Yoga can help increase strength in very specific muscles and muscle groups.
It requires concentration and specific use of muscles throughout the body.
Many postures in yoga gently strengthen the muscles in the back, as well
as the abdominal muscles. Back and abdominal muscles are essential components
of the muscular network of the spine, helping the body maintain proper
upright posture and movement. When these muscles are well conditioned,
back pain can be greatly reduced or avoided.
Yoga incorporates stretching and relaxation, which reduces tension in stress-carrying
muscles. For people with low back pain, stretching is very important,
For example, stretching the hamstring muscles (in the back of the thigh)
helps expand the motion in the pelvis, decreasing stress across the low
back. In addition, stretching with yoga increases blood flow, allowing
nutrients to flow in, toxins to flow out, and overall nourishment of the
muscles and soft tissues in the lower back.
There are many mental benefits of yoga. There are also several theories
as to why a stressed state of mind affects those suffering from back pain.
Many believe that suffering from back pain increases due to perception.
Negative psychological and emotional factors may not necessarily change
the structure of the back, but may worsen existing problems. Thus, reducing
the perception of the pain can reduce the overall feeling of back pain.
They believe that psychological and emotional factors are the primary
influence in the sensation of pain and can physically alter the body.
For various reasons, high stress and negative emotions many actually cause
back pain. This will, in turn, create negative psychological and emotional
feelings and continue the vicious cycle.