Specific yoga practices will help to strengthen the posterior muscles and ligaments holding the disc in position. Backward bending asanas (body postures) promote the flow of blood and energy into the lumbar spine.

What is Slipped Disc?

Slipped disc is a painful condition occurring most commonly in the lower (lumbar) region of the back. Spinal discs are cushion like, fluid filled pads between each pair of vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers, protecting the brain, spinal cord and internal organs.  Spinal discs are held in position by strong ligaments attached to the edge of the disc and the bony vertebrae. When extreme or excessive strain is brought upon the lower back, these discs are prone to rupture or tear. As a result, the jelly-like disc fluid protrudes out, possibly against a nerve.
Slipped disc injury often occurs while engaging in an activity involving bending forward or as a result of an accident. The injury occurs when the spinal muscles and ligaments are weak. The onset of this condition is sudden, a feeling of something tearing in the lower back, followed by a sharp and often agonizing lower back pain. When this happens, the sufferer is unable to straighten up or bend the back even slightly.  For the next few hours the pain worsens as the tissues and ligaments around the protruding disc become engorged with blood and tissue fluid. The whole area become inflamed and tender.

Personal Sessions Recommended

Participating in a general group yoga class may seem ideal, but can hinder the healing process. Because practices are designed with a broad approach to health, individual attention for a particular medical condition cannot always be provided.
In a personal session, a qualified and fully trained yoga instructor will construct a health and wellness program to suit individual needs, based on a detailed health profile and individual goals. Sessions are developed in a systematic way, for optimal health and healing.
After an initial consultation and first session, the instructor can accurately assess individual needs and recommend a yoga program, frequency and duration of practice.

Yoga as Prevention

Asanas should be practiced regularly, within the body’s capacity and with a qualified yoga instructor. A gradual approach should be taken, slowly increasing the duration of asana practice. Including pranayama, meditation and Yoga Nidra will restore spinal stability to regain full range of movement. Practicing a few yoga asanas daily and under guidance will preserve the strength and flexibility of the spinal muscles, discs and ligaments. Regular, ongoing yoga practice prevents reoccurrences of slipped discs and provides an effective, less painful and far simpler alternative to surgery. Contact all elements yoga for more information.