A therapeutic Yoga program for those with upper back, neck and shoulder issues — stiffness, soreness, aches. Included are three different routines, ranging from 22 to 40 minutes in length, a technique workshop and a lecture on back pain. Gary Kraftsow instructs.

Any level of exerciser, with the exception of those who are very out of shape, or who have physical limitations. If your back, neck and/or shoulder pain is chronic or caused by an accident, you should talk to your doctor before using this DVD. You will need a Yoga mat.

Who doesn't spend at least part of their day hunched in front of a computer? So chances are you suffer some sort of upper back, shoulder or neck stiffness. All that sitting creates postural misalignments, and the routines on this DVD are especially designed to address that. These are gentle, therapeutic exercises - don't expect to perfect your Warrior pose or leap into Chaturanga Dandasna during a Sun Salutation... or do Sun Salutations at all. Instead, you practice a series of stretches and twists, movements meant to balance out your left and right sides, and postures geared for alignment. There are three routines, each with a slightly different focus, plus MP3s for times when you want or need an audio-only option. The 22-minute segment helps align the upper back and neck, while the 32-minute routine aids in increasing mobility for your neck and shoulders. The longest routine, at 40 minutes, also aids in strength and stability for the whole upper back, shoulder and neck region.

 

Just because these exercises are simple, don't assume they lack effectiveness. In fact, if the rest of your exercise regimen is very active, you may need these routines even more. Check out the "Understanding Back Pain" lecture if you want to know more about the ways in which lifestyle impacts your spinal health. Kraftsow is a leader in the field of Yoga therapy, and he knows how to put together a great program. There is a lot of value here for one DVD. This may not be the flashiest Yoga DVD out there, but if you suffer from upper back, shoulder and neck pain, chances are you will be pulling it out and using it more than just about any other Yoga workout you own.