Yoga, Pilates and Workouts that Help with Back Pain

Back pain affects many Americans each year: almost 65 million report new back pain, and about 16 million adults report chronic ongoing back pain.

Back pain is a consistent issue that can disable or slow you down, and many industries spend billions of dollars trying to relieve people of recent or chronic back pain.

Back pain can be challenging to heal your spine involves many moving parts like ligaments, bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, soft tissues, and much more. All parts of our body are connected to different systems, so having pain in one area could affect other areas.

You want to focus on long-term solutions—exercises and treatments that focus on relieving back pain for good.

Some ways to prevent and treat back pain are working out and stretching your body using yoga and Pilates. Both are proven techniques that help people connect with their bodies, slowly address back pain, and gain strength and flexibility.

Yoga

You don’t have to be an experienced yoga practitioner to jump into it. Many poses are great for beginners, and setting a consistent routine can allow you to fully stretch your body, including your neck, shoulders, and back.

Here are a few yoga positions that you can try to alleviate back pain:

  • Downward Facing Dog
  • Planks
  • Cat/Cow Pose
  • Child’s Poseyoga pose

Pilates

Like with yoga, it’s not necessary to be experienced to try a few positions, and the goal is to keep your back strong and flexible.

Here are a few pilates positions that may help relieve back pain:

  • Pelvic Tilt
  • Spinal Twist
  • Chest Lift
  • Spine Stretch

Walking

In the case of back pain, Newton’s first law of motion holds true: an object in motion stays in motion. When you have back pain, laying on your back can actually make your pain worse, and being rigid makes it harder to be fluid.

Try walking every day for at least 10 to 15 minutes to give your back an excellent, gentle workout.

Swimming

Swimming can be a great workout for those with arthritis, joint pain, and injuries. Depending on the extent of your back pain, this may be an ideal way to gently stretch and work out without overexerting yourself.

Only 150 minutes of moderate swimming can help you lose weight, sleep better, relieve pain, and much more.

back pain exercises

Tips To Protect Yourself

Practicing a mind/body workout can improve your quality of life, but it’s essential that you take it slow and protect yourself from further injury:

  • When you twist your spine and body, avoid extending as well
  • If you can’t touch your toes, either slightly bend your knees or use a prop to help. Never force a pose
  • Always stop any activity immediately if you feel pain or uncomfortable

 

Everyone’s body and health are different; there is no one-size-fits-all to relieving and addressing back pain.

Beginners may want to join a yoga or Pilates class for guidance and support; it’s possible to misunderstand directions and perform a position incorrectly. Teachers can improve your posture and give tips, plus you can ask them for specific poses to relieve back pain. Of course, if back pain becomes more frequent and severe, it might be a good idea to visit your chiropractor. Everett Spine & Rehab is located in Snohomish County–we are here to help you with your back pain and injury rehabilitation.

Summary
Yoga, Pilates and Workouts that Help with Back Pain
Article Name
Yoga, Pilates and Workouts that Help with Back Pain
Description
Back pain affects many Americans each year: almost 65 million report new back pain, and about 16 million adults report chronic ongoing back pain. Back pain is a consistent issue that can disable or slow you down, and many industries spend billions of dollars trying to relieve people of recent or chronic back pain.
Author
Everett Spine and Rehab
Everett Spine and Rehab
Publisher Logo

Leave a comment

Skip to content