The lower back is an all-too-common pain point.
But one of the most common causes is simply sitting a whole lot.
While it isnt a magical cure-all, itcanhelp give you some relief.
Seba Cestaro
Heres what it’s crucial that you know to make the most of it.
And its not just about doing a ton of lower-back stretches either.
When those muscles arent able to move as freely as they should, your posture takes a hit.
There are a few things to keep in mind to stretch safely.
Ditch any that are particularly uncomfortable or irritate your back further.
So bookmark a fewabs workoutsfor later, but for now, lets get to stretching!
Cat/Cow
This is probably my personal favorite stretch for my back, Tyler says.
If straightening your legs hurts your back, keep your knees slightly bent, Tyler suggests.
Sphinx Pose
Sphinx pose creates a nice natural curve of the lower back, Tyler says.
It also engages your abs a bit, which helps support the area.
If you have arthritis, Dr. Cyrelson recommends sticking to a partial sphinx instead.
Start the sphinx by extending your neck.
Slowly raise your shoulders up, extending just until you feel the motion in your lower thoracic spine.
Stop there and holddont let the extension move into your lumbar spine, she says.
For some people, though, twisting movements can irritate that area.
If you feel pain or strain while doing this stretch, stop.
This improves posture, decreases strain on the lower back, and improves shoulder mobility.
Just double-check to keep your core engaged and spine still the whole time, she adds.
Dont let it flex or extend, but keep your natural and comfortable curve.
Play around with forward fold and opt for whatever stance feels best for your body.
