This pose can help strengthen back muscles and give a good stretch to the chest.

Improves spinal flexibility.

Do not do this pose if you have a neck injury.

Consult with your personal health professional, if you have back pain or other pain or injury.

If you happen to live in Raleigh, NC and are looking for a yoga teacher, try Janis Ramquist, of Gentle Hatha Yoga.

You can get the rest of the posture series with Lillah Schwartz at LillahSchwartz.com

The pose is called Bridge Pose, the fancy yoga name for it is Setu Bandha Sarvangasana.

Poor posture is very common in today’s world, just take a look around. It is one of many factors that can contribute to back pain. It is not enough to just say, stand up taller. Muscle weakness, tension and imbalance need to be addressed, as well as attention to how you are holding your body.

Lillah has 5 more videos in this series. We collect the best videos on the topic of natural pain relief. Just fill in the form next to the video and we weill start sending them along. You may unsubscribe at any time. We promise not to send useless spam.

In the mean time head on over to Lillah’s blog and check out the great yoga videos, articles and tips. Be sure to say hi in the comment box while you are there.

It aids flexibility, is great for stress relief and helps circulation to the muscles, joints and disks of the back.

Better circulation means more nutrients and oxygen going in, more toxins coming out.

This is one of my favorite poses when I am really feeling stressed and tired. Remember the old days as a kid, when you would put your head down on the desk?

The stretch in the lower back feels really good for most people. If you don’t have a yoga bolster, like the folks in this video, maybe you could steal a cushion form the couch or use a few pillows.

The music in this video is relaxing all by itself, and the woman’s voice is soothing.
People with facet joint problems in the back may be especially happy with this pose.
Please chime in with your comments below.

It is a great stretch for creating space and length in the spine.

Counter Stretch for the Spine

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Wtach the video through and pay careful attention to the instructions for best results. Breathe slow and dep while you are doing this pose. Feel the breathe going all the way down into your pelvis. Let the breathe actually expand the lower abdomen and low back area.

You may only want to do this for a few seconds in the beginning. then work up to a little longer time.  This is one you can do several times a day. whenever you walk past the kitchen sink, or when your back is feeling tight and it needs a good stretch. I like these little exercises than can be done without any special equipment and anytime the spirit moves.

]]> http://painreliefmachine.com/fixing-back-pain-at-the-kitchen-sink/feed/ 0 http://painreliefmachine.com/can-cobra-pose-help-my-back-pain/ http://painreliefmachine.com/can-cobra-pose-help-my-back-pain/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:22:58 +0000 Optahealth http://painreliefmachine.com/?p=687

Back Stretch

Video with beginner to advanced version of this well known yoga pose, cobra.

It is great for strengthening and toning back muscles.
It starts with the easiest version for the total newbie and stiffer folk. Then she progresses through more advanced setup.

This pose can be great for some types of back pain problems, but not so good for others. Along with strengthening your back muscles, it is also good for the lower abdominals and the muscles in your pelvis.

People with disc problems seem to benefit the most from cobra pose.

If you have facet joint problems, like example, spondylolisthesis, practice cobra pose cautiously, if at all. Facet joint problems tend to become irritated when the spine is arched. Check with your doctor or physical therapist to see if this pose is okay for your condition.

If you are a beginner, proceed tenderly. There is no reason to strain, regardless of your condition. If it hurts, stop right away. This pose, or any yoga pose, should be pleasant.

Child’s pose is a great follow up pose to do after cobra.

Couch Yoga

Here is a nice little yoga set that you can do right on your living room couch.

Instead of being a regular couch potato, why not do a little yoga while you are checking out the boob tube?

She even finishes up with a relaxation session.

Couch Yoga

Start by Relaxing

Begin by taking a few long deep breathes, this instantly calms your mmind down and helps you to relax. Let go of the stress of the day.

This yoga set is helpful for detoxification, to improve mental focus, and a little care strengthening. Core strength is always good for low back problems like sciatica.

Easier Poses

The seated Pigeon pose really helps to open up the hips. The regular pigeon is one of the favorite yoga poses for sciatica, this version is a lot easier, and it can be done anytime. A good stretch for the piriformis muscle, a major culprit in sciatica pain going down the leg.

Loosen Hips

Here is yet another good sciatica relief exercise.

This one is quick and simple, the whole video is only 2 minutes long, including introductory instructions.

The exercise is designed to loosen up the hips and lower back.

Firm Believer in this Exercise

I have tried this myself and it works great to get things loosened up. I first learned this movement in yoga class. When I saw this video, I knew right away, it was going on the website to share with people.

Enjoy the Relief

So enjoy the exercise video, and as with any exercise, if it hurts stop or back off. This movement should not be painful. It should actually help reduce pain. It really works into the piriformis muscle. A key instigator in sciatica discomfort.

Please us the comment box to let us know how you like this exercise, and if it works good for you, share it with some friends!

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Belly Turning Pose

Proper posture goes hand in hand with a healthy back and spine. Poor posture can lead to back pain, sciatica and other problems.

This video shows a basic core strengthening exercise called, Belly Turning Pose.

This is part of Lillah’s 6 part series, Improve Your Posture with Yoga.

Start out lying on your back, with arms spread out. Be sure to follow Lillah’s instructions regarding the position of the knees. This pose takes only a couple minutes to do.

Check out some of Lillah’s other back pain videos here.

HarDarshan taught this class at Wake Forest Yoga. Keeping muscles loosened up and flexible can be very beneficial.

Easy Warm Up

If you like easy, gentle types of yoga you will like this video.  The leg lifts might be a little challenging, but the are super good for the abdominals. Nothing like keeping the tummy toned to protect the back. A lot of back problems are aggravated by poor abdominal tone.

Contact HarDarshan

If would like to get up with HarDarshan you can find her at SacredListener.com

Please share your comments and feelings below. We love  feedback.

As always, you should check with your personal health professional, before trying any new exercise program. Not all exercises are for all people.

Stress Solution

Stress can add to any chronic pain situation.

Worry, fear, anxiety in the mind can increase pain in the body.

Relaxation techniques are the antidote to excess stress and muscle tension.

Restorative yoga provide the mind and body with deep relaxation, that in my book, beats meditation and other relaxation methods.

The Stress Solution

Get Comfortable and Relax

The key here is to make the body completely comfortable. Cushions, pillows, blankets and other props help to make this possible.

Turn off the phone, TV and radio. Find a place to lie down and totally let go. Let your friends and family know you need a break.

Lying in silence is great, but sometimes I like to use meditation CD’s that promote alpha,  theta and delta brainwaves.

Consciously relax every muslce in your body. Let gravity take over and let the body sink into the pillows and cushions.

Break the Pain – Stress Cycle

Let’s face it having chronic pain is stressful, and stress makes chronic pain worse. It’s a vicious cycle. Relaxation helps to break up that vicious cycle.

A Natural Pain Reducing Method

More and more people are looking to alternatives to additive pain pills and surgery. I love restorative yoga, because it is a totally natural way to relax.

Get all the videos in our series - TOP 10 Natural Pain Relievers