From Pain to Purpose: My Journey to Becoming a Yoga Teacher Specializing in Back Pain

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My journey with back pain began early in life. As an athlete and later a professional dancer, my body was my instrument, but it also endured immense strain. At 25, I started practicing yoga, drawn to its calming and relaxing nature. Back then, it was more of a respite than a necessity, as my pain was manageable.

But life, as it often does, became more demanding. Balancing work, motherhood, and the endless responsibilities of a household left little time to care for myself. By the time I was 40, things took a sharp turn. I was newly divorced and already struggling when the pain in my back started to flare up more frequently. One night, I woke up in excruciating pain—pain so intense I couldn’t even get out of bed. I waited for morning, managed to take my daughter to school, and then rushed to the hospital.

The diagnosis was devastating: herniated discs in my lower back, along with other musculoskeletal issues in my hips and lower spine. Doctors recommended surgery and warned that by the time I turned 45, I might end up in a wheelchair. I was terrified.

For a while, I stopped everything. The gym, yoga—anything physical seemed dangerous. The fear consumed me, and I spiraled into depression. The medications and physiotherapy offered little relief, and the future felt bleak. My body was in pain, but so was my spirit. I felt helpless and broken.

Then, I met a doctor who changed my life. He explained the cycle of pain and how stress and inactivity were feeding into it. He challenged me to change my perspective, to take control of my body and my life again.

Yoga, which had always been a quiet presence in my life, became my lifeline. A friend introduced me to a yoga teacher who specialized in gentle practices. She, too, had battled chronic pain. Her short, accessible sessions helped me start moving again, easing my muscular pain and calming my overwhelmed mind.

It wasn’t easy. There were days when the pain felt unbearable, and I wanted to give up. But I made a promise to myself: even if I could only manage 10 minutes of yoga, I would show up every day. Slowly, I began to respect my body and its limits. I learned to treat myself with compassion and love.

Consistency brought strength, and strength brought healing. The more I moved, the more my body responded. Over time, I befriended my pain, seeing it not as an enemy but as a teacher. It taught me to slow down, to ask for help, and to say no when I needed to. It taught me to honor my body as it is, not as I wished it to be.

Today, I’m far from the wheelchair I once feared. I’m a yoga teacher specializing in back pain and pain management, certified in accessible yoga, trauma-informed yoga, yin yoga, yoga nidra, and pain management practices. My struggles—both physical and emotional—have shaped my approach and my passion.

Through yoga, I’ve not only reclaimed my own life but also discovered the joy of helping others do the same. Whether it’s guiding someone through their first gentle stretch or helping them find peace amidst their pain, I’m reminded daily of how transformative this journey has been.

If you’re struggling with pain, know this: you’re not alone. Healing is a journey, and it’s one you don’t have to take by yourself.

One of the greatest joys in my journey as a yoga teacher is witnessing the quiet, profound shifts in my students’ lives. These moments remind me why I do what I do.

I remember a student who came to me struggling with fibromyalgia. She was exhausted, not just from the pain but from the relentless cycle of sleepless nights. After only a few gentle practices together, she called me one morning, her voice full of emotion. "I slept the whole night," she said. "For the first time in years, I didn’t wake up once." It was a simple but monumental victory—a reminder of how small steps can lead to big changes.

Another student told me how, after years of battling pain, she finally allowed herself to lie on the couch and rest for an entire day, without guilt or discomfort. For her, it wasn’t just about the physical relief but about honoring her body’s need for stillness and self-compassion.

These stories fuel my mission. I want the people I work with to experience more than just temporary relief. I want them to learn how to honor their bodies, to listen without judgment, and to move through life with greater ease and confidence. Yoga isn’t just about the time spent on the mat; it’s about cultivating tools to manage pain and overcome fear, even in the small, quiet moments of everyday life.

My own journey has taught me that living with chronic pain doesn’t mean giving up on joy or functionality. I haven’t "overcome" low back pain—I’m not sure anyone truly can—but I’ve learned to live with it. The flare-ups are less frequent now, and the fear that once paralyzed me is gone. When pain arises, I know I have the strength and tools to navigate it.

This is what I hope to share with my students: the understanding that pain doesn’t have to control your life. Through consistency, self-compassion, and the courage to show up, you can move beyond fear and embrace a fuller, more relaxed existence.

Healing isn’t always about being pain-free—it’s about reclaiming your life and discovering how resilient you truly are.