10 Yoga poses for a Strong, Flexible, and Healthy Spine

To keep your spine strong, flexible, and healthy, the following movement of the healthy spine must be maintained:

• Forward bending – Flexion
• Backward bending – Extension
• Twisting to sides – Rotation
• Bending to sides – Lateral flexion

For instance, when someone feels any problem or inability to perform the above movement due to any reason, he/she may feel pain or stiffness in the joints and muscles of the spine.

To overcome this pain or stiffness, we need a strong, flexible, and healthy spine, which can be achieved by performing yoga, regularly.

Therefore, many people with back problems have found yoga very beneficial in:

• Relieving pain
• Increasing strength and flexibility of the spine

Yoga is an ancient science developed in India almost 4,000 years ago. Yoga is very effective for alleviating pain and stiffness related to the spine by making people more aware of how they move their bodies.

Therefore, by regularly performing 10 poses of yoga or asana, you can keep your spine strong, flexible, and healthy.

Following are the types of yoga for a strong & healthy spine that can give you a pain-free life:

1. Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)

The person who is having problems with neck pain, shoulder pain, and cervical spondylitis or spondylosis should do Surya Namaskar, very carefully.

If they systematically perform this yoga for spine flexibility, will gain a strong and flexible spine and therefore, will be free from neck pain, shoulder pain, and cervical spondylitis or spondylosis.

2. Matsyasana (Fish Pose) for healthy spine

Matsyasana provides flexibility and strength to the vertebral column.  Moreover, it is a very useful asana for the muscles and tissues of the cervical region and helps in reducing the stress and strain of the cervical region caused by prolonged sitting in front of the computer.

In other words, Fish pose is an effective yoga for the spine and shoulders.

3. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) for healthy spine

Your vertebral column or spine is the major channel, which carries all nerve impulses from the brain to the body. Sometimes, nerves become compressed due to the stiffness of the bones and muscles of the spine.

Bhujangasana decreases the stiffness of the spine and releases nerve pressure. Subsequently, this asana may help to overcome the pain & stiffness of the neck and shoulder.

So, the cobra pose is a useful asana for people suffering from cervical spondylitis and spondylosis.

4. Makarasana (Crocodile Pose) for healthy spine

Makarasana helps the spine to resume its normal shape and releases the nerve compression of the spine.  As a result, It is effective in treating cervical spondylitis and spondylosis, and pain in the neck and shoulders.

5. Bal-Shayanasana (Infant’s Pose)

Balshayan asana is very effective asana for patients who are suffering from lower backache or cervical spondylitis because of stress, tension, and excessive workload.

In other words, Infant’s pose is a beneficial yoga for the spine and lower back.

6. Ardha Naukasana (Half Boat Pose)

Ardha Naukasana is an effective pose for a person having cervical & back problems. It also can help in managing chronic indigestion and constipation.

Half boat pose is performed by bending forward in a seated balancing posture. It helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles apart from the muscles and joints of the spine.

7. Ardha Salbhaasana (Half Locust Pose)

Ardha Salbhaasana is an excellent yoga for the spine and pelvis. It helps to relieve the pain in the back and gives strength to the pelvic organs. It releases the tension of the pelvic area and stretches the lower back.

The gentle back extension is highly beneficial in cervical pain, lumbago, and sciatica. By performing this asana regularly, the patient gets great relief from cervical spondylosis and neck pain.

8. Shanshank-Bhujangasana (Striking Cobra Pose)

Shanshank-Bhujangasana is a combination of two different asanas and has relaxing effects on the body.  So, combining these two poses helps to improve the flexibility and strength of the spine which can counter all the adverse effects of sedentary life.

In other words, the combination of Shanshank-Bhujangasana is beneficial yoga for the back spine and effective in treating backache and cervical pain.

9. Kohni Chalana (Elbow Rotations)

Kohni Chalana is an effective yoga movement to improve the strength and mobility of the shoulders and the neck. It is a very simple movement and can be done at your workplace.

It is an effective movement that may prevent cervical spondylitis, frozen shoulder, and bursitis.

10. Marjariasana (Cat Pose) for healthy spine

Marjariasana helps to loosen up the stiffness of the vertebral column by providing a gentle massage to the spine.

That is why, this asana is recommended to those people who are suffering from chronic neck pain and have rigid spines. Marjariasana gently stretches and stimulates the spinal nerves.

Summary

Yoga is a natural and side-effect-free remedy for spinal disorders. Regular practice of yoga for spine health and different asanas leads to a flexible body, a calm mind, and a positive attitude toward life.

In short, regular practice of these yogic asanas gives strength to the spine and vertebral column. It can help to release nerve compression and thus alleviate pain, stiffness, vertigo, and other problems related to the spinal disorder.

So, what are you waiting for? Take your Yoga Met and start doing your yoga and Asana.