By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Chronic back and neck pain affect the lives of many people who sit at computers all day, spend hours driving, or work at desks. These types of jobs can result in stiffness and pain in the back and neck, which is hard to relieve. Massage or exercise can release the pain for many people, but it may come back after only a day or two. Yoga can also be practiced as a therapeutic method to treat chronic pain. Many specific Yoga poses will release tension. The meditative and breathing aspects of Yoga also aid in releasing the stress that often causes pain.
The Source of Pain
Chronic neck or back pain can be tricky because the source of the pain can be difficult to pinpoint. It might be related to tight muscles in the legs or elsewhere in the body that does not necessarily hurt. Hatha Yoga stretches the entire body, making the pain go away and preventing new aches and pains from occurring. The Yoga postures also strengthen these muscles, creating a balance between opposing muscle groups, which makes them less likely to hurt. The source of back and neck pain is often unknown. However, it is often the result of an injury or prolonged poor posture. Yoga can help to relieve back and neck pain by stretching and strengthening the muscles in these areas. It can also help to improve flexibility and range of motion.
Consult Your Physician
You should always let your primary care physician know what your state of health is and what actions you are taking in order to improve your health or reduce pain in your life. Most doctors and chiropractors are fine with Yoga, but you should still contact your health care professional because he or she knows your specific health profile and case history. A phone call to your doctor’s office is painless, and you may learn new information about your specific health profile.
Yoga Poses for Pain
Yoga postures can be practiced anywhere, anytime. Someone sitting at a desk for hours at a time can easily take short but frequent moments to stretch the body. The following Yoga postures can be practiced as a home routine to help relieve back pain: Seated Twist, Bow Pose, Bridge Pose, Camel Pose, Cat-Cow Pose, Downward Dog, Side Angle Pose, Triangle Pose, and Forward Fold.
Precautions
If you are new to Yoga, please seek formal instruction from a competent Yoga teacher who teaches a gentle and therapeutic style. Never force your body into any position or lock your joints. When folding or twisting the body, you must be able to breathe completely. If you cannot breathe, you are in too far and need to back out of the posture to the point where you can completely inhale and exhale. Some specific postures may not agree with your back or neck. Each person’s back or neck condition is uniquely different. Therefore, any positions that cause pain should be stopped immediately.
Neck and Back Connection
Many of the Yoga poses for back pain also relieve neck pain. In addition to the previous postures, you might be able to relieve and eliminate neck pain with these postures: Child’s Pose, Corpse Pose, Extended Puppy Pose, Eagle Pose, Dolphin Pose, and shoulder rolls. The connection between the neck and back is important for overall spinal health. When one area is out of alignment, it can cause pain and discomfort in both areas. Yoga can help stretch and strengthen the neck and back muscles, helping to improve posture and alleviate pain.
Pranayama to Reduce Pain
The importance of breathing to relieve pain should not be overlooked. Many people forget to breathe deeply throughout the day, which deprives the body of fresh oxygen supplies. Neck pain can also be caused by shallow breathing, which causes the neck muscles to contract instead of the diaphragm. Pranayama, or controlled breathing, is a powerful tool for reducing back and neck pain. When we breathe deeply and fully, our spines are lengthened, and our muscles are relaxed. This allows us to release tension and pain. Pranayama also helps to improve circulation and increase oxygenation of the blood.
Neck Pain Review
Neck pain can sometimes be relieved by sitting in Easy Pose and breathing deeply for several minutes. Close your eyes, inhale and focus on filling up the belly and chest, then slowly release the breath. Concentrate on keeping the shoulders down and the chest open. If this is done every hour or so, neck pain will be substantially reduced. Yoga can be a great way to relieve back and neck pain. There are many different Yoga poses that can help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back and neck. Yoga can also help improve your posture, which can help reduce pain. If you have neck pain, a few specific poses can help. The Child’s Pose, the Cat-Cow Pose, and the Cobra Pose are all good options. As always, each student should be sure to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise program.
Chair Yoga for the Upper Spine
Obviously, Chair Yoga is style that is practiced while seated in a chair. It is another good method to reduce back and neck pain. Chair Yoga includes all of the benefits of traditional Yoga, such as increased flexibility and improved circulation. However, it is much easier on the body and doesn’t require any special equipment. Chair Yoga can be done anywhere, making it a convenient way to reduce pain.
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Hatha Yoga stretches the entire body, making the pain go away and preventing new aches and pains from occurring. Nice share!
The meditative and breathing aspects of Yoga aid in releasing the stress that often causes the pain. Practicing yoga helps to be fit for all time.
Thank you so much for these modifications and videos!