Back pain is a common problem for both men and women. The good news is there are ways to improve the situation without drugs or surgery. Doctors are beginning to embrace the value of exercise for strengthening the back and improving pain. Yoga is beneficial for back pain.
People often experience back pain as the result of poor posture or spending too much time hunched over. This happens when working at a desk all day or hunching over when cleaning, folding laundry, preparing dinner and other household activities. The backbend asanas in yoga, such as cat and cobra, help to correct the muscle strain that results from this hunching.
In many cases, back pain is caused by improper alignment. The poses in yoga help to bring the body into alignment and balance, in addition to strengthening the muscles. This is beneficial in treating and preventing back pain.
A variety of poses are helpful for back pain. Standing or reclined mountain pose stretches the muscles of the back and elongates the spine. Twists, such as triangle pose, half revolved belly pose, stretch and strengthen the muscles, improve alignment and reduce pain. The cat and cat lift sequence and cobra help to increase blood flow and relieve pain, but don’t go too deep, work for a mild bend at first.
There are classes in which postures for strengthening the back and relieving pain are emphasized. Call your local yoga studios to find out what they have to offer. You can also find yoga DVD strengthen the muscles of the back and help improve pain that have been designed specifically for back pain.
Many women experience low back pain as the result of strenuous lifting, such as occurs after years of lifting and carrying children. Yoga helps to strengthen these muscles and improve pain. As with any health condition, you should see your doctor to rule out a more serious problem.