Ashtanga yoga and spondylitis

[Nyima]

I have been dioagnosed with having minor spondylitis in the lower thoracic/lumbar region by 2 osteopaths. I was a gymnast as a child, and I have been practicing Ashtanga yoga for 5 years and have never had any real problems with backbends/inversions - Dhanurasana/ Urdhva Dhanurasana etc. I do practice drop-backs unassisted, and my teacher has recently been assisting me in chakra bandhasana which I find extremly difficult.

Inversions/Dhanurasanas don't cause me any pain or discomfort, and I thoroughly enjoy my practice, however, I notice the occasional tenderness in my back which may vary day to day that sometimes between the middle of the back to the lower back.

My concern is that I am doing more harm than good for my spine, and as the years progress, as well as my practice, I am/will be practicing postures that will hinder the future health of my back. I don't want to give up my practice, but I don't want to surrender the health of my spine also.

What are your thoughts?

[Mukunda]

Since you want it all, it is not likely to be available without expert guidance. I would suggest that you hold securely advice coming from better trained advisors who understand both kinesiology and asthanga. Doing poses which can cause you harm is not good advice. Your concerns are valid so either back off on more "advanced" backbends and forward bends; or find a teacher who will modify such practices to protect your shoulders and spinal column. namaste mukunda