Increasing flexibility is a proven, noninvasive method for achieving effective low back pain relief. Stretches, if they are done mildly and responsibly, can help with circulation, range of motion, muscle suppleness and overall bone health. Also, agile, lithe ligaments and tendons are less prone to sustaining future damage.
The Cause of Low Back Pain
The lumbar region of the spine is involved in so many daily movements that it’s easy to see how years of wear and tear could take their toll — the spongy, cartilaginous pads between vertebrae, called intervertebral discs, become drier, thinner and less able to maintain elasticity and structural integrity. If these discs shift, tear, leak or bulge, the subsequent neural compression can be extremely painful. For this reason, it’s important to remember that your spine is vulnerable and that only certain exercises will provide low back pain relief. Work with your physician or a physical fitness professional to create a stretching routine that fits your needs.
Exercises and Stretches to Alleviate Low Back Pain
Exercises for low back pain that you may want to avoid:
- Toe touches
- Bilateral leg lifts
- Situps
- Standing spine twists
Exercises for low back pain that you may find beneficial:
- Unilateral leg lifts
- Standing hamstring stretches
- Abdominal squeezes while lying flat on the floor
- Prostrate spine twists
If you experience any discomfort while doing these low back pain stretches, you may need to decrease the intensity of your stretches. Also, your physician might suggest integrating pain medication, steroid injections, and hot or cold compresses into your healing regimen.
In the event that three months or more of conservative, noninvasive rehabilitation does not relieve your pain, the experts at Laser Spine Institute may be able to offer you another option. Our minimally invasive outpatient procedures are a welcome alternative to open back surgeries, and we have already helped tens of thousands of people rediscover their lives. Contact us today for more information, or for a free review of your MRI or CT scan.
