Yoga and Back Pain- How Are They Connected?

Yoga and Back Pain- How Are They Connected?
July 10, 2020

Chronic pain in the United States has reached an epidemic level; 8 out of 10 Americans experience frequent and, at times, chronic back pain. Regrettably, painkillers are not the most effective treatment for this pain. The American Chiropractic Association has some alarming facts on Americans for back pain, by far the most common form of pain.

  • Half of all Americans working claim that they have back pain.
  • The most popular explanation of why people miss work is back pain.
  • The second most frequent explanation of why people visit a doctor is back pain.
  • Anywhere from 75 to 85 % of Americans suffer from back pain.

Yoga improves your physical and mental health with a wide variety of benefits. It consists of a combination of regulated respiration, extension, and meditation. Yoga has been around in Asian countries like India for thousands of years, even though it is relatively recent in the USA (since the 60s or 70s). However, can you really relieve your pain with yoga?

Yoga is one of the best ways to alleviate low back pain. The practice helps extend and strengthen back muscles and core muscles that help stabilize your spine.

How Does Back Pain Occur?

The most common cause of back pain is accidents and injuries, but even simple movements and other physical and mental factors can lead to your discomfort. Some of the most common are:

  • Inappropriate posture
  • Sedentary lifestyle, inactivity
  • Obesity
  • Osteoporosis
  • Emotional difficulty

Interestingly, back pain may be caused by poor lifestyle habits, poor eating behavior, and even poor mental health. In some ways, it is possible that some changes will be needed to relieve your back pain, but calling a back specialist is always the best decision.

If You Have Back Pain, You Should Start Yoga

Speak first to your doctor to know whether it is all right to start a yoga program if you have low back pain. If you have some back issues like a spinal fracture or a herniated (slipped-in) disc, stay away from yoga.

Once you have the green light, your back can be protected with specific methods and restrictions by consulting your yoga instructor in advance. He or she can give you protective changes in certain positions or help you get the position right without stressing your back. You can make certain changes. Another option is to search for Yoga Studios or community centers that offer classes designed specifically to relieve back pain. People can safely improve their strength and mobility by practicing yoga carefully while stretching.

Yoga For Back Pain Relieving

  • If practiced regularly, yoga increases flexibility in the back and strengthens the abdominal muscles that support the spine.
  • Yoga poses help to stretch your muscles over time for up to one minute.
  • The muscles in the lower back are properly stretched, reducing stress across the entire region.
  • Yoga enhances posture. Good posture is essential to keep a strong, healthy, flexible spine. Sitting and standing yoga is important for improving posture and spine alignment. Proper posture eliminates a certain amount of spinal pressure and reduces back pain.

Woman Spine

Beginners Yoga

Let us start with a couple of easy-to-do and great poses to keep your back flexible. Test these poses every day for more flexibility, and thank you for your spine!

Chest Knees Pose

  • Lying with extended arms and legs on your back.
  • Bring the two knees to the chest as you exhale. Grab your hands around your legs
  • The back is flat on the floor
  • If you like it, gently rock back and forth, giving you a small massage

Position of Cat

  • Start at the tabletop position on all hands and legs
  • Underneath your hips, place your hands and knees
  • Arch round like a cat and exhale
  • Bring the chin to the chest
  • Drop the abdomen keep your head up extend your sitting bones and inhale.

Contact us for any back pain problems, spine problems, and more.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.

Darryl D. Robinson, MD

Medical Director

About Author

Dr. Darryl Robinson, a Richmond, Virginia native, earned his undergraduate degree from Howard University, graduating magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to receive his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia in 1995. Commissioned into the U.S. Army the same year, Dr. Robinson completed his internship at Walter Reed and served as a General Medical Officer at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He left active duty in 1998 and remained in the reserves through 2004. After completing his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a fellowship in Pain Medicine, Dr. Robinson joined Oklahoma Sports Science and Orthopedics in 2002. He has since been recognized for delivering comprehensive, cutting-edge care for pain conditions. In 2012, he was named one of the region's top physicians by Castle Connolly. Frustrated by the limitations of conventional pain treatments, he expanded his approach to include wellness-based therapies focused on nutrition, hormone optimization, and regenerative medicine. He later became a Certified Fellow of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Also in 2012, Dr. Robinson was honored as one of the first "Pink Tie Guys" by the Susan G. Komen foundation in Oklahoma, recognizing his advocacy for women's health.
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