Keywords: Pinched nerve (April 2004)
ORIGINAL QUESTION:
From Phil Romano AYTT 2/04
Hi everyone...I have a friend at work who has a pinched nerve in his cervical spine. The pain is very intense and he feels it running down to his hand and back. It's so bad that he is not sleeping soundly. He has asked for for some suggestions for asanas, but I'm hesitant to suggest anything because he's in such pain. Any suggestions I do appreciate.
ANSWERS:
Hanuman Novak, AYT 02/01
Phil
Being hesitant is a good call. What your friend needs is medical attention, probably a chiropractor to realign the spine plus some therapy to alleviate the swelling. It's a process to recover though. Once he is repaired then he can start doing some asana to help keep the neck supple, but be very cautious with inversions where the neck is flexed :)
May your days be as wonderful as you are.
Hanuman (George) Novak
From Sue Gantz:
Here are some thoughts that came to mind when I read your note......
I would be inclined to suggest pranayama for him, rather than asana, because of the intensity of the pain. I have a sense that he needs something to relax his central nervous system because it's probably pretty tense as he is guarding himself against the pain. I'm thinking simple pranayama in a ratio of 1:2 (inhale:exhale), something like inhale 4, exhale 8, or whatever count works for him.
On each exhale, have him focus on softening and relaxing the painful area of his neck. He could also work with an affirmation with his breath....maybe something like "I open to the flow of life" on his inhale, and "within me" on his exhale. Or, pick any affirmation that resonates with him. If he can do this work while he is sitting, that's fine, but if not, have him lie on his back, or on appropriately placed blankets/cushions/etc., basically, in whatever position he can find some kind of comfort and focus on his breath.
Blessings,
Sue Gantz, AYTT 2001
E-mail: sue@wellness3d.com
Web Page: www.wellness3d.com
Phone: 281-923-3862
From Willow Kushler:
Phil,
It sounds as though professional care might be the ticket. While yoga is wonderful, there is nothing like a good Chiropractic care. Once your friend is on the mend and feeling some relief, I would recommend the Energization Exercises that isolate the shoulders and neck. Should any of the exercises aggravate they should be discontinued until they can be practiced without pain.
Blessings!
Willow
Ananda Seattle
from Claudio - yoga teacher in Ananda Assisi (Italy)
Dear Phil,
The most simple variation of Sasamgasana, with elbows to the floor alongside the eyes, could be of help to gently stretch the back of the neck, slowly shifting body-weight more from legs and knees to elbows and head.
Other postures, as well, can be suggested (for ex. easy Cobra or sphinx) if done, with deep, slow breathing.
Savasana can be a good way to induce a feeling of relaxation and receptivity for the whole back (placing a supported blanket under neck, if needed) but, if pain is felt even in deep relaxation, I would recommend some breathing exercises such as full yogic breath in crossed leg position.
Joy to you,
Claudio
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