Yoga to Relieve Back Pain
Back pain is a common disorder, affecting around one-third of the UK adult population each year. The NHS encourages people with back pain to exercise to help reduce the pain and its impact on day-to-day life. They suggest working with a structured exercise programme tailored to an individual’s needs. I have worked with many people who have practiced yoga to relieve back pain.
I have seen improvements with people with back pain who have had 6 one-to-one sessions over the courses of about 12 weeks, where they are practicing regularly in between meetings. When practicing yoga to relieve back pain I’d expect to see a reduction in the intensity of the pain and an increase in time between flair-ups over a 12 week period. Initially I’d be looking at strengthening the muscles in order to help protect the back by working with postures which are appropriate for your back pain. You would work with gentle movements and over the course of sessions, these would develop in intensity as the back strengthens. Once the back has strengthened then further sessions could additionally strengthen the back and help mobilise stiff areas which would lead to more tension relief.
Yoga not only works with specific movements but it also makes you aware of your posture throughout the day, helping you to avoid putting your back under unnecessary strain. As well as moving the body we work with the breath which has a calming effect on the system and helps to relieve both physical and emotional tension.
With any health condition you should check with your doctor if you have any doubts about undertaken Yoga. Explain to your doctor what is involved in the Yoga you plan to practice, particularly how physical the practice is and level of exertion required. They will then be able to advise you on whether they think Yoga would be suitable for you. Doctors often recommend Yoga for back pain because the movements can be tailored to an individual’s needs and can be built up in intensity over time. If you are interested in Yoga to relieve back pain please contact me, I’m am happy to offer you a free 30 minute consultation where we can discuss your specific situation.
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Yoga may work better for lower back pain than conventional treatments www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/oct/31/yoga-lower-back-pain-treatments Yoga improves back pain research. www.nhs.uk/news/2011/11November/Pages/yoga-improves-back-pain-says-research.aspx
I’ve had a lower back condition for about 12 years, but it had got noticeably worse over the past six months. My osteopath recommended that I try some yoga with Beth in order to develop a daily routine aimed at strengthening my back and core, and thereby reducing the pain and discomfort I was experiencing.
I started in February 2014, and after only a few weeks I’m already feeling a lot better. My back feels stronger and more resilient to spasms and car journeys, which had been a particular problem. I feel I can walk and be out and about with a lot more confidence, and feel that I now have a really good programme which I can follow every day on my own, which I know will help to improve my strength and flexibility. Many thanks for all your help and advice!