Yoga for Pain

The approach at Inner Focus Physio is to take neuroscience education about the whole body, including the nervous system, to people in trouble in a language they can understand. There is a particular focus on the brain and it, therefore, involves education about the role of thoughts, attitudes, perceptions and superstitions, as well as tissue damage and healing. This model of education is based firmly within the biopsychosocial approach. Pain is seen as not necessarily a sign of damage but more an individual response to threat, real or perceived. Psychological factors have long been known as strong predictors of long term disability and chronic pain. Explaining pain in this way gives a biological base to the psychological factors.

yoga and chronic pain

Chronic pain is a common and important problem, but many healthcare practitioners, even those in pain management settings, do not have a clear understanding of modern pain science. Misconceptions about pain can be a major roadblock to effective interventions, including Yoga therapy. 

the science of yoga therapy

Current research suggests that a carefully adapted set of yoga poses may reduce low-back pain and improve function. Other studies also suggest that practicing yoga (as well as other forms of regular exercise) might improve quality of life; reduce stress; lower heart rate and blood pressure; help relieve anxiety, depression, and insomnia; and improve overall physical fitness, strength, and flexibility.

yoga for back pain

Psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, fear and anger seem to have a greater impact than biomedical or biomechanical factors on Chronic Lower Back Pain disability.

In Chronic Lower Back Pain, the reduction in quality of life could be attributed to pain related sleep disturbances, fatigue, medication abuse[2] functional disability[3] and stress.