YOGA AND PAIN RELIEF

Suzette Byrd served as a registered nurse in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, and then again in the Navy during the 1980s.

Forty four year old Mitch Morales is a Gulf War veteran who survived a helicopter crash but now has degenerative disc disease and experiences pain in his lower back and shoulder.

Jenna Sena was a linguist with the Army Security Agency at the Defense Language Institute during the Vietnam era.

David Cornes, 37, said he's planning to re enlist soon after 10 years in the service because he's been offered a $10,000 signing bonus.

They all have service related disabilities.

Different eras, different injuries, but these Grand Junction residents share with one another a method for dealing with their injuries.

Each attend yoga classes taught by occupational therapist Susan Crosby once a week in the conference room at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center.

Twenty five years of heavy lifting has left Byrd with a sore back and knee problems. She began attending Crosby's yoga class in March.

'I'd never done yoga in my life before,' Byrd said. 'It's the best thing in the world for me.'

Crosby and her students began class Monday by taking a cross-legged position on the floor.

Crosby asked her five students to take a moment and consider their intention for coming to class.

Focusing on the low back, neck and shoulder Crosby leads her students through a gentle yoga practice that incorporates conscious breathing, stretching and relaxation.

Crosby meets with patients at least once before class to learn what their problems and goals are. Some patients come to find relief from arthritis or fibromyalgia.

'I address chronic pain,' Crosby said.

'Yoga helps people to feel better in their bodies and their minds, and they have more energy to do the things they want to do. Some want to hike or be able to play on the floor with their grandchildren without hurting.'

One woman, after following a routine of yoga exercises could walk her dog without taking pain medication beforehand.

By Sharon Sullivan

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