Stretching Exercises for Lower Back Pain: Just The Right Stretch
Learn about the stretching exercise for lower back pain available. Find out what you can without any cost to improve back pain.
Stretching exercises for lower back pain are a fantastic way to loosen muscles and work out the kinks, literally! Have you ever spent hours at your desk working or bent over the stove and straightened your back? You feel that soft but good pain in the center and lower portion of your back spread. It feels good to stretch. For some people suffering from back pain, stretching is a great way to relieve much of the strain.
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.