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According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) we have an eighty percent chance of developing a back problem in our lifetime. Each year the United States will have $34 billion in back pain treatment expense representing a huge slice of all medical reimbursements. Chronic back problems not only seriously affect your wallet they also drain you physically and mentally.

Did you know studies have shown your state of mind has a direct relationship to how much suffering you experience from back pain? Negative emotional perceptions may not change your spine physically but they can increase the pain of preexisting back problems.

Many factors like high stress or negative thoughts can influence pain and potentially alter the body physically. It is important to reduce the feelings and perception of pain. A National Institute of Health Study revealed yoga is a better therapy for overcoming depression and pain from chronic back problems when compared to conventional treatment.

There are a lot of physical therapists and rehabilitation professionals currently prescribing yoga poses and stretches for back pain therapy. Meditation combined with these exercises can also help reduce feelings of pain.

Your back needs a program for your shoulder, upper and lower spine muscles that includes a primary goal of flexibility and strength. To improve your posture and strengthen the back a good series of abdominal stretches is recommended. Always consult a physician prior to any physical activity.

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Lower back pain relief results yoga will require a proper breathing method to encourage circulation and help relax the body. Do not hold your breath but rather inhale deeply through the nose and exhale freely via the mouth.

Yoga is primarily a method to relieve tension in stressed out muscles by performing gentle stretching and relaxing poses. The poses are usually held for several seconds to several minutes and cause some muscles to tighten while others simply stretch. Each flexible pose will promote relaxation of stiff muscles and joints.

Here are three entry level yoga poses you can do to help promote stronger more flexible back muscles; "Cat," "Cobra," and "Knee to Chest." While holding a pose you should not have sensations of tingling pain or numbness. Simply exit out of a position if this occurs. Be sure to alter any yoga series for your own individual comfort.