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Spinal stenosis - spondolisthesis

5 July 2008 - 8:19pm — Anonymous
Date of birth or age: 
1953
Heard about Bikram Yoga: 
In my regular yoga class and also seeing the studio from the street. I wanted to try it!
Length of time since starting Bikram Yoga: 
I had my first class in the summer of 2007.
Classes attendend per week (average): 
At the moment I only manage 2-3, but aim for 5 at least.
Occupation: 
Registered Nurse
Hobbies and activities: 
Cycling, cycling and then reading!
Progress with and through the yoga: 

After a few weeks I was able to do more in a pose than I had done when I first started.

My body is stronger overall and endurance on my bike seems better.

I am able to focus more in the poses. The discipline is coming!

My body seems to have ‘woken up’. I have more energy and I try to replicate how I feel in class in my day to day experience.
Changes in treatment for ailments: 

I was instructed not to put my back into a back bend due to a rather severe case of spinal stenosis and spondolisthesis. Since I’ve been doing exactly that on a regular basis, the need for that caution is no longer valid.
Fears about starting the yoga: 

Definitely! I was very close to having to undergo back surgery and didn’t want anything to exacerbate it.
Would like to tell people who are hesitant: 

I was hesitant, so I can understand that. However, at some unconscious level, my body simply knew that Bikram yoga was good for it. I kept telling my intellect that! So, I’d say just trust Bikram’s and trust your body.
Other changes: 

Sleep pattern is better.

Digestion is better- specifically no more constipation, having had it chronically for so many years.

Benefits to my back include:

  • hardly any pain and increased mobility, no stiffness, no sciatica.

  • no pain at night

  • able to ‘use’ my back in a way that at one time would have hurt enormously.
2-in-5 Intro Special: 2 Classes in 5 Days!