The Best Yoga Poses for Back Pain
February 25, 2022
The go-to resource for planning your yoga retreats & holidays. Find all you need to know about destinations and take your practice to the next level.
Discover Yoga Retreats now
Find yourself dealing with recurrent back pain? You’re certainly not alone. In fact, back pain is such a common occurrence that it affects up to 80% of the world's population at some point or another.
In fact, back pain is such a common occurrence that it affects up to 80% of the world's population at some point or another.
So how could this be? Why are so many people suffering from back pain? Read on to find some insights on common reasons for back pain and what you can do to alleviate it.
Causes of Back Pain and Treatment Options
There are a variety of reasons why you might start feeling discomfort in your back. The most common type is lower back pain, but some people also will have issues with the upper back. You could be dealing with a problem due to:
- Sitting too long
- Sprain
- Strains
- Herniated discs
- Stenosis
- Illnesses
Once your back pain sets in, there's a high probability that it's going to take some time to heal up on its own.
You have a few different options when it comes to treatment. Some people choose to see a medical doctor where they will likely be given some form of prescription medication or over-the-counter drug for pain and inflammation.
Others will decide that an alternative type of treatment like seeing a chiropractor where you live for an alignment is their best option.
Alternatively, you can work on speeding up the recovery time at home through regular yoga practice.
Before Starting a Yoga Routine
When you are having pain in your back, the primary focus is making it go away as quickly as possible.
You may think the best idea is jumping right into a yoga routine to get some relief.
However, if you do so without proper consultation by a professional chiropractor, medical doctor, or physical therapist first, you could cause more harm than good.
It's highly recommended that you get a health evaluation before starting to ensure that there isn't a bigger issue going on than what you see or feel on the surface.
Flexibility, strength, relief of soreness, and an overall improvement in your body's functioning can all be made possible through yoga when done the proper way.
Just like with seeing a chiropractor, doing the correct yoga poses will allow your body to shift back into alignment naturally. If the misalignment is what's causing your pain, you should start to feel relief.
With that, here, I’m sharing a set of beginner friendly poses that are likely to you give you the best results.
Note: Please consult your doctor or a health care provider before starting any exercise routine (including the yoga poses shared below) to prevent injuring yourself. You should stop any yoga pose if it is causing you pain or discomfort.
Downward-Facing Dog
The downward-facing dog pose allows you to stretch out your back extensors, or the largest muscles in your lower back.
They are what help you lift items and stand as well as give you support for your spine. The pose also provides a full-body stretch.
- Begin this pose on your hands and knees.
- Keep your hands in front of your shoulders slightly and then press back so that your knees lift off the floor and your tailbone shoots towards the sky.
- If you want more of a hamstring stretch added in, you can push your heels towards the floor at the same time.
- Hold the pose for five to ten breaths and then repeat five to seven times.
Child's Pose
Stress is often partnered with back pain. The child's pose allows you to elongate your back fully and it's also ideal for alleviating mental stress with the more relaxed position you end in.
- Begin on your hands and knees
- Stretch your arms out straight in front of you.
- Sit back so that your butt muscles are just above your heels. They shouldn't touch.
- Hold for five to ten breaths and repeat as many times as you want.
Pigeon Pose
The pigeon pose isn't the best for those that are just starting out with yoga, but it can be very effective at stretching out the hip flexors and rotators.
You may not consider the hips when thinking about back pain, but if there is a misalignment there, it can be a substantial contributing factor.
- Begin with a downward-facing dog pose.
- From there, bring your right knee up and turn it to the right so that it is perpendicular to your left.
- You can leave your leg out behind you or for an additional stretch you can pull the leg up toward your back.
- Hold this for five to ten breaths and repeat on the opposite side as needed.
Cat and Cow Pose
This is what is known as the perfect yoga position for any kind of sore or aching back. It loosens up the muscles and also warms up the body for the rest of your routine.
You will feel the relaxation in your back muscles as well as relief of tension. Completing this exercise will help move your spine back into its natural position.
- Begin by getting on a position out on all fours.
- Push your spine up and arch your back to get into a cat pose.
- Hold it there for a few seconds before shifting into cow pose.
- Scoop the spine and press your shoulder blades behind you. Lift your head while doing so.
- Repeat going from cat to cow ten times for one set. Continue completing the pose as many times as necessary.
Maintaining Your Yoga Practice
If you're new to yoga and started the practice to get pain relief, it's essential to continue the routine even after you feel relief.
Whether you choose to practice them as your only workout routine or in conjunction with your usual exercises, when done regularly, it can help to prevent further injury and discomfort. So be sure to keep up with it!
» Want to banish back pain once and for all? Join our 7-Day Yoga Challenge for Back Pain
Are you looking for a yoga program that helps rejuvenate your body and mind? Why not consider going on a restorative yoga retreat?