\u0022The dangers would include a significant amount of pressure on the spine and neck\u0022
Also known as Sirsasana, the headstand has a legion of celebrity fans: In a 2020 interview, Paul McCartney gushed about doing headstands to finish his workouts at the then-ripe old age of 78, and Dua Lipa capped a recent Vogue interview by performing one on camera.From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
“The dangers would include a significant amount of pressure on the spine and neck,” Saper adds. “If there’s degeneration of a disk, a headstand can exacerbate that.” But what if your doctor gives you a clean bill of health and you don’t have any problematic conditions – and you want to try to learn the technique?RECOMMENDED VIDEOtap here to see other videos from our team“Headstands should only be performed under direct supervision, and only by individuals who have developed the necessary core and upper body strength,” says Michael L. Lipton, a neuroradiologist who serves as medical director of MRI services for Montefiore Health System in New York.
“This evaluation does not necessarily just depend on your yoga experience,” McCall says. “A good natural neck curve is essential to make sure your body can handle different weights, so you don’t injure the cervical spine under pressure.”