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Very
few of us are lucky enough to go through life without ever experiencing
back pain. It is one of the
most common reasons for people visiting their doctors and one of the most
common reasons for people having to take time off work.
For some people back pain becomes a chronic condition, which
repeatedly disrupts their social and work life.
Whilst
back pain can sometimes be a symptom of a problem elsewhere in the body,
the vast majority of back problems involve what is termed “mechanical”
back pain. Strained muscles,
tendons and/or ligaments, for example as a result of awkward movements or
injuries, are usually the main culprits.
However there may also be injury or wear and tear to the spinal
joints themselves, which can cause local pain or, more seriously, press on
the roots of nerves which go to other parts of the body.
Rather less commonly, there may also be misalignment of the spine
which can stress and strain muscles, ligaments and joints in the back and
elsewhere.
Why
choose yoga therapy for your back problem?
The
nature and pace of life today places all sorts of strains on our backs
(physical and emotional) and all too frequently we either ignore or fail
to respond to warning signals. As
a result the event which is the immediate cause of a back problem may
simply be "the straw which broke the camel’s back”.
The
causes of back pain are often complex and difficult to diagnose.
Because of this most doctors simply prescribe rest and
anti-inflammatory drugs on first presentation.
In many cases the condition clears up spontaneously and the person
remains free from back pain for many years.
However, if the pain persists, doctors prescribe physiotherapy
and/or surgery. Whilst these
may provide relief, it is not uncommon for back problems to return
(sometimes years later) unless underlying factors are addressed.
Yoga
therapy is particularly suitable for people with back problems. It offers
a holistic approach to illness, which nourishes and strengthens the body,
mind and spirit. It is
non-invasive and the patient always remains in control.
Because of the wide range of yoga techniques available, it is
suitable for anyone regardless of age or fitness, and is safe for people
even in severe pain.
Yoga
does not seek to offer a “quick fix”, but through its combination of
gentle physical exercises, breathing practices and relaxation, and its
encouragement of a positive approach to life, yoga can help most people
with back problems. It can
reduce the physical and mental tension associated with back pain, improve
flexibility and mobility, strengthen muscles, improve posture and often
reduce the pain or abolish it altogether. Even if the pain persists, yoga
can help you to manage it. Yoga
can also be used as a preventative regime, to reduce the risk of, back
pain and arthritis in the future.2
Yoga therapy for back pain at the Yoga
Therapy Centre
Low
back pain practitioners at the Yoga Therapy Centre (YTC) are yoga teachers
who have also undergone training in yoga therapy and have specialised in
low back pain. The YTC offers
the options described below, for people with low back problems, depending
on the severity of their symptoms. (If your problem is in the upper back,
or neck, you can follow the procedures, below, but we may recommend a
different type of class.)
A
one-to-one assessment, in which the practitioner will take a case history
and conduct a physical examination of your spine.
This will enable work out with the practitioner the best way forward.
This
options are:
-
further
one-to-one sessions
-
a
small class for moderate to severe LBP
-
a
larger class for mild LBP (see below) or
-
a
suitable general yoga class
If there is time the
practitioner will give you your first lesson and devise a simple regimen
for your initial home practice.
A
larger yoga class with special emphasis on protecting or strengthening the
back, and improving flexibility and posture, for individuals with mild
ongoing back problems, and for those who may have had back problems in the
past and wish to reduce the risk of further problems in the future.
Before joining the class you will be asked to complete a
questionnaire telling us about your back condition (unless you have
already had a one-to-one assessment with a YTC practitioner).
On the basis of this we can assess your suitability for the class.
In some cases we may suggest that you have a one-to-one assessment before
deciding whether this class is suitable for you.
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