ClickCease
+1-915-850-0900 spinedoctors@gmail.com
Select Page

Spine Care

Back Clinic Chiropractic Spine Care Team. The spine is designed with three natural curves; the neck curvature or cervical spine, the upper back curvature or thoracic spine, and the lower back curvature or lumbar spine, all of which come together to form a slight shape when viewed from the side. The spine is an essential structure as it helps support the upright posture of humans, it provides the body with the flexibility to move and it plays the crucial role of protecting the spinal cord. Spinal health is important in order to ensure the body is functioning to its fullest capacity. Dr. Alex Jimenez strongly indicates across his collection of articles on spine care, how to properly support a healthy spine. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 540-8444.


Can Sciatica Cause Pain In Arms?

Can Sciatica Cause Pain In Arms?

El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez examines if sciatica can radiate to the arms.

Muscular pain that comes on suddenly in your lower back is indicative of a muscle spasm. Your muscles will feel as though they have locked up, and the pain can be unbearable.

Sciatica

Several lumbar spine (lower back) disorders can cause sciatica � Sometimes doctors call sciatica a radiculopathy. Radiculopathy is a medical term used to describe pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs caused �

No the sciatic nerve only affects the legs. No the sciatic nerve only affects the legs. Yes it can � a number of years ago i was in a car accident that left me with sever whiplash. as the years went on and i grew older the nerves between c6 �

Sciatica Information & Definition | Sciatic Nerve Pain �

Sciatica is defined as a severe pain in a leg along the course of the sciatic nerve. The pain is felt in the back of the leg running from the buttock down �

Another important stretch that I usually prescribe is a lumbar extension stretch. This one is especially important if the cause of your sciatic nerve pain is due to a �

 

 

Recovery Time For Back Surgery Bulging Disc

Recovery time after back surgery for a herniated disc can take several weeks to months as the muscles and ligaments in the back heal. Most people who undergo such a surgery will find relief from their previous � There is also a danger of damaging the nerves of the back and spine.

Relief, Washington

Many people suffer from sciatica, a painful lower back condition caused by a pinched nerve. Sciatica can cause severe mobility problems and debilitating pain. In serious cases, the condition can lead to progressive lower extremity �

You can�t help but notice the biting, shooting pain that comes with sciatica. This condition affects the sciatic nerve that runs across the buttock and down the �

It is a widely accepted theory that a pinched nerve cause chest pain. These pinched nerves occur when exceeding amounts of pressure applied to surrounding bones �

Call Today!

 

 

Scoliosis Center

Scoliosis Center

El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez examines scoliosis.

We all have curves in our backs, but scoliosis causes the spine to curve in the wrong direction. It causes sideways curves, and those are not the same as the normal curves of the spine. In case you looked at your spine from your side, you had see it curves out at your neck (cervical spine), in at your mid-back (thoracic spine), and out again at your low back (lumbar spine). Your back is likely to curve that way.

However, if your spine was looked at by you from behind, you shouldn’t see any curves. When there are sideways curves in the back from the back view, that is scoliosis. The curves can seem like an “S” or a “C.”

curve_disorders56432443_M-1.jpg

Spine Anatomy: Quick�Lesson

You first need to know what a healthy back looks like, to comprehend scoliosis. You will find four areas in your back:

Cervical Spine:

That is your neck, which begins at the base of your skull. It features seven little spinal bones (called vertebrae), which doctors label C1 to C7 (the “C” means cervical). The numbers one to seven signify the level of the vertebrae. C1 is closest for your skull, while C7 is closest to your torso.

Thoracic Spine:

Your mid-back has 12 vertebrae which are labeled T1 to T12 (the “T” means thoracic). Vertebrae in your thoracic spine connect to your own ribs, making this a part of your back comparatively stiff and stable. Your thoracic spine doesn’t move as the other areas of your back.

