Chronic back pain is no joke. Only those who suffer from it know what it is like to live with pain every moment of the day, cringe at every speed bump, being unable to lift or pull, not being able to sit comfortably for even a small period of time, or sleep in peace.
In most cases of back pain, the cause is almost always weak torso muscles. Most of us don’t exercise or use our bodies to the optimum ability. Pain medication merely postpones having to deal with the cause of the pain.
The main excuse is that there is no time, but time needs to be created for the vehicle that we owe our life and living to.
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When you lose your health, you lose touch with your true potential. This is not to paint a bleak picture for those who don’t do yoga or exercise. The body is capable of recovering from the depths of illness only if you choose to guide it back into well-being.
Practise the following posture every day to ease your back pain. This is best practised just before bedtime, as it also helps the mind unwind and relax. You can also place a hot water bottle on the lower back or the spot where there is maximum amount of pain.
Adavasana (Downward-facing Corpse Pose)ADVERTISEMENT
You will need a yoga mat and a couple of thick, folded towels.
If you have acute back pain and cannot lie on the floor, then perform this posture on a bed with a hard mattress.
Lie flat on your stomach.
Stretch your arms over your head with your palms facing downwards.
Your forehead should be resting on the floor. If this is uncomfortable, place a thick towel underneath your forehead.
Relax your whole body and stop all physical movement.
Become aware of your natural breathing and allow it to become rhythmic and relaxed.
Begin to count backwards from 21 in the following manner; as you inhale say (in your mind), “I am breathing in 21”, and as you exhale say, “I am breathing out 21.”
The next cycle is “I am breathing in 20” and “I am breathing out 20.”
Count down to zero. If your mind wanders and you lose count, then start again from the top.