Facet Joint and You

Many people complain about a back pain of some kind. It prevents them from doing the ordinary activities that others take for granted. For example, reaching for that item on the top shelf in the kitchen can be a challenge. For some, a severe back condition can prevent them from sitting or standing for a significant amount of time.

This population generally feels like their fitness level can never be the same as those without back problems, who happily go to the gym and kick butt with all kinds of fitness classes. Is a facet joint problem going to delegate you to live the rest of your life in the fat zone? No. There is a solution.

Gentle stretching with a trainer is a start to a healthy and happy lifestyle. A certified personal trainer and certified yoga instructor has the knowledge to take you through a safe stretching program that will leave you feeling healthier and happier. Depending on the severity of the facet joint problem, you may have to live your whole life with a constant reminder that it is there. In most cases, however, yoga with a proper instructor in a one-on-one setting can alleviate a lot of pain and enable you to live a more normal life.

A variety of personal interests and professional paths have led Siva to her current role as a personal trainer and yoga instructor with over 20 years experience. Siva is listed in Whos Who in the World and is an author, lecturer and Can-Fit-Pro certified personal trainer who specializes in body-mind-spirit consulting and training women. Siva has helped many clients overcome back issues in their lives through yoga through her company Shanti Consulting.

For more information on how Siva can help you with alleviating the pain from facet joint issues through yoga, contact her today for a free consultation at http://www.getshanti.com and sign up for her free newsletter.

Web: http://www.getshanti.com

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3 Quick and Easy Pre-Yoga Stretching Techniques

All muscles tend to tighten up when idle, particularly the long muscles in your legs, back, and the sides of your body between your hips and your armpits. Sitting for a long time in the same position at a desk or bench will often stiffen neck or shoulder muscles. Such stiffness creates tension in the body and can even influence your state of mind. But the most common danger of stiff muscles is that sudden movement that may cause damage.The following are some popular stretchers:

Bend and Sway

With your feet apart and your hands on your hips, bend the upper body to the left; then bend back as far as you can go, then to the right, and then forward. bend to the left again and repeat. After several bends, reverse direction and do several more. You should feel the muscles stretching on both sides of your body. Clasping your hands behind your neck or above your head will increase the stretching benefit.

From the same starting position as above, sway, do not rotate, from one side to the other. Extending the arms high above the head will give you maximum benefit.

Wing Flaps

To loosen the shoulder muscles, stand with your elbows out and your fists together in front of you about neck high. Your forearms should be parallel to the floor. Slowly pull your fists apart, and bring your elbows back as far as they will go. Do several smooth repetitions. Raising or lowering the level of your arms will spread the stretch up and down your shoulders. Some other good stretchers include the bend, the groin stretch, the propeller, and the cobra.

Bend

Begin with your feet together and knees straight but relaxed. Bend slowly form the waist with your fingers pointing to your toes and your head bowed. When you have reached the farthest you can hold for 10 seconds. Then rise very slowly to a straight-up position. Repeat. If the muscles along the back of your legs are very tight, do not expect to touch your toes right away. Just make sure that those leg muscles get a good stretch, and you will enjoy daily improvements.

Variation 1: Bend slowly forward and clasp your hand hands behind your legs. Pull your body down slowly by bending your elbows out.

Variation 2: Clasp your hands behind your legs even lower than in variation 1. Pull your body down slowly.

For both variations, hold for 10 seconds.

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