OT: Do you experience back/neck/shoulder pain?

judy

I watched a fascinating video the other day of Esther Gokhale speaking at Google (lunch hour...it's about 53 minutes long), sharing her views on posture and how it relates to pain. It contradicts much of what we currently adhere to in our modern world (like she does not advocate tucking the pelvis under) The whole thing is worth watching, as she teaches you several exercises to do as you live your every day life that changes how we move, as well as good questions at the end. I've actually noticed a shift in how I stand and hold my shoulders that has been so helpful, I wanted to share it in case it helps any one else. It's not that off topic, I suppose, as it is going to make all us feel better and look better in our clothes!

Here's the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v....._embedded#!

And here is her website: http://egwellness.com/

Enjoy!

15 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from judy

Anonymous

Yes, Arnie and I do both have shoulder and neck pain. Thanks so much for sharing these websites Judy. We will have a look!

15 years ago

Becky

Veteran

My chiropractor recommended yoga for my back pain and it has really made a difference!

15 years ago

Marigold

Active Member

Thanks for sharing, I'll definitely check it out as I have a history of lower back pain. It's actually got much better after I stopped wearing heels completely (even 2 inch were pain inducing at the end of the day!!). I'm glad you can get dressed up ballet flats now :), and I grew to love flat boots!

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I haven't checked the link yet but I read up on another lady who shares similar views. Jolie Bookspan. http://www.drbookspan.com/fitfix-index.html Most of our pain can be corrected on our own. I know all too well neck/back pain and despite yoga need to see a chiro. Degenerating disc in my neck

15 years ago

Anonymous

Thanks for this Judy! I'll look at it later on tonight when I have a stretch of time. I have chronic neck/shoulder tension pain plus the discomfort of degenerating discs in L4/L5. I'm always looking for ideas for potential relief.

15 years ago

judy

Veteran

I hope it helps you all!! I feel like I've gotten some insight...and instruction...from Esther that I really needed. I got her book as well. I'm walking around differently, and my shoulders are in new place

Thx for the link, Mo, I'll check it out.

15 years ago

firefly

Active Member

I found pilates really helpful as well. It's probably quite similar to yoga in that there's a lot of focus on posture, balance, finding the right muscles etc. Whatever works for you!

15 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

Thanks so much Judy! I watched it yesterday evening and have been trying to implement some ideas. I took a two hour walk with my dogs this morning and repeated "ducky butt" more than once. It's honestly already making some difference!

15 years ago

rute

Veteran

I was suggesting yoga and pilates also!

15 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I've taken Alexander lessons. A lot of this looks very, very similar to that. I always came away from my lesson feeling very comfortable. However, the emphasis (as she says at the end, when someone asks about Alexander technique), was on teaching about the body and not as much about the exact position. The exact position was supposed to be learned by "body memory" rather than intellectually. Which as merit, I think. We learn to slouch through body memory, so in order to consistently do something different it takes time and physical practice. OTOH, if you don't take the time to take many, many lessons, then it's easy to forget what you've learned and then it doesn't do any good. So I like her take on that point.

One thing I learned that stuck with me is that your head it really your heaviest body part. And, it attaches to your spine at a point midway between your ears. So, when you tilt your head you should think about moving that pivot point at the top of your spine between your ears, not cranking the neck joints in your spine.

Also, did you know that you don't actually have "neck" or "waist"? These are just different points on your spine, so why would you "bend at the waist"? That is why you're supposed to bend at the hips, because you have nice, big joints in the hips, but not at the waist.

15 years ago

judy

Veteran

Thanks for all your input.

I'm actually a little sore from doing the shoulder rolls today. I don't think I'm used to using those muscles to tuck in my shoulder blades. Letting my "tail be behind me" and having the weight more on my heels is quite a different way to stand for me, but is proving more comfortable.

Jenava, that's interesting about not having a neck or a waist, it's really all spine, just at different points. That's a new way to think of it.

15 years ago

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