If you spend the bulk of your day with an aching back, you know how debilitating it can be. But there is relief beyond Ibuprofen. The Ideal Spine Health Center says that when it comes to easing the pain, look towards the mountain, dog, and warrior – poses! Yoga may be the key to smoothing out your kinks.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that 12 weeks of yoga improved back function and helped with pain management in adults suffering from chronic low back pain. The study is one of the largest of its kind, and it found that both yoga and stretching were effective ways to ease pain.
However, a single trip to the yoga studio won’t solve your problems. In order to see results, you must practice yoga regularly. The subjects of the study took weekly 75-minute classes in addition to practicing yoga or deep stretching on their own 3 days a week. Knowing there are no quick fixes to diminish chronic back pain, incorporating a recurring exercise program into your life is an effective way to not only manage pain, but also lead an overall healthier lifestyle.
Yoga is as much a workout for the mind as it is for the body. It incorporates breathing, meditation, and stretching to strengthen your core, reduce stress, and relax your mind. The poses and flow are ideal for those who suffer from back pain because they increase flexibility of the spine, strengthen the core to support the lower back, and relieve muscle spasms. Yoga also lengthens leg, hip, and shoulder muscles that are crucial for back rehabilitation.
Many individuals who suffer from low back pain avoid exercise, out of fear for doing further injury. However, when done properly, strength-training workouts are one of the best ways to reduce pain and restore spinal function. If yoga isn’t the right fit for you, incorporate a deep stretching routine into your schedule for similar benefits. It doesn’t matter what exercise you choose, as long as you are active in some way. It’s a valuable, safe, and helpful way to manage pain.
For more information on managing lower back pain or to schedule a free consultation, contact Ideal Spine Health Center today.