Spine and brain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal ailments, affecting almost everyone at some point in their lives. Pain is usually considered chronic when it continues for more than 3 to 6 months or persists after the normal healing time. (See Reference 1) Yoga can help relieve chronic back pain.
Benefits
Yoga for back pain
Practicing yoga helps back pain sufferers to regain control of voluntary muscles and nervous system function. The unique musculoskeletal stimulation involved in yoga helps reestablish balance and joint flexibility. (See Reference 1)
Types
Gentle stretching is prefered.
Gentle forms of yoga like Restorative, modified Hatha, Iyengar and Kundalini yoga have exercises designed to calm overactive nerves and loosen up tight back muscles. (See Reference 1 and 2)
Function
Mind, body and spirit
Yoga works more deeply than just treating physical ailments. Elements of mental and spiritual connection and clarity help chronic pain sufferers improve all facets of their health, including depression and disability. (See Reference 1)
Postures
Sitting spinal twist
Several yoga asanas, or postures, emerge as the most beneficial. Modified back bends, forward folds and spinal twists help loosen up tight muscles. Diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation poses decrease tension and bring an overall sense of well-being. (See Reference 1)
Warning
Never push too hard in yoga.
Find an instructor who has experience teaching modifications for back pain sufferers. Talk to the instructor before class about your condition and ask for assistance and take breaks if needed.
Tags: pain sufferers, back pain, back pain, back pain sufferers, loosen tight