Low-Back Pain & Yoga
An estimated 31 million Americans experience low-back pain at any given time. I have suffered from lower back pain this past year and it hasn't been easy. I see so many of my yoga students suffering from back / lower back pain. As do many people in the world. I do not believe all yoga is recommended! However, with the right postures (asanas) right yoga sequence, correct breathing, a lot of patience - practicing a more gentle yoga can and is so helpful. What has really worked for me, besides certain yoga sequences and poses, is pilates - mat pilates with the right teacher, as well as fundamentals with the reformer (pilates) with lot's of modifications. The experience of loosing access to deeper yoga backbends has been extremely humbling for me, and yet also a tremendous learning experience. Activities with high impact - anything which has to do with jumps - increases the discomfort and pain. So I try to stay away from those. Practicing each day in Satya (Truth) and with Ahimsa ( non-violence) in the present moment is my intention each and every day. The alternative of not participating in physical activities of any sort ... yoga, pilates, included - has shown me not to be at all the right path, for the pain and discomfort increases tremendously - in my experience it actually will worse the condition. Besides the right yoga with a good teacher who knows how to modify and pilates - acupuncture and cupping are my go to, and certain types of deep massages - focusing on creating freedom by breaking scar tissues - although painful it can be very alleviating post treatment. If you are someone who suffers from any chronic pain - I hope this articles serves you! If you know anyone please share <3 Love & Light
A few interesting facts about back pain:
Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
One-half of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.2
Experts estimate that as much as 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives.3
Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.
Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.
Check out this NPR article :