Stretches For Low Back Pain

Lower back pain can be a nagging nuisance from time-to-time in our life. This type of pain is often due to muscle imbalances and many of us suffer from this type of pain frequently because we have desk jobs and spend more time throughout the day sitting than moving around.

Lumbago (or low back pain) is a very common musculoskeletal disorder than many studies show affects 80 percent of the population at some point in their lives. This is a leading contributor to lost hours at work, and it interferes with recreation activities as well as routine daily activities. The good news is that low back pain often goes away within a few days.

The Benefits of Stretching:

• Increased range of motion and flexibility:
  Flexible muscles can improve your movement abilities. Lifting items, bending over to tie your shoes or running to catch the bus becomes easier when muscles are stretched.
• Improved circulation:
  Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles. Blood flowing to the muscles brings nourishment and eliminates waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation increases recovery rate from low back pain.
• Better posture:
  Frequent stretching helps to keep muscles from getting tight therefore aiding to maintain proper posture. Good posture minimizes low back pain.
• Stress relief:
  Stretching relaxes tense muscles.
• Enhanced coordination:
  Maintaining full range-of-motion through the joints keeps a person in better balance. Coordination and balance helps to keep an individual mobile.

Lower Back Stretch Seated

This is a great stretch you can do either at work or any time of day. Be sure you are on a chair with four solid legs. Sit upright with both feet flat on the floor and your legs apart. Stretch your arms straight out in front of you holding your hands. Slowly stretch forward as you lower your upper body until it rests in between your legs and your hands are as low as you can get them (ideally flat on the floor). You’re your position there for minimum five seconds then slowly return to the start position. Repeat this as many times as you are able throughout the day.

Lower Back Stretch Laying Down

Lay on your back on the floor with your legs out flat. Place your arms out to the side and be sure both shoulders are flat on the floor. Slowly move your right leg up and over the left leg with the right knee bent. Be sure to keep the left leg flat on the floor and slowly keep moving the right leg until the knee touches the floor at the chest level. The right shoulder will slightly come off the floor. Hold it there for a count of five and slowly release and return to the start position. Repeat the same movements with the opposite leg. Stretch out each side five times.

Lower Back Stretch On Floor

Lay on your back on the floor. Slowly raise both legs curling them into the chest. At the same time slightly raise your head so that your chin touches your knees. Hold this position for five seconds and slowly release to start position. Repeat this stretch minimum five times.

Lower Back Stretch

Begin with lying on your back flat on the floor. Bend both knees and hold the outside edges of your feet with your hands. Be sure your feet are flexed and that your knees are bent with a 90 degree angle so that they are at chest level. Keep your arms on the outside of your legs. Very gently use the upper body strength to equally press both knees to the floor (or as close to the floor as you are able). Try not to tense your chest or shoulders and keep as relaxed as possible. Hold position for five seconds then slowly release. Repeat five to ten times.

If you are able to do some stretches every day this will help to alleviate pain. Remember though, if the pain persists and stretching appears not to be helping then Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back activities you once enjoyed – pain free! Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!