It’s August in Dubai. The air outside feels heavy, the AC inside is blasting, and despite spending most of your time indoors, your back feels stiffer and achier than usual. If you’ve noticed that back pain seems worse in the hot, humid months, you’re not imagining things.
Many of our clients at Pratimoksha complain of increased back discomfort in late summer. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 70% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common global health issues. Closer to home, a UAE survey revealed that 1 in 3 residents experiences frequent back pain, often linked to long work hours, sedentary habits, and extended driving times. And while the weather may not be the direct cause, it plays a big role in how your body responds. The good news? Yoga therapy offers natural, lasting relief—without pills or quick fixes.
Why Back Pain Feels Worse in the Summer
Back pain is one of the most common complaints in Dubai, especially among professionals and homemakers who spend long hours sitting or standing. Most professionals in Dubai spend 8–10 hours sitting daily, whether at desks or in traffic. This prolonged stillness puts enormous strain on the spine and is one of the leading lifestyle causes of chronic back discomfort. But why does August seem to make it worse?
- Humidity and muscle stiffness
High humidity reduces the body’s ability to regulate fluids, making muscles feel tighter and less flexible. This stiffness can aggravate existing back pain. - Cold air conditioning
Moving between hot outdoor air and cold indoor AC creates muscle tension, particularly in the neck and lower back. Over time, this leads to poor circulation and increased pain. - Sedentary routines
Dubai’s heat often discourages outdoor activity. More sitting—whether at desks, in cars, or on sofas—means more pressure on the spine. - Stress and fatigue
According to the Dubai Health Authority, nearly 1 in 3 residents reports higher stress and poor sleep between July and September, both of which can worsen chronic pain. Interestingly, studies also suggest that high humidity and sudden shifts between outdoor heat and indoor air conditioning can aggravate musculoskeletal pain, particularly in people already dealing with stiffness or injuries.
The Yoga Therapy Difference
Unlike general exercise, yoga therapy goes beyond movement. At Pratimoksha, under the expert guidance of Lalitha Viswanath, we design sessions that target the root causes of back pain—whether it’s posture, muscle imbalances, or stress-related tension.
Yoga therapy helps by:
- Strengthening the core and back muscles to support the spine
- Improving flexibility and posture to reduce strain
- Enhancing circulation and joint mobility
- Teaching breathing techniques to calm the nervous system and reduce pain sensitivity
This holistic approach not only relieves pain but also prevents it from coming back.
Gentle Yoga Poses for Back Pain Relief
These postures are often included in our yoga therapy sessions and can be practiced safely at home:
- Cat-Cow (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
Moves the spine through flexion and extension, easing stiffness and improving mobility. - Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
Strengthens the back and glutes while opening the front body. - Supine Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)
Releases tension in the spine and massages internal organs for better circulation. - Child’s Pose (Balasana)
A gentle stretch for the lower back and hips, perfect for relaxation. - Legs-Up-the-Wall (Viparita Karani)
Relieves lower back pressure while calming the nervous system.
The Role of Breathwork in Pain Relief
Breathing isn’t just for stress relief—it directly impacts pain. Shallow breathing increases muscle tension, while deep, mindful breathing helps release it.
Two techniques we often recommend:
- Dirgha Shwas (Three-Part Breath) – Expands the belly, ribs, and chest, encouraging full relaxation.
- Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath) – Calms the mind and reduces pain perception by soothing the nervous system.
Even five minutes of breathwork a day can complement posture work and reduce back discomfort.
Client Story: From Daily Pain to Daily Comfort
One of our clients, a 42-year-old professional in Dubai, came to us with recurring lower back pain that worsened every summer. After just six weeks of personalized yoga therapy focusing on core strength, spinal mobility, and breath regulation, she reported:
“I used to dread August because my back would flare up. Now I know how to manage it. The pain is gone, and I feel stronger than before.”
Her story is not unique—many clients notice that back pain becomes less seasonal and more manageable once they adopt consistent yoga practices.
Why This Matters in Dubai
With long workdays, frequent driving, and reliance on air conditioning, back pain is one of the top lifestyle-related health concerns in the city. Medications may provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the root causes. Yoga therapy does.
Our Yoga Therapy Programs at Pratimoksha are tailored to your body, lifestyle, and pain triggers—so you get safe, practical tools you can use daily.
Your 10-Minute Daily Back Care Routine
- Cat-Cow (1 min)
- Bridge Pose (2 mins)
- Child’s Pose (2 mins)
- Supine Twist (2 mins each side)
- Three-Part Breath (1 min)
This routine can be done in the morning to energize the spine or in the evening to release daily tension.
The Takeaway
Your back pain isn’t just in your head—and it isn’t something you need to tolerate every August. With the right combination of yoga therapy, mindful breathing, and small lifestyle shifts, you can find relief, strengthen your body, and enjoy a pain-free summer.
Ready to give your back the care it deserves?
Book a personalized session through our Yoga Therapy Programs or Book a Trial Session at Pratimoksha Dubai. Let’s help you stand tall, sit comfortably, and move freely—this summer and beyond.
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