A gentle stretching routine can be an effective in relieving back pain, provided you are working within your range of motion that is pain-free. The new exercise you are doing may cause the pain temporarily while your body gets used to the exercise, but the pain should subside quickly.
Nurturing Your Back: Key Stretching to Relieve Tension and Improve Mobility
Start on all fours, with your hands shoulder width apart. Push your hips forward as you stretch backwards, arching your lower back (cat stretch).
Stretching the muscles in the lower back can aid in relieving back pain and prevent further injury. It can also improve your posture, which is crucial for overall health as well as to keep a dowager’s hump from occurring.
Take one leg and lift it to your chest while lying flat on the ground. Repeat until you’re comfortable. This stretch targets the piriformis muscle that can alleviate lower back pain and tightness in the area of the buttocks.
If you’re flection sensitive, which means that leaning forward causes pain, begin the stretch with a small, comfortable arc and increase it as your back becomes stronger. Always practice these stretches in a clean, hard surface. If you experience any discomfort, stop the exercise and seek out with a physical therapist or physician. Ideally, aim for at minimum 60 seconds of stretching per day to reap the maximum benefits.
Targeted Hip Stretches to Alleviate Lower Back Discomfort
Stretching the hips helps loosen the lower back. By adding hip-opening exercises to your stretching routine can improve your posture as well as increase flexibility in the spine, says Jamie Costello M.S.C, the fitness director at Pritikin’s Longevity Center + Spa in Miami.
The cat-cow is among the most popular back stretches. It increases flexibility and mobility while targeting the muscles in the hips, shoulders and spine. This exercise is suitable for most people. It can be done while sitting. It’s vital to maintain the stretches in an acceptable range.
Lay on your back, with both legs bent. Place the bottom of each leg on a flat surface to provide support. Slowly move your left leg towards the outside of the right knee while lowering your head.
Outer Thigh Stretching: Understanding its Importance for Overall Flexibility
If your lower back or hips are tight, you’ll also be looking to stretch your upper thighs. The muscles in your outer thigh, also known as abductors allow you to move your legs to the side while stabilizing the pelvis. As you lie on your back, you can interlace your fingers behind your knees and lift the leg toward your upper body until you feel a soft stretch in the back of that leg. Hold for 30-60 seconds, then repeat with the other leg.
This exercise is gentle, and it reaches the upper part of the thigh that is in front. It can be uncomfortable at the beginning but don’t go beyond what is comfortable. If you feel discomfort or tingling, stop the exercise immediately and talk to your doctor.
This video will help you squeeze in your stretches even if you are short on time. Cassy Ho’s catchy music and witty personality make this workout a blast to follow along with.
Core Stability and Arm Strength: Incorporating Triceps and Lower Back Stretches
You likely stretch your arms when reaching to put your wallet in your pocket or clasp your bra but you also stretch the muscles that keep your back upright. Experts warn against over-stretching and stretching the same muscle group too frequently. This could damage these delicate muscles. Litzy states that bouncing when stretching can cause injuries to these muscles.
To stretch your triceps muscles, lift one arm over your head, pointing your fingertips toward your shoulder blades. Grab the back of the elbow using the opposite hand. Hold this position until you chest and shoulders are feeling a stretch. Repeat on the other side of your body. This stretch can increase circulation in the wrists and forearms. It can also aid you with your posture. The deltoid muscle is a triangular muscle on the top of your shoulders. this stretch can help loosen it up, which may relieve some lower back pain as well.