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Yoga As An Alternative To Drug Therapy For Back Pain And Depression
By Christina | September 8, 2009
There has been found to be an interesting correlation between people who suffer from chronic lower back pain and people who suffer with bouts of depression. It is a chicken and egg scenario, more sufferers of depression have chronic low back pain. But, it can be argued that suffering with chronic pain can make you depressed.
Either way, both of these conditions are debilitating and cause sufferers to often rely on daily medication to alleviate symptoms. A new study has just found that practicing yoga on a regular basis can lessen and even alleviate symptoms entirely of both lower back pain and depression.
People with lower back pain, in particular, are nervous about partaking in any exercise that can exacerbate symptoms or cause pain, even when given the go ahead from their doctor. The truth is that most lower back pain is a result of weak abdominals and strengthening the abdominals can help lessen the back pain. It is also a known fact that all types of exercise are natural mood enhancers because of endorphins which are released throughout your body during exercise.
Yoga is one of my all-time favorite exercises even without this study on back pain and depression. All people will benefit from the addition of yoga into your exercise program. Why yoga is especially smart for sufferers of chronic lower back pain is that it incorporates balance, strength, and flexibility in one workout. The core is engaged throughout the postures and your body is being challenged in ways that are gentle, yet powerful at the same time.
With regards to helping with depression, the affirmations that are inherent in yoga will stay with you long after your yoga practice has ended. Yoga will leave you centered, grounded, and at peace with yourself. You will be better able to handle the stresses in your daily life as a result of your yoga practice. Yoga will help you stay present in the moment and let go of the distractions that are taking a negative hold on your mind and body.
In the study that was just released, people who practiced 90 minute yoga classes twice a week for 24 weeks, were found to have less back pain, more functional ability, and a significant improvement in their mood. 90 minutes twice a week is not a large time commitment for you to make in order to add to your quality of life. Don’t get me wrong, I am an advocate of drug therapy when it is found to be a necessity in order to make you well. If, on the other hand, you can try yoga as a potential alternative to drugs, why not at least give it a try. Your balance, strength, and flexibility will improve for sure, and your back pain and depression might go by the wayside as well. What do you have to lose? Namaste.
Topics: Yoga |
