Reoccuring Neck Injury

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iwanttobelieve
Participant

February 2, 2009 at 9:59 am

Post count: 1

#1311

Hello,

I recently injured my neck after a Bikram class. It was frozen solid for days and took about three weeks to open up again. In that time I received an MRI to see what was happening beyond the surface. This was in addition to a chiropractic series of x-rays I had done about 18 months ago.

The MRI showed the c5 and c6 vertebra forced outward toward the spinal cord. The cord itself was pinched within a fraction of its health size. Needless to say, I am deeply concerned with this knowledge. While I know it existed in some form before Bikram, I have deep concerns about continuing with the practice.

That said, my energy, attitude and diet have been quite deflated since having to stop. I was only practicing about 6 weeks and find that I really do want to get back though.

What is my question? Do people really get seriously hurt from Bikram? I know there are lots of anecdotal stories if you ask around, but to find any studies or solid evidence is quite difficult. I ask because the last thing I’m looking to to is hurt myself further. I need to open up all the tightness in my body, but I do not need serious injury. Also, as a hot yoga doctor, would you think going back in to the studio is a good idea?

Thanks for your reply,
a practicioner

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
Forum Owner

February 4, 2009 at 1:31 am

Post count: 3048

#4175

Hello iwanttobelieve

Welcome to the forum!

Would you clarify something for me please? You say that you “recently injured my neck after a Bikram class”. I was just wondering if I am to assume that you believe it happened DURING class? Your post seems to reflect that. I just want to be sure. You mention some chiropractic x rays. Did they indicate you didn’t have the problem before? If you have some indication of how and when that happened in class that would be helpful for me.

Regardless of the cause of injury you want to know what to do to avoid further injury and also to effect some healing right now!

I think it is possible to get hurt in yoga. If you are not applying correct principles of movement and techniques then sure, damage is possible. There are certainly plenty of things you can do to screw up different parts of the body. They could be due to:
a) the degree of ‘body awareness’ of the student
b) the degree of ‘body awareness’ of the instructor
c) the ability of the student to take on instruction that is consistent with their current understanding; and that expands it in a way that doesn’t overwhelm their conscious mind with TOO MUCH NEW STUFF to take on at any one time
d) the ability of the instructor to CONVEY the instructions consistent with the current level of awareness of each student in the room

… and that’s just a few things to consider.

I would really like a little more info from you. For example have you been back to yoga since? What limitations have you in your neck now? I actually do believe that the answer is in CORRECT use of your neck in yoga. There are some great modifications you can do to manage this to get you back into your practice without the fear so often associated with taking the head back on a sore neck.

Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

wabbit
Participant

May 23, 2011 at 12:40 am

Post count: 17

#8624

I began practicing Bikram Yoga in 2005 and have regularly practiced 3 – 5 times a week, until this past August, when I experienced a sudden partial paralysis in my right hand.

This post caught my attention, as my MRIs show a thinning of the discs of my cervical spine at C6-C7. I have not experienced ANY recent pain or stiffness in the neck area, but had some mild but chronic neck pain before beginning yoga. Several doctors have suggested that the amount of thinning shown in the MRI would not be causing this degree of paralysis, but may be a contributing factor and suggested staying away from this “extreme” yoga until they know more. (“But regular yoga is ok” … go figure!!) That was was 8 months and four doctors ago, with no new answers.

However, Dr. Hand Specialist suggests my nerves could repair themselves over many months, and I could/should continue regular exercise if I am careful. I have noticed some mild improvement, but still have very limited movement in my middle, ring and pinky finger.

So, I am curious about the back-bend modifications you suggest. I really miss practicing and hope I can return with some assurance I am not doing any damage to my neck or nerves.
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