Just starting Yoga and thinking of one on one lessons

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#1

Hello - I just started taking a Yoga class and it’s a pretty basic, one size fits all arrangement through my fitness center at work. I have been experiencing some sciatica pain. Not debilitating but a real pain in the butt particularly while sleeping and in the morning. I have been a runner for a number of years and even without the sciatica I am not particularly flexible and most likely have imbalances.

I have also become an advocate of the mind body connection having just read a book by Dr. John Sarno. Apparently I have not pinpointed the issue yet because I still have the pain. Doctors/MRIs have rulled out any serious physiological issues. They said that it would eventually resolve itself.

I am sure that Yoga can help me but I think I would benefit initially with some one on one private training in order to learn proper form and tie it in with the breathing. Also I am not sure what, if anything, I should be avoiding and/or emphasizing with sciatica.

Are there Yoga instructers who are trained to understand the connection between pain and what poses to avoid and emphasize? I saw some of the PDF cases on this website and there were some very detailed evaluations and measurements done regarding various muscle groups and joints. How would I go about finding such an instructor in my area? Thanks!

#2

I think the things you mentioned would be helpful, however, I have dealt with sciatica off and on for a long time with not a lot of permanent relief. I recently discovered a fantastic accupuncturist. I went to three visits and have been pain free for 6 months. It might be worth your while.

#3

Thanks for the response. I realize there’s no magic pill to resolve sciatica pain. Per an MRI I have a herniated disk (L4-L5) but the doctor said in most cases that is not the cause of sciatica pain. He twisted me all around and checked my strength and he said I was OK. I do not have any numbness or weakness. The doctor did recommend either physical therapy and or Yogo. Because the pain is so concentrated in the glute he thought it could be muscle tighness pinching the nerve.

I do believe in the mind body connection. I think you can become a slave to this and condition your body to think that if you make a certain move your going to have pain. I also think that you can convince yourself that a particular remedy or approach resolved your issue. A placebo effect.

I want to take Yoga regardless of the pain but I would like to find an instructor who knows how the muscle groups work and can assess any imbalances and suggest a customized program.

Once I am comfortable that I am doing the poses correctly I can join classes without feeling as though I am disrupting the flow.

#4

I am not sure where you are, but in most places you can search for a Yoga Association and see if you can find a good “fit” for your studies. Remember that when the student is ready, the teacher appears. You will find the correct instructor.

As far as your sciatic pain goes, just be gentle with yourself. Go slowly into and out of asanas and be patient. Your pain likely did not develop overnight, and so the healing will also take time.

Mine took nearly a year to be noticably better, and now some 7 - 8 years later I can say I am virtually pain free.

I wish you good health!

#5

[QUOTE=CHA;10600]
Are there Yoga instructers who are trained to understand the connection between pain and what poses to avoid and emphasize? I saw some of the PDF cases on this website and there were some very detailed evaluations and measurements done regarding various muscle groups and joints. How would I go about finding such an instructor in my area? Thanks![/QUOTE]

Yes there are and they are typically referred to as Yoga Therapists or therapeutically trained yoga teachers. I do not know if the IAYT has a resource for searching their membership. Yoga Alliance does but I do not believe they mark their therapeutically trained members in any way.

Where are you located?

#6

Namaste Cha.
I hv also been suffering on and off from this ailment. Yoga hs helped a lot as well as swimming.
Welcome to the forum
Om Shanti