Yoga and back pain?

Linus · 02-20-2011, 02:49 PM

I've had, throughout my life, back pain of one sort or another. A lot of it is due to stress and/or being over weight. Usually I've been able to keep it under control through therapeutic massage and exercise but last night I must have pulled something back since I can barely walk. I'm trying to get an appointment with a chiropractor for tomorrow but I'm contemplating starting yoga as a way to strengthen my core muscles (i.e. Abs and lower back) as a more effective and proactive way of addressing this.

Has anyone else done this and found it helped? Or did it worsen it?

Semantics · 02-20-2011, 03:06 PM

I do.

The thing with doing yoga to help is that you need to be certain of what is causing the pain so you don't make it worse. My back pain is caused by the sacroiliac joints in my pelvis, so I have to be careful of certain stretches (like forward bends). The best poses for my particular issue are the bow pose and most standing poses. I've noticed a lot of improvement since I started.
Good luck.

foxyshaman · 02-22-2011, 11:16 AM

Linus,

I have been overweight and went to yoga. It really helped my lower back pain, considerably. And my hip pain. I do go to the chiro to keep my knees and hips straight. But yoga has been for my body a wonderful friend and healer. You may have to try several teahers before you find one that works for you. And if you have a level 1 or beginner class, sign up. You really really really, did I say really?? need to learn proper alignment. It is essential to keeping your back safe.

Good luck on your journey.

ravfem · 02-22-2011, 11:33 AM

i used to go to yoga that was adapted for people with physical disabilities or issues. The poses were modified and then modified again for each individual (there was a limit of 6 people per class).

As with anything else, i had to figure out what i could & couldn't do. The yogi never ever pushed me to try something i wasn't comfortable trying. There were lots of times i couldn't keep up with the class, so i just did what i could and kept on keepin on.

It helped a lot with my back and hip pain as well as my general disposition.

The Oopster · 02-22-2011, 11:49 AM

I've had back issues since I was a teen and the best thing I've done is pilates. Since yoga is similiar I would think you could have good results. One thing to check into is what your insurance covers. I was able to go to a clinic that took insurance and my pilates was covered under my therapy.

Sparkle · 02-22-2011, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Oopster

I've had back issues since I was a teen and the best thing I've done is pilates. Since yoga is similiar I would think you could have good results. One thing to check into is what your insurance covers. I was able to go to a clinic that took insurance and my pilates was covered under my therapy.

Seconding Pilates!

It is *all about* strengthening your core, it is gentle and every exercise can be modified to accommodate your particular injuries/hot spots.

Thinker · 02-22-2011, 12:02 PM

You never heard my testimonial about Yoga??????? Heh... I rave about what it did for me and my back pain.

I still have back and neck issues, but it isn't even 1/10th what it was many years ago. It was awful......debilitating......at times it was the kind of pain that causes some people to consider taking *extreme* measures.

I started doing 30 minutes of mild (easy stretching kind) Yoga everyday......following a DVD. I eventually purchased about six of the DVDs in the series (will include a link later). I did try classes, but I just *really* like doing something that therapeutic and soothing in the privacy of my home; it didn't feel as good being with strangers.

Along with the Yoga, I switched to what I called my Food Pyramid diet (eating only what was recommended for me by the government's Food Pyramid. The most difficult change I made at the same time (turned out to be the best) was drinking anywhere from 50-70 ounces of water each day.

Somewhere along the way, I dropped about 20 pounds, quit having sinus infections and bronchitis, and was almost pain-free in my lower back. I remember getting in the shower at the start of the day, bending down to turn on the water, and realizing........I had just BENT over to turn on the water!!!

I could only ever squat to do those things. I had to lean on the counter when rinsing after brushing my teeth; I got on my knees to make the bed because I couldn't bend over; and I had to squat when I went to turn on the shower water.

The combination of chiropractic and Yoga was my miracle drug!

Linus, as long as there aren't any nerve issues that might be aggravated, I just can't recommend gentle Yoga on a daily basis highly enough. It gave me strength, comfort, and sanity. I know that sounds dramatic, but it's true.

I wish the same result for you!

Here's a link to the DVD I started with from the Yoga Zone series.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Zone-Basics-Beginners/dp/B000068MAJ/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1298397607&sr=1-1"]Amazon.com: Yoga Zone - Yoga Basics for Beginners: Yoga Zone, Koch: Movies & TV[/ame]

The Oopster · 02-22-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thinker

You never heard my testimonial about Yoga??????? Heh... I rave about what it did for me and my back pain.

I still have back and neck issues, but it isn't even 1/10th what it was many years ago. It was awful......debilitating......at times it was the kind of pain that causes some people to consider taking *extreme* measures.

I started doing 30 minutes of mild (easy stretching kind) Yoga everyday......following a DVD. I eventually purchased about six of the DVDs in the series (will include a link later). I did try classes, but I just *really* like doing something that therapeutic and soothing in the privacy of my home; it didn't feel as good being with strangers.

Along with the Yoga, I switched to what I called my Food Pyramid diet (eating only what was recommended for me by the government's Food Pyramid. The most difficult change I made at the same time (turned out to be the best) was drinking anywhere from 50-70 ounces of water each day.

Somewhere along the way, I dropped about 20 pounds, quit having sinus infections and bronchitis, and was almost pain-free in my lower back. I remember getting in the shower at the start of the day, bending down to turn on the water, and realizing........I had just BENT over to turn over the water!!!

I could only ever squat to do those things. I had to lean on the counter when rinsing after brushing my teeth; I got on my knees to make the bed because I couldn't bend over; and I had to squat when I went to turn on the shower water.

The combination of chiropractic and Yoga was my miracle drug!

