Hatha Yoga for Back Pain Prevention

Hatha Yoga is a good complementary therapy for people who suffer
from back pain. In the case of those who suffer from pre-existing
chronic pain in the back, Hatha Yoga should help reduce pain and help
improve one's spinal alignment. This is not to say that Yoga will cure
chronic back pain, but that it is often a good adjunct therapy to
orthopedic and chiropractic medicine.With reference to Hatha Yoga as a
method of back pain prevention, the record speaks for itself. Yoga is
thousands of years old and the Mother of all health maintenance
systems. There are many other health maintenance systems that may show
a fair amount of therapeutic application.However, many alternative
therapies teach aspects of Yoga, and some are very often branches of
therapeutic Hatha Yoga, under different names. In fact, despite its
depth, Hatha Yoga is just one of nine main branches of the Yogic tree.
All forms of Yoga reduce suffering of mind, body, and spirit. The
following three Yogic points will help anyone prevent back problems
and reduce pain:1. Aerate the spine daily. You need to create space
between the vertebrae, by extending the spine. This allows the spinal
discs a break during the day. One example of a method that will do
this is performing Ardha Uttanasana (Standing half forward bend). This
beautiful posture is often overlooked because almost anyone can do
it.If you reach for a wall, counter top, or pole, and gently draw
back, you will aerate your spine. The opposite of this is to remain
seated in a chair, all day, and let your spine compress in the office.
It is a wonder that most of us do not experience back pain sooner, by
compressing the spine daily.2. Moderation is the cornerstone of Yogic
philosophy. Never be lazy and never over do it. Mindfully lift
everything, by using your legs. When you have to lift an object, think
about leverage, good posture, and avoiding strain when lifting
anything. Lifting should be in moderation. Lifting objects, that are
too heavy, can cause permanent harm to the spine and skeleton.3. Keep
your spine as straight as possible throughout the day. This is a
difficult task, as many of us slouch and slump when it comes to
posture. Picture yourself practicing good Yoga asana alignment all day
long. This applies to sitting, walking, standing, eating, and
sleeping. Good posture is a daily mission for prevention of back
pain.� Copyright 2010 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications