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Yoga Pose of the Week: Cobra

Posted on May 31st 2010 12:00PM by That's Fit Editors

Filed Under: Fitness, Yoga

This pose from YogaWorks is fantastic for your back. It improves posture, relieves sciatica, strengthens the spine and helps to stimulate your abdominal muscles.

For more yoga poses, visit our Yoga Center.

11 Comment

Tags: back pain, yoga pose of the week, yoga works, yoga-pose-of-the-week, YogaPoseOfTheWeek

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

david 6-01-2010 @ 5:29PM

Any damage to L5 L4 area, consisting of
disc perforation or rupture, do not use. This is thee worst
position obtainable. Inward flexing of back is
totally non-accetable. Ask an neurologist.

Tess 6-01-2010 @ 7:07PM

I'm trying Yoga to help with my Restless Leg Syndrome - so far so good! Http://www.restlesslegsyndromesecrets.com

lilimi 6-01-2010 @ 8:01PM

If someone has a true perforation or rupture (which is seen on an MRI), the MD that ordered the MRI would usually send him/her to a surgeon. At this point, typically exercise is contraindicated. If someone has a lesser problem, disc bulge or herniation, back extensions (aka cobra)is helpful. If done properly, one can possibly relocate a disc back to its proper place. Not sure where you got your information, but maybe you should consult a different MD or a Physical Therapist.

Donniek 6-01-2010 @ 5:03PM

If I was 25 or so I might be able to do that Yoga. However I am more than 50 years past that age and I just say..
Fuggeddabout it!

heathor 6-01-2010 @ 5:40PM

don't give up on yoga, just because the poses seem hard! You CAN do yoga a 50! Just find a gentle, beginners class - make sure its a beginners class & don't just jump into any class, esp. Bikram! Many of the poses they show here are for younger people or those who are already active - so don't let these articles bring you down - just find a good teacher that cares!

Kate 6-01-2010 @ 6:28PM

Do not underestimate yourself.... I am 61 and am able to do many of the yoga poses. And like much exercise it feels very good when finished with the moves (and during most). Yoga has poses for all ages.

Gramma 6-01-2010 @ 6:36PM

Thanks David I almost tried it this afternoon, my back is tore up down their around L4 and L5..Thanks again....Gramma

Nancy 6-01-2010 @ 7:35PM

David, I've had my back fused from L2 all the way to S1. Is this pose impossible for me?

carmen 6-01-2010 @ 7:54PM

I do believe that Yoga, chiropactors, and exercises do help CERTAIN back problems........HOWEVER, please be careful..........I have had 3 Doctors tell me that they do believe in all of these solutions for CERTAIN problems,but,be wary..........they can cause more harm than good sometimes.........I had a Chiropractor refuse to touch me, after my regular Doctor sent me to him. Even tho he could have milked me for hundreds of dollors..........just PLEASE choose your solutions wisely, and with much consideration and talking.

lize0363 6-02-2010 @ 12:31AM

My back has been hurting for about 6 weeks. The pain is lower back and feels like it's deep into the right buttock and down the leg, to my knee. Taking 600mg of ibuprofen in the am and pm just to get through. I have stopped most exercise just as a precaution but the pain is not going away.
How long does one give it before going to a doctor?