Slight hunching on base of neck - can yoga help?

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

Hello, I’ve had terrible posture for years (I’m 28 and work at a computer) and recently had some Thoracic Outlet Compression problems due to it (RSI). I’ve started doing daily stretching of the shoulders which has helped tremendously and trying to condition my body to use proper posture at all times, however, the many years of slouching seem to have warped my spine at the base of the neck (see attached photo). I’ve had a feel of that area and it’s definitely not a fatty deposit, I can feel the spine right next to the skin. I believe this has been slowing down my full recuperation and is a little unsightly when I wear just a t-shirt.

I’ve never attempted yoga before, does anybody know any poses that specifically targets my problem area so it’s more of a natural curve?

Thanks.

#2

Thank you for sharing this, hellodarren. I have a very similar silhouette and have always wondered what caused it (I first noticed it in my early 20’s). Being a writer/painter, I’ve compromised posture at the desk and easel for a lifetime, which I always thought may have contributed. I have no pain from it, but was always very self conscious of it and still am (for better or worse, I’m not sure). I would be grateful to hear some thoughts on whether any postures could correct this or at the least, prevent it from worsening with age. Thank you!!

#3

I have the same issue and find myself being very self conscious about it as well. I’m hoping there are poses that could help correct this as well.

#4

Hello Darren,

It is not a pose or series of poses per se that support the transformation you speak of but rather actions within those poses. And of course as I’ve stated a number of times nothing will take down a wall if we continue to build it. In other words there must be some change in that which is creating the issue.

When done correctly, back bends and the actions in them can be helpful (over time). Some of them will be active while others will be passive (long held “letting”).

I realize some of the brethren here ascribe only to the principles that you are your own teacher, that you have the wisdom within you, that you don’t need more than a few books, a few DVDs and enough interest/curiosity to engage self-exploration. And this is one layer of profound truth.

Setting that aside for the moment, I personally believe that most beginning students greatly from sound direction from well-trained teachers. Finding one is more challenging than discussing one. Additionally when approaching a therapeutic issue (using the vast tools of yoga) I have found it helpful (as a student) to have a therapeutically trained teacher and have witnessed this efficacy (as a teacher) in the living of those having studied with me.

But in short, “yes” yoga can provide some help with this though it is not a magic pill.