Lumbar Spine:

In your low back, you’ve got five vertebrae that are tagged L1 to L5 (the “L” means lumbar). These vertebrae are your strongest and biggest vertebrae, responsible for carrying lots of the weight of your body’s. The lumbar vertebrae are also your last “authentic” vertebrae; down from this region, your vertebrae are fused. The truth is, L5 may be fused with part of your sacrum.

Sacrum & Coccyx:

The sacrum has five vertebrae that usually fuse by adulthood to form one bone. The coccyx�commonly known as your tail bone�has four (but occasionally five) fused vertebrae.

Normal Spinal Curves: Lordosis & Kyphosis

When viewed in the side, you can observe the spine has both outward and inward curves. These curves help your back are also very important to flexibility and hold your weight.

There are just two types of normal curves in your back, and they’re called lordosis and kyphosis. Kyphosis means the spine curves inward, and lordosis means the spine curves out.

There are two spinal curves that are lordotic and two kyphotic in an ordinary back. Your cervical and lumbar spinal columns each possess a lordotic curve. Sacrum and your thoracic back have kyphotic curves.

While lordosis and kyphosis refer to a healthy curvature in your back, in addition they describe abnormal spinal curves which might be different than scoliosis. Lordosis that is strange is an extreme inward spinal curve. Kyphosis that is strange is a state that results in a hunchback or slouching posture, and you also will read about it in our Kyphosis Center.

Types Of�Scoliosis

 

Scoliosis is ordinarily associated with kids, but adults can have it, also. This generally occurs the disorder progresses aggressively or when scoliosis is not discovered during childhood. Most cases of scoliosis�more than 80%, in fact�are idiopathic, meaning they don�t possess a cause that is known.

Listed here are the various kinds of scoliosis:

  • Infantile idiopathic scoliosis is diagnosed in kids ages 0 to 3.
  • Congenital scoliosis happens when the spine doesn’t grow properly in the womb.
  • Neuromuscular scoliosis is caused by brain, spinal cord, and muscular system disorders..
  • Syndromic scoliosis grows as part of an illness or an underlying syndrome.
  • Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis is diagnosed in kids ages 4 to 10.
  • Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is diagnosed in young people ages 11 to 18.
  • Adult degenerative or idiopathic scoliosis is diagnosed in individuals older than 18.

Along with the types noted above, your back specialist may refer to your scoliosis early-onset scoliosis�a term for scoliosis detected before 10 years of age. Syndromic scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, infantile idiopathic scoliosis, and juvenile idiopathic scoliosis may all be considered early-onset scoliosis.

Treating Scoliosis

Scoliosis brings up images of braces and perhaps memories of being examined for it by the school nurse. Bracing is one of the most common treatment choices for scoliosis as the curve may be fixed by it without back surgery.

Sometimes, though, the curve is too extreme and bracing does not help enough. Because scenario, you could have scoliosis surgery to correct the curve. You can find out more on the topic of surgical treatment for scoliosis in scoliosis surgery for scoliosis and adults operation for kids.

For kids, particularly, it can be frightening to learn they have scoliosis. Having that label makes them different at a time in their own lives when they do not need to be different. They may not enjoy the concept of wearing a brace, either. But scoliosis is nothing to be scared or ashamed of. With the correct treatment, scoliosis doesn’t have to define your life.

Call Today!

 

How Healthcare Specialists Diagnose Sciatica

How Healthcare Specialists Diagnose Sciatica

Call your spine specialist in case you feel you may have developed sciatica. (Should you not already have a healthcare professional who specializes on spine health, you can ask a primary healthcare provider for recommendations).

You may have sciatica in the event that you’re experiencing symptoms,such as shooting pain down one or the two of your legs, or in case you have been experiencing weakness or tingling in your legs.

Through your medical visit, your physician or back specialist will ask you questions and perform some basic exams to try and identify the reason for your sciatica and create a treatment strategy for you�a method to control your pain as well as other symptoms also to help you recover. There are several spinal ailments which may lead to sciatic pain. Your treatment plan will be depending on the cause of your pain, so it’s vital that you get a precise diagnosis.

