Doctors have long treated back injuries with a combination of bed rest and pain medication. Yoga exercises, however, can relieve back pain by releasing muscle tension and lengthening the spine to relieve pressure on the discs. A carefully constructed yoga practice strengthens core muscles and improves posture and balance to prevent further back injury.
The Effects of Yoga Exercise on Back Pain
Back pain has so many causes that traditional medicine often finds itself able only to help patients cope with the symptoms. Those who suffer from back pain caused by disc injury, scoliosis, sciatica and muscle strain, among other conditions, can use yoga exercises for pain relief.
While most people understand that strong core muscles are key to healing back pain and preventing further injury, many misinterpret this advice and focus on strengthening abdominal muscles alone. Overly tight, short abdominal muscles can, in fact, exacerbate back problems and cause more pain.
A balanced yoga practice lengthens and strengthens all of the body's muscles to improve balance and posture, resolve issues with gait and relieve muscle tension and stress.
Safe Yoga Therapy for Pain Treatment
If you're not careful, you can do your back further harm by practicing inappropriate poses or by practicing poses incorrectly. Don't rush into a yoga back pain treatment plan without consulting a medical professional (so you know exactly what's wrong with your back) and a qualified yoga teacher who can tailor a practice to your needs.
Choose a yoga teacher who has experience using yoga therapy for treating back pain. A good yoga therapist can tailor your practice not only to your pain management needs, but also to your personal levels of fitness, stamina and flexibility. He or she will modify your practice as you make progress.
Don't push yourself too hard. Don't attempt to do poses that might make your problem worse; your teacher will let you know which poses may be contraindicated for you. If your back injury is recent, take it easy and remember that healing is a process. Perform your poses with care and be especially diligent about not slipping out of alignment while transitioning from one pose to another.
The stress-relieving benefits of meditation and restorative poses like Shavasana (Corpse Pose) may help to greatly reduce back pain caused by stress and other psychological factors.
Healing Back Pain Requires Personal Effort
If you suffer from a back injury or chronic spinal condition, your doctor can administer pain medications and may recommend some bed rest or core-strengthening exercises. But research has shown that an appropriately tailored yoga program can bring lasting relief from back pain and prevent further injury by improving balance and correcting postural problems.
Sources:
Gudmestad, Julie. “Ease on Back.” YogaJournal.com. Yoga Journal Magazine. n.d. Web. 12 November 2009.
Lake, Nell. “Back Builders.” YogaJournal.com. Yoga Journal Magazine. n.d. Web. 12 November 2009.
McCall, Timothy M.D. “A Yogic Approach to Back Pain.” YogaJournal.com. Yoga Journal Magazine. n.d. Web. 12 November 2009.
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