Yoga For Drivers' Neck and Shoulder Pain - Part 2

Recommended by Prevention Magazine Yoga: Reliefbenefits for stress reduction, back pain during
from Neck and Shoulder Pain offers a comprehensivepregnancy and chronic pain (Atchison, 1999),
look at gentle yet effective yoga poses to relievepregnancy and childbirth (Stallibrass, 1997), enhanced
tension, increase strength, and improve posture in therelaxation (Kerr, 2000), improved balance in older
neck and shoulders. Lillah provides clear guidance forwomen (Dennis, 1999), enhanced respiratory function
the safe execution of each pose, suggestions for(Austin, 1992) and improvement in posture, spasticity
correcting common mistakes, and non-weight bearingand anxiety in people with learning disabilities (Maitland,
alternative poses for therapeutic needs.1996).
Although no one treatment works for everyone, manyIt is best to do your yoga exercise for low back pain
aspects of yoga make it ideal for treating back painunder the supervision of a good yoga instructor, and if
and neck pain. For example, studies have shown thatyou encounter any problems with these poses, you
those who practice yoga for as little as twice a weekshould consult an expert. Even just one or two
for 8 weeks make significant gains in strength, flexibility,sessions with a yoga instructor can help, as an
and endurance, which is a basic goal of mostinstructor will help you with your form and posture
rehabilitation programs for back pain or neck pain.during poses.
A common cause of shoulder pain is soreness of theYoga - Relief from Neck & Shoulder Pain (VHS
tendon (a cord that attaches a muscle to a bone) ofVideo)featuring Lillah Schwartz Relieve stress and
the rotator cuff (the part of the shoulder that helpsimprove posture with this comprehensive routine 60
circular motion). If shoulder pain and immobility areminutes of Instruction 22 Minutes of Guided Practice. A
keeping you awake at night or from the daily activitiessimple time tested, therapeautic sequence of yoga
you love, you are not alone.postures focused on relieving tension, gaining strength
The Alexander Technique is often used by peopleand improving posture in your neck and shoulders. The
with postural problems, chronic back and neck pain, or60 Minutes of Instruction provide you with clear gentle
a desire for improved performance in sports or theguidance for the safe and effective execution of each
performing arts. Much of what is known about theyoga pose and teaches you how to correct the most
benefits of the technique has been anecdotal.common mistakes.
More recently, small scientific studies have suggested