When you think of cutting-edge spine surgery with precision-guided robotics, you don’t picture yoga poses or breathing techniques.
But for Kimberly Ashayeri, MD, a neurosurgical spine specialist at Atlantic Health, the ancient practice of gentle movement and breathing techniques is directly connected to modern medicine — specifically when it comes to spine health and better surgical outcomes.
“I treat spine conditions from the neck to the pelvis,” says Dr. Ashayeri, who’s also a certified yoga instructor. “Whether my patient needs a minimally invasive procedure or complex spinal reconstruction, controlled movement and breathing can help them prepare for surgery and recover from it.”
Preparing for surgery
Dr. Ashayeri encourages “prehab,” which is strengthening the body before surgery, even for patients with limited mobility.
“The beauty of yoga is that anyone can do it,” she says. “For some, this may mean starting with breathwork to calm anxiety and tension. Others may add gentle exercises to safely build core strength without straining the spine.”
One stretch Dr. Ashayeri often recommends involves lying on your back with your legs in a “figure-four” position. This stretch — along with controlled breathing — can help reduce back pain, increase hip mobility and improve flexibility and function.
Recovery after surgery
After surgery, many patients avoid movement out of fear, pain or reinjury. But this can slow recovery. Instead, Dr. Ashayeri encourages gentle controlled movements paired with breathing techniques.
“There’s a natural tendency to shut down when something hurts,” she explains, “but if you move carefully through the stages of healing, you’ll gain strength and mobility over time.”
In the early stages after surgery, the focus is about building strength and reconnecting with your body. It can be as simple as guided breathing while lying on your back and gentle movements within a comfortable range of motion.
Why breathing techniques matters
Research shows that controlled breathing helps reduce pain.
One simple technique that Dr. Ashayeri teaches her patients is called “box breathing.” It involves inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds and exhaling for four seconds. It’s a rhythmic pattern that helps calm the mind and body.
“I consider breathing exercises part of a pain management plan,” she says. “Controlled breathing helps lower the heart rate, reduce blood pressure and decrease stress hormone levels. This can all lead to better surgical outcomes.”
The benefits of yoga for back pain
Dr. Ashayeri believes that people who practice yoga regularly can also reduce their risk of spine injuries and chronic back pain.
“Spine care isn’t just about surgery, it’s about prevention, recovery and supporting the body at every stage,” she says. Here are a few ways yoga can support your spine:
- Strengthens core and back muscles
- Improves flexibility and mobility
- Supports better posture
- Enhances mind-body awareness
“My goal is to relieve pain, restore function and improve quality of life for my patients,” she says. “But surgery alone, no matter how technically successful, is only one part of the healing process. What patients do before and after surgery also plays an important role in their outcome.”
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