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5 Ways to Stretch Your Lower Back

Give Yourself a Hug
Many will experience low back pain, stiffness or tightness at some point in their life. A tight lower back is tough to avoid, as daily activities, such as walking and sitting, can lead to this issue. Prevention is key to avoid this condition and stretching can help to shun tightness. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Gently lift your feet off the floor. Pull both knees towards your chest with your arms. If you feel pain, stop immediately. Otherwise, relax and hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Do not perform this stretch if you are pregnant. This exercise can also be done one leg at a time.
Cat Stretch

Michele Rider/Demand Media
A taut lower back can eventually manifest into significant pain and lead to an injury, but you can prevent that by stretching like a feline. Balance your body on your hands and knees with a flat back. Sag back and lift your head as high up to the sky as you can. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Then, arch back and lower your head down like an angry cat. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Stop immediately if you feel pain.
Upward Dog

Michele Rider/Demand Media
Yogis refer to this stretch as Up Dog -- not only does it target your lower back, but it also lengthens your torso for a two-for-one tool to prevent injuries. Lie on your stomach with your legs and arms extended. Prop your elbows on the floor. Begin to straighten your elbows while at the same time extending your back until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat. Do not perform this stretch if you are pregnant. Stop if you feel pain.
Seated Spine Twist

Michele Rider/Demand Media
If you're tired of arriving home with a stiff, sore lower back, try stretching at the office. Sit on the floor and cross the right leg over the left. Place your right hand on the floor for balance, and then use your left hand to pull against the outside of your right thigh until you feel a stretch. Hold the pose for 30 to 60 seconds and then switch sides.
Lying Spine Twist

Michele Rider/Demand Media
Lie on your back with your legs straight and your arms stretched above your head on the floor. While keeping your back flat on the floor, pull your right leg across your body at the level of your hips. Relax your body and hold the stretch for 30 to 60 seconds before resuming the neutral position. Repeat the exercise on the other side to evenly stretch your back muscles.
References
- ExRx.net: Hugging Stretch
- ExRx.net: Cat Stretch
- Health: Yoga for a Beautiful Body
- Top