What to Expect During Sciatica Evaluations

First, your back specialist will ask about your present symptoms and remedies you’ve got already attempted. He or she will even ask some typical questions, like:

  • When did the sciatic nerve pain start?
  • Where would you sense pain? Is it all the way down your leg? Is it in both? Does it halt at your knee?
  • On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst pain imaginable, rate your pain.
  • Are you really experiencing tingling or weakness in your legs and/or feet?
  • What actions did you recently do?
  • Does walking downhill or uphill increase pain?
  • What have you ever done with this sciatic nerve pain? Maybe you have attempted exercises or special drugs?
  • Does anything reduce the pain or allow it to be worse?

Neurological and physical examinations will be also performed by your healthcare professional.

In the physical examination, your doctor will find your position, range of motion, and physical state, noticing any movement that causes you pain. Your physician feel for muscle spasm, note alignment and its curvature, and will feel your back.

During the neurological examination, your back specialist will test your reflexes, muscle strength, and other nerve changes.

You will need to have some imaging tests, to diagnose the cause of your sciatica. You could have an x ray or a computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. When it’s possible you might have a herniated disc or spinal stenosis that is causing your sciatica, your physician may order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation.

Together, all these various assessments and evaluations will give your doctor a more complete picture of your sciatic nerve pain. Using this information, he or she will most likely be able to make a diagnosis of the underlying cause of your sciatica.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

Additional Topics: Whole Body Wellness

Following a balanced nutrition as well as engaging in regular physical activity and sleeping properly are all proper lifestyle habits which can help increase and maintain overall health and wellness. Many common complications associated with improper lifestyle habits, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, however, the risk of developing these can be prevented with a few lifestyle changes. In addition, visiting a chiropractor and receiving chiropractic care can help maintain and improve the overall health of the spine as well as its surrounding structures.

 

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

Wellness Center

Wellness Center

El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez examines good health and wellness.

Most individuals will experience neck or back pain at some time in their own own lives. Neck pain and back are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, along with the number of cases is increasing. Some factors behind this are increased usage of cellular devices bad position, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Though it’s not necessarily possible to stop neck and back pain, you will find steps individuals can take to help decrease the chance it is going to occur.

Why good posture?

 

One of the most important approaches to ensure your spine stays healthy would be to keep good posture. A healthy back has three natural curves� an external curve at the upper back an inward curve at the neck, and an inward curve at the low back. Proper bearing helps maintain these curves that are natural and puts minimal pressure in your joints. Defective bearing does the opposite. It may stress or pull muscles, causing pain and musculoskeletal imbalances in the back, neck, and extremities. Some typical postural blunders rounding your shoulders are positioning your face too much forward, and slouching so you lose the normal curve in the lower back.

Cellular Devices &�Neck Pain

 

 

The increasing use of cellular devices can bring about inferior spine health, influencing our posture and body mechanics in ways that are unhealthy. Kenneth K. Hansraj, MD, the Chief of Spine Surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, created a computer model of the cervical spine that demonstrated how use of mobile devices directly contributes to neck pull. In an article published in Surgical Technology International, Dr. Hansraj, MD, revealed that neck pull increases as the forward angle of the head increases, as it does when you look down at your cell phone or tablet. As you lean your head, you round another aspect of poor position, your shoulders. All this surplus strain creates additional wear and tear on the structures of the neck, upper spine and back, and can result in spinal degeneration that could need surgery.

Body Mechanics &�Prevention Tips

 

Good posture and placement is particularly important when you’re bending over, squatting, and when you are lifting things. When lifting boxes or alternative things you should avoid twisting your body. But it also is crucial to keep good posture while standing and sitting. It really is a lot more crucial that you develop a good ergonomic working arrangement to safeguard your spine with people spending increasing quantities of time at work,. Over time, poor sitting posture and workplace ergonomics can damage spinal structures and contribute to persistent or persistent back and neck pain.

