Anyone can experience lower back pain whether you are active, sedentary, young or old. Two common causes of chronic lower back pain are: 1) A weak core that is not adequately supporting your back, or 2) tightness in areas such as the hips or hamstrings which compromises proper alignment.
Sitting for long periods of time can cause tight hips, while standing or walking for extended periods of time may cause tight hamstrings. A weak core will not support your back whether you are trying to sit up straight, workout, or pick something up from the ground. This causes the back to overwork, ultimately causing discomfort or possible injury.
When yoga clients come to me with back pain, I work closely with them to assess the root cause of their pain, recognizing the uniqueness of each client’s body. After an initial assessment, we focus on various exercises that either stretch out the hamstrings, strengthen the core, open the hips, or a combination of them all.
In addition to relieving lower back pain, yoga has a positive impact on the body and mind as a whole. Whether you are looking to build strength, increase flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, get in shape, or better manage your stress, yoga is a great way to achieve these goals. When working with my clients, I develop customized plans that address each individual’s objectives, are simple to sustain, and easy to integrate into their lifestyle.
To schedule a session or for more information contact 646-342-6036, janicekimkelly@gmail.com or visit janicekellywellness.com. Beginners welcome! Mention this article for 15% off your first session.
Janice Kelly is an in-home, personal yoga instructor known for her lighthearted yet focused demeanor and strong ability to tune into the specific needs of her clients.