Benefits of Yoga for Kids With Disc Problems
Almost 10% of kids under the age of 10 have disc problems. This issue isn’t only uncomfortable, but could make it hard for them to move and do basic childhood activities. While surgery can sometimes help, it often comes with risks. Because of this, yoga might be beneficial to try. Below you’ll find more information about the causes of childhood disc problems and how yoga can help.
What Causes Disc Problems in Kids?
Many are surprised to learn that kids can be susceptible to disc problems. Most of the time, disc issues are caused by poor posture or from sitting for a prolonged period of time. In fact, a baby who doesn’t move and only lies on their back are prone to spinal issues because they aren’t moving their body and helping their newly developing spine stay strong and flexible.
Another problem is juvenile disc disorder. This occurs in young children who have weakened vertebrae that are unable to support the spine’s discs. This ends up allowing the discs to slide out of place. Kids who have this disorder often have symptoms such as pain when moving, pain when sitting for a long amount of time, and the inability to find a comfortable position when standing or sitting.
4 Benefits of Yoga for Kids With Disc Problems
1. It Helps Keep the Spine Aligned
Disc problems can slide the spine out of place. This will cause the spinal discs to press on surrounding nerves and alter the spine so that it abnormally curves. Yoga works to ensure that the spine stays in place and strengthens the surrounding muscles to help keep the discs secure. It’s also a natural method to use for fixing herniated disc issues.
In addition to this, yoga can help kids improve their posture. Poor posture can make it easier for disc problems to develop because it puts strain on the spine. By practicing yoga, it will help kids learn how to sit and stand properly.
2. It Reduces Pain
Disc issues can cause mild to severe pain in kids. Many times, it will result in shooting pain up and down their spine or even numbness in their arms and legs. This can be very painful and scary.
Yoga strengthens one’s muscles which can help the body fight against weak areas that are more susceptible to disc damage. For disc problems, yoga will focus exclusively on the paraspinal muscles which support your back. By strengthening them, your child will be able to move easier and without pain.
Besides this, yoga can reduce tension caused by stress. If your child starts to feel pain, it’s normal for them to tense their muscles. However, this can make their condition worse. Yoga loosens tension while releasing large amounts of endorphins that work as natural painkillers.
3. It Improves Flexibility
If your child has a disc problem, it more than likely makes it difficult for them to move without pain. Yoga helps train their body so that they can increase their range of motion and move freely.
4. It Increases Blood Flow
Certain disc conditions can impact blood circulation because they block parts of the arteries. They could also result in a pinched nerve which can weaken the surrounding area and restrict proper blood circulation. By moving your body through yoga, it will increase blood circulation and ensure vital organs get enough oxygen and nutrients. This can help provide pain relief and stop nerve pain caused by disc problems.
What Are the Best Yoga Poses for Kids with Disc Problems?
There are plenty of yoga poses children can do to alleviate disc pain. Some to consider are:
- Bridge pose
- Tree pose
- Cat pose
- Frog pose
- Chair pose
Keep in mind that kids need to start slow with yoga. If they try to do too many stretches at once, it can overexert their body and worsen the problem.
Disc problems are a surprising problem in many kids. Yoga can assist not only with relieving side effects caused by it, but could potentially help treat the issue.
About Dr. Brent Wells
Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. is a licensed chiropractor who founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in 1998. He is currently leading 10,000 Alaskans to more active and pain-free lifestyles without drugs or invasive surgeries. He brings a progressive and highly innovative approach to chiropractic care, physical rehab therapy and chiropractic massage. Dr. Wells continues to further his education with ongoing studies in spine conditions, neurology, physical rehabilitation, biomechanics, occupational ergonomics, whiplash, and brain injury traumatology. He is also a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. Visit his website here.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3519072/
