If your low back is feeling stiff, achy and about to spasm (or you’re already there), then do the following nine stretches. Try performing this sequence three times a day. Once the pain is considerably less, you can reduce the sequence to once a day and ultimately three to four times per week.

When you’re ready to start, lie down on the bed or floor (preferably on a carpet, rug or yoga mat).

Pelvic Tilt Warmup

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. In this relaxed position, the small of your back will not be touching the floor.

Perform a pelvic tilt by tightening your abdominal muscles so that the small of your back presses against the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, and then relax. Repeat this move three times and gradually build to 10 repetitions.

Next, take a deep breath and on the exhale contract your abdominals, pulling your belly button towards your spine. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Now, you are ready to begin stretching.

7 STRETCHES IN 7 MINUTES FOR LOW BACK PAIN RELIEF

1. Hamstring Floor Stretchhamstringfloorstretch2

What it works?  Back of thighs (the hamstrings)

Hold for 30 seconds. Do this 2 times for each leg.

Helpful Tip: Contract your abdominals when bringing your legs up.

 

2. Knees to Chest StretchSingle_knee_to_chest_stretch-300x146

What it works?  Hips/ Glutes (aka Butt)/ Lower Back

Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat on other leg.

Helpful Tip: With your abdominals contracted, try to straighten your right leg. If you experience any discomfort in your back, leave your right leg bent.

 

3. Spinal Stretchspinalstretch

What it works?  Lower Back/ Obliques

 

Hold for 20 seconds. Repeat on other knee.

Helpful Tip: Contract your abdominals before bringing your knees up and over.

 

4. Piriformis Stretchpiriformisstretch21

What it works?  The Glutes

Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat with other leg.

Helpful Tip: Contract your abdominals before crossing your leg and resting your foot on the opposite knee.

5. Hip Flexors Stretchhipflexorstretch

What it works?  Hips/ Front of thighs (quadriceps)

Hold for 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat stretch.

Helpful Tip: Remember to contract your abdominals, keep your shoulders down and back straight.

 

6.  Quadriceps Lying Down Stretchquadslyingdownstretch-300x111

What it works?  Front of thighs (quadriceps)

Hold for 30 seconds. Switch sides and repeat stretch.

Helpful Tip: Contract your abdominals before grasping the top of your foot and bringing it to your butt.

 

7A. Total Back Stretchtotalbackstretch11

7B. Then Try This…totalbackstretch2 What it works?  Entire back/ Shoulders/ Arms

Hold for 10 seconds.

SUCCESS!  Hopefully, you are now experiencing noticeable low back pain relief.

Sticking to a regular back stretching routine will hopefully keep your back stronger and less likely to become injured.

by MICHELLE TOOLE