What Is Causing Low Back Pain In Forward Bending?
- Low back pain during forward bending can have various causes, including:
- Tight hamstrings: When the hamstrings (the muscles at the back of the thigh) are tight, they can pull on the pelvis, causing the lower back to round and leading to pain or discomfort.
- Weak core muscles: Weakness in the muscles that support the spine (such as the abdominals and lower back muscles) can contribute to low back pain during forward bending.
- Poor posture: Poor posture, both during yoga practice and in daily life, can contribute to low back pain. Sitting for long periods of time with a rounded spine or standing with an anterior pelvic tilt can strain the lower back.
- Disc problems: In some cases, low back pain during forward bending may be caused by problems with the discs in the spine, such as herniation or degeneration.
- Spinal stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain or discomfort during forward bending.
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint (located where the sacrum meets the ilium) can cause pain or discomfort during forward bending.
- If you experience low back pain during forward bending, it’s important to work with a knowledgeable teacher to identify the cause and modify your practice as needed. Modifications may include using props (such as blocks or straps) to support the body, focusing on strengthening the core muscles, or avoiding certain poses altogether.