Yoga is an ancient Indian form of meditation and exercise, thought by many to benefit the mind and physical body. Certain ailments, such as back pain, can be helped through the practice of yoga, assuming the yoga is practiced with proper guidance and alignment. While yoga is beneficial, a back injury is a serious medical matter and any sort of physical activity should be discussed with a doctor before you begin a new exercise regimen.
Beginning Yoga With Back Pain
The most important part of starting a practice of yoga is to find an experienced and reputable yoga teacher. It is advisable to find a teacher who specializes in preventative and restorative poses that can specifically help to address any back pain or injury. Regardless of the teacher, be sure to introduce yourself and inform them of your injuries before you start a class. Be sure to discuss any new form of exercise with your doctor.
Physical Benefits
Generally speaking, yoga can help to stretch, strengthen, and relax the back. Yoga poses are rooted in the core, or mula bandha, of the body. When poses are supported with the core, the strain on other areas, such as the back, is greatly lessened. Additionally, yoga exercises the entire body. Strengthening the back and the muscles that support the back can help alleviate back pain and injury. As your practice continues and these muscles are strengthened, this core support will extend into your everyday life.
Mental Benefits
Yoga helps to calm and focus the mind, which can create a greater awareness of the physicality of your body. With this awareness heightened, movements and activities that hurt the back are likely to be highlighted. Back pain is often associated with stress and anxiety, both of which yoga has been proven to lessen.
Back Pain During Yoga
While yoga is a restorative and relaxing activity, like any form of exercise, injuries are common. Doing a pose with incorrect alignment can induce injuries. An experienced and properly trained yoga teacher will help to ensure you are practicing poses with proper alignment. Any back pain during yoga should be addressed, talk to your teacher about the pain you are feeling and they will likely make an adjustment that stops the pain. If the pain continues, do an alternative pose until your back has healed.
Warnings
Continuing to exercise with a pain is likely to perpetuate the problem. Be sure to discuss your injuries and pains with a doctor and your yoga teacher before beginning a practice. Yoga is not about doing the hardest, most challenging pose; it is about listening to your body and reacting accordingly.
Tags: yoga teacher, back pain, back pain injury, exercise with, form exercise, pain injury