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If you’ve found that back pain restricts your typical workout routine, it might be time to switch to a new form of exercise. A recent study from Harvard University found that yoga may reduce common symptoms of chronic back pain over time. But how substantiated are these claims? Does yoga actually help with back pain, or was the observed back pain relief the result of a placebo effect? Minnesota’s iSpine Pain Physicians explain what you need to know about incorporating yoga exercises for back pain relief.

Building Muscle

Yoga relieves back pain through movement. Deep stretches and fluid sequences are used to strengthen and lengthen the muscles in your back as well as your shoulders, chest, hips and thighs. These muscle groups are constantly working in unison; thus, relieving the pressure that builds up in those areas is essential to back pain relief. In addition to reducing discomfort, yoga increases your flexibility, protects your muscles from future injuries and even minimizes your stress levels.

Targeted Poses

If you experience back pain, you should back painpractice yoga poses that specifically target your thoracic and lumbar muscles. Poses like downward dog, low lunge with backbend and forward fold engage these regions as well as the surrounding areas. Ask your back pain specialist or yoga instructor which poses you should practice based on your unique symptoms. 

Not a Cure

While beneficial, yoga is not the cure for many severe types of back pain. If your pain is interfering with your day-to-day life, you might benefit more from nerve blocks or injections. When in doubt, ask your back pain specialist. They’ll help you identify the cause of your back pain as well as develop a treatment plan that is both safe and effective. Yoga also won’t bring instant relief as these stretches need time to strengthen your muscles. However, with regular practice, you could see back pain relief lasting several months.

Chronic back pain shouldn’t interfere with your active lifestyle. For more tips on how to successfully relieve your back pain, call iSpine Pain Physicians at (763) 201-8191. Visit their website to see the additional chronic pain management services they provide.

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