Poses for Consideration: Spondylolysis, Spondylolisthesis

Yoga Teacher Beth Spindler, who writes for Yoga for Healthy Aging, has spondylisthesis. She recommends four particular poses here: My Magic Four for Back and Spine.

Some options might include:

• Viparita Karani with Chair – for rest and relief of pain and stress
• Supta Padangusthasana (Reclined Hand to Toe) – for releasing hamstring tension
• Opposite Limb Extension – for building core strength
• Tadasaa (Mountain Pose) – for elongating the spine
• Extended Mountain Pose – for elongating the spine

Pain Management

In addition, you may wish to consider pain management in general. Relaxation, stress relief and the reduction of tension, both muscular and psychological, can all have a positive impact on the experience of chronic pain. Learn much more:

• Working with Pain in Yoga
• Chronic Pain

Sample Sequences

Therapeutic sequences for low back care would be a place to begin. But note the cautions above regarding the poses that need to be approached with care.

• Low Back Care: Restorative (All 45-min)
• Low Back Care: Reclined Hip Stretches (All 10-min)
• Low Back Care Sequence (by Yoga for Healthy Aging) – Omit Locust Pose as that is too deep for this condition