Question
Hello Doctor,
I am a 24yr old female yoga enthusiast.I have been practicing since 2years.But no matter how hard I try I do not seem to get better at back bends . Iv tried going about it the gentle slow way too.i havent got better in 2years now and constantly feel a nerve pinching sensation on my lumbar spine in hyperextensions.I want to be really good at yoga.What could be limiting me from doing so and are such limitations permanent? I am inspired by dancers with great bodies and I feel I want to do anything to get there and improve my range of motion.My leg flexibility and forward bends are normal.
Just a thing I've noticed is how some very fit people have spines that indent inwards at the lumbar area at a higher degree with buttocks that 'pop' more outwards.I feel my lumbar areas a little flatter in comparison. Mostly I just want to know if and just how good i can get at spinal hyperextensions and how long it might take.
Thank you so much for time and help.I sincerely appreciate it.

Answer
I'm not a yoga expert, but i can tell you that a majority of people that come in to see me with back pain or pinched lower back nerves, do so as a result of having there back in hyperextension. so, if your body doesn't want you to, then don't do it. Your spine wasn't meant to go into hyper extension (only extension) also a neck or head stand is a bad idea, especially if you have a reversed cervical curve or old whiplash injury. You doing a backbend has nothing to do with your yoga skill set, and more to do with what's common sense and what is healthy for your back. If you or anyone you know has lowerback pain and has a sitdown (which puts your lower spine in hyperextension) job it is not recommended to do back bends without consulting a chiropractor or orthopedist.