Positions That Ease Back Pain
Bend and twist? Totally bad news if you have an iffy back. But here are some poses that could have your back feeling fine: yoga poses.
In a small study, adults with chronic lower back pain reported experiencing 56 percent less pain after practicing yoga regularly for 6 months.
Posing for Less Pain
All the study participants received traditional medical treatments for their back pain. But half of the participants also took two 90-minute yoga classes twice a week in addition to practicing the moves on their own at home. They did a special type of Iyengar yoga designed to strengthen back muscles and ease pain and stiffness. And after 6 months, it showed! The yoga lovers not only reported less pain and better back function, but their moods were lifted, too. (Check out the cool effect yoga can have on your appetite.)
How It Works
Why is yoga so great for barky backs? Because it provides a gentler means of building back strength than other forms of exercise do. Plus, yoga is known for improving balance and flexibility, two extra-beneficial qualities for people in pain. But don't just jump right in! If you have back pain, talk to your doctor first about what kinds of exercises you can do. (And check out this advice on exercising safely with back pain.)
Make your back happier with these other tips and tricks:
