The Link Between Dehydration and Headaches
Not getting enough fluids can trigger a headache, but it’s not always easy to tell if dehydration is the root of the problem or if it’s just exacerbating something else.
How Yoga Can Relieve Your Pain
Yoga has something of a mixed reputation in the United States today. While some people swear by it because of the way it has improved their quality of life, others think it’s just a funny way of moving.
Actually, though, the more modern medical research looks into yoga, the more we’re learning about the benefits of this 4,000-year-old practice. In fact, because there’s so much evidence that yoga can help with pain relief, Dr. Halina Snowball has chosen to offer both group yoga classes and private yoga instruction at Integrated Pain Solutions in Stamford, Connecticut.
To help you understand how this drug-free pain treatment could work for you, let’s take a closer look.
The basics of yoga
Yoga is an ancient philosophy consisting of eight limbs. When you think about movement-based yoga, something like a workout class, you’re thinking of the third limb of yoga: asana. That’s the yoga we offer here at Integrated Pain Solutions.
An asana practice is essentially a workout routine during which you move through a series of postures as you link your breathing to your movement. Some of the most common yoga postures include:
- Downward-facing dog
- Child’s pose
- Plank pose
- Seated twist
- Bridge pose
Some of the poses are physically strenuous, while others are more restorative. Ultimately, a yoga class gives you a targeted way to stretch and strengthen your body, improving your balance, posture, and flexibility. And more and more studies show that as you practice yoga, you may also get relief from chronic pain.
How yoga works for pain relief
Because yoga improves your mobility, releases tension, and lengthens and strengthens your muscles, it can help to alleviate discomfort from a wide range of pain types, especially chronic pain. It also rewires your brain, helping to undo some of the changes that occur as a result of chronic pain.
In fact, extensive studies show that yoga can help with:
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic low back pain
- Migraines and other headaches
- Neck pain
- Inflammation
Additionally, yoga can help to decrease your pain perception and boost your mood. In other words, it’s a great thing to try if you want to feel better all around.
Because many people think yoga is a really specialized workout or something tied to specific ways of thinking, it might not feel accessible. Actually, though, going to a yoga class is a lot like showing up for a workout at your local gym. The difference is that the movement is specifically designed to not just make you stronger, but also to help you better align your body while decreasing your stress.
If you’re looking for a medication-free way to get pain relief, yoga is a safe and proven tool to add to your arsenal. Our team is here to answer any questions you might have and to help you get started. Call our office at 203-293-0549 or request an appointment online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Can a Labral Tear Heal on Its Own?
If you tear the labrum that stabilizes your shoulder or hip, you want to heal it so you can get back to normal living as quickly as possible. That means seeing a doctor because usually, that labral tear won’t heal on its own.
Understanding the Healing Power of Acupuncture
If you’ve been looking for a medication-free way to treat conditions and manage symptoms, acupuncture delivers. But how does this ancient form of healing work? Find out here.
How Does PRP Work to Heal My Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to limit your range of motion — or your life. With platelet-rich plasma (PRP), you get a way to support your body’s natural healing processes, helping to ease your discomfort.
Can Exercise Cause Chronic Neck Pain?
While exercise shouldn’t cause neck pain, the way you’re working out could be contributing to your discomfort. If you think your sweat sessions might be playing a role in your pain, you’re in the right place to learn more.
How to Relieve Migraines Without Medication
If you’re tired of taking migraine medication, there are other effective treatment options you can explore. Let’s talk about migraine therapy and Botox® for migraines.