Notes About the Health of Our Spine
I'm So Happy You Landed Here.
I want to welcome you to the Heart of Bliss Yoga blog. My intention is to bring you information intended to support your health and well-being. This month we'll be focusing on the spine and why keeping it healthy is so important. Many of my private Yoga Therapy clients come to me with back pain. They are seeking relief from years of neglect and poor body mechanics. The pain and discomfort they feel are a mental distraction, not allowing them to be mindful as they go about their daily tasks. The pain also affects their ability to feel joy and that has a real impact on our spirits.
Our Beautiful Spines.
She was racing down the stairs - cell phone pressed to her ear and a million things on her mind. Then it happened. Her bare foot slipped, and she fell down the flight of steps. The damage to her lower back kept her in bed for a week.
He was an incredible handyman. No project was too great or too small. He was carrying a sheet of drywall down an icy ramp to the basement to finish off a section of this space for a playroom for the grandkiddos. He lost his footing on the ice and slipped. He hurt himself so badly that he was unable to walk for weeks. If you looked at him from behind, the curve of his body resembled the letter "C".
They were in the car at the stop light coming home from the grocery store when they were hit from behind. The person in the car behind them was full of apologies as he produced his insurance card but that didn't prevent them from being diagnosed with cervical injuries of whiplash.
The Cumulative Effects.
All of my clients in the above examples survived but the injuries they experienced have had lasting effects.
The spine is resilient but we tend to neglect and even abuse this part of our bodies. Injuries and strains add up and over time, we might find that we don't snap back from injury as quickly as we used to and that our backs ache constantly. Sleeping may be impossible and doing the things we enjoy may become cumbersome. We might find ourselves reaching for Tylenol more often than we care to.
The spine is an essential part of the human body, made up of bones (vertebrae) and discs (shock absorbers between the bones). Ligaments and muscles are the connectors. The spine provides structural support, protects the spinal cord, and enables movement. Maintaining its health is essential to our quality of life.
Why Work to Keep the Spine Healthy?
1. A healthy spine reduces back pain. Regular exercise like yoga contributes to back health.
2. A healthy spine supports overall health. The spine is connected to many other parts of the body including the nervous system, respiratory system, and digestive system.
3. A healthy spine improves mobility and flexibility. Forward and back bending, lateral stretching, and twisting contribute to our range of motion, making it easier to enjoy physical activities such as sports and exercise.
4. A healthy spine enhances the quality of life. Keeping the spine in tip-top shape allows us to fully engage with the world around us.
Paying attention to the health of our spines matters. So much of life can be affected by how we feel. If we are in pain due to back injuries or stress, it can impact our relationships, work, sleep, productivity, and overall enjoyment of being alive. Ask any of the Yoga Therapy clients I see who are looking for ways to relieve their back pain.
Be well dear Yogis and don't forget to take good care of your spines.
Namaste dear ones,
Angela