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Yoga Therapy For Chronic Low Back Pain
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common condition, affecting nearly one in four adults between the ages of 20 and 59. Complementary approaches, such as yoga therapy, can be an effective way to augment allopathic treatments to address discomfort related to low back pain.
For people suffering from CLBP, movement is vital to reducing symptoms. Unfortunately, CLBP can make it difficult to move or participate in regular exercise. Yoga therapy can help people with CLBP find a safe, healing way to regain ease of movement.
Yoga is an ancient practice dating back thousands of years. Yoga therapy is an application of yoga tools such as poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation to address specific conditions like CLBP.
Unlike yoga classes, yoga therapy is conducted one-on-one with a certified yoga therapist. Yoga therapists tailor the tools of yoga to the physical, mental, and emotional needs of each client. Client-centered care is particularly important for conditions like CLBP. While low back pain often results from overuse or an accident, it may have other sources, such as stress or breathing irregularities that are different for each person. In addition to movement, yoga therapists use breathing exercises and meditation to address these other underlying sources of CLBP.
Yoga therapy is a collaborative, client-centered process that focuses on the wellness goals of the client. The initial session includes a medical history review, muscle and breath assessments, and a discussion of how the client’s condition impacts their daily activities. Together, the client and therapist determine a wellness goal and a home plan of care to meet that goal. The plan of care is designed to fit into the client’s schedule and empower them to progress toward improved health. It may include asana, pranayama, meditation, lifestyle modifications, and self-reflection work such as journaling.
Yoga therapists do not diagnose illnesses or prescribe medication. However, they can work with medical and other healthcare professionals to help optimize the outcome of a current treatment plan.
The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) certifies yoga therapists who complete rigorous training that includes over 1,000 hours of education, mentoring, and practice. This training includes classes in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Go to a certified yoga therapist (C-IAYT) near you to get some help with your CLBP today.
