Question
I have been diagnosed with cervical rib and I have been living with it for many years. I get pain and numbness (rarely) in my hands. I have a fully grown cervical rib on right shoulder and a half grown rib on left shoulder. I get pain in my hands and shoulder if I lift heavy objects, lie on my hand (sideways), or put pressure on my hands.
I have enrolled myself to Yoga classes. Can I do yoga under these conditions? Is there any specific asana that I should avoid?

Thanks
Jayashree

Answer
Sounds like you have what is known as thoracic outlet syndrome. The cervical rib and surrounding muscles are pinching down on the nerves that exit the neck and enter the arm (brachial plexus). Numbness and pain in the upper extremities is a common symptom.

Yoga may actually help alleviate the symptoms if done correctly. The neck and chest muscles including the scalenes and pectoralis can be stretched to alleviate some of the irritation on the nerves. Generally speaking, if the yoga position increases your symptoms you should either avoid the position or work into the position slowly through less range until you can go further. My knowledge of specific asana is limited so I can't be more specific than that unfortunately.