In my nursing career, I have noticed early on that the medical field can take a lot out of a person. The day to day of being there for your patients is not only mentally and emotionally exhausted but also physically. I am a shorter person, peaking the height of 5 feet 1 and a half inch, many times I forget the small things, like raising a bed of a patient when boosting them or giving them IV medications. These day to day practices in a short time resulted in back pain after a few shifts in a row. I began to develop a pain right below my left shoulder blade. The pain was tolerable, to start with, but consistently there and the strength in my arm decreased, I lost some range in motion. It became apparent that this was not going to go away by itself. After a little research, I found a few videos that range from 10 to 20 minutes with yoga positions that are meant to help with neck and upper back pain. The pain decreased each day until it finally went away. Then the academic in me began to dig up more information and research regarding yoga.
#1 Pain reduction and other physical improvements
The pain in my back was reduced and disappeared. Now I do not have long-term issues, my situation was temporary. But several studies resulted in participants improving their back pain. One survey by Galabtino (2004) had 22 participants with chronic lower back pain. Participants were asked to join a 6-week yoga class twice a week and keep a journal. At the end of the 6 weeks, the participants reported increased relaxation, improvement in pain in their lower back and would recommend yoga to others. Another paper exploring different holistic treatment, Hsu (2010) looked at a study involving participants with back pain. Participants were divided into two groups one group consisted of 36 people who participate in 12 weeks of yoga, the second group of 35 people was given self-help guides and shown several exercises. At the end of the 12 weeks, the first group showed overall improvement when compared to the group with the activities.
#2 At the time of the opioid crisis
Hsu (2010) looked at a few other holistic treatments, not just yoga. The consensus of people after hearing of these alternative methods showed relief that people did not have to take pain medications. In the time that we live where addiction to pain pills is at epidemic proportions, an alternative treatment gives a few patients or clients or nurses a way to find relief not by popping a pill bottle. The prospects of being able to see an alternative to the pain that is easy to access and affordable. The nurse, if keeping discomfort at bay while participating in yoga would be an excellent primary source for patients. The nurse also being an advocate and educator for all things wellness would make for a perfect example for the patient.
#3 Relaxation
I cannot indeed say if the stretching and positions themselves did it or if it was the deep breathing or merely being able to take the time, I felt the tension and daily anxiety decrease during yoga and stay with me throughout my day as well. Ross (2010) analyze 81 different studies of yoga and found that those who participated in yoga had reduced stress hormone, anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. These results may have contributed to the results that patient and clients with cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, menopause, kidney disease and mental illness including schizophrenia found improvement in their conditions as well. There have been many nights where I feel as if I could pull my hair, where the possibility of coming home and fall right to sleep so that I can wake up and do it all over again. Those are the mornings I watch the 10 minutes video, stretch, breathe, and finish off the short me time I have with five minutes of guided breathing.
Final words about yoga
Yoga can improve pain, flexibility, posture, balance, strength, and coordination. When seeking a yoga instructor keep in mind that there is no national standard credential program. The ability to pick a good instructor you want someone with several years of experience and to make sure that their style and pace is a match for your own. This will ensure a better event and bring out more potential to succeed at your goals. (Fitness Forum, 1999)
References
Fitness forum. Yoga benefits the mind and the body. (1999). Tufts University Health and Nutrition Letter, 17 (18), 8.
Galantino, M., Bzdewka, T., Eissler-Russo, J., Holbrook, M,m Mogck, E., Geigle, P., & Farrar, J. (2004). The impact of modified hatha yoga on chronic low back pain: a pilot study. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 10(2), 56-59.
Hsu, C., BlueSpruce, J., Sherman, K., & Cherkin, D. (2010). Unanticipated benefits of CAM therapies for back pain: an exploration of patient experiences. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 16(2), 157-163. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0188
Ross, A., & Thomas, S. (2010). The benefits of yoga and exercise: a review of comparison studies. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 16 (1), 3-12. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0044