Find yourself an Iyengar yoga studio and get to it. Not garden variety, cheezy health club BS yoga foofed up by Americans. Straight outta India, hardass Iyengar certified instruction. There are several very senior instructors and schools in the San Diego area. Find the one closest to you.

The 2 most senior teachers in SD are Carolyn Belko in Encinitas and Gloria Goldberg in La Mesa and there are many others around the area.

http://iyasc.org/index.php?a=venues#San_Diego_Area

My wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 2 years ago and this has been the main thing keeping her walking and out of a wheelchair. Her neurologist can't believe she is not crippled after looking at her MRIs. I don't know how the shit works, but it does. I have been doing it with her 4-5 days a week and I feel 10 years younger. Back doesn't hurt anymore, posture is better, about a inch taller from decompressing the spine.

Hot chicks in class are a side benefit!

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga is an inspired and innovative approach to the classical Eastern discipline. It is particularly relevant to our Western culture as the basic principles of movement which it advocates are compatible with current developments in the field of physical therapy, kinesiology and other modern bodywork disciplines. Iyengar Yoga has been developed over a period of fifty years by B.K.S. Iyengar, author of Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, The Tree of Yoga and, more recently, Light on Life.

In the Iyengar system, special focus is placed on developing correct body alignment, stamina, strength and flexibility. Standing poses unique to this system of yoga build strong legs, increase general vitality and improve balance and coordination. Poses are individualized to each person's physical needs by teachers trained in anatomy and physiology. Only after many years of training do teachers become certified instructors. In Iyengar Yoga, everyday household items such as chairs, tables, doors and walls are used as props in remarkably innovative ways to increase strength and flexibility. The average person's home is already a mini gymnasium; expensive equipment need not be purchased or rented to exercise well. The self is explored through discovery and release of physical tension patterns and psychological resistances. As practice continues, a student's ability to relax and concentrate generally improves markedly, and his or her inner awareness is enhanced.

BKS Iyengar Himself about 40 years ago.. (He is still rockin at 89 years old)

 

Thanks for the replies. The reason it's come up in discussion is because I'm currently living in Japan and there are ton's of places that would be glad to stick me......

I'm sure it's muscle or nerve related because it feels so good when it's massaged.

I just don't understand how needles in my back are going to solve anything. I'd rather spend 2 hours getting a firm oil massage.

I did try the chiropracter last year and it seemed to help a little bit. I think the pain is associated with my neck muscles because if I crack my neck sometimes I feel it immediately in my back.

I guess I'll have to give it a shot.

 

The concept behind acupuncture from the chinese medical point of view is stimulating or restricting the "flow of energy" using the needles on specific points on your body. It isn't just about sticking a needle in your back.

 

I had nerve issues and migraines a few years ago from a relatively serious head injury and the neurologist I saw gave me Neurontin and Maxalt for the headches and nerve issues. It helped a little but nothing did the trick like some painkillers. Thankfully I don't have those issues now but I always wonder if acupuncture would've helped.

 

Have you tried massage therapy (by a real therapist, not some quack)? It'll be painful for a while but it will help quite a bit, I think.

My mother has tried acupuncture and had good results.

 

For the few times a year that I get Sciatic pain, I see an acupuncturist. Does it heal me? No. Does it help me get better quicker? I would say yes. Does it make me feel better than not doing anything at all? YES. Massage doesn't really help, it does feel good overall but massage therapy alone definately would not help me. Usually after the acupuncture session the doctor does the "cupping" method (to increase blood flow) followed by a brief massage.

Pic:

 

So did my torn rotator.



Stand up against a wall, bad arm side. Bend your elbow so that your arm is at a ninety degree angle keeping your whole arm still pressed against the wall. (as if you had a drawn pistol) Now do an isometric contraction by pushing against the wall fairly hard with the back of your hand. If that hits the sore spot you may have a rotator problem. If the area in your shoulder blade feels fine, its probably not.

 

Your wife keeps pressuring you to try acupuncture? How about going to a real doctor?