Foraminal narrowing is a spinal condition in which the passageway of a nerve root becomes smaller. When this narrowing irritates the nerve, it can cause localized and radiating pain, numbness, tingling and a variety of other symptoms that interfere with your daily activities. While it may be tempting to become sedentary and get lots of rest, low-impact exercises are an important treatment option that can help you manage symptoms effectively. One of the most popular low-impact exercises that patients opt for is yoga.

How to protect your spine while practicing yoga

If you’re dealing with pain and other symptoms of foraminal narrowing but would like to do yoga, here are some tips for keeping your spine safe:

1. Opt for gentle styles of yoga. There are many different styles of yoga available, including power yoga and vinyasa. However, if you have symptoms of foraminal narrowing, your best option will likely be a gentle or restorative yoga class that will put less pressure on your back.
2. Discuss your neck or back pain with your instructor. Speak with your yoga instructor ahead of time so that he or she is aware of your spinal condition. In many cases, your instructor will be able to recommend modifications or alternative poses that address your needs.
3. Avoid twisting motions and forward bends. Pay attention to your body as you move through different yoga positions. Any action that increases your pain should be avoided so that you don’t worsen your foraminal narrowing symptoms. Twisting stretches and forward bends are common motions that can strain the back, so be particularly aware if a yoga pose involves either of these motions.

Seeking treatment for foraminal narrowing at USA Spine Care

In many cases, a combination of conservative treatment options, including low-impact exercises like yoga, will provide sufficient relief from foraminal narrowing. However, some cases may require surgery if symptoms worsen over time or don’t respond to conservative treatments. At USA Spine Care, our board-certified surgeons+ are highly experienced in performing minimally invasive spine surgery procedures to treat foraminal narrowing and other conditions that affect the spine. To find out if one of our outpatient procedures is the right option for you, contact USA Spine Care today.

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