YOGA THERAPY FOR CHRONIC PAIN

 

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than six months. The pain can be mild or excruciating, and episodic or continuous. Unlike short-term acute pain, chronic pain can persist for months or even years. 

 

Chronic pain may originate from an initial trauma, injury, or infection, or may result from an ongoing illness or disease (due to cancer, arthritis, etc). However, chronic pain can present and persist without a clear cause. Many people who experience chronic pain have no associated (or medically detectable) tissue damage. This does not make their pain any less real, and often leads to self-judgement, and feelings of frustration, anger, and depression. 

 

Chronic pain is often difficult to manage in part due to widespread effects on the body, mind and overall vitality. In addition to physical pain and disability, chronic pain is associated with:

 

• Metabolic and cardiovascular disease

• High blood pressure

• Insomnia, 

• Cognitive impairment

• Anxiety

• Depression. 

 

The long term stress associated with chronic pain can suppress the immune system, increasing the likelihood of infection and illness. 

 

Living with chronic pain can impact social relationships, decrease productivity, and even prevent engagement in activities that could assist in the healing process.

 

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Yoga Therapy can help to:

 

• Balance the nervous system

• Improve physical functionality

• Reduce pain

• Decreased functionality

• Insomnia

• Mood irregularities

• Cognitive impairment

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