5 Yoga Poses to Help Ease Back Pain

Did you know that nearly 80% of people living in America suffer from back pain at some point in their lives?  Why? The spine is made up of 24 vertebrae that all have different shapes in relation to the bones above and below, and this means they will have more or less movement available, depending on what part of the spine they are in. Like the neck, the lower back is very mobile and at the same time, supports the weight of the rest of the body, making it especially prone to injury. However, not all injuries need to be cured with medication or treatments.  Yoga is one of the best exercises to help treat-and prevent- back pain!

Beginning a yoga practice will help clear up some muscular issues such as allowing the hamstrings to stretch, allowing the back to contract properly and help the back regain its essential tone.  Yoga also brings strength and flexibility to the rest of the body! So try out these top yoga poses and get BACK your body!

The Mountain Pose

This is the basis and starting point for many standing asanas. It helps with balance and core strength, and it is a beginning pose which requires you to stand tall and steady, like a mountain. A correctly executed mountain pose will use every muscle in the body. It improves posture and, when practiced regularly, can help reduce back pain. This pose also strengthens the thighs, knees, ankles, abdomen, and buttocks.

Downward Facing Dog

This is a handstand, forward bend and inversion pose. Downward facing dog is also considered a resting pose that you can go into to recover from a vigorous yoga routine. This classic yoga pose is a great total body stretch that targets back extensors, or the large muscles that help form your lower back, support your spine, and help you stand and lift objects.

Child’s Pose

Child’s pose is an active stretch that helps elongate the back. It also gently stretches the hips, thighs, and ankles while at the same time relieves back and neck pain.  This pose is one of the most popular for stress.

Pigeon Pose

Pigeon pose, which could sometimes be challenging for a beginner, stretches hip rotators and flexors.  It helps release the muscles and tight hips which tend to contribute to lower back.

Cat and Cow Pose

These are the perfect poses for an achy or sore back because it loosens back muscles and relieves stress.  This pose opens up the spaces between your vertebrae and stretches the muscles and tendons that support your spine.

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Michael Kelly, D.C.is a board-certified chiropractor who helps patients achieve essential relief for a wide range of painful conditions by providing chiropractic adjustments that effectively correct dysfunction in the spinal column and extremities.