Yoga is an ancient form of meditation that originated from India. It is a combination of various breathing techniques, body stretches, and exercises aimed at spiritual development. In the modern world, scientists have researched this discipline and associated it with several health benefits. Today it is practiced for numerous purposes, including weight loss, building stamina, increasing flexibility, healing injuries, and relaxation.
The body movements and poses in yoga have a very positive effect on the muscles of our body. They help eradicate stiffness and prevent chronic problems caused by routinely postures or activities. Yoga is not a guaranteed cure for anything, so make sure to consult a licensed doctor in case of severe personal injuries. However, typical muscle pains, fatigue, and minor sprains can be effectively healed via monitored techniques.
Individuals of all ages suffer from back pain, so it cannot be assumed as a symptom of old age. Pack pain can arise due to a number reasons; sitting in the same position at work for prolonged hours, engaging in rigorous physical activity, or getting involved in an accident. Sometimes back pain is the consequence of bone density loss, which usually requires treatment with a calcium supplement. Depression, mental stress, and emotional traumas may lead to physical damages, including backache.
If you are already taking medication for neck pain or lower back pain, ask your doctor if yoga is safe for your condition. Once you receive a thumbs up, start looking for a convenient yoga class. It is best to start yoga under the supervision of a professional, rather than directly relying on online resources. There is always the risk of getting a stance wrong, making an exaggerated twist or hurting yourself with an accidental jerk.
There is a variety of yoga styles, and a professional yoga instructor will help you choose the appropriate one. He/she will guide you through a series of steps that your body can endure; this depends upon your age, stamina, weight, and general health conditions. Getting the movements right can do wonders for your sore back. In the beginning, you shall struggle to keep up with the coordination, by going faster or slower than the optimum pace. It is all a matter of patience and practice to train your body well.
Your body may not allow you to stretch as far as your teacher, and that is okay. Your body will become more flexible over time, and yoga will feel more relaxing than challenging. Below are a few yoga poses that may replace the painkillers and sooth your achy back. You will be able to sit straighter and eradicate the rigidity in no time:
1. The Downward Dog
This is a classic yoga pose to stretch the entire body, and really focus on those stubborn hamstrings. It is a wonderful exercise for your lower back and repetition will strengthen your spinal cord. You shall start on your hands and knees, and gradually shift backwards by moving the hips up and straightening out the knees. Push your heels further into the ground to feel the intensity in the hamstrings.
2. Upward Dog
This pose engages your back while opening the chest and stretching your abdominal muscles. You start by lying straight face down and arms folded by your sides, so that both palms are parallel to the head on the floor. While keeping your palms intact with the ground, use your back strength to lift your chest. Your legs shall elongate and the top of your feet must touch the ground.
3. Child’s Pose
Some call this the resting pose, just because of how relaxing it feels. It is in fact an active stretch, which eases up muscles by elongating the back. It is a highly effective move for eliminating stress and tension. You can do it in bed at the end of the day to enhance your slumber. It is often done at the end of vigorous cardio exercise to calm exhaustion/uneven breaths. It is called a child’s pose because it resembles the shape of a fetus.
