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. New exercise may sometimes increase pain temporarily as your body adapts to the movement, but the pain will ease rapidly.
Stretching for Upper Back
Start on all fours, with your hands wide apart. As you arch your lower back, push your hips forward and then stretch backward.
Stretching the muscles of the lower back can ease back pain and avoid re-injury. It can also improve posture, which is important to overall health and prevent dowager’s hump.
Lay flat on the floor with your knees bent, and feet flat. Then, lift one of your legs towards your chest until you feel a stretch that is comfortable. This stretch targets the piriformis muscle, which can ease lower back pain or tightness in the buttocks.
If you’re flection sensitive, which means that leaning forward causes discomfort, start this stretch with a short gentle arc. You can increase the amount as your back gets stronger. Always practice these stretches on a clean, solid surface. If you experience any discomfort then stop exercising and consult a doctor or physical therapist. Ideally, aim for at minimum 60 seconds of stretching per day to get the most benefits.
Enhancing Lower Back Flexibility: Incorporating Hip Stretches into Your Routine
Stretching your hips can help loosen the lower spine. Jamie Costello M.S.C., fitness director at Pritikin’s Longevity Centre and Spa in Miami She suggests that adding hip-opening exercise to your stretching routine will improve your posture and improve the flexibility of your spine.
The cat-cow is one the most well-known back stretching exercises. It increases flexibility and mobility while targeting muscles in the shoulders, hips and spine. This exercise is safe for most people and can be done while sitting, but make sure to keep the stretches within the range of comfort.
Lying on your back, keep both knees bent. Place the lower foot of each leg on the floor to provide support. Slowly move your right leg forward until it comes to reach the outside of your left knee, while lowering your body towards the floor.
Embracing Balance and Mobility: The Role of Outer Thigh Stretching
Stretch your thighs on the outside in case your hips or lower spine are tight. The muscles of the thigh’s outer are called the abductors and they help move your legs to the side and support the pelvis. Connect your fingers behind the knee while lying on your back. Bring the leg up towards your upper body and you will feel a soft stretch in the back of your leg. Keep it for 30 to 60 seconds before repeating the exercise on the opposite leg.
This is a gentle exercise that targets the front of the upper thigh. It can be uncomfortable at the beginning however, don’t push yourself past what feels comfortable. If you feel discomfort or tingling, stop the exercise immediately and speak with your doctor.
This video will aid you in completing your stretches even if you are running out of time. Cassy Ho makes this workout fun with her quirky personality and engaging music.
Balancing the Upper Body: Strengthening Arms, Triceps, and Lower Back Muscles
Stretching your back muscles is just as important as stretching your arms to reach for your wallet or tie your bra. Experts advise against over-stretching or stretching the same muscle group repeatedly. This can damage these delicate muscles. Litzy says that bouncing while stretching can also cause injury to these muscles.
To stretch your triceps, place one arm above your head with your fingertips towards your shoulder blades and hold the back of that elbow with the other hand. Maintain this position until your chest and shoulders feel a gentle stretch. Repeat the stretch on the opposite side. This stretch can improve circulation in your wrists and forearms. It also helps with your posture. This stretch will help to loosen the deltoid, a triangular shoulder muscle. It may also relieve lower back pain.