Around and Around We Go

Well, there is no shortage of changes, no shortage of frustrations and sometimes no shortage of hope. The most recent news is difficult to get through. The physicians are getting risky with their suggested treatments and I’m really having to decide just how much I am willing to gamble. I feel, after the hyperthermia trial in Holland, that I am done with the experiments.

Now I am at steroid injections and am stopping that unless they are done radiographically. I was a neurologist’s office last week and she gave me 6 injections trying to hit the piriformis muscle. I feel terrible now and over the last week it’s been hell. I was supposed to go today for a shot into my neck and begged off. She’s made an appointment to do a repeat one radiographically but this being Canada I have to wait a couple of months…She wants to do botox injections into the muscles. I am totally uncomfortable with that and want a second opinion.

Yoga Journal – Yoga Asana Columns – Easy Rider Asana Sequence

Yoga Journal – Yoga Asana Columns – Easy Rider Asana Sequence

Posted using ShareThis

Check with your surgeon before doing any of these poses. The nice thing here is that there are photos of the all the poses.

A nice variety of assisted poses (using the wall or bolsters) for sciatica. Be careful with the Reclining Hand-to-Big-Toe Pose -variation 2. This is a twist even though you are using a chair and doing one leg at a time. The opposite hip cannot leave the mat. 

Extended Triangle pose and Extended Side Angle Pose are best done under supervision.

The Chair Twist should be approached with extreme caution. Do not force. Move within your limits. Dr. Guzman had me doing an exercise similar to this. I would try doing this standing first and reaching the crown of your head up as you turn. Lift up and out of your waist. You should not feel any discomfort.

Yoga Journal – Yoga Asana Columns – Back Talk

Yoga Journal – Yoga Asana Columns – Back Talk

Posted using ShareThis

For the full article, please go to the website

From the article about Dr. Mary Pullig Schatz, M.D., offers the following information about sciatica in her book, Back Care Basics: A Doctor’s Gentle Yoga Program for Back and Neck Pain Relief (Rodmell Press, 1992):

<<snip>>If the sciatica is from a bulging disc, focus on improving posture and body mechanics in daily activities. Yoga practice should be modified so that the pain is neither created nor intensified. Good poses to work with are Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) and its modification, Push the Wall Pose, as well as Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose). Do several sets, holding each pose for a moment.

If a tight piriformis muscle is the problem, then it must be gently stretched. Schatz suggests Piriformis Stretch, a seated pose that resembles the leg position of Matsyendrasana (Lord of the Fishes Pose), but without the torso twist. Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle Pose) with the support of a table or countertop can also help. Do not overstretch or more spasm can result. These poses can help relieve both piriformis spasm and piriformis-related sciatica. Remember to always speak with a physician before beginning any type of physical exercise.<<snip>>

Yoga Journal – Yoga Expert Q&A – Coping With Sciatica

Yoga Journal – Yoga Expert Q&A – Coping With Sciatica

Posted using ShareThis

Sarah Powers answers the question: Which poses are best to avoid for an aggravated sciatic nerve? Are there any poses that are restorative or healing for sciatica?

She gives a variety of poses that, as always, should be appoached with caution.

As usual, consult your surgeon before attempting any of the exercises. Overstretching your spine following surgery can do damage.