To Sara of Fit by Sara: “I regularly experience a stiff, sore lower back. I’ve been told by my doctor that I should try yoga. I’m a little afraid too, because i don’t want to make it worse. What do you suggest?”
From Sara of Fit by Sara: “I agree with your doctor, yoga is an excellent way to reduce stiffness in your low back. My guess is the back of your upper thighs (a.k.a hamstrings) are really tight. When your hamstrings are really tight it triggers stiffness/muscle soreness in the buttocks and low back. A regular practice of gentle yoga will lengthen your muscles and thus release the tension in your hamstrings and low back. Prior to starting a yoga program be sure to talk to the yoga facilitator about your low back pain, and ask to be directed to a gentle yoga class with an instructor who has specific knowledge with this area. Many studios now provide specific classes geared towards releasing the low back. Besides releasing low back pain, I have a good feeling you’ll enjoy the many benefits of yoga as well– a calm, peaceful body, mind and soul!” -Sara Holliday, MFT, CPT
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