This incorrect posture will cause spinal degeneration

Yoga has become very popular in recent years, and every fitness center offers yoga classes. However, a recent study in Taiwan pointed out that some people who practice yoga for a long time experience degeneration and wear of the spinal cartilage (intervertebral discs). Some practitioners in their 30s have already had their spines degenerated like those of a 60-year-old. Orthopedic doctors point out that practicing yoga correctly is good for the body, but yoga is not suitable for everyone. Practitioners should do it within their ability to avoid injuries.

Doctors say that among people who attend yoga classes, there may be students who have practiced to different levels. If they try to do difficult movements just to catch up with students at a higher level, they may easily get injured.

In addition, yoga is not suitable for everyone. People with high blood pressure, spinal problems, etc. should consult a doctor before learning yoga. "Hot yoga" (practicing yoga at 35 to 38 degrees Celsius) is more likely to cause an accelerated heartbeat and a large amount of water loss from the body. It is not suitable for heart patients, hypertensive patients, pregnant women and children. And when signing up for a yoga class, you should also check the reputation of the fitness center and the instructor to learn the correct postures.

Notes on practicing yoga

●Some yoga poses may cause harm to certain bodies. If you have the following diseases, you should be careful: cervical or lumbar disc injury, carotid artery sclerosis, severe high or low blood pressure, retinal detachment or glaucoma, severe osteoporosis, and stroke.

●Hot yoga is not suitable for the following people: those with high blood pressure or heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, kidney disease, severe liver disease, pregnant women, children or the elderly.

● Do what you can and don’t force yourself to do difficult exercises.

●Do adequate warm-up exercises, avoid doing sudden pulling exercises, and make sure your breathing remains smooth.

●If you feel unwell or dizzy during the exercise, you should stop slowly and inform the instructor, or see a doctor.

●Pregnant women should start practicing yoga after 12 weeks of pregnancy and choose classes designed specifically for pregnant women.

Warning signs of yoga injuries

●After exercise, joints such as the pelvis, knees, and wrists become swollen and painful.

●After the exercise, there is persistent (more than one hour) back pain or neck pain.