Anusara Yoga & Inversion machines

[joewolek]

For the past few years I have been doing periodic yoga in addition other forms of exercise (Aerobics, weightlifting, tennis, etc). It has always been good for me. Recently, since becoming aware of my problems, I have been introduced to Anusara Yoga which is directed more to the proper alignment of the body, especially the spine. I have only been to a few classes and I plan on doing some private sessions as well speciffically directed towards my issue. It seems to be perfectly suited for focusing on the proper alignment for the cervical spine.

One teacher has informed me that she has helped others with similar diagnosis as mine, and that they ahve opted agaisnt surgery for now because their symptoms have decreased. She is trying to link me up with them so that we can compare notes.

I am not looking for a miracle, for even she says that the yoga practice will not make my herniated disks and spur go away, but that through more proper aligniment, it could iopen the space up just enough to relieve the pressure symptoms. I feel that if all goes forward as planned I will eventually go for ADR if indeed I am a prime candidate. I just wanted to ask out there if anyone has had experiece in this realm of yoga and how it affected them--pre and post ADR. I do know what poses to avoid or not push into too much (cobra, up dog, etc and avaoid completely any inversions).

Speaking of inversions, however, I have also started doing some inversions with an inversion machine, so that there is no pressure placed on the neck. Does this seem like a good practice?

[sahuaro]

Thank you for posting this. Sounds like the yoga would potentially be helpful to me as well so I appreciate the info.

[Alastair]

I'm not sure about cobra position and stuff, but it sounds that this yoga technique is very similar to the Alexander technique which is excellent for posture and keeping strains from the spine
Best,
Alastair

[Harrison]

Joe, I believe that yoga (if properly presented and learned) can be beneficial for almost everyone. And you seemed to have figured out that certain styles and positions may be more appropriate for you – excellent!

I myself have wanted to do yoga for some time. Though I’ve taken Tai Chi (and recommend it for similar reasons, including “learning how to breathe), I’ve not taken any yoga classes yet. Lack of time is an excellent excuse so far…

Many people use different terms to describe spinal traction. I consolidated these topics on this issue a while back. Please note that the issue of cervical and lumbar traction are mixed together.

drx9000 vs inversion vs surgery

http://adrsupport.org/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7501036081/m/8...921068081#9921068081

[joewolek]

Thanks for directing me to this thread. I will look into it.

I can't recommend yoga enough, especially this Anasura style. It has only been a few eeks, but I can really feel the focus on the spine. My symptoms have decreased, possibly only due to the yoga, but prhaps the Gabapentin has something to do with it alo (I started both at tabout the same time). Any and all yoga takes awhile to get into, so give it time until suddenly your body knows what "yoga body" means.

[cathydownunder]

Hi There
I can't speak for yoga but at 2 weeks post- op ADR and fusion I am starting pilates through a physiotherapist.
This is my surgeon's standard post-op procedure and he is having excellent results.
Cathy

[ans]

Cathy: Does this sound a bit premature with your hematoma or ADR per se? Just a worrier...

[ans]

The yogas:

http://www.anusara.com/

+ +

My niece teaches this and swears that it'll "heal" me. Sure. This gives me the creeps and this "cure" business with a blown disc, etc. makes me throw the baby out with with bathwater.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyengar_Yoga

[cathydownunder]

Ans,
I was quite sceptical about the pilates myself but the results with the patients has been outstanding apparently.
I also started stretching exercises in the hospital at day 4 to minimise the distraction pain and it really helps.
When I saw on a video how much the spine is distracted before placing the disc it's no surprise it hurts!
Re: the haematoma, it's been explained, I've posted on the Surgical Outcomes page. Thanks for your concern
Cathy