Back pain is a common ailment that affects as many as 31 million Americans at any given time. According to the American Chiropractic Association, about one half of all workers complain of back pain each year. It can be caused by stress, poor working conditions, injuries or accidents, and arthritis. Conventional medical treatment includes physical therapy, medication and possible surgery. Many turn to alternative therapies, such as yoga, for relief.
History
Yoga has its roots in Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine from India. According to the American Yoga Association, the practice of yoga itself dates back more than 5,000 years. It is a philosophical practice which teaches restraint, purity, physical discipline, focus and concentration. It is not simply a form of exercise, and it is not a religion. The practice of yoga is more of a way of life. Regular practitioners follow a modified diet, practice meditation and breathing exercises, and study yoga texts such as the Yoga Sutras.
Types
Yoga offers multiple types of physical fitness. Hatha yoga is the facet of yoga which most are familiar with. It is the teaching of asana practice, or postures, designed to strengthen the body and develop discipline. There are many styles of hatha yoga which are popular today, including: Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikrim and Vinyasa. When trying yoga for the first time, it is best to work with an instructor to learn the proper form. It is also helpful to make the instructor aware of any back injuries or other health-related issues so she can tell you which postures to avoid or perhaps give you additional postures that will help your back pain.
Function
According to yogic philosophy, yoga works by bringing balance and harmony to the different energy centers of the body. The word yoga means to yoke or unite. It implies uniting of the three bodies, the causal body, physical body and astral body. In Western terms, this is sometimes referred to as the mind, body and spirit. Yoga, as a therapeutic method, is not used to address a specific symptom, but to restore balance to the body and facilitate natural healing. By naturally healing the entire body, back pain is often relieved.
Expert Insight
As yoga has become more popular in the United States, doctors are beginning to recognize its therapeutic value and recommend yoga for a variety of conditions, including, stress, depression, heart disease, arthritis and back pain. A study published in 2005 from the "Annals of Internal Medicine" concluded that yoga was more effective than self-care in relieving low back pain, and its effects were long lasting.
Considerations
Always consult your physician or healthcare practitioner before beginning yoga or any other fitness program. Never discontinue medications or medical treatments without the consent of your doctor. Holistic therapies, such as yoga, should work in conjunction with, and not in place of conventional medical care when it comes to back pain.
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