Yoga after back surgery...

SDHudgins1976
SDHudgins1976 Posts: 140
edited January 15 in Fitness and Exercise
I used to take a yoga class through a church in the town I lived in before... That was many years ago, but I always loved how I felt afterwards. I have a few DVD's but here's my "problem"...
I had back surgery about two and a half years ago, and I've been released to do "whatever I feel up to doing". That being said I've lost a lot of flexibility in my back and it's easily irritated. I hate that I'm not as flexible as I used to be, and would love to get back to Yoga once a week (thinking Saturdays and eliminate one of my "rest" days by taking on something I view as relaxing in place of just putting in another work out)
Does anyone know of a good program, or would you suggest sticking with what I know and just taking it slow?

Thanks!

Replies

  • yoginimary
    yoginimary Posts: 6,789 Member
    I would suggest doing what you know and taking it slow, if there isn't a qualified teacher that you really trust in your area. Even if you find a teacher, I would be helpful to him/her to know what causes irritation.

    Basically the one rule is: don't move into pain. Discomfort is ok for most people.
  • Anna800
    Anna800 Posts: 639 Member
    I would suggest you go to a yoga studio where someone can watch you and make sure you're doing the positions correctly.
  • SDHudgins1976
    SDHudgins1976 Posts: 140
    Unfortunately there's no yoga studio here :( And from what I've seen no yoga classes available either... so I am sort of on my own... I don't think I'd even think about trying it had I not already taken yoga with a qualified instructor.

    My back is a funny thing most of the time it takes some over extending or something to irritate it, but sometimes just being awake irritates it haha! (I know getting weight off will help that in the end!)
  • SDHudgins1976
    SDHudgins1976 Posts: 140
    Just more information that might be helpful...
    My surgery was lumbar (L4-L5) where L4-L5 were fused, my spinal column was widened, and a brace put in to stabilize my spine. There was other stuff done, but that's the part of it that from what I can tell still impacts my body today. I think some of my "pain" comes from my back still being somewhat weak (though still quite stronger than BEFORE surgery oddly enough)

    The mess initially caused me to lose my ability to walk unassisted, and I had to learn how to walk again after surgery... I had surgery September 20 of 2010 and took my first steps unassisted in October, where I slowly worked up to 30 minutes by the end of November. After that I know I can do anything I set my mind to!
  • DaniH826
    DaniH826 Posts: 1,335 Member
    I think you should stick to what you know and take it slow, or stick to beginner yoga DVDs by reputable instructors such as Rodney Yee (anything Gaiam, really), Yoga Zone and whatnot. Youtube is your friend here also, and there are tons and tons of yoga web sites with free instructional videos out there.

    At the same time, focus on yoga poses to specifically strengthen your back and wait with the more challenging ones until your back muscles are stronger.

    You're 2-1/2 years out now. You should be just fine.

    I have back trouble too and the only thing that helps has always been yoga. Which comes in super handy now that I've taken up lifting.
  • SDHudgins1976
    SDHudgins1976 Posts: 140
    Possibly more of the strength building ones than the fat burning ones?
    I have a Gaiam DVD that has three camera angles with all the modifications on it.... Then I have one that's for "fat burning".... (also Gaiam if I remember correctly)
  • xlipservicex
    xlipservicex Posts: 54 Member
    The yoga studio I use includes some yoga therapy classes (one is called Yoga Therapy and the other is called Restorative) and they are designed to be a slow transition into yoga, a way to relax and help your body stretch after a hard week and something that anyone can do, even if they have to be super careful.
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