“You are only as young and as healthy as your spine is strong and supple” 

An Ancient Yogi quote

The spine with its cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum regions including our “tailbone” has over 120 muscles connected to it and over 30 pairs of nerves. You may have heard references to good posture as having a “straight back”. The spine does not have vertebrae stacked one on top of the other making a column like stacked bricks, it’s complex with four curves that should be maintained over a lifetime. To be pain-free, maintaining a healthy posture and these proper curves is important since it can ultimately impact our overall health. 

Over time, aging, scoliosis, and even injuries can cause numerous spinal issues including disc and nerve compression, decreased mobility, plus arthritis and osteoporosis; leading to weakening muscles and poor posture. Back pain can result from tight muscles owing to poor alignment and reduced muscle range.

The human spine is designed for mobility and strength to support us through our everyday activities and this is where yoga can help. Yoga postures or “asanas” can increase muscle strength and posture by relaxing muscles, improving flexibility, and increasing blood flow. Some individuals with lower back pain, for example, might have tight hamstring muscles. By mindfully stretching these muscles, they will expand the motion in the pelvis, decreasing stress across the lower back. Through yoga, you develop an awareness of postural habits causing muscle tension. Proper breathing combined with the asana, results in calmness and further relaxation.

Yoga can also decrease pain perception through the development of mind/body awareness that occurs with the practice. There is strong research showing yoga can relieve back pain leading to a non-pharmaceutical, cost-effect treatment that, like chiropractic, gets to the root cause of the discomfort addressing the underlying pathophysiology. Some studies have shown there is less disc degeneration and compression in people who have practiced yoga. Elongating and lengthening the spine during yoga, helps maintain intervertebral disc space and improves blood circulation. Other studies are finding yoga can increase bone density in the spinal bones. 

If you have had recent injuries or a significant spinal condition and are unsure regarding your fitness for yoga, please consult your chiropractic physician before starting a class. 

Yoga poses are meant to train the body to be strong and supple. Consistent practice and awareness of your spine when you perform your daily activities will result in improved posture and an increased sense of balance and well-being. 

We currently offer yoga classes through our fitness partner, The Training Room, which is located within Central Ohio Spine and Joint

Written by Kyla Cologgi – Yoga Instructor – The Training Room