This Stretch Relieves Lower Back Tension And Works Your Core
[poll id='75e8ae0e-ea62-4007-8a45-8970dd91e3c7_d1a1ded80321d' type='text' question='Do you struggle with daily lower back pain?' answer1='Yes, it\'s the worst!' answer2='Not really, TBH.'][/poll]
Lower back pain is no fun to deal with. When it hit me this year, it was uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time and threw off my workout routine.
If you're struggling with lower back pain, know you're not alone, and lower back stretches are here for everyone. In fact, a shocking *80 percent* of people deal with back discomfort at one point or another, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
“A lot of us are mostly sedentary throughout the day, so very often our lower back and our hip flexor muscles can get tight just from that prolonged sitting position,” says Winnie Yu, DPT, CPT, CSCS, a sports and orthopedic physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments in New York City.
Here’s how it works: The muscles in the front of your pelvic area, like your hip flexors, tighten and shorten, which then pulls the pelvis forward and your lower back out of alignment, explains Patrick Donovan, DPT, owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver. That’s why your back muscles may get achier and even weaker when you don't do something about it.
Meet the experts: Winnie Yu, DPT, CPT, CSCS, is a sports and orthopedic physical therapist at Bespoke Treatments in New York City. Patrick Donovan, DPT, is the owner of Heather Lane Physical Therapy in Denver
Say hello to effective lower back stretches, which can relieve that pesky pain. What's more, lower back stretches also help your balance and jumping, especially moves that also work your hip flexors, according to a 2021 study. Remember to never force your body into any position or stretch that feels more than slightly uncomfortable and focus on long, slow breaths to help you relax and release tension.
There really is nothing more satisfying than finding that ahhh-inducing lower back stretch—so ease into these expert-recommended moves (right from your bedroom, if you like) for relief rn and learn how to stretch properly.
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