muscles

Speeding time to recover from an injury

Preventing re-injury

Helping maintain a regular level of daily activities and avoid disability

Among other things, yoga helps ease lower back pain by gently stretching and strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs and increasing blood circulation, which in turn brings healing nutrients to the injured tissues.

Yoga background
Yoga is approximately 4,000 years old and is a scientific methodology aimed at uniting the mind, body, and spirit. This bonding that occurs through yoga is said to bring about not only physical benefits, but mental benefits as well, taking the individual to a level that could not be reached by manipulating one factor alone. This unique characteristic has prompted many back pain patients to incorporate yoga as part of their treatment program.

Main components of yoga
There are many different types of yoga, each stressing a particular theory or mindset, and each is comprised of numerous postures and areas of focus. While the actual practice of yoga is extremely extensive and detailed, in its essence yoga focuses on three main components:

Body position/posture

Breathing

Meditation/state of mind

In general, yoga is a very safe form of exercise for most people. For those with specific back conditions, it is advisable to speak with one's treating physician prior to starting yoga (or any exercise program). Anyone with severe or ongoing back pain should be evaluated by a health professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment program before beginning yoga.

Many conditions can cause back pain. Depending on the individual's specific diagnosis, a yoga program can often be modified to maximize the benefits of yoga and avoid aggravating the condition. A good yoga teacher can usually provide instructions on special modifications for specific medical conditions.

Answer 5

It might help. It might make it worse. Check with your doctor -- he might even have recommendations for knowledgeable trainers. Don't expect miracles and if it gets worse, stop.

Answer 6

I shouldnt think so, he died in episode V1.