As a chiropractic physician my recommendations are made based on a variety of factors including spinal biomechanics, research evidence and practical considerations such as ease of advice implementation and cost particular products. I would like to disclose that, although I may get a referral fee from some of the items advertised or reviewed, this will never impact the integrity of my reviews or recommendations. I hope you find my recommendations useful; however, if you have a specific spinal problem or condition, and have not yet done so, it is recommended that you contact your qualified health care provider for recommendations that may apply to your particular case.
Peter C. Spathis, DC
Yoga Programs & Equipment For Relief Of Back Pain
Yoga can be a great way to help relieve many types of back pain. Yoga can be used both as a stretching and strengthening modality to help with spinal flexibility and stability. This is important not only for back pain relief but to help maintain spinal function over the years so you can continue to do the things you want at virtually any age.
Yoga stretching and strengthening movements can usually be performed in your own home with no special equipment. Even a few minutes a day can yeild significant results over time. By emphasizing a full body approach, many yoga programs can also help address muscles imbalances that may contribute to back pain and increased risk of injury. As an added benefit, many yoga programs emphasize a mind-body connection and techniques to help reduce stress and promote a feeling of well-being.
The following yoga programs and equipment were choosen with an emphasis on back pain relief with consideration of the above mentioned benefits for added value. However, as yoga exercises may not be appropriate for all spinal conditions and may even be contraindicated in people with certain health problems, please consult your qualified health care provider before starting any yoga or new exercise program.
The title of this book says it all. One of its author's, Loren Fishman, MD, is both a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist as well as an experienced yoga practitioner. He is also the medical director of a New York City physical medicine and rehabilitation practice (manhattanphysicalmedicine.com). Although the author's credentials are more than adequate to provide advice on this topic, it is important to discuss with your own qualified health care provider which of the exercises in this book would be most appropriate in your specific case and which may be contraindicated.
I'm not sure that this 3 DVD set exercise program is truely yoga but is does provide yoga type movements combined with other exercises to help improve flexibility, strength and spinal stability in an effort to manage and prevent back pain. Many people will enjoy the progressive nature of the workouts and the fact that they can each be performed in 20 minutes or less. This program was also developed with the input of a board certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician to ensure a medically sound basis. Of course, even a great program does not mean it will be appropriate in your specific case so please discuss this with your qualified health care provider to ensure you are cleared to perform these exercises.
Most people prefer to perform yoga and similar exercises on a mat rather than a bare floor or carpet. This one is approximately 1/4" thick - the correct thickness for most people doing this type of exercise to provide enough padding yet not so thick as to affect stability. At 32 oz it is also lightweight for its large 72" x 26" size and comes in a variety of colors.
