Because the lower back is a sensitive area for many people, you should ensure that you include lower back stretches as an essential component of your overall mobility routine.
This is true regardless of whether you suffer from lower back pain and are looking for relief or don’t have lower back discomfort but want to strengthen the muscles in your lower back through mild stretching. The benefits of yoga for the spine and all of the other vital parts of the back come into play here.
A weak core and poor posture resulting from sitting all day (that shortens the hip muscles and pulls the lower back) are two common contributing factors to lower back aches and discomfort. And yoga is one form of exercise that can work on both of these aspects at the same time.
What are the signs and symptoms of discomfort in the lower back?
The symptoms of lower back pain might start quickly or develop over a longer period. There are situations in which pain follows a certain action, such as bending down to pick something up. Sometimes you might not be able to determine what brought on the pain.
The pain could be severe, dull, and aching; it could also radiate to your bottom or down the back of your legs (sciatica). If you put too much pressure on your back while performing an activity, you can hear a “pop” when it finally gives out. When you lie down, the pain usually subsides, but it can be worse in some postures (like leaning over), such as when you bend over.
Other symptoms associated with lower back pain include the following:
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Rigidity:
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You could find moving around or straightening your back difficult. When you first stand up after having been seated for some time, you might feel like you need to walk around or stretch to get your muscles loose again. There is a possibility that your range of motion will be restricted.
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Problems with posture:
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Many people who suffer from back pain feel that it is difficult to stand up straight. You might be standing “crooked” or bent, with your torso off to the side rather than aligned with your spine. This is not a healthy position to be in. Your lower back may appear to be straight rather than bent.
- Muscle spasms can occur after a strain, and when they do, they cause the muscles in the lower back to tighten unnaturally. Muscle spasms can be extremely painful, making it challenging or even impossible to stand, walk, or move about.
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CAUSES OF LOWER BACK PAIN:
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Age:
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People over 30 are more likely to experience back discomfort. The softer, rubbery tissue known as discs, which cushion the bones in the spine, degenerates as we age. Pain and stiffness are potential side effects of the deterioration and weakening of the discs.
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Body mass index:
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People who are overweight or obese or carry additional weight are at a greater risk of experiencing back discomfort. Joints and discs can become compressed when there is excess weight.
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Your general well-being:
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Weak abdominal muscles cannot provide adequate support for the spine, resulting in back sprains and strains. People who smoke cigarettes, consume large amounts of alcohol, or lead a sedentary lifestyle have a greater chance of experiencing back discomfort.
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Occupation and lifestyle:
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Jobs and hobbies that require heavy lifting or bending can raise the risk of a back injury. Likewise, a sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of a back injury.
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Problems with the structure of the body:
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Conditions like scoliosis, which alter the spine’s position, can cause severe back pain.
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Condition:
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A increased incidence of low back pain is associated with having a family history of osteoarthritis, certain types of cancer, or another disease.
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Mental health:
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Anxiety and despair can contribute to back discomfort.
YOGA TO ALLEVIATE BACK PAIN
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- Your hamstrings will get a good stretch with the Downward-Facing Dog Pose:
This time-honored yoga position is a wonderful way to stretch your entire body while focusing on your back extensors, the major muscles that help create your lower back, support the spine, and enable you to stand and lift things.
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- Child’s Pose lengthens your back and helps you relax simultaneously:
The child’s pose may give the impression that you are relaxing, but in reality, it is an active stretch that serves to extend the back.
In addition, it is an excellent method for relieving stress right before going to bed at the end of a long day.
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- Pigeon Pose is excellent for hip relaxation because it stretches the rotators:
Pigeon positions are fundamental in many yoga practices.
They want to expand the hip because this can help alleviate lower back pain. If you suffer from sciatica pain, you will greatly benefit from it! The pigeon pose has three distinct variations: the reclining, sitting, and forward positions.
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- Triangle Pose lengthens the muscles in the torso to build strength:
The Triangle Pose is an excellent way to build strength in the back and legs, as well as in the muscles along the sides of your chest, while also stretching the fibers of the muscles around the outer edge of your hips (your IT or iliotibial, band).
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- The Cat and Cow Pose will warm you up and help loosen your back:
Whether performed as part of a yoga routine or as a warm-up for another form of exercise, the Cow and Cat stretch allow you to loosen the muscles in your back. These positions are ideal for relieving back pain and stiffness.
Alternating between Cat and Cow helps shift your spine into a neutral posture, which relaxes the muscles and eases tension. You may achieve this by moving back and forth between the two poses.
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- Tight hamstrings and back muscles can be released during an Upward Forward Bend:
The upward front bend, also known as a forward fold, is great for stretching the hamstrings and back muscles while offering a release for tense and tight shoulders.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How can I use yoga to alleviate the pain in my lower back?
The motions employed in yoga and the isometric holds, which involve no movement, can help you gain strength and mobility. These two factors contribute to the reduction of low back pain.
In contrast, you must ensure you are in tune with your body and refrain from doing anything that aggravates any existing discomfort.
If I have lower back pain, is it safe for me to perform yoga?
Before beginning any workout regimen, consult with a physical therapist first. This is the case if you have a history of lower back injuries, issues with your discs, or if you have experienced discomfort for more than 72 hours that do not improve.
If you have a problem that needs to be looked at by a doctor, it is in your best interest to do so before it gets any worse.
If, on the other hand, your lower back pain is more of a general aching or discomfort, it may be beneficial for you to try out some yoga stretches to address any stiffness and alignment issues.
You will see that our objective in each pose is similar: to give the muscles in the lower back some length while also providing support. After incorporating these tenets into your yoga routine, you may experiment with taking your alignment off the mat and into your everyday life.
You may build new habits in your body that will help maintain a healthy lower back for many years if you consciously improve your body’s physical structure.
