Yoga for back pain

If you have a back problem, it's best to get an okay from your doctor before trying yoga. Back pain is often the result of a biomechanical imbalance in spinal structures.

Types of Yoga Suitable for Back Pain Sufferers:

There are a variety of styles of yoga out there, ranging from gentle to vigorous. Also, some styles emphasize spirituality and emotions, while others, most notably hatha yoga, focus more on the physical postures. For persons with back pain, a hatha yoga style is a good place to start, particularly rest and restoration classes. Styles such as Kundalini, Ashtanga and Bikram are specialized and challenging -- not a good choice for back pain sufferers. A rule of thumb is gentle is better.

Examples of conditions particularly suitable for yoga include (but are not limited to):

• kyphosis
• scoliosis
• lordosis

With modifications and a gentle, prudent approach, beginner yoga can benefit those with other conditions as well, for example (but not limited to):

• stenosis
• problems of the intervertebral disk.
• nerve root problems

Yoga for back pain can be quite a winner, but you must respect the limits placed on you by your pain. This necessarily involves listening to the body, a skill you will undoubtedly cultivate as a student of this ancient system.