Why I Use Yoga to Help Me Live with Chronic Pain
Why I Use Yoga to Help Me Live with Chronic Pain
Living with cervical spinal narrowing, arthritis in the spine, mechanical back pain, Myalgic encephalomyelitis (MECFS), fibromyalgia, and chronic tennis elbow is a daily battle for me. Pain is my constant companion, exhaustion and exercise intolerance are a frustrating reality. But I refuse to let it control my life completely. While medication helps, I don't want to be reliant on too many painkillers that may well leave me unable to fully function. So, I've had to find other means and ways to try different ways to manage the pain.
Living with Chronic Pain
The pain is always there (joint pain, muscle pain etc), thus, I've invested in a few pain-relieving tools, but there's one practice that has truly been a game-changer - Yoga. Yoga has allowed me to find some relief and regain a sense of control in my life. Despite the limitations, I've managed to accept and adapt to this condition and continue to find ways to make life more easier.
Yoga isn’t easy. Trust me, as someone who deals with extreme fatigue in my muscles and painful joints, I know the struggle is real. But instead of giving up, I've taken it slow and easy, allowing my body to adapt to the practice. And let me tell you, the benefits are undeniable. From the very first session, you'll feel the positive effects of this low-impact exercise with both mind and body. I have to keep my sessions short and sweet as my body won’t allow it, typically lasting only 10 minutes. Sometimes my body just won't allow me to go longer, but that's okay as every minute I can get out of yoga (even if all I could manage was a 2-minute session) offers so much more to my health and pain.
Yoga for Mental Health and Chronic Pain Management
That's the benefit of Yoga - it can be tailored to your specific needs and abilities. I have no choice but to focus on gentle movements, stretching and strengthening, and deep breathing, which help me manage my pain and activate my body's relaxation response. And those gentle poses? They work wonders for improving flexibility and maintaining joint mobility.
My painful joints, rigidness, stiffness and muscle fatigue don't disappear entirely with Yoga. But it does alleviate some of the pain and stiffness, just enough to take the edge off. Plus, Yoga helps me connect my mind and body, and tune into my physical limitations - this allows me and teaches me to pace more effectively, and avoid any PEM (post-exertional malaise) or crashes.
Yoga for Mental Health
Yoga is not only beneficial for my body but also plays a crucial role in improving my mental well-being. Engaging in regular Yoga practice can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
The combination of deep breathing, meditation, and physical postures in Yoga has been found to reduce the production of stress hormones and increase the production of feel-good hormones, thereby fostering a more positive mental state.
Furthermore, Yoga equips individuals with effective coping mechanisms to manage chronic pain. By enhancing body awareness, promoting relaxation, and building mental resilience, Yoga can mentally prepare individuals to better handle the challenges associated with chronic pain, fostering a more positive outlook on life and improving overall mental well-being.
Complementary therapy
In addition, it's important to remember that Yoga is not a cure-all solution for chronic pain. It should be used as a complementary therapy alongside other medical treatments and interventions. It's crucial to have a comprehensive pain management plan in place that includes a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
By taking a holistic approach to managing chronic pain, individuals can maximise their overall well-being and improve their quality of life.
Adopting a Routine
Incorporating Yoga into my daily routine has been a game-changer for managing my chronic pain (I try to do at least 3 - 4 Yoga sessions each week). It not only helps me physically but also mentally, providing a sense of calm and relaxation. While it may not eliminate my pain, it certainly makes it more manageable and allows me to live a more fulfilling life.
Incorporating yoga into my daily routine has also helped me build strength and flexibility, which are essential for managing chronic pain. The gentle movements and stretches in Yoga help to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, providing relief to areas of discomfort.
Additionally, the sense of community and support that I have found in online Yoga classes has been invaluable in my journey towards managing chronic pain.
Final thoughts
By learning to pace myself and listen to my body, I can avoid those dreaded crashes (PEM - Post-exertional malaise) and feel better overall.
If you're dealing with a chronic illness like mine and considering Yoga, it's essential to consult with a qualified yoga instructor or GP / healthcare professional.