A Mind-Body Practice Can Overcome Pain

The American College of Physicians published new guidelines this past April recommending that people suffering from acute or chronic back pain try yoga before pain medication. Many instances of acute musculoskeletal pain are the result of over using muscles, tendons and ligaments that have previously been under exercised. Consequently, performing tasks that suddenly demand more than your body is used to such as digging, painting, lifting heavy objects ends in injury. A regular yoga practice can keep your body in shape to take on physical activities without the risk of pulls and sprains. Mind-body therapies such as yoga, tai chi, guided relaxation and other meditative movement for stress reduction can assist with reducing the need for pain medication for chronic pain as well.