Yoga for the spine ?

Yoga for the spine, is really Yoga for whole health. Yoga for the spine is built upon a necessary foundation of awareness of the body and its placement in movement and stillness.

When the back has an injury, either acute or chronic, your body is demanding you notice what is happening NOW.

Yoga for the spine insists on attention into the alignment of the body. The spine is the key to correct alignment. If any part of the skeletal alignment is incorrect there is a knock on effect in the spine. Everything is inter-related and there is always a fine line between balance and imbalance.

The few important things to do,  and should you be suffering at the moment from back difficulties coming from ache in your back, due to sciatica, bulging/herniated disc and the like, caution-rest and patience are the very first step towards healing ; here are some tips for a little relief:

1. See your GP for an assessment, further investigation, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment advice, and heed the advice given. When a doctor says stop, they mean stop.
2. Yoga for the spine means begin to listen to your body signals and learn to not override them. Once you hear and understand the signals of your body, you will be able to take correct action for alleviation. Eventually, it would be hoped that all your work and patience will become preventative medicine.
3. For whatever reason the injury occurred, there are ways to bring some amount of strength and balance back. It does depend on the severity of the injury, but it takes time and consistent daily practice.
4. While there is still pain, it is a signal to stop doing what it is you are doing. Under no circumstance should you hinge your hips at a 90 degree angle, most especially never keep your knees straight without positive confirmation of healing.
5. Find a Yoga teacher to give you guidance in all forms Yoga fr the spine of healing innner and outer, and also finding alternative postures for correct strengthening as well as flexibility during healing.
6. You should never attempt a new physical regime without the help of a professional at the beginning.
7. ***There should be no pain, no tingling or numbness during any of your practices. Any such signal means… STOP, pause where you are… for a moment breathe and consider how to move out of the posture safely, with the pelvic floor drawn in to assist in correct withdrawl of the posture.
8. Walking is the most restorative exercise for acute symptoms, if possible. The walk should not be at a pelting pace, but should be stronger than an amble. The gentle sway of the arms and hips loosens the muscles of the back.
9. Swimming in a pool is a great balancer for the body. However due to the pull of the tides, if you are in pain or still in recovery at the time, stay away from swimming in the sea. But dipping in and out is pretty okay for anyone once entrance and exit are easy peasy.
10. A firm bed to lay upon is important. Sleeping on your stomach with your arms out stretched along side your ears could help during the painful times. But to be honest, it is really about your body and you finding comfort in the acute phases, you know best.
11. Never take your ability or boundaries for granted.
12. Start small, impatience leads to lack of awareness and possible injury. Small postures also increase freedom and flexibility, baby steps always when starting.

Most of all go slowly and gently, becoming aware of your boundaries and freedom is the beginning of healing and wisdom.

By Kelly Marie Mills and The Dosha Life podcast

NOTE: Kelly Marie Mills and her websites are strictly for information and education. They are not, in any way, advocating for self-exploration of any physical practice without a Doctor examination and the guidance of a trained teacher of any chosen healing therapy.