Yoga For Pain Relief

Yoga For Pain Relief

Pain management and treatment has come a long way in the past few short years. From relaxation and rest to electronic stimulation implants and exercise, things have definitely changed in the way of pain relief techniques. And while we are advancing literally every single day in this filed, there are some things that we delve into the past to re-evaluate, like yoga for pain relief.

While rest, relaxation, low stress and recovery are still recommended, it is recommended sparingly. This is part of the process; however it is not the entire process. Today, pain specialists are recommending getting back into the game of life sooner rather than later, and take steps to become active again. Yoga for pain relief is a great first step.

Back in 2005 some research was conducted and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine that stated yoga, compared to self-care handbooks and common exercise regiments, was the most effective of the three methods to increase mobility and relieve pain. Researchers also found that yoga lowered a patient’s reliance on pain medications.

Not all yoga is appropriate for pain relief, however. While your pain specialist will let you know what techniques will work best for your situation, consider slow-paced, gentle yoga. A form of yoga known as Viniyoga was specifically designed to ease back pain and arthritis pain. It involves slow stretches and deep breathing, focusing on enhancing mobility and slight strength gain.

Iyengar yoga is another form of yoga for pain relief that is slow-paced and focuses on precise bodily alignment. This form of yoga uses different props like yoga blocks and bolsters to help you position yourself carefully and precisely.

The great thing about yoga for pain relief is that it promotes strength from within, and mobility through stretching and holding poses. A key to long-term chronic pain treatment is strength. Rest and relaxation is wonderful, but slowly building some strength around the affected areas is just as crucial. Slowly building up strength is what yoga for pain relief is all about.

Another one of the best things that you can do for yourself during chronic pain treatment is to take time out for yourself and relieve stress. This isn’t only done by relaxing on the couch watching TV, this is done actively through things like yoga. Setting aside an hour a day for this form of pain relief not only builds strength from within, it releases stress and promotes emotional healing as well.

Relaxing the mind and focusing your energy on the areas that need attention, such as your back or joints, can do wonders for your attitude and recovery time. In a recent yoga for pain relief article, a veteran living in a geriatric center told the American Pain Foundation, “When you’re sick or incapacitated, you lose a lot…you lose respect and the quality of life. Yoga and meditation stimulate the brain…you are trying to regulate your breathing, and that helps everything else.”

Now, yoga might look easy enough, but take it slow. The key to yoga is starting out slow and building up your strength and flexibility over time. It’s not easy, and it is a work-out, but if you consult with your pain specialist about the right form for you the results will be well worth it.