Managing Chronic Pain and Stress with Yoga

Chronic pain, defined as pain which lasts longer than three months and is classified as a disease itself, is a major medical concern for aging Americans. Past injuries, surgeries, physical disabilities, chronic disease, and even a sedentary lifestyle can result in chronic pain and/or inflammation. Living in frequent pain can be a stress inducer, and in contrast, mental stress can increase the experience of physical pain. Many methods of treatment can influence the perception of chronic pain, and as many physicians now know, practicing yoga on a regular basis can alleviate the severity and potentially eliminate it.