Linus, as long as there aren't any nerve issues that might be aggravated, I just can't recommend gentle Yoga on a daily basis highly enough. It gave me strength, comfort, and sanity. I know that sounds dramatic, but it's true.

I wish the same result for you!

Here's a link to the DVD I started with from the Yoga Zone series.

Amazon.com: Yoga Zone - Yoga Basics for Beginners: Yoga Zone, Koch: Movies & TV

dang wish i would have seen this about 20 minutes ago when i put in an order at amazon

02-20-2011, 02:49 PM	#1
Linus The Planet's Technical Bubba How Do You Identify?: FTM Preferred Pronoun?: He/Him/Geek Relationship Status: Married to my forever! Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,440 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,929 Thanked 10,743 Times in 3,176 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	Yoga and back pain? I've had, throughout my life, back pain of one sort or another. A lot of it is due to stress and/or being over weight. Usually I've been able to keep it under control through therapeutic massage and exercise but last night I must have pulled something back since I can barely walk. I'm trying to get an appointment with a chiropractor for tomorrow but I'm contemplating starting yoga as a way to strengthen my core muscles (i.e. Abs and lower back) as a more effective and proactive way of addressing this. Has anyone else done this and found it helped? Or did it worsen it? __________________ Personal Blog \|\| [] \|\| Cigar Blog "We become Human Doings instead of Human Beings." -- Ram Dass

02-22-2011, 11:16 AM	#3
foxyshaman Member How Do You Identify?: spiritually minded dirt dog Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: canada Posts: 898 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,957 Thanked 2,593 Times in 663 Posts Rep Power: 21474851	Linus, I have been overweight and went to yoga. It really helped my lower back pain, considerably. And my hip pain. I do go to the chiro to keep my knees and hips straight. But yoga has been for my body a wonderful friend and healer. You may have to try several teahers before you find one that works for you. And if you have a level 1 or beginner class, sign up. You really really really, did I say really?? need to learn proper alignment. It is essential to keeping your back safe. Good luck on your journey. __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. Muriel Strode

02-22-2011, 11:33 AM	#4
ravfem Senior Member How Do You Identify?: i'm a girl Relationship Status: negative Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,811 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,239 Thanked 3,124 Times in 1,269 Posts Rep Power: 1969284	i used to go to yoga that was adapted for people with physical disabilities or issues. The poses were modified and then modified again for each individual (there was a limit of 6 people per class). As with anything else, i had to figure out what i could & couldn't do. The yogi never ever pushed me to try something i wasn't comfortable trying. There were lots of times i couldn't keep up with the class, so i just did what i could and kept on keepin on. It helped a lot with my back and hip pain as well as my general disposition. __________________ Last edited by ravfem; 02-22-2011 at 11:35 AM. Reason: i never say everything i want to the first time around

02-22-2011, 12:02 PM	#7
Thinker Senior Member How Do You Identify?: transman Preferred Pronoun?: male Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,868 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 710 Thanked 4,133 Times in 1,079 Posts Rep Power: 21474852	You never heard my testimonial about Yoga??????? Heh... I rave about what it did for me and my back pain. I still have back and neck issues, but it isn't even 1/10th what it was many years ago. It was awful......debilitating......at times it was the kind of pain that causes some people to consider taking extreme measures. I started doing 30 minutes of mild (easy stretching kind) Yoga everyday......following a DVD. I eventually purchased about six of the DVDs in the series (will include a link later). I did try classes, but I just really like doing something that therapeutic and soothing in the privacy of my home; it didn't feel as good being with strangers. Along with the Yoga, I switched to what I called my Food Pyramid diet (eating only what was recommended for me by the government's Food Pyramid. The most difficult change I made at the same time (turned out to be the best) was drinking anywhere from 50-70 ounces of water each day. Somewhere along the way, I dropped about 20 pounds, quit having sinus infections and bronchitis, and was almost pain-free in my lower back. I remember getting in the shower at the start of the day, bending down to turn on the water, and realizing........I had just BENT over to turn on the water!!! I could only ever squat to do those things. I had to lean on the counter when rinsing after brushing my teeth; I got on my knees to make the bed because I couldn't bend over; and I had to squat when I went to turn on the shower water. The combination of chiropractic and Yoga was my miracle drug! Linus, as long as there aren't any nerve issues that might be aggravated, I just can't recommend gentle Yoga on a daily basis highly enough. It gave me strength, comfort, and sanity. I know that sounds dramatic, but it's true. I wish the same result for you! Here's a link to the DVD I started with from the Yoga Zone series. [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Zone-Basics-Beginners/dp/B000068MAJ/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1298397607&sr=1-1"]Amazon.com: Yoga Zone - Yoga Basics for Beginners: Yoga Zone, Koch: Movies & TV[/ame] __________________ Practice humility and kindness. Last edited by Thinker; 02-22-2011 at 05:49 PM.

02-20-2011, 03:06 PM	#2
Semantics Senior Member How Do You Identify?: malapropist Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: single Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: New England Posts: 2,169 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 6,367 Thanked 4,019 Times in 1,209 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I do. The thing with doing yoga to help is that you need to be certain of what is causing the pain so you don't make it worse. My back pain is caused by the sacroiliac joints in my pelvis, so I have to be careful of certain stretches (like forward bends). The best poses for my particular issue are the bow pose and most standing poses. I've noticed a lot of improvement since I started. Good luck.

02-22-2011, 11:49 AM	#5
The Oopster Senior Member How Do You Identify?: transgender male Preferred Pronoun?: he Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: carson city nv Posts: 1,987 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 303 Thanked 2,655 Times in 759 Posts Rep Power: 20061508	I've had back issues since I was a teen and the best thing I've done is pilates. Since yoga is similiar I would think you could have good results. One thing to check into is what your insurance covers. I was able to go to a clinic that took insurance and my pilates was covered under my therapy.