Does Critical Alignment Yoga Therapy Help with Back Pain?

Let me guess: you've tried the foam roller, the standing desk, the expensive ergonomic chair that feels like it belongs on a spaceship. And yet… your back still hurts.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the good news: there’s a form of yoga that’s not about touching your toes or chanting in Sanskrit. It’s called Critical Alignment Yoga, and it’s actually designed to address the root causes of back pain — not just mask them.
What Is Critical Alignment Yoga?Think of it as the science-backed cousin of traditional yoga.
Critical Alignment Yoga (CAY) focuses on restoring the natural curves of your spine. It uses simple props and slow, precise movements to gently peel away tension from the deep postural muscles — the ones that get overloaded when you spend hours hunched over your phone or laptop.
It’s not flashy. There are no headstands. But wow, does it work.
Why Your Back Pain Isn’t Just About “Strength”If you’ve been told to “just strengthen your core,” I invite you to raise an eyebrow right along with me.
Back pain often stems from too much tension, not too little strength. When certain muscles work overtime (hello, tight neck and shoulders) and others check out completely (looking at you, glutes), the spine gets stuck in poor alignment. Over time, this creates pressure and pain.
Critical Alignment helps release that tension first — so your body can move the way it was meant to.
What Does a Critical Alignment Practice Look Like?Picture this:
You’re lying on a mat with a small foam strip under your upper back. You’re breathing deeply. You’re moving slowly. And suddenly, your spine starts to melt back into place.
You feel taller. Lighter. Freer.
These aren’t fancy fitness moves — they’re targeted, therapeutic exercises that retrain your nervous system and reawaken dormant muscles.
And they feel really good.
Is It Safe for Beginners?Absolutely. No yoga experience needed. In fact, many people come to Critical Alignment after trying everything else — physio, massage, chiro — and finally finding relief here.
It’s gentle, accessible, and deeply effective.
Ready to Try It for Yourself?If your back is begging for something different, I’ve got two ways to help:
👉 Explore my online yoga library for short, spine-loving practices you can do at home — even in your pajamas.
👉 Or book a 1-on-1 session with me and we’ll customize a plan just for your body (and your back).
Either way, let’s get you out of pain and into ease — one vertebra at a time.

Explore my online yoga library

Book a 1-on-1 session with me