Hi from Sweden again!
I am not intending to bomb the forum, but maybe I am overexcited with my new book
I have a problem apart from regular lower back problems, which I am fairly used to.
It is that my thoracic back has a slight kyphosis, and the point where it switches curvature is giving me problems. It is at approximately the same height as the solar plexus. Here my back tends to tense up (chiropractors and the like have had a field day with getting that part of the spine to move again).
And lately I sometimes feel as it hinders my breathing slightly, it's like a corset over my back.
For many years, for instance when I meditate, I feel the need to "crack" my upper back through pulling my shoulders back when for instance sitting meditating with a straight back for a time. This seems to happen even though I rotate my shoulders back and they effortlessly land back (as described in the book). I.e. I feel I have to pull them back even more momentarily to crack the spine...
Long text this... But the question is, what is my main focus to relieve this problem?
I am VERY thankful for any input!
I am not intending to bomb the forum, but maybe I am overexcited with my new book
I have a problem apart from regular lower back problems, which I am fairly used to.
It is that my thoracic back has a slight kyphosis, and the point where it switches curvature is giving me problems. It is at approximately the same height as the solar plexus. Here my back tends to tense up (chiropractors and the like have had a field day with getting that part of the spine to move again).
And lately I sometimes feel as it hinders my breathing slightly, it's like a corset over my back.
For many years, for instance when I meditate, I feel the need to "crack" my upper back through pulling my shoulders back when for instance sitting meditating with a straight back for a time. This seems to happen even though I rotate my shoulders back and they effortlessly land back (as described in the book). I.e. I feel I have to pull them back even more momentarily to crack the spine...
Long text this... But the question is, what is my main focus to relieve this problem?
I am VERY thankful for any input!
5 hours 42 min ago
09/10/2008 - 8:36pm
The urge to "crack" your back tells us that the tissues in that area don't appreciate being squashed together. The fact that it can crack says it is still mobile (not super-arthritic and fused or rigid). You don't want to rely on chiropractic adjustments indefinitely because you don't want the ligaments at that spinal level to get too loose further exacerbating your problem in the long run. Your little self-help measure should be fine in this regard and I'm sure your body appreciates the reset.
After you master all the techniques in 8 Steps I recommend a Skype session with one of our teachers - we'll show you an extra way you can keep that area mobile and long. It's too early now - you first want to get some good habits to ensure you don't misuse extra mobility in your thoracic spine and end up curving still more there.
Just so you know, I'm teaching the Gokhale Method Foundations course in London Jan 22-24 in case you can make it.
Good luck - I'm sure it will go well. Keep us posted on your progress.
14 years 10 months ago
11/30/2009 - 4:40pm
Any thoughtful advice?
5 hours 42 min ago
09/10/2008 - 8:36pm
Glad you're enjoying the Stretchsit cushion - if it would help, email the office and they can send you an extension strap (these just came in and allow you to attach the cushion in more situations. It's also fine if it isn't attached though unless you are working with a slippery surface like leather.