Sleep Time

 

One other place people spend a sizable percentage of the time is in bed. That makes it vital to truly have a mattress that enables you to have a supporting and restful slumber. The identical natural spinal alignment you have is maintained by a mattress that is good when standing and will help prevent back pain.

Eat Well &�Exercise Frequently

The diet and exercise choices you make might assist you to protect your back. Exercise can help prevent back pain and neck pain by strengthening the muscles supporting your vertebrae. Strength training, flexibility training, and aerobic exercise are part of a healthy exercise routine, and every type of exercise contributes to spinal health. Great nutrition also is crucial to helping us reach our optimum well-being and feel our best. A nutritious diet along with exercise also assist you to keep a healthier weight, that is just another approach to simply help make sure your back is not overstrained.

 

Smoking, Your Brain, Chronic Back Pain & Bone Health

 

Another lifestyle alternative that’s damaging to spine health is cigarette smoking. Researchers from Northwestern University conducted a study demonstrating that smokers are three times more likely than nonsmokers to develop chronic back pain. �Smoking affects the brain,� according to scientist Bogdan Petre, who headed the study, which was published on the internet in the journal Human Brain Mapping. �We found that it appears to make people less resilient to an episode of pain and changes the way the brain responds to back pain.�

Smoking also reduces bone density, which increases the risk for osteoporosis along with other degenerative spine conditions, and it can reduce the success of spinal fusion. People who are facing fusion or any back surgery should make every endeavor to avoid smoking. The associated dangers will reduce and raise the probability of an effective spinal fusion surgery.

 

Call Today!

Chiropractor On Local T.V. Show Explains Sciatica & Treatment

Chiropractor On Local T.V. Show Explains Sciatica & Treatment

El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez listens in on how chiropractors can help with sciatica.

Dr. Joseph Licitra DC, a chiropractor that serves Clifton, NJ as well as Montclair, Bloomfield, and Passaic, recently discussed sciatica on a local cable show. Dr. Licitra says that chiropractors can help treat sciatic nerve pain.

Clifton, United States

 

Dr. Joseph Licitra DC, the owner of a chiropractic practice that serves Clifton, New Jersey and surrounding areas such as Montclair, Bloomfield, and Passaic, recently discussed sciatica on a local cable show called �Meet Clifton.� Those interested in learning more about the challenges of sciatica and how it can be treated can view an exclusive video clip for free on Dr. Licitra�s website: www.josephlicitra.com/sciatica

In addition to speaking about the prevalence of sciatica in America, Dr. Licitra also touched upon the economic consequences of the debilitating condition. An interesting fact explored during his presentation brought to light the extent of which sciatica negatively affects employee attendance in the workplace. Dr. Licitra said: �People with sciatica have difficulty sitting and bending and therefore they can�t go to work. There is tremendous economic strain on the cities, on the companies, and on the families.�

The Causes Of Sciatica

Sciatic nerve pain can stem from many different things such as repetitive bending, direct trauma to the spine, as well as a sedentary lifestyle.

How chiropractors can help � There is hope for people who suffer from sciatica. Chiropractors can determine the origin of the sciatic condition and then focus on balancing out the spine to get the bones in correct alignment. Chiropractors like Dr. Licitra who specialize in kinesiology will also focus on the musculature to pinpoint the cause(s) of sciatic pain.

Dr. Licitra has been in practice for over 30 years and has worked on many professional athletes such as the New York Giants and the National Hockey League. His practice is now offering free consultations to new patients interested in receiving treatment for sciatica, as well as to patients suffering from other health conditions like neck or back pain, shoulder pain, and even migraines.

Struggling With Sciatica?

If you are experiencing pain that radiates from the back or buttocks all the way down the legs, you may have a common condition called sciatica. Many people in Clinton suffer with the pain of sciatica and may never achieve a long-term solution. An untreated sciatic condition can continue to worsen and make the daily tasks of living go from difficult to nearly impossible. Fortunately, chiropractic treatment can help you overcome this debilitating condition.

