Pain In The Back
Back pain is probably the most common complaint I hear from my clients and they always feel better after yoga, but unfortunately it returns by the time we have another yoga session the following week. Stress, sitting in chairs for extended periods of time, or pushing too hard when exercising (yes, in yoga class too) are all common contributors to back pain.
Of course, stress and sitting at a desk may be unavoidable, after all we have to pay the bills before we rush off to that yoga express class, but we can certainly cut down on the drastic negative effect life has on our bodies.
I highly recommend a meditation practice to help calm the mind, even if it’s only for five minutes a day. You’ll notice a difference in your body when your level of stress is down.
Also, when practicing yoga with back pain, don’t go all out with the backbends. For example, instead of going fully into upward dog, stay in a low cobra to strengthen the muscles (see photo below). I don’t care what everyone else in class is doing, trying to emulate their practice may put you out of practice for a long time. Practicing the low cobra and locust back bends are great for building lower back and core strength while nursing a sore back.
Check out this article for more on yoga and back pain.
