Yoga for Back Pain

Your lower back does enough. Here's how to move more efficiently in your practice—and in life.

Through yoga, I have learned that I can be balanced and graceful, even with a curved spine.

Our spines do so much. Here's how to keep yours healthy.

Bitilasana is an easy, gentle way to warm up the spine before a more vigorous practice.

This pose provides a gentle massage to the spine and belly organs.

Open wide into Prasarita Padottanasana to increase flexibility by leaps and bounds.

Plow Pose (Halasana) reduces backache and can help you get to sleep.

You need strength, flexibility, and endurance, and unwavering concentration for Eagle Pose.

Poor posture? This one's for you.

Named for a legendary warrior, Virabhadrasana II strengthens your quads, shoulders, and core—not to mention your stamina and inner resolve.

It might look straightforward, but there's more to Dandasana than meets the eye.

Sometimes called the Sage's Pose, Pose Dedicated to the Sage Marichi III (Marichyasana III) is a wise addition to any practice.

There's a general consensus among modern yogis that Viparita Karani or Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose may have the power to cure whatever ails you.

One of yoga's most widely recognized poses, Adho Mukha Svanasana strengthens the core and improves circulation, while providing a delicious, full-body stretch.

Extended Triangle Pose is a quintessential standing pose that stretches and strengthens the whole body.

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana can be whatever you need—energizing, rejuvenating, or luxuriously restorative.

Find length in your side body, from your heel to your fingertips with Extended Side Angle Pose.

Bump up your energy (and confidence!) by bending back into Camel Pose. Ustrasana counteracts slouching and relieves lower back pain with a generous, heart-opening stretch.

Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose, or Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana, offers a deep, vivid stretch to the side body paired with loving and heart-opening movement.

As a counterpose to Utthita Trikonasana and preparation for seated forward bends and twists, this pose is key to a skilled practice.