Sciatica In Clifton

Sciatica, also known as sciatic neuralgia, is a condition that causes pain in the lower back, down the back of the leg, and into the foot. It can make sitting and standing for long periods of time difficult and can lead to weakness, tingling, and numbness in the leg and foot. It will often come and go throughout a person’s lifetime, causing periods of varying degrees of pain and discomfort. If left untreated, sciatic pain will generally grow worse and the nerve can become permanently damaged.

 

 

The reason why the pain travels so far, radiating up and down the legs and back, is due to the compression of the sciatic nerve which is the longest nerve in the body. This nerve originates in the lumbar spine and extends into the buttocks before traveling down the leg to the ankle and foot. When the vertebrae in the lower back are compressed, the roots of the sciatic nerve can become pinched and irritated which is what causes the pain.

How Do You Develop Sciatica?

There are a number of factors that can lead to sciatica. It is most commonly caused by disc injuries and bulges. In this occurrence, the disc presses against the nerve root causing sciatic pain. Disc Injuries can occur because of poor posture, repetitive use injuries, and accidents. Sciatica is also common when there are subluxations (misalignments) in the spine due to postural issues, pregnancy, or trauma. Some patients report simply bending over to pick up a piece of paper and then being suddenly hit with extreme pain. The reality, however, is that the spinal condition was probably already developing for quite some time before the triggering incident occurred.

Chiropractic Treatment For Sciatica

Chiropractors in Clifton are highly trained to zero in on the source of the sciatica and to work with the patient in determining the most suitable approach to treatment. After a thorough assessment of the individual’s unique issue, gentle adjustments are made that will allow the body to recover its natural alignment.

Some people respond very quickly while others take more time to recover. It really depends on the condition of the disc or the joints that the chiropractor has to correct. In most cases, the longer the issue persists, the longer it will take to achieve correction. The great news is that it typically takes less time to fix an issue like this than it took to create it in the first place. Once the position of the spine and discs are corrected, patients often report improvements in their overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica, please call our team at Joseph Licitra, DC today.

 

Call Today!

 

For more information and access to the video, visit Dr. Licitra�s website at www.josephlicitra.com/sciatica

For more information, please visit josephlicitra.com

Source: PressCable

Release ID: 185891

Herniated Disc Center

Herniated Disc Center

El Paso,TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez looks examines a�herniated disc.

Herniated disc is a somewhat common condition that can occur anywhere along the spinal column, but most commonly affects the lower back or neck area. Also known as ruptured disk or a slipped disc, a herniated disc develops when one of the pillow-like pads between the vertebrae moves out of position and presses on nerves that are adjacent.

Herniated discs are usually caused by overuse injuries or injury to the back; however, disc conditions may also develop as a result of the standard aging process. It’s also known that there is a genetic factor that leads to the evolution of herniated disc and disc degeneration. As the size of herniation shrinks with time via resorption, typically, a herniated disc in the lower back will heal within six months. If physical therapy, drugs along with other treatments fail, operation may be needed.

 

What’s A Disk?

Spinal discs are cushion-like pads located between the vertebrae. Without these �shock absorbers,� the bones in the spinal column would grind against one another. Along with giving the backbone flexibility and making movements like twisting and bending potential, discs protect the spine by absorbing the effect of trauma and body weight. Each disk has a strong outer layer called annulus fibrosus and a soft, gel-like center, called nucleus pulposus. There are fibers on the outside of each disc that attach to adjoining vertebrae and hold the disc in position. A herniated disc occurs when the gel as well as the outer layer tears or ruptures -like middle leaks to the spinal canal.

The spinal canal has only enough space to place spinal fluid and the spinal cord. When a disc herniates and spills to the spinal canal, it could cause compression of spinal cord or the nerves. Alterations in sensation and intense, debilitating pain often happen. Furthermore, the gel-like substance inside the disk releases chemical irritants that bring about pain and nerve inflammation.

