What causes back pain?
Back pain can have a wide variety of causes. Poor posture is considered to be the most common cause of all. Accidents and degenerative problems are also significant causes. Other problems such as inflammation, muscle tears, lymph gland problems, disease of the nervous system, obesity, stomach ulcers, gall bladder problems, and generally weak musculature can also lead to back pain.
How can Tai Ji and Qi Gong help with back pain?
Tai Ji and Qi Gong train the practitioner to hold his back straight. Lengthening of the head and neck and contact with the earth and sky act to release the weight burden from the individual vertebrae, thus often easing the pain there. Tai Ji teaches the practitioner to use his pelvic floor properly, and in this way can even correct severe lordosis. Many back problems can be resolved simply by adjusting the posture and alignment of the head. When we are stressed and our shoulders are tense, the back of the neck also goes into spasm. And in addition to this, we often let our head hang down thus throwing the whole spinal column out of balance, particularly the lumbar area. Tai Ji and Qi Gong help with this, because they teach us to ‘let go’ and to relax. Weak stomach muscles are another cause of back problems, as the back is then forced to compensate for the failing musculature. Movements from the hips and spinal column, breathing techniques and a stable posture combine to strengthen the development of the stomach muscles.