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stress and gut healthWritten ByPartha Nandi, MD

If you suffer from lower back pain, you have most likely been told that stretching is very important. Stretching the hamstrings can help to expand the motion in the pelvis. This decreases stress across the lower back. Stretching with yoga helps to increase blood flow which allows the good to flow in and the bad to flow out. The increased blood flow improves the nourishment of the muscles and soft tissues in the lower back. Many yoga poses help to strengthen the muscles in the back and the abdomen. These muscles help the body maintain proper upright posture and movement. When the muscles are healthy, back pain can be reduced or even avoided.

How to Support the Lower Back with Yoga Poses

Downward Facing Dog

  • Start on your hand and knees.
  • Your hands will be slightly in front of your shoulders.
  • Pressing your back, raise your knees away from the floor.
  • Lift your tailbone up towards the ceiling.
  • To stretch your hamstrings even more, gently push your heels toward the floor.
  • Hold the position for 8-10 breaths.
  • Repeat 7-10 times.

Child’s Pose

  • Starting on all fours, have your arms stretched out straight in front of you.
  • Sit back so your butt muscles rest just about (not touching) your heels.
  • Hold the position for 8-10 breaths.
  • Repeat 12-15 times.

Sphynx

  • Lying on your stomach, prop yourself up on your forearms.
  • Align elbows directly under your shoulders.
  • Firmly press through your palms and the tops of your feet.
  • Press the pubic bone forward.
  • You may feel a strange feeling in your lower back, blood is flowing into the lower back.
  • Hold for 1 minute.
  • Repeat 3-5 times.

Forward Fold

  • Starting from the downward facing dog, walk feet up to hands.
  • Keep a bend in your knees as much as your hamstrings allow.
  • Allow the torso to hang heavily over the legs.
  • Now hold opposite elbows with hands and gently sway from side to side.
  • Make sure the core is well-engaged.
  • Hold for 5-7 breaths.
  • Repeat 3-5 times.

Bird Dog

  • Start on all fours. Β 
  • Extend your right leg directly behind you with your toes and hips pointing downward.
  • Keep the spine long.
  • Gently extend your left arm in front of you with your thumb pointing to the sky.
  • Inhale deeply.
  • When you exhale, round your back and touch the opposite elbow to knee.
  • Inhale and extend your arm and leg out long.
  • Repeat 5-7 times.
  • Switch to the other side.

About the author

Partha Nandi, MD

Partha Nandi M.D., F.A.C.P. is the creator and host of the internationally syndicated medical lifestyle television show, Ask Dr. Nandi.

A practicing physician and a renowned international speaker, his appearances include TEDx, college commencements, numerous charity functions, premier medical meetings such as Digestive Disease Week, and nationally syndicated television programs such as The Katie Couric Show.

Dr. Nandi has partnered with the Ministry of Health in multiple countries, including Jamaica and India, and has collaborated with The World Health Organization in multiple areas throughout the globe, Dr. Nandi delivers passionate and inspiring talks to diverse audiences.

He continues to travel internationally for conferences and symposia, meeting with global health leaders on his quest to improve health care quality, access, and to empower people across the world β€œTo Be Your Own Health Hero.”

DrNandi@AskDrNandi.com

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