Back pain while doing Uddiyana Bandha

[sai]

I have this sharp pain right next to me spine, when doing certain back stretches. I went to the doctor yesterday but he couldn't find anything special and just said that I should do some physiotherapy. The pain seems to subside, but when I do Uddiyana Bandhas it comes back in full effect. At first I thought it has something to do with arching my back while doing the exercise, but actually it doesn't matter how I bend my spine. Any ideas how that exercise could effect my back?

 

[Fondueset]

Could be your spine is out of adjustment - I don't know if you practice asanas or not - but you may want to work with a skilled teacher - we all have release points in the spine (areas that become over-used) and it is important to learn how not to exacerbate them. I occasionally get this also and it tells me I must modify the movement - and usually do some carefully practiced asanas to correct the imbalance. A sharp pain is an indication you are not practicing properly for your body.

 

[mystiach]

Is the pain around T10-L1 (around where the base of the ribs are)? How long has this been a problem, and does anything else, e.g. contractions, make it hurt more?

You posted a while ago about pain under the xiphoid. Did this start at around the same time, or a week or two later?

 

[sai]

The doctor told me it originates from where the lumbar spine and thoracic spine connect. It mostly hurts when I'm laying down or bending backwards or forward. I still can do heavy squats, deadlift, etc. without any pain.
I had to deal with that back pain a few times before, but it never was that intense. The first time I had the pain under the xiphoid was on my first deep dives. I overstretched somehow at the turn while having a contraction.
Now the pain only comes back on heavy set of apnea walks with strong contractions. I still haven't figured out exactly why, but taking a bit less air seemed to improve the situation a lot. It feels like I'm super tense in the abdomen region, but don't know how to ease that up. In dynamics I don't have that problem at all.

 

[Fondueset]

That is vulnerable area of the spine. Obviously some of the stretches you are doing exacerbate it. I would advise EXTREME caution doing asanas/stretches until you can get expert instruction from someone who is familiar with the therapeutic uses of such exercises. (In all probability you are overusing that area in your stretches.) The reason I say this is that you may be risking a ruptured disk - which would be very difficult to deal with in that location (the hinge between the upper and lower body).

 

[sai]

You think I should continue my exercises in the gym? As I said I have absolutely no pain while doing squats, etc.
I'm not sure when my first appointment at the physiotherapy will be.

 

[Fondueset]

I'm in no position to advise - but You seem to be describing some fairly intense pain so I would certainly stay clear of anything that hurts - either during or after. A good chiropractor could also be helpful.

 

[mystiach]

Definitely do not do anything that makes it worse (stop doing uddiyana bandha), and I'd avoid anything where you're getting heavy/multiple contractions. I'd also take fondueset's advice re. disc!

It's really important to learn uddiyana bandha from a yoga instructor as it's easy to do it the wrong way, which places the thoracic area under a lot of strain, especially when you're seated. PM me your email and I'll send some info - I'm pretty sure I know at least a part of what your problem may be, just be sure you check over everything with your doctor