Pain in the lower back is common. Back pain is often associated with middle age, but people of all ages can suffer from pain in the lower back. Poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, or incorrect exercise can all lead to pain in the lower back at any age.
Weak muscles leave the back susceptible to strain, which results in discomfort. Strengthening the muscles of the back and abdomen is the best way to improve low back pain caused by weak muscles. Yoga is an effective way to strengthen the muscles of the lower back to prevent injury.
In some cases, there is no cause found for back pain, even after visits to the doctors and medical tests. In these cases, stress is often a contributing factor. Stress causes tension in the muscle and chronic tension can lead to back pain.
There are several poses that work to strengthen the lower back. Some asanas that work to strengthen the lower back muscles include lotus, boat pose, bridge pose, and cat pose. Holding the poses works to strengthen the muscles and build stamina.
Cobra can help relieve back pain and strengthen the back muscles. If you are currently experiencing back pain, take it easy and stick to gentle stretching poses. Modify poses as needed to provide the stretch the muscles need without overdoing it. For example, come up in to a gentle cobra, rather than pushing too far into the full pose.
Yoga has strengthening and toning benefits for the back muscles and all muscles of the body. However, the improvement won’t happen with just a few classes. It is possible to experience some symptom relief, if you are having back pain, but regular practice is needed to strengthen the muscles.
You can find DVD practices to use at home that are designed specifically for strengthening and toning the back or the abdomen and back. If you have chronic pain or a medical condition causing the pain, talk to your health care provider about the benefits of yoga. You may be referred to a yoga therapist, if needed, for your specific problem.