Relieve pain, stiffness, and nerve impingement with this gentle class on yoga for back pain and sciatica…

Back pain is no fun! It can be quite debilitating, and in fact, back pain is the number one reason for missing work in the U.S.. There are many different treatments for back pain, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain, but in general, the best treatment is exercise-based. Exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the back and core muscles can not only help to prevent back pain from occurring in the first place, but can also help to relieve and even cure existing pain conditions. Yoga is an excellent form of exercise for those suffering from back pain, as it helps to not only strengthen the back and supporting muscles, but can also help to restore lost flexibility that may cause back pain or pinched nerves.

The 30-minute gentle yoga class below is a great example. This class is designed specifically for those suffering from back pain, sciatica, or soreness in the back and lower body. You will move through a sequence of yoga poses and therapeutic strength exercises to help stimulate the back muscles, stretch the spine, glutes, and hamstrings and relieve tension throughout the body.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, do these every day to strengthen the muscles around the spine and start to restore function in the area.

Note: This class should be gentle enough for most people with bulging or herniated disks, but you should still consult with your physician first just to be safe. If you do have disk injuries, skip any exercises that round the spine, such as Cat Pose and Child’s Pose. However, extension exercises like Cow Pose may be very helpful. Remember to listen to your body, and if a certain exercise increases your pain or just doesn’t feel right, back off or skip it!