Back Pain

I was in an automobile accident about a year before I began doing Bikram's yoga. My doctors told me that  I would never be relieved of my pain and that I should learn to live with it.  They told me not to sit for long periods of time, not to lift heavy things.

I was directed by my medical doctor to take muscle relaxers and pain killers each day to numb my pain  (I can't even stand to take Advil for a headache!)   Needless to say, this treatment did not help.  I was also directed to visit the chiropractor five times a week for a duration that lasted almost six months.  I believe that this created more of a problem for me in the long run.  I was also recieving massage therapy 2-3 times a week which provided some relief.  Being an active person, the pain and medical run-around that I was experiencing took a toll on my body. 

I was introduced to yoga through a school project. I saw an improvement in my condition after about my third time of attending class.  I realized that I could move my neck more and more and that my posture was better. I could also sit for longer periods of time without going into tears because of the pain.

I can honestly say that my life has changed a great deal.  Not only am I relatively free of back pain, but I feel comfortable about my body (I suffered from a long battle with an eating disorder), and most importantly, I find myself able to relax in the midst of stressful situations.   I feel lucky and in debt to you for creating a series of postures that I was able to discover at a young age that will continue to teach and improve me for the remainder of my life.

Address your questions to: drexiemartin@worldnet.att.net