5 poses to take care of your overburdened spine

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gentle yoga for spine | Shree Hari Yoga

5 Yoga Poses to Take Care of Your Overburdened Spine

In today’s sedentary world, back and spinal issues are increasingly common. Whether it’s from long hours at a desk, poor posture, or lack of core strength, the spine often bears the brunt of daily stress. The good news? Practicing yoga regularly can help restore spinal health, reduce discomfort, and promote long-term wellness.

Yoga works by strengthening the muscles that support the spine and improving flexibility through a balanced mix of postures. These five yoga poses are especially beneficial for nurturing your spine:

1. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

Benefits:

  • Gently rounds the spine
  • Relieves lower back and neck tension
  • Stretches hips and thighs
  • Promotes relaxation and calm

Child’s Pose brings the spine into flexion, offering a sweet release after long hours of sitting or standing. It’s an ideal resting posture that relaxes the muscles along the back and encourages deep, diaphragmatic breathing.

Tip: Use a bolster under your chest for extra support if you feel strain in your lower back or hips.

2. Cat Pose (Marjaryasana)

Benefits:

  • Promotes spinal extension
  • Strengthens core support for the back
  • Enhances mobility and flexibility of vertebrae

In contrast to Child’s Pose, Cat Pose brings the spine into extension. It encourages a gentle arch through the back, loosening tension while building awareness of spinal alignment.

Tip: Pull your belly button toward your spine to avoid overextending the lower back.

3. Boat Pose (Navasana)

Benefits:

  • Builds abdominal and deep core strength
  • Strengthens hip flexors and spine
  • Supports posture and balance

A strong core is essential for supporting the spine and maintaining healthy posture. Boat Pose targets the deep muscles that stabilize the back, promoting long-term spinal resilience.

Tip: Keep your spine long, not rounded, to prevent lower back strain.

4. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)

Benefits:

  • Lengthens and strengthens the spine
  • Opens the chest and shoulders
  • Promotes pelvic and lower back alignment

This gentle backbend engages the glutes, hamstrings, and back extensors. It’s a versatile pose suitable for all levels and can be modified with props for comfort.

Tip: Place a yoga block under your sacrum for supported Bridge Pose if you’re new or experiencing discomfort.

5. Extended Triangle Pose (Utthita Trikonasana)

Benefits:

  • Encourages lateral spinal movement
  • Stretches intercostal muscles and hips
  • Improves posture and breathing

This standing side stretch strengthens the obliques and elongates the spine from both ends. It is especially effective for improving spinal flexibility and releasing tightness in the torso.

Tip: Keep your chest open and avoid collapsing the torso forward.

Spinal Health Through Balanced Yoga Practice

A healthy spine moves in all directions—flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral bending. Incorporating these movements into your daily yoga practice ensures spinal strength, flexibility, and longevity. These poses are ideal for beginners and experienced practitioners alike and can easily be modified with props.
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    Located in India, we offer Yoga Teacher Training accredited by Yoga Alliance, as well as Continuing Education Programs (YACEP), Ayurveda Teacher Trainings, Panchakarma, and Retreats. Our training courses are deeply rooted in the authentic heart of yoga, aiming to inspire others to embrace its essence.

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    About Hari Pawali

    I’m Hari Pawali, founder of Shree Hari Yoga School (est. 2013, Gokarna). Raised in a devotional family and trained in the Nath Tradition, I was inspired by my mother, Bhakti Guru Tara Devi. My mission is to offer high-quality, affordable yoga training and create an inclusive community where everyone feels welcomed.

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