By J. Davis
Fishman has said that over a lifetime, at least 80 percent of the population will have back problems – temporary, chronic or acute. The book was designed to provide information on specific back-related problems.As a specialist in rehabilitation, Fishman headed the Flushing Hospital Medical Center's Rehabilitation Department for 10 years. For the past eight years, he has conducted a private practice at 148-09 Northern Blvd., Suite 1K. He also is professor of rehabilitation medicine at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons.A lifetime practitioner and advocate of the art and techniques of yoga, the doctor believes, as stated in the book, that yoga should be correctly performed (as clearly illustrated by the book's pictures) relative to your specific back problem. For example, the book covers a range of back problems from arthritis, spinal stenosis, pregnancy and the Piriformis Syndrome.Regarding pregnancy, Fishman said “the weight you carry requires much support from your back.” In addition, all the muscles supporting your back, your buttocks and your legs get tired, so it's important to maintain good posture. Following caution, yoga poses for pregnant women are shown relative to the different problems and where they can occur. Another chapter in the book deals with a rarely recognized medical problem – the Piriformis Syndrome (one of Fishman's specialties). Have you ever said “It gives me a pain in the butt”? Well, according to Fishman, you may very well be right. The pain in this area can be caused by spasm of the Piriformis muscle in the buttocks as it compresses the sciatic nerve. Dancers, athletes, skaters and people who sit for a long time on a hard surface can have this problem. It may also co-exist with other problems with the hip joint, a herniated disc in the backbone etc. Fortunately, there are treatments for its relief. The book illustrates six yoga positions that could be effective in relieving this particular pain.Fishman's original research on the Piriformis muscle was widely published as the answer to this previously unrecognized painful physical problem.As with all medical problems, it is always advisable to check with your own physician before following any new physical program.
