The question is, why is stretching a good thing?

Stretching exercises help to reduce and prevent injury. Even if you are not experiencing pain right now in your back, stretching now can help to minimize pain later. This is the case simply because when muscles are stretched, they are more flexible and warmed up. They can function better.

What are some stretching exercises for lower back pain?  First, do an overall body stretch. Each morning and evening,  stand with feet spread at shoulder width and extend your arms and legs, one by one to stretch them. Rotate them at the joints. Place your hands on your hips and turn from side to side. There’s no need to extend too far. Bend as much as you can without any pain, to stretch your back.

One of my favorite ways to stretch is to either go for a brisk walk or take a swim. While this is more of an exercise than it is an exercise, it helps me to greatly improve my flexibility during the day. For example, a friend who works in construction swims every day (even in the winter!) before he heads to work. This way, as he’s working, his back, legs and arms are already flexible and ready to go.

For some more stretching exercises for lower back pain, consider these:

• Pelvic Tilt: Lie on your back with your knees bent. Tighten the muscles in your back and buttocks, hold for 15 seconds and release. Do this several times.
• Knee to Chest: In the same position, raise one leg, placing your hands behind the back of your knee and bring it up towards the opposite shoulder. Repeat several times.
• Cat Stretch: Facing the floor, lie down and pick yourself up on all fours. Your hands should be positioned under your shoulders as you rise with your knees under your hips. Arch your back and hold for 15 seconds then release and repeat.

Only do these stretching exercises for lower back pain if they don’t cause additional pain and only if your doctor is alright with it.

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Back stretches can be done at the office, in your bedroom or anywhere else that works for you. The key is to use these stretches on a regular basis to see results. Here are some of my tips for you.

• Make stretches part of your day. To reduce my lower back pain, I like to bend forward, over a table and arch my back. Do this stretch in the morning and later in the day, too.
• Be sure to stretch before and after exercising. I like to run, which can be hard on the back. To stretch, I get down on all fours, then straighten my arms, allowing my mid section to remain on the ground. This stretch helps to stretch all the muscles in my back so that when I exercise, I feel good.
• Stretch before you work. If you are moving a table, planning to install a new appliance or doing any other physical activity, spend some time stretching first. I like to bend in each direction and flex each of my muscles individually before starting any intense workout.

Doing these things is going to get you results. Back stretches may seem like a waste of time. They are one of the best ways to relax those muscles though. I keep saying this but you have to stretch those muscles if you want to avoid future injuries too. Been there, done that and it is just not worth it. That is why I stretch instead.

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