Many people begin yoga to relieve back pain. Whether the back pain is caused by inactivity, injury, poor posture, or a medical condition, yoga can be a major benefit to those experiencing these symptoms. Beyond back pain, it’s vital for each individual to prioritize their spine health.
Arguably one of the most important parts of our body is our spine. Our spine is connected to our nervous system and provides us stability and mobility. While these functions are the most basic, our spine is a foundational part of our health and well-being. The spine is our body’s central support structure. If it’s not taken care, activities like walking, sitting up straight, and reaching can be hard to complete. So the next time your back is bothering you, consider how your spine is being affected and how you can treat it!
When practicing yoga, there is always a huge awareness on specific parts of the body. Bringing awareness to specific parts of the body helps with alignment and reduces the risk of injury. When bringing awareness to the spine, depending on the pose you’re achieving, some cues you may hear from your instructor are:
- Engage your core muscles
- Pull the crown of your head up while your tailbone points toward the mat
- Lengthen before folding
- Twist in your core first, follow with your head and neck
How to prepare for a yoga for the spine class:
- Be very aware of your posture and how you move through poses
- Communicate with your instructor if you’re feeling tight or any discomfort
- Hydrate before and after class
What to expect at a yoga for the spine class:
- Expansion and contraction stretches
- Specific breathing patterns to stimulate the nervous system
- Full body yoga workout
Learn more about yoga classes here!
