Low back pain can range from a dull,

constant ache to a sudden, sharp

sensation that can leave you hollering

in pain. The pain can begin abruptly as

a result of an accident or lifting

something heavy, poor repetitive

movement patterns (like squatting

badly) or it can develop over time due

to age-related changes of the spine.

For many people, low back pain persists

longer than 3 months (chronic pain).

For about 20%, chronic low back pain

can persist for more than one year.

Recent studies (2017, National Institutes of Health) in people with mild to moderate chronic low back pain suggest that a carefully ADAPTED set of yoga postures may help reduce pain and improve the ability to walk and move. The key word in this study is ADAPTED. If someone with back pain was to follow a class geared towards the general public, there is every possibility that they can leave the class feeling worse. As has been the case so often in Zahir's experience. The art to doing yoga when you have a "bad back" is to know how and when to adapt the pose to suit your body. This may require slightly rebelling from what the teacher is saying but that is what one must do to preserve the integrity of the spine.

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Yoga itself stems from ancient Indian philosophy. As practiced today, it typically combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation. All will be covered in this 4-week course with Akram Studio owner Zahir Akram.

“I'm in pain all the time,' I said, 'and if I gave into it then I'd do nothing.”
― Bernard Cornwell