Yoga for Back Pain? You Bet!

By Donna Stark

When you were a child and someone asked what you wanted to be when you grew up, I doubt you said, "I want to be in debilitating pain and emotional distress when I am older." I also doubt you looked forward to a life with no quality of life to be seen, am I right? Well, here you are. Sitting on the sidelines suffering from chronic back pain when all you want to do is to be able to get up and move. Fortunately, there is something you can do that may ease those back pain symptoms of yours. Have you ever heard of yoga?

Yoga for Back Pain

If you suffer from back pain, you may want to consider incorporating yoga into your fitness routine. The goal of yoga is to improve both your physical and mental health and it does so in many ways. Let's take a look at just a few of these ways below.

Relaxes and Stretches Muscles

Yoga is all about poses and for good reason! It is during these poses that the body's muscles are simultaneously flexed, stretched, and relaxed, all in the hopes of relieving muscular tension. The combination of poses is designed to increase flexibility and strength of the joints and muscles in the body ... including the back!

Strengthens Muscles

Each individual pose focuses on specific muscles, and many of these poses have their eyes set on the ones found in your core. By strengthening your core muscles, you can stabilize your spine and back which can help decrease much of the pain you are feeling.

Promotes Meditation

The deep breathing exercises that are used during yoga sessions are a great way to reduce the levels of stress in your body. Breathing exercises and meditation help to decrease muscle tension, increase blood flow, enhance moods, and reduce symptoms of stress, such as pain and discomfort.

Encourages Proper Alignment

Practicing yoga helps to improve your posture and balance which can have a positive effect on your spine's alignment. Keeping your head, shoulders, spine, and hips in correct alignment is one of the best ways to reduce muscle tension and joint dysfunction.

Pose, Pose, and Pose Some More

Understandably, you may not feel like working out when your back is on fire, but there is no need to sit around and do nothing! Try incorporating some yoga into your fitness routine. You may be surprised by how well you will feel after doing so!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Avondale, Ariz.