Looking for a simple and easy way to relieve lower back pain? StretchLab is here to share our expertise! Stretching is a great flexibility exercise for relieving lower back pain no matter your age, body type, or lifestyle. To start finding relief, keep reading to learn how stretching can benefit lower back pain and which stretch we recommend you try first!
As of 2020, over 600 million people have reported having lower back pain. Many everyday actions can cause overuse of this area of the body, leading to pain and tension. Luckily, something as simple as stretching can help relieve this pain!
First, it’s important to remember that your lower back pain may actually be the victim, not the culprit. Meaning, there could be another area of the body that is causing tension to be presented in the lower back such as your feet, hamstrings or posture.
Stretching helps lengthen muscles, allowing for better movement. For someone that struggles with lower back pain, having better mobility throughout the body can reduce overcompensation in that area as well as decrease pain and tension.
Preparing to stretch for lower back pain can be a little intimidating. If you have concerns about hurting yourself, it is highly recommended to get approval from a healthcare professional first! It is also important to start slow when stretching this area to help minimize risk of injury.
A great stretch to start off with is a seated forward fold! This stretch focuses on the muscles in your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, making it fantastic for relieving pain in the lower back.
To do this stretch, sit on the floor with your legs laid out in front of you. You can either keep a slight bend in your knees to feel this stretch more in your lower back, or straighten your legs to feel the stretch in the hamstrings which can also relieve lower back pain. Slowly fold your body forward with arms reaching towards your feet. Don’t push yourself too far! Go as far as you comfortably can while still feeling a stretch in your back and hamstrings, and hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds. Try doing this stretch consistently to help improve the flexibility in these muscles and reduce tension!
One of the best things you can do to help relieve tension in your body is have a stretching routine. Many people who experience lower back pain choose to stretch with a professional on a weekly basis! Having an assisted stretch is especially helpful for lower back pain because a stretching professional can guide you through movements and stretches that can give you the most relief while ensuring you don’t hurt yourself in the process.
If you’re experiencing lower back pain and want to learn more about working with a stretch professional, reach out to your local StretchLab studio!