Yoga Is the Best Solution for Back Problems

Yoga has been part of Indian history for almost 26,000 years, from the "golden age" or the "Sat Yuga," when perpetual tranquility and concealed happiness were latent tools in the search for eternal youth. The excavations at the site of at the Indus Valley civilization, the oldest civilization in the world, and the ancient inscriptions on soapstone, which the historians recovered there, proved yoga's existence from ancient times.

Over a period, yoga became a common practice among Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. It was not until Patanjali compiled the works of yoga into a book called yoga sutras of Patanjali sometime between 100 BCE and 500 CE, that the world could see the various aspects of yoga in writing. Many still contend that yoga existed long before Patanjali and he was not due credit for the first compilation.

Yoga's popularity has grown rapidly in the last 10 years in the Western countries, especially Hatha yoga, and over 15 million Americans swear by this healthy practice, combining physical and breathing exercises with meditation, to enhance health and prevent diseases. Several people suffering from back pain have found relief in yoga by virtue of its success in alleviating pain, increasing body flexibility and instilling the important features of relaxation and self-appraisal, which are the cornerstones of success bodily and mentally.

You can read below some of the effective postures or Asanas of yoga for back problems that you can use for alleviating back pain:

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Here you lay on your back on the floor, arch your back by slowly tilting your head backwards until your head touches the floor by using your forearms and elbows as supports. With even breathing, continue holding this position for about 3-5 minutes and then relax. This posture targets the cervical vertebrae and alleviates the pain and rigidity in the neck region.

Shalabhasana (Locust Pose)

This posture involves lying on the floor with your abdomen and chin touching the floor while your arms are at your side, heels, toes are together, and your fists are touching the floor. Apply pressure on your fists and raise your legs while inhaling slowly. Exhale slowly after holding this position for a few seconds. This asana has positive effects in relieving nervous tension as it targets the muscles on the back.

Marjaryasana (Cat Pose)

In the cat pose you are on your hands and knees with hands and shoulders, knees and hips, wide apart. Inhale slowly trying to lift every vertebra in your spine. Exhale slowly as you arch your back upward. Repeat these sequences several times.