How Yoga Eases Chronic Pain
Many people with chronic pain wonder if they can benefit from yoga. In fact, many people take up yoga for that reason. Most people find that yoga does help reduce pain. It also helps improve their overall well-being. The benefits of yoga include less stress, better mood, and pain relief.
Over the last decade, yoga has become more popular. The ancient Eastern exercise is now part of American life. Close to 36 million Americans practice yoga. Yoga is most popular with women. But, men even partake now that the benefits are well known. In the last few years, the number of practicing men has doubled. And, people of all ages now practice yoga too.
Benefits of Yoga and Managing Chronic Pain
Pain Relief
Evidence supports that yoga often helps with several pain situations. As a matter of fact, those who experience knee arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches, and neck pain all benefit from yoga. And there is even relief for chronic lower back pain! Moreover, studies have found that yoga reduces the need for pain medications. And these medications often have side effects. So, yoga is a recommended alternative for back pain treatment.
Improved Function
Yoga improves function in daily activities. A bonus, strength is also increased in the core, upper body, and legs! And you also become more flexible and balanced, and this is especially important, however, for older adults. Individuals with low back pain and arthritis also have reported moving more. Yoga practice makes it easier for them to get and stay moving.
Well-being
Yoga reduces stress, promotes an optimistic outlook, and boosts your overall well-being. In fact, regular yoga practice is also associated with a healthier lifestyle. People have also reportedly quit smoking, ate better, and lost weight! Plus, there are mental health benefits to yoga too. And yoga has been an effective treatment method for depression and anxiety.
It is hard to manage chronic pain, let alone start a new routine. However, speaking with your doctor or physical therapist might help. There are several poses in yoga that may not be manageable. However, certain bending can be difficult, such as those poses where you are on all fours. The downward dog can cause shoulder stress. And squatting and kneeling may also be difficult for arthritic knees. Do not fret. The best part about yoga is that it is adaptive. And it’s modifiable to accommodate your body. There are safe versions of poses that will not aggravate symptoms. And, you will still get all the benefits.
Yoga is therapeutic for the body and mind. And it is much more than just exercise. In fact, it may be intimidating to start, but it’s worth the investment. There are simple poses to help you get started. You can find poses for different conditions. For instance, some are focused on alignment, and others are corrective. Whatever your needs, there are poses to help. You can go to a class to learn the poses or follow online videos. Yoga teachers offer beginner classes too! They will give you one-on-one time to help you learn. In no time, you will be doing beneficial poses. You will have less pain and will feel better. And, most importantly, you will have fun!
If you are looking for a top physical therapist to help with exercises, call us at 888-409-8006.
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