Four out of five Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. This makes back pain one of the most common medical conditions in existence. It also underscores the need for effective pain management techniques.
If you use yoga stretching for back pain, you're in luck: According to a newly released medical review, the holistic mind-body system is provably effective for lower back aches.
The author, an expert in preventative medicine from the University of California, San Diego, explained that several studies published in 2011 have bolstered the idea that yoga can ease back pain.
In particular, two large, randomized, UK-based investigations determined that weekly yoga classes can reduce lower back pain even as they improve flexibility and quality of life. As a bonus, these studies found that this alternative treatment for back pain entails very few adverse side effects.
So if you're on the fence about trying a Dahn Yoga class, especially one that's dedicated to spinal or neurological issues, hop off it already! At your local community center, there's a free slot – and a good teacher – and a pleasant group – and a calming class environment – all waiting for you.
