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Yoga for Back Pain
Yup! The latest studies are in and to everyone's surprise Yoga is an excellent option for back pain.
"A new study suggests that yoga may be more likely to improve back function, ease chronic back pain, and reduce the need for pain medication than conventional exercise." In fact, studies have shown that yoga is the number one most effective exercise for relieving back pain. The researchers say that exercise has previously been shown to relieve chronic low back pain, but this is the first study to suggest yoga may be superior to other forms of exercise. "Yoga may be beneficial for back pain because it involves physical movement, but it may also exert benefits through its effects on mental focus," they write. This focus could help patients "increase their awareness of how they had been moving and positioning their body in maladaptive ways, to relax tense muscles, and to relieve mental stress." The irony of the situation is that most of us believe that rest is the best cure for a painful back but what your back actually needs is movement and exercise. "Regular exercise relieves back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine and helps to prevent future injury." The truth is that the more you rest the weaker your back will get. First things first; as with any medical condition, it's best to get an okay from your doctor prior to trying any self treatment plan. Once you get the OK, there are specific yoga poses and stretches as well as styles of yoga that have been found to support the healing and strengthening of the back. You need to know which types of yoga are best for back pain because some can, in fact, aggravate existing pain; therefore it is important to know which poses will be most helpful in relieving your back pain. This is where a yoga instructor can provide you with the necessary guidance and support needed for your specific issue. That said, just so you have an idea of what to look for, the types of yoga suitable for back pain sufferers range from gentle to vigorous. "You will find that some styles of yoga emphasize spirituality and emotions, while others, such as Iyengar hatha yoga, focus only on the physical postures. For persons with back pain, a hatha yoga style is a good place to start, particularly rest and restoration classes. Styles such as Kundalini, Ashtanga and Bikram are specialized and challenging -- not a good choice for back pain sufferers. A rule of thumb is gentle is better."
It is also suggested that the Viniyoga is especially effective because of its individual approach. Viniyoga provides the means to bring out the best in each individual. This requires an understanding of a person's present condition, personal potential, appropriate goals and the means available. As each person is different, these will vary with each individual. "Viniyoga is an ancient Sanskrit term that implies differentiation, adaptation, and appropriate application. As a style of practice, Viniyoga refers to an approach to Yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of the individual - giving each practitioner the tools to individualize and actualize the process of self-discovery and personal transformation. This approach evolved out of the teachings transmitted by T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar of Madras, India." So the next time low back pain sends you to the doctor; you may want to ask for a prescription -- for yoga.
Are you interested in learning more about yoga? Read my article about my personal experience with Yoga and its healing benefits.
References: http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/guide/20061101/yoga-back-pain http://backandneck.about.com http://www.abs-exercise-advice.com http://www.viniyoga.com/index.php?cn=faq#question_3
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