What Causes A Herniated Disc?

As we get older, the spinal disks gradually lose fluid volume. This process progresses slowly and begins at about age 30, over time. As the disks dry out, tears or microscopic cracks can form on the outer surface, causing it to become weak, fragile and much more susceptible to injury. The most common causes of herniated disc are:

  • Wear and tear: Disks dry out and aren�t as adaptive as they were.
  • Repetitive�movements: Work, lifestyle, and certain sports activities that place stress on the spine, especially the lower back, further weaken an already vulnerable area.
  • Lifting the wrong way: Never lift while bent at the waist. Proper lifting entails lifting with a straight back and your legs.
  • Injury: High-impact trauma can create the disk to bulge, tear or rupture.
  • Obesity: Carrying excess weight places an undue amount of strain on the back.
  • Genetics: There are a few genes which might be more typically present in individuals with disc degeneration. More research is necessary to investigate the role of those genes�they could be targets of biological treatment in the future.

Which Are The Symptoms Of A Herniated Disc?

Pain from a herniated disc can fluctuate, determined by severity and the place of the harm. It is typically felt on one side of the body.

Little or no pain could be felt in case the injury is minimal. Pain might be severe and unrelenting, in the event the disk ruptures. If significant nerve impingement has occurred pain may radiate to an extremity in a certain nerve root distribution. For instance, sciatica is often resulting from herniated disc in the low back. Herniated disc can manifest itself with a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Dull ache to severe pain
  • Numbness, tingling, burning
  • Muscle weakness; spasm; altered reflexes
  • Loss in bowel or bladder control (Note: These symptoms constitute a medical emergency. When they occur, seek medical attention immediately).

 

How Is A Herniated Disc Diagnosed?

History and physical examination point to some diagnosis of herniated disc. A herniated disc is likely if low back pain is accompanied by radiating leg pain in a nerve root distribution with positive straight leg raising test (ie, elevating the leg while lying down causes radiating pain down the leg), as well as other neurologic deficits for example numbness, weakness, and altered reflexes.

Imaging studies usually are ordered to confirm a diagnosis of herniated disc. X rays are not the imaging medium of choice because soft tissues (eg, discs, nerves) are hard to capture with this specific technology. However, they might be used as an initial tool to eliminate other illnesses such as for instance fracture or a growing. Confirmation of the feeling of herniated disc is generally achieved with:

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technology shows the spinal cord, surrounding soft tissue and nerves. It really is the best imaging study to support the identification of a herniated disc.
  • Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyogram (EMG): These studies use electric impulses to measure the level of harm to the nerve/s brought on by compaction from a herniated disc along with other conditions that cause nerve impingement may be ruled out. NCS and EMG are not routine evaluations to diagnose herniated disc.

Herniated discs occasionally heal independently through a process called resorption. This means the disk fragments are consumed by the body. Most people suffering from herniated disc do not need surgery and react well to conservative treatment.

 

Call Today!

Yoga For You & Back Pain

Yoga For You & Back Pain

El Paso, TX. Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez looks at yoga for back pain.

Yoga increases strength and flexibility, but some find it to be a spiritual experience that brings serenity and delight.

I attended my first yoga class after I was 21 years old. At the time the goal was purely to appease my self so that I really could tell my family, buddies and coworkers that “I do yoga”. In my experience, yogis were “cool” and I enjoyed being linked with that healthy lifestyle. My twenty-something year old mind was in a self absorbed place and that I totally enjoyed the freedom of dedicating myself to yoga and other enjoyable ways to fill my time.

Yoga in its purest form is intended to help the individual’s head and body and is likely to be practiced without ego.

My First Yoga Course

I loved her gentle encouragement. As I visited my weekly yoga classes, bending and twisting and telling myself “I can perform this,” I began to reap the benefits. I was sleeping better. My body felt less angry and I noticed a calmness come over me. I felt more patient coping with the irritations of life, too.

