Yoga For Lower Back Pain Due To Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a medical condition where your spine has abnormal curves with a rotational deformity. The cause of scoliosis is often hereditary and can result in severe chest and back pain. In order to combat scoliosis, why not extend your range of treatment by trying an innovative solution like yoga.
Yoga is known to have aided healing the processes. Yoga is an exercise of the body and mind that people have been practicing for centuries. This discipline has its beginning in ancient India dating back to around 2,000 BC. The word ‘yoga’ actually refers to the union of mind, body, and soul. Yoga not only helps in physical development, but also emphasizes mental acuity and oneness with the spirit.
By combining yoga postures with breathing awareness, you can develop a relatively more symmetrical alignment of your spine. Ujjayi breathing is particularly useful, as it allows you to take in a full breath that first fills your belly, your rib cage and then your lungs. This long breath helps you calm down your nervous system reducing pain transmitted through nerves. It helps make your abdominal muscles stronger as well, so that your back muscles are not overworked.
‘Ardha Matsyendrasana’ is a simple spinal twist that involves you sitting down with your legs stretched out and looking over your shoulder. This ‘asana’ gives your spine a lateral stretch and the spinal nerves are stimulated. By maintaining the spine’s strength, the nerves are ensured of their supply of oxygen and nutrients. You could also try a ‘forward bend’ or ‘backward bend’ while standing up or sitting down depending on your flexibility and comfort. Another good exercise is ‘Matsyasana’ or fish pose, where you lie down on your back while arching it, which helps ease muscle tension and improves spinal flexibility.
Scoliosis often results in the rounding of the upper back. To prevent this, a good exercise is ‘Dhanurasana’ or bow pose, where you lie down on your abdomen in the shape of a bow and balance your body. Strengthening your feet muscles is important too and you should maintain equal weight on both your feet so your spine is lengthened. ‘Trikonasana’ or a lateral bend is suitable for this.
If at any time while performing yoga, you feel pain, or you feel that the pose is too difficult, you may stop or move on to an easier pose. You can always practice yoga at home, but it is a good idea to learn the basics from a licensed practitioner to learn the correct techniques.
