Yoga and Back Pain
Back pain is extremely common it is estimated that 4 out of 5 adults in the UK will experience some form of back pain during their adult life. Simple yoga postures can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent the occurrence.
For the best results Yoga should be practiced mindfully. Postures need to be of an appropriate level. When a firm foundation is formed, then it is possible to progress maintaining an injury free body, as soon as the ego comes into play and the temptation to advance quickly presents itself, there is always the risk of injury.
If you suffer from back pain only practise gentle yoga postures that will improve posture, increase mobility, strengthen the core and gently stretch all of the muscles that influence the alignment of the spine, doing so will help to keep these muscles free from tension.
The back assists us with nearly everything we do. This becomes apparent when back pain strikes. Even relatively mundane tasks can become so very painful.
The back comprises of interconnecting nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, all of which can be a source of pain. For many muscle strain is the most common cause of back pain. The back muscles can usually heal themselves within a couple of weeks, however pain can be intense and extremely debilitating.
The spine (also known as the vertebral column) provides support for the upper body whilst allowing movement. The spine provides protection for the spinal cord which contains millions of nerve fibres that transfer the information necessary for movement, bodily functions and sensation.
There are 33 vertebra in the spine (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 4 coccyx). Between each bone is an intervertebral disc. These discs act as shock absorbers to support the body’s weight and prevent the vertebrae from painfully crashing into each other while under strain.
The back contributes massively towards our health and vitality, it is well worth investing a little time to help it remain strong, healthy and pain free.
Pain is always a warning sign and should not be ignored a few simple yoga postures can offer comfort and relief.
Always seek medical advice before engaging in any new physical activity.
If you are attending classes it is important to make sure that the teacher is suitably qualified.
Listen to your body and move mindfully not doing so could worsen the pain that you experience and prolong your symptoms.
Only perform basic postures do not allow your ego to persuade you to overstretch.
A solid foundation will allow you to move forward slowly and maintain a pain free body.
This blog article was written by Sue Fuller creator of the Yoga 2 Hear range of audio yoga classes and yoga teacher training courses.
