Musculoskeletal Disorders and Yoga! How Can You Change Your Level of Pain?

From the 1970s until today, the average life expectancy increased by about ten years. For about 72 million baby boomers, is this a blessing or a curse? Well, obviously, it depends on how healthy and functional we remain as we get older.

The medical system is still playing catch-up to this immense shift in the demographics of the population. Particularly when it comes to musculoskeletal disorders, such as chronic back pain, arthritis and osteoporosis-related issues, the medical system has little to offer. Yet, musculoskeletal disorders are now the second leading cause of disability in this country, after cardiovascular disease and stroke, impairing the health and quality of life of millions.

Testing for early risk factors for heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, is now standard medical procedure. However, no doctor will prescribe you a test to check for increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, nor give you a prescription to prevent them. However, musculoskeletal disorders are every bit as preventable—perhaps more so—as cardiovascular diseases.

So, what are the early warning signs of musculoskeletal issues that could develop into chronic back pain, arthritis or osteoporosis-related issues as you get older?

One of the first things to watch out for is loss of range of motion, says Dr. Steve M. Gnatz, M.D., of Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago in our article this week on the upcoming epidemic of disability, which medical researchers are predicting will afflict aging boomers over the next few.

It's tremendously important to maintain not just the health of bones, but also flexibility and joint health, Gnatz notes. Activities like yoga that work on flexibility are particularly important.  

Yoga U - Best in Online Yoga Education

*****

Musculoskeletal disorders include the following:

Back issues

Range of Motion issues

Chronic pain

Posture issues
Osteoarthritis and joint pain
Healthline gives it this definition:

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) consist of minor physical disabilities. This term is used to describe a variety of conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints. The severity of the MSD can vary. Pain and discomfort may interfere with everyday activities. MSDs are extremely common, and your risk increases with age. Early diagnosis is the key to ease pain while potentially decreasing further bodily damage.

In every practice we move in six different directions to bring health to the spine and then work outward to bring healing to the whole body.  I ordered new DVD's of our yoga class which will be available tomorrow for $15.00.  Don't let time or money prevent you from taking good care of yourself!

 

• Come practice with us today on Sunday!
• 2:30 p.m. Sun Salute Fun
• 4:00 p.m.  Easy Beginner's Yoga
• Monday, Wednesday our schedule remains the same!
• 5:30 a.m. Inspirational Yoga
• 10:30 a.m. Vinyasa Flow Yoga
• 12:00 p.m. Easy Yoga for Beginners
• 5:30 p.m. Power Yoga
• 6:45 p.m. Restorative Yoga
• Tuesday, Thursday are great days to practice!
• 10:30 a.m. Inspirational Yoga
• 12:00 p.m.  Easy Yoga for Beginners
• 4:00 p.m. Vinyasa Flow Yoga
• 5:30 p.m. Power Yoga
• 6:45 p.m.  Happy Hips on Tuesday; Open Chest on Thursday
• Friday is a special day!
• 5:30 a.m.  Inspirational Yoga
• 12:00 p.m.  Back Healthy Yoga
• 4:00 p.m.  We need to see more people at this class, or it will cancel at the end of the month.  Easy Beginner's Yoga
• 5:30 p.m.  Power Yoga
• 6:45 p.m.  Restorative Yoga
• Saturday is a busy morning, but we love to practice!
• 7:30 a.m.  Power Yoga
• 9:00 a.m.  Core Vinyasa Flow Yoga
• 12:00 p.m.  Easy Yoga for Back/Hips/Hamstring Issues

New workshop for Budokon Yoga is April 26 at 1:30 - 3:45.  If you enjoy power yoga and Tai Chi this workshop is for you!  $30 to preregister or $35.00 at the door.  Sarah Doll, Budokon Instructor