Question
Hello ,
I am a 23 yr old female and I have been practicing yoga since a year and a half. I have a problem with back hyperextensions, in contrast to my forward bends which are great . I feel stiff in the lumbar area while pushing up from the floor because of which I end up pushing harder to hyperextend in my yoga class. Whats happening now is that Im feeling even stiffer like my spine is 'dry'. Moreover my lumbar spine has started to hurt a little as I back bend , a slight pinching sensation. Should I continue my yoga classes in this case and under what precautions? Also do I need to see a doctor? Im a little worried because Im not sure if my spine will heal itself & whether this pain will recurr everytime. Just to add, my life beyond the yoga class is basically sedentary..
Thank you for your time. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Priya,

The low back is not made for bending backward.  The structures of the spine will prevent such position.  If you force the back to bend backward, the bones will jam against each other causing pain.  At your age, the bone has developed (unlike adolescent), you won't be able to cause the back to bend backward without injury.  

My recommendation is to not bend backward too much.  Do it slowly and when you have a pain that is like the bones are hitting each other, stop!  Bending forward should be beneficial for your condition.  

If you still have the back pain after a week of rest from doing the back extension, then I recommend for you to visit a chiropractic office to have the back examined and treated.