The buttocks and pelvis muscles are an important part of core conditioning and should be a part of every back pain therapy program. These muscles are often overlooked in favour of their abdominal and back muscle counterparts.
Scoliosis is a condition in which a person has side-to-side spinal curves in addition to the normal curves through which the lower portion of the human back curves inwards. The most effective remedy for such a condition is Scoliosis exercises. Although many exercises help in reducing the Scoliosis-related problems, yoga is considered the best Scoliosis exercise and back pain.
While there are a vast number of different Yoga poses a person can perform, it goes beyond the scope of this section to describe all of them. However, one of the most common series of postures, the Sun Salutation, will be described below. The Sun Salutation, also known as Surya Namaskar, is a series of 12 postures that is usually performed in a single, graceful flow. The Sun Salutation is often used as a warm-up and helps build strength and increase flexibility. A single round of the Sun Salutation consists of two complete sequences, one for the right side of the body and one for the left side of the body.
The Sun Salutation is begun by standing in Mountain pose with the feet hip width apart. The hands are brought together, palm-to-palm, with fingers pointing upward; the hands are now in prayer position. It is encouraged that a person should take several deep breaths before moving into the next pose.
Inhale and raise the arms upward. The head should be slowly bent backward and the arms should stretch above the head. The back should be arched as far as feels comfortable.
Exhale and bend forward. The knees may be bent if necessary. The hands should rest beside the feet and the head should touch the knees.
While inhaling, bring the right (or left) leg back and place the knee on the floor. Arch back and look up, lifting the chin.
Exhale and step the left (or right) leg back into a plank position. The position should be held while inhaling.
Exhale and lower the body as if coming down from a push-up position. Only the hands and feet should touch the floor while in stick pose.
While inhaling, stretch the body forward and up. The body should be bending at the waist and the arms should be used to lift the torso. Only bend back as far as feels comfortable. It is acceptable to allow the arms to bend at the elbow.
Glen Wood - The Yoga Teacher, dedicated to unlocking the Real Secrets of Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain.
