Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Namaste Sandra,

It could be any number of things. Here are a few questions

Has she seen her family doctor about it?

Is it severe pain?

What specific part of the back ds she feel pain in?

Is her pain muscular or spinal?

Which exact twists ds she feel pain from?

Ds her family have a history of back problems?

Sorry for all the questions, but this will give us all a better idea. My guess is she has discovered something earlier than usual due to Yoga practice.

You do not want to scare your Yoga student with speculations. For example: It could be an early indication of arthritis, a herniated disc, or it could be that she has knots in her muscles and just needs a massage.

Best not to play doctor and avoid medical advice, but do find out more specifics about her pain.

Om Shanti,

Priyah

Namaste Sandra,

As you know, the fact that this is muscular pain, and not spinal pain, is mildly encouraging. Also, by going her doctor, she will be reassured of what it most likely is.

Based upon what you have said, my speculation is the muscles around your Yoga student's spine are very tense or have been inactive for some time. The twisting and stretching of a spinal twist is a new and uncomfortable movement. She may just be developing an awareness of her spine depending upon her lifestyle, and we all have different tolerances for pain.

We often think of new Yoga students as previously inactive, but this could also happen to an athlete who ds not work the whole body in a balanced way. Sometimes rowers, rock climbers, or weight lifters have an over development of back muscles.

Luckily for Yoga teachers, many coaches encourage athletes to participate in Yoga classes in order to develop complete health.

This is not meant to down play her pain, but I would be surprised if it is a serious ailment. You have done all the right things. Please let us know what her doctor says.

Om Shanti,

Priyah