Hi Esther, I'm just starting on the exercises in your book.
My main problem is thoracic pain, and I think my thoracic spine is probably overly curved due to scheuermann's disease. My lower back is rarely painful.
I have found that my thoracic spine gets very tired and sore doing the stretch sitting and wonder if I am doing something wrong (in the same way it gests sore while sitting or deskworking, in general), or should I persist?
Are there any additional considerations for me?
Thanks :)
2 years 3 months ago
12/15/2010 - 7:51am
Hi Jen,
Generally if someone's thoracic spine is getting sore or feeling sensitive during stretchsitting it could be due to a number of things. If you are a bit kyphotic, then the cushion or device you are using to stretchsit might be pushing directly into that place you have extra curvature. In this case, try moving the cushion down a bit (not so low that it acts as a lumbar pillow though). Also, if you are being overly aggressive with your stretching, your body may night like that. Ease up a bit and give yourself just a bit of stretch and see if that helps you at all. If your back is generally on the sensitive side, you may want to use something very soft as your implement to stretchsit, such as a flannel sheet or fleece blanket. Take care of your shoulder and neck position as well-overly rounded shoulders or a forward head could be part of the issue as well.
I hope some of these are helpful to you.
Warmly,
Charlene Hannibal
Gokhale Method Teacher, San Francisco and Palo Alto