Yoga and Neck Pain Relief

Is neck pain becoming a well. . . real pain for you? Tried different substances and no relief?

Yoga may be your answer. A recent study conducted in Germany and published in the Journal of Pain, studies 50 people who had chronic pain in their cervical area (neck).

About half participated in a regular yoga program, while the rest did a more generic exercise program that did not focus on any area in particular.

After 2 1/2 months, the yoga group reported significantly less neck pain compared to the other group. The researchers concluded that the impressive results were due to reduced muscle tension and improved relaxation.

Doc’s Thoughts: I have found the same results both with patients and myself, utilizing Tai Chi. From a natural medicine perspective, I look at this from a different perspective:

1. The liver is the organ responsible for circulation of energy. When you move via methods such as Yoga or Tai Chi, the liver becomes more relaxed and energy flows throughout the whole body, neck included.

2. Stagnation of energy and blood causes pain. When you can move the muscles, it will move the energy and the blood and thus reduce pain.

Moral of the story — MOVE! Exercise. It really does not matter that much which exercise only that you sweat, get the heart pumping, enjoy it and do it on a regular basis.