The Yoga rules

By Glen Wood

In this posture, the tail bone is bearing weight on the seat. In addition, the arms are elevated forward to reach the steering wheel. If there is one posture guaranteed to give you back and neck pain while driving, this is it!

Exercise balls are also great tools to keep handy and one of the primary physical therapy supplies that helps reduce back pain.

Something as simple as sitting on an exercise ball and bouncing lightly for a certain amount of time each day is beneficial for the lower back because it distributes the fluid in the lower spine, aiding in pain relief and flexibility.

Low back pain is often aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle. There are many types of exercises which will benefit lower backs that utilize the yoga ball. Ask your physical therapist or physician to recommend some exercises specific to your condition.

Before performing sport or exercise the advice is always to check with a doctor for assurance it is safe to do the activity. This is particularly pertinent if pain or discomfort is already evident. The causes of low back pain are, however, multifarious and are not always easily diagnosed. This does not necessarily prevent exercise or posture work that may benefit the condition being performed with suitable care and precautions.

Tight hip muscles contribute to a myriad of problems in the human body including lower back pain, compression in the lumbar spine which can contribute to arthritis in the joints of the lower spine, knee problems, and shoulder problems. Opening up the hips can help to restore neutral alignment in the pelvis, which improves alignment throughout the body releasing tension for the lower back, knees, and shoulders. This video uses yoga postures to open the hip flexor and hip rotator muscles for improved body alignment and function.

Vertical vibration on the driver's seat, along with any road shock (from railroad crossings, chuck holes, etc.), intensify this rocking motion of the pelvis. The result is even greater bending stresses to the lower back. The harmful effect of road shock and vibration to the spine is also increased from the tail bone bearing weight on the seat in a slumped driving posture.

Body Awareness: Doing yoga will give you an increased awareness of your own body. You are often called upon to make small, subtle movements to improve your alignment. Over time, this will increase your level of comfort in your own body. This can lead to improved posture and greater self-confidence.

Glen Wood - The Yoga Teacher, dedicated to unlocking the Real Secrets of Back and Shoulder Pain.

To help you further with your shoulder/back pain you need to sign up for your FREE "Yoga and You" report at http://www.YogaTeachingwithGlen.com