Can yoga relieve lower back pain?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Yoga postures may reduce low back pain and boost your range of motion, and help improve your flexibility. If you would like to take a yoga class, look for an instructor who can help you modify postures as necessary, or look for a "therapeutic yoga" class.
The word yoga literally means "to yoke," to bring together; and the various postures (called asanas) help people bring together the mind and the body as well as the spirit. There are hundreds of poses, positions, and breathing techniques in yoga. Each pose works on a different organ or system in the body. While it's not possible for most people to do all the positions, there are many variations on the poses, so that you can still receive the benefits that a position offers. It's great to experiment to find out what works for you.Yoga postures may reduce low back pain and boost your range of motion, and help improve your flexibility. If you would like to take a yoga class, look for an instructor who can help you modify postures as necessary, or look for a... More -
RealAge answered:Bend and twist? Totally bad news if you have an iffy back. But here are some poses that could have your back feeling fine: yoga poses.
In a small study, adults with chronic lower back pain reported experiencing 56% less pain after practicing yoga regularly for six months.
All the study participants received traditional medical treatments for their back pain. But half of the participants also took two 90-minute yoga classes twice a week in addition to practicing the moves on their own at home. They did a special type of Iyengar yoga designed to strengthen back muscles and ease pain and stiffness. And after six months, it showed! The yoga lovers not only reported less pain and better back function, but their moods were lifted, too.
Why is yoga so great for barky backs? Because it provides a gentler means of building back strength than other forms of exercise do. Plus, yoga is known for improving balance and flexibility, two extra-beneficial qualities for people in pain. But don't just jump right in! If you have back pain, talk to your doctor first about what kinds of exercises you can do.Bend and twist? Totally bad news if you have an iffy back. But here are some poses that could have your back feeling fine: yoga poses. In a small study, adults with chronic lower back pain reported experiencing 56% less pain after practicing... More
