Try Yoga Before Drugs to Relieve Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most frequent reasons people visit the doctor and doctors have finally admitted that the usual pharmaceutical tools don’t work. An article today in Vox reports that doctors are recommending yoga, mindfulness meditation, heat therapy, and other “alternative” therapies before medication. Because the causes of back pain are still many and mysterious, there is no magic bullet that works for everyone, and there is very little data to support the effectiveness of the wide range of therapies. Yogis have long understood that a courageous willingness to lean into the uncomfortable spots and bring the powerful and heating tool of awareness to any situation can help. This is the premise of the Happy Back Show. In Season 1, I offer simple investigative breath techniques and movements. In Season 2, Arturo Peal explores the emotional component of the pain and how to navigate these deeper and more painful attachments. Let us know what helps your back pain.