By 911 Pain Management | June 15th, 2023 | Pain Management
Over 75% of people will suffer from back pain at some point in their life. While most cases get better over time, some will suffer from back or neck pain that lasts more than three months.
Exercise has been shown to help with pain, but the process of working out can be challenging if you’re already in pain. In these cases, it’s best to start with something gentle to build your strength and flexibility.
Yoga is one of the best options when it comes to a form of exercise that also helps to reduce pain levels.
Your McAllen pain doctor at 911 Pain Management has the facts about yoga and back pain.
Does Research Support Doing Yoga for Back Pain?
You’ve probably heard of yoga but never related it to pain relief. Amazingly, most basic yoga poses are the same type of stretches your McAllen pain doctor may recommend.
A study compared yoga designed for back pain with physical therapy and education on pain management. While all three groups reported improvements, yoga and physical therapy performed the best. Additionally, yoga was determined to be a good alternative for those who couldn’t access physical therapy.
The most commonly practiced form of modern yoga has many similarities with common treatments for pain. Meditation, stretching, and mindfulness are recommended for patients.
Yoga has been determined in studies to be helpful and can help reduce muscle tension as well as calm an overactive nervous system. As a bonus, you will likely experience a lower heart rate, which will make you feel more relaxed.
Best Yoga Poses and Stretches for Back Pain Relief
Many poses are helpful for back and neck pain, but you should be sure to take it easy when you first begin to practice yoga. If you need extra support, you can likely find a variety of classes that focus on pain relief.
If you can’t find one locally, find one meant for beginners or people with limited mobility. Most poses can be modified if you can’t sit on the floor or have injuries you need to be mindful of.
Your McAllen pain doctor has a few beginner poses and stretches for you to try out:
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Child’s Pose
Child’s pose is great for lower back pain and hip pain if you can handle being on the floor. All you need to do is kneel on the floor with your knees slightly apart. Keep your buttocks on your heels and bend forward to touch your forehead to the floor.
Hold this position for a minute; you can hold it for up to five minutes if it is comfortable.
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Seated Side Twist
This stretch is great if you have the flexibility for it. All you do is sit on the floor with your legs stretched out. Bend your right leg and put your foot on the other side of the left thigh and twist your torso to the right. Hold this for 30-60 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
Visit a Pain Management Clinic in McAllen To Help Relieve Your Pain
Yoga is a great addition to your treatment plan for back pain — but it can’t solve everything. Knee pain can be hard to treat with yoga, particularly if your pain is caused by inflammation. This is when you should visit a McAllen pain doctor.
911 Pain Management can provide an evaluation and find the best pain relief options for your needs.
Yoga and other exercises will likely be included, but your doctor will help find the right options for you. If you’re in pain, don’t suffer alone any longer. Contact us today to get started on your journey to a better quality of life.
