Yoga is an ancient art, thousands of years old, that is practiced by an estimated 15 million Americans nowadays. Yoga is not exclusive to anyone, nor is back pain. It is an incredible art form for the body, mind and spirit.

Building a Bridge for Men

Back pain and back problems, however, are more frequently incurred by men, most men in fact. Turning to Yoga classes for a cure may not be a common reaction for most men. Walking into a yoga class filled with skilled, flexible women in the yoga lifestyle can be daunting for men whom do not wish to fully delve into the art and lifestyle of yoga.

Loredana has therefore created a class routine and environment which is a "safe haven" for men who want the benefits of back healing and health, while keeping yoga simple and more to their liking.

Why is yoga an effective way to relieve back pain ?

Back pain is an ongoing problem for the majority of adults. Low back injuries usually heal in weeks, but long term healing is often more difficult to achieve. Rehabilitative exercise is often the key to developing a strong healthy back. And, according to a recent study in the Annals of Internal Medicine, yoga may be more effective for the treatment of back pain than traditional exercise.

In a first of it's kind study conducted last year (randomized and controlled), three control groups were created:

• One attended 12 weekly sessions to learn Yoga and practice at home.
• A second group attended 12 weekly sessions of aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercise, plus home practice.
• A third group received a self-care book on back pain.

After 12 weeks, the yoga group was better able to do daily activities involving the back than the other groups. After 26 weeks, the yoga group had better back function and less pain. Also, fewer people in the yoga group used pain killers.

From Science Daily

1. Yoga helps increase strength in very specific muscle groups and works to strengthen all major muscles groups that support the spine.
2. The stretching postures in yoga increase blood flow to the tissues that support the spine, improving health of the intervertebral discs and muscles along the spine.
3. Yoga increases flexibility in your shoulders and hips, which decreases demands on your back, and yoga increases flexibility of the muscles in your back and along your spine, allowing your spine to rotate properly.
4. Yoga's focus on breathing and connecting breath with movement improves body awareness, making you more conscious of movements that may
5. contribute to back pain.
6. The "spine lengthening" poses in yoga promote good posture and proper alignment of the vertebrae. When the spine lengthens, it naturally moves toward correct alignment. Having proper posture ensures that you are not placing undue stress upon your back.