Can Yoga help a bad back?

In short, yes! Yoga is a great way to move the body including the spine and back gently to help release tension, stretch muscles, improve flexibility and strength.

Having back pain is very common and Yoga is a way to work this area and relive the tension whilst the relaxation side of practice improves the stress that come with it too.

Yoga poses were created to allow the whole body to be worked, as well as the breath and mind, whilst isolating certain areas. Postures like cat-cow and bridge help to flex the spine. While others like downward dog and forward folds extend the spine.

Yoga postures help strengthen, stretch, contract, expand and relax muscles, which can relieve back pain. When practicing yoga with a bad back it is best to go into any posture slowly and gently to begin with. Whether you start practicing at home or in class make sure you go at your pace.

Yoga helps to be mindful of your body and gain more awareness of how it moves and where you feel tension, pain, imbalances and discomfort. Practicing will aid you to bring your body back into balance and alignment.

Yoga offers numerus postures to move the back and spine by doing back bends, forward folds, twists and side bends all leading to better mobility in general. It is also important to have a strong core to help support the back, making sure to engage the core when doing certain movements.

Always check with your health care professional, that you are able to practice yoga.