Back Pain - A Different Approach

by Winston P. McDonald

Posted on Wednesday 12th of October 2011

You must assess the back pain and decide if it is something you need to see a doctor about or is it something you can resolve yourself. We’re talking about your back here, so if you are going to make an error, err on the side of caution!

I’m going to give you a few tips on how to assess the need for medical attention. If you experience any difficulty controlling your bowels or bladder, see your doctor. If your back pain awakens you at night, see your doctor. If you have fever, chills, sweats or other signs of infection, see your doctor. If you experience any unusual symptoms, see your doctor!

All right then! No doctor’s appointment yet? Then take a moment to appraise your personal physical condition. Be honest with yourself! Are you carrying around a few too many pounds? Are those pounds featured around your waistline? When you stand up straight, can you see your toes? Do you exercise regularly? Do you play any sports, run, jog or otherwise exert yourself? Well, you see where I’m going with this don’t you?

Not to oversimplify, but the problem with your back may be your front. A weak “core” can put a great deal of stress on your back, result in poor posture and allow your internal organs to slosh around like ice cubes in a punch bowl. None of this is good for your overall health and it’s certainly not good for your back.

I want you to try yoga. Yoga is a centuries old discipline, and I have found it to be very effective in resolving back pain. My personal experience has been nothing short of phenomenal. The exercises I will suggest for you are not difficult to perform and do not require you to assume any pretzel like positions.

My objective is to provide you with a few postures (asanas in the vernacular) and if you realize a benefit from them, I encourage you to spend a few bucks on a good yoga manual at your local bookstore.

Vatayanasan (Wind-Releasing Pose)

Lie flat on your back and inhale deeply. Placing your hands just below the knee, draw your leg towards your chest. Your left leg should remain flat on the floor. Exhale bringing your forehead up to touch your knee. Inhale, and then as you exhale, return to your original position. Repeat with the other leg. Do this 3 times for each leg alternating legs.

Matsyasan (Fish Pose)

Lie on your back, knees bent and arms at your side. Arch your back as far as you can. Lift your back by pushing off the floor with your elbows. If you can, tilt your head backwards and rest the crown of your head on the floor. Breathe deeply from the diaphragm and hold pose for one minute.

Salabhasan (Locust Pose)

Lie face down, arms at the side, palms down and elbows slightly bent. Your fingers should point towards the feet. Raise your legs and thighs as high off the ground as possible without causing your back any pain. Hold for one second and repeat as many times as is comfortable for you but no more than twelve times.

Now, don’t you feel better! There are 840,000 poses (asanas) in the practice of yoga. 84 are critical to your health. You have been introduced to 3. Get busy, you won’t regret it.