2 Yoga Poses to Relieve Your Lower Back Pain

Living with lower back pain can take its toll. Simple tasks like standing for long periods of time and lifting items off the floor can become challenging if you suffer from this condition.

If you currently take medicine, or are being otherwise treated for, lower back pain, adding a low-impact yoga practice to your routine can be beneficial. Of course, please ask Dr. Sharma if yoga is a safe option for your spinal condition before starting your practice.

Here are two yoga positions that can ease your low back pain:

This classic yoga pose can strengthen your lower back and improve your posture – plus, it’s easy for beginners. Start out on your hands and knees, and walk your hands out so that they are just in front of your shoulders. Curl your toes under, and push your body up, lifting your bottom toward the sky and straightening your legs. Try to straighten your back and pull your shoulder blades together. Let your head hang neutrally, and use your thigh muscles to support your back. This position can be held for as long as you find it comfortable.

This deep stretch will make your lower back feel amazing. Be sure to twist slowly so you won’t go too far and injure yourself. Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you. Bend your right leg so that your right foot is beside your left buttock, and then bend your left leg so that your knee is pointing upward. Now, place your left foot on the outside of your right knee. Raise your arms to the side and gently twist your body to the left, placing your right elbow on the outside of your left knee and your left arm on the floor behind you. Finally, slowly turn your head to the left just until you feel a soft stretch in your neck, and hold for 10 deep breaths. Repeat on the opposite side. If all of this sounds too complicated, simply use the photo below as a visual guide!

Images courtesy of Care2.com