Our spine is constituted by 33 bones that are supported by discs. The discs keep the bones from tremors caused by walking, running, falling, lifting weights, turning, etc. When the inner part of the spinal cord gets injured, its jelly-like internal rings start protruding from the ring. This condition is termed a herniated or slipped disc in the medical world.

Modern medicine suggests spine surgery as a potential treatment for this problem. However, the list of side effects and risks associated with this surgery is way more complicated than the problem. Ayurveda, on the other hand, suggests yoga for slip disc. 

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that gently nudges the vertebrae and their rings to their natural position. regular supervised practice can help strengthen the spinal muscles, ligaments, and internal discs. Most often, a slip disc occurs in the lower back that involves the 14th and 15th vertebrae from the vertebral column. It is a very painful condition that makes normal movement difficult. 

Most yoga asanas for slipped disc are based on back bent postures, relaxation poses, and Pranayama. All these yoga poses improve the flexibility and muscular strength in the lumbar or the lower region of the spine.

When the inner part of the spinal cord gets injured, its jelly-like internal rings start protruding from the ring. This condition is termed a herniated or slipped disc in the medical world.

Are There Different Types of Slipped Discs? 

A slipped disc may occur in any part of the vertebral column. Usually, it happens in three regions: 

• Lumbar Slip Disc: The Lumbar Slipped Disc takes place in the lower part of the spine, it mainly includes L3 – L4, L4-L5, as well as the LS-S1 vertebrae discs. Hernia in these discs causes pain and discomfort in the lower back. 
• Thoracic Slip Disc: The discs in the thoracic region of vertebrae occur when there is some extra pressure on the central region of the spine. Normally, there are very few chances of a slipped disc in the middle part of the spine. It only happens in case of some serious accident. 
• Cervical Slip Disc: Cervical slipped disc occurs in the neck region. It is also one of the basic reasons for neck pain. Normally, it impacts the C5-C6 and C6-C7 vertebrae. It can cause severe discomfort in the shoulder, neck, and arms. 

Precautions For Practising Yoga Asanas For Slip Disc

• Make sure that you practise yoga with a trained instructor or therapist especially if you are suffering from a slipped disc. 
• Try to take it slow and as gentle as possible. 
• If you have intense back pain or any degree of back pain, you should not bend your body forward. 
• Slipped disc patients should avoid rotating their waist too much. If you are having slipped sic in the lower waist, you must stop yoga poses immediately. 
• Always take your doctor’s word before practising yoga for slipped discs. 

Yoga For Slipped Disc

The first thing to note about yoga is that it is a part of Ayurvedic treatment for slipped disc. If you are suffering with slipped disc and persuing a non-surgical or a natural course of treatment then yoga will be a part of it. At no point, you can expect 100 per cent results from just doing yoga. There are several other factors involved in it. Regular practise of yoga asanas for slip disc 14 15 and others improves flexibility and fluid movement across the discs, muscles, and ligaments connected to the backbone. It helps in reducing pressure and pain on the muscles caused by slipping of discs. Yoga can be of real help in bringing down the pain as well as other symptoms related to herniated disc. 

If you are already practising yoga asanas, then here are a few asanas that you may add to your list to keep your spine healthy and flexible: 

• Bhujangasana or Cobra Pose: In Bhujangasana, the upper part of the body is raised in the shape of a snake. The asana adds some extra pressure on the upper bones of the spine and reminds them to stay in their natural position. It is also one of the 7 poses done in Sun Salutation. Bhujangasana is recommended for preventing cervical and thoracic slipped discs. But if you are suffering from slipped disc in any of these parts, please perform the asanas under the instructor’s supervision. Normally, bhujangasana is suggested for people with a sedentary lifestyle. It helps in keeping the backbone in its natural posture without any pressures. 
• Camel Pose or Ustrasana: Camel pose is known to be quite effective in relieving back pain. The person performing this asana needs to form a hump in the back by coming on all four limbs and bowling the body upwards. The asana puts some positive pressure on the spinal cord and slowly alleviates the lumbar disc pain. If you have just recovered from back pain or have any such issue, it is advised to go slow and easy in the beginning and never try to perform it when the pain is at its peak. Regular practice in a healthy state definitely helps in avoiding slipped discs in the lumbar region. 
• Cat Pose or the Marjariasana: This asana is very useful in enhancing the flexibility of the spine. It is quite effective in reducing back pain, especially in the lumbar region. People who practice cat pose every day rarely complain about back pain, sciatica, or slipped discs. So, if you are following a sedentary lifestyle, make sure that you bring this pose into your exercise regime. But make sure you learn to do it in the right way before you start practicing it on a regular basis. 
• Markatasana: It is considered effective in correcting disorders related to the spine. Regular practice can relieve all kinds of pains including cervical, hips, indigestion, groin, gastric, and abdominal-related pains. People who suffer from insomnia due to fatigue, kidney issues, and liver problems should consider practicing this asana. It can really bring effective results within a few weeks.