Alleviating back pain with yoga

Back pain is a common problem that most people experience at some point in their lives. Yoga and exercise can be an effective way to alleviate pain, but sometimes people experience more pain from yoga than relief. The good news is that it's easy to make your practice work for you.

Start by building your core strength. As a beginner or returning student, it's important to remember that your core is the key to a strong practice. Strengthening your abdominals is an excellent way to support your back, and focusing on form is crucial. If you have trouble maintaining a plank, try it on your knees until you build up more strength.

Remember, it's not about how your core looks, but how strong your muscles are. Engaging your core while practicing yoga can significantly reduce back pain. Although it may feel good to take a big back-arching stretch, it can lead to pain afterward without you realizing it.

Improperly practicing poses or going too deep can worsen the pain and hinder the development of the strength you need to keep your back safe. Create a solid foundation that starts with an activated core.

Above all else, listen to your body. That may mean not attempting certain poses that don't work for you, easing off when you experience pain, or starting slowly to build strength.