8 Yoga Poses

To Help Cervical Spine & Neck Issues

By Heidi Kristoffer

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It was brought to my attention a few weeks back by Mr. MindBodyGreen himself, Jason Wachob, that there is very little information on how yoga can relieve neck pain.
Having been in a horrible car accident that resulted in a straightened cervical spine, several herniations, and a few other lovely injuries, I can say without doubt that yoga has been the number one key to easing pain and even getting rid of herniations.
Not sure why there is such a lack of information out there. Hopefully this will start to reverse that trend.
Of course, I am not a doctor, but have spent a decade with chiropractors, acupuncturists, orthopedists, osteopaths, and spinal specialists, trying to find ways to alleviate the pain stemming from injuries in my cervical spine, so here are a few tips and tricks that I have learned along the way.
For pain relief at any time, here are some yoga poses that will free up all of the areas surrounding your neck, and let you feel more open and less tense:

About Heidi Kristoffer Heidi Kristoffer is a yoga instructor who leads workshops and retreats across the globe, and is part of the management and creative team at Strala Yoga in NYC. She is a true believer that yoga cures: lengthening and strengthening through yoga helped heal a herniated disc in Heidi's cervical spine and prevented surgery on two broken vertebrae in her lumbar spine. Stemming from her desire to use yoga as a tool to heal and strengthen the body, Heidi maintains an intense focus on core integration and alignment and believes that playfulness is vital--always balancing strength with levity.
Connect with Heidi Kristoffer:
http://thetravelyogi.com/adventures/el-salvador
@heidikristoffer on Twitter
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