4 yoga poses for a healthy back

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According to the National Institutes of Health, eight out of 10 people experience back pain at some point in their lives. Nurses have an increased risk of lower back pain due to overuse of the lumbar muscles from the physical demands of bedside care.

Take a few minutes each day to do these gentle yoga poses to quiet the mind while preventing future flare-ups and easing tension in the spine.

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Happy Baby Pose

Benefits: Stretches the back spine, especially the lower back

Pose: Lie in a supine position (on your back). With an exhale, bend your knees into your chest. Inhale, grip the outsides of your feet with your hands and open your knees slightly wider than your torso, then bring them toward your armpits. Position ankles directly over the knees, so your shins are perpendicular to the floor. Flex your feet. Gently push your feet up into your hands as you pull your hands down to create resistance. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat.

Locust pose –>

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