How to do yoga with a hernia in the lumbar

Disc herniation in the lumbar spine is the most common, and treatment methods are usually standard for all patients. It is impossible to completely get rid of this pathology, therefore therapy is aimed at eliminating the symptoms and preventing complications. Yoga therapy is an unconventional approach to the treatment of spinal hernia, but it is practiced by many patients and is recommended by doctors.

Yoga asanas do not require sudden movements, they are aimed at relaxing all the muscles, and some of them help in stretching the spine and strengthening the back muscles.

Undoubtedly, yoga with a hernia of the lumbar spine will be useful, but it is always important to consider the possible risks and contraindications. The protrusion of the intervertebral disc in the lumbar region has its own specific manifestations, and some of them will be a limitation to any physical activity. You should always check with your doctor whether it is possible to practice yoga with a hernia of the lumbar spine when certain symptoms appear.

Manifestations of a hernia of the spine

Treatment of intervertebral hernia and acceptable exercises for this disease will be selected depending on the symptomatic complex.

What symptoms can be observed with a hernia of the spine:

1. Hernia in the cervical region . The patient is worried about unstable blood pressure, pain in the shoulder girdle, between the shoulder blades and in the neck. Headaches are less often present, dizziness periodically appears. Severe manifestations will be hearing and vision impairment, and these will already be irreversible changes.
2. Hernia in the thoracic region . Chronic pain in the shoulder girdle, shoulder blades, less often you can observe numbness of the limbs, a feeling of crawling. Such localization is quite rare, because this department has the least load. Quite often, a hernia in the thoracic region is diagnosed along with a curvature of the spine.
3. Hernia in the lumbar region . There is always pain in the lower back that radiates to the right or left leg. The patient is concerned about the numbness of the skin in the perineum and legs. Less often, pain is present in the foot and on the outer side of the thigh.

With a pathological process in the cervical region, the doctor will recommend wearing a special collar. It will prevent accidental injuries and muscle strains. When performing various exercises and yoga asanas, it is also useful to wear it.

With a hernia in the thoracic segment, it is recommended to perform various exercises, starting with a minimum load. In this case, the “child” pose will be useful when all the muscles of the back relax. It is necessary to finish each set of exercises with the “corpse” pose or Shavasana. But in no case should you make movements that involve twisting the spine.

In case of a disc prolapse in the lumbar region, yoga is acceptable, but the first classes should always be under the supervision of a doctor. If the pain increases from the first day after asanas, you should consult your doctor about the safest exercises to relax and stretch the spine.

Lumbar hernia treatment

Therapy of a lumbar hernia is always complex, and includes the following activities :

• drug treatment - NSAIDs, antispasmodics, non-narcotic analgesics and narcotic painkillers for persistent pain;
• manual therapy - is aimed at returning the vertebrae to their anatomical place and alignment of the spine, during the procedure, muscle relaxation also occurs, blood flow improves, stagnant processes go away;
• physiotherapy exercises - a set of exercises for a hernia is selected taking into account the period of the disease, but exercise therapy will be an important stage in recovery both before and after surgery;
• diet - a hernia in the lumbar region begins with a violation of diffuse processes, when the tissues surrounding the disc cease to receive the required amount of minerals, vitamins and trace elements, and balance can be restored with properly selected nutrition.

Is yoga allowed with a hernia

Yoga for intervertebral hernia can be a good addition to conservative therapy. Almost all yoga asanas are safe for the back, but it is always important to follow the rules of prevention.

Rules and restrictions when doing yoga:

• it is important to learn how to breathe correctly, which will help breathing exercises;
• you will have to perform exercises daily, gradually increasing the load;
• in the first lessons, it is contraindicated to do twisting exercises;
• according to indications, it is necessary to do asanas in a postoperative bandage.

Beneficial yoga asanas

For the prevention of complications, the following asanas :

Supta  Padangushthasana :

1. In the supine position, relax the muscles of the back and buttocks, arms along the torso.
2. In one hand you need to take the belt, make a loop and stick the right heel into it.
3. Extend the hand with the belt, directing it to the right side.
4. Straighten your right leg, and stretch your left leg at shoulder level.
5. Return to starting position and repeat several times.

Supta  Padangushthasana :

1. The starting position is the same.
2. With the help of a loop, you need to raise your right leg perpendicular to the floor.
3. Extend the knee, while keeping the other leg off the floor.
4. Repeat with the left leg.

A rdha  svanasana :

1. Become facing the wall a meter away from it.
2. Lean forward with your palms against the wall.
3. Slowly move your hands down towards the floor.
4. Raise your hands back, straightening your back.
5. Repeat several times.

What not to do with a herniated disc

to practice yoga with a disc herniation in the lumbar region in such cases:

• severe pain syndrome;
• Strong headache;
• dizziness, high blood pressure;
• exacerbation of systemic diseases;
• inflammatory process in the spine;
• sequestration;
• suffered a stroke;
• acute respiratory pathologies;
• early rehabilitation period;
• decompensated pathologies of the heart and respiratory system;
• open wounds on the back when there is a risk of infection;
• mental disorders (psychosis, schizophrenia, epilepsy);
• numbness and tingling of the skin during exercise.

When performing each exercise, the movements should be smooth and slow, otherwise there is a risk of muscle strain. It is forbidden to jump, it is also important to exclude any blows on the back.

Yoga is most effective if :

• exercise late in the evening or in the morning before breakfast;
• stop exercising as soon as fatigue appears;
• monitor changes in well-being;
• do not exercise after eating;
• start and end the session with a warm-up.

Why is a disc herniation dangerous?

Overwork and incorrect performance of asanas increases the risk of accidental injury, and then the hernia can worsen. This condition will be manifested by severe pain in the lower back and leg.

Ignoring contraindications and rules can lead to a number of complications:

• exacerbation of osteochondrosis, inflammation in the spine;
• severe back pain that cannot be relieved with analgesics;
• muscle strain, inflammation of the tendons;
• the occurrence of a hernia between adjacent vertebrae;
• detachment of part of the disc and its migration along the spinal canal.

The effectiveness of yoga in hernia

The benefits of yoga for disc herniation in the lumbar region is a complex effect on the entire body and not only on the physical, but also on the psychological level.

5 reasons to do yoga with a herniated disc:

1. Increasing the elasticity of the muscles, and at the same time improves the elasticity of the skin.
2. Psychological comfort, the ability to control your feelings.
3. Normalization of blood pressure, prevention of CCC pathologies.
4. Toning of the whole organism, elimination of chronic fatigue.
5. Refusal of bad habits, maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Separate yoga asanas for lumbar pathology will help prevent inflammation and pinched nerves. This is due to the relaxation of the muscles and the extension of the spine. However, you can get the opposite effect if you practice yoga during an exacerbation of the disease, and when there is severe pain.