Whether you're living with chronic pain or just want to stretch and strengthen your back, here are seven beginner yoga poses to try.
How lower back pain happens
Your lower back consists of the five lumbar vertebrae at the bottom of your spine (L1 to L5). The lumbar vertebrae are the largest when compared to the rest of your spine and help support your upper and lower body, allow you to twist and move your torso, and protect your spinal cord. There is also a complex network of ligaments, muscles, and tendons here to help everything move properly and stay in place.
The lumbar region handles high stress and heavy loads when you’re walking, running, lifting, carrying, or doing just about anything—which is why it’s no surprise that lower back pain is so common.
There are a few issues that can cause lower back pain. A bulging disk happens when the cushioning between your vertebrae gets compressed and can’t do its job properly. Herniated disks can cause pinched nerves. But often, lower back pain is a symptom of a strain or tear that occurred as a result of weakened muscles.
- (Child’s Pose)
- (Cat-Cow Pose)
- (Standing Forward Bend)
- (Garland Pose)
- (Wind-Relieving or Knees-to-Chest Pose)
- (Reclining Spinal Twist)