Here is The�Irony

Yoga is not something you do. It’s a thing that you encounter. Because over time, it gets engrained in you it’s called a practice. The teachings of Maureen were put in me like little seeds which didn’t actually completely thrive until much later in my life. To jogging, though I did not intentionally give up my usual yoga practice, around along the way it took a back seat. Those little seeds were there but lay dormant for now.

Running Was Different

I felt free moving swiftly across the road. Being goal oriented, I found monitoring my mileage to be a pleasing achievement. Running was pleasing for another reason, too. My best friend Linda was also a runner, and we’d meet most Sundays for long runs. We’d participated in occasional half marathons and put in 15 to 20 miles each week. Running that distance took time � two hours or even more.

Those small seeds were there all along. Like I mentioned, yoga has a way of becoming engrained in you.

My Back Pain & Yoga

If you’ve been following my site, you understand that I’ve had back pain through most of my entire life. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, my little friend “yoga” softly arrived back on the scene. My pain riddled body seemed to intuitively understand it needed yoga again. I began feeling the requirement to roll over on my back and pull my legs towards my chest, before getting out of bed in the early hours. (The knees-to-chest pose extends your lower back muscles and is a gentle, soothing approach to begin your day.) The reach that was straightforward felt energizing and really good.

There are quite a lot of advantages of yoga, especially for maintaining well-being and managing low back pain. A follow up experiment was conducted after 26 weeks, and those same yoga participants were experiencing increased function and less pain. For me, the continual practice of yoga has relieved my pain to the point that I no more need pain medication to get me.

Other Ways�Yoga Relieves Back Pain

  • Yoga strengthens abdominal muscles both of which help support the spinal column and builds flexibility in the rear, when practiced regularly.
  • Holding yoga models, for up to a minute, helps stretch the muscles over time.
  • Properly stretching�the muscles in the low back reduces stress over the area.
  • Yoga offers relief from pain, stress and anxiety. All low back pain suffers know this is a vicious cycle. You start with pain that doesn’t go away. You find out there is an anatomical reason for the pain. But, you still have the anxiety, and stress of worrying about how long this may last. Yoga can counter that triple threat.
  • Yoga improves posture. To maintain a strong, fit, flexible backbone great posture is vital. Seated and standing yoga poses help improve the alignment of the spine and also posture. Proper bearing reduces back pain and removes some of the pressure from your spinal column.

Yoga For Beginners

Thus, let’s get started with a couple of poses which are a cinch to do and great for preserving flexibility in your spine.Try these three poses daily for increased flexibility and your spine will thank you!

Knees to Chest Pose (Picture below)

  • Lie on your back with legs and arms stretched
  • Bring both knees to chest as you exhale. Clasp your hands around legs
  • Back is flat on the floor (mat)
  • If it’s comfortable for you, gently rock back and forth, which gives you a little massage

 

Cat/Cow Pose (Images below)

  • Begin on all fours in a tabletop�position
  • Place your hands under your shoulders along with your knees under your hips
  • Like a cat, round your back up to arch on the exhale
  • Bring your chin to chest
  • On the inhale, drop your abdomen and raise your head, extending your sitting bones (sits) back up

 

Cat Pose

 

Cow Pose

Child’s�Pose (Picture below)

  • Move from table top to a kneeling position. Rest your arms by your side, press your shoulders down and simultaneously reach your head tall
  • Slowly lower�your buttocks towards your heels feeling a nice stretch in your lower back/hips.
  • Let your forehead�rest on the floor
  • Place arms resting alongside your body
  • Or you can place�arms above head, gently stretching as they are placed on the floor
  • If it is easier too, you can widen knees as you stretch out

Those small yoga seeds�put by my first teacher long past � have continued to grow/flourish. I’m a fully certified yoga teacher and revel in sharing my practice with students every week now. May you find peace on your own journey and pain relief too, one pose at a time. Namaste.

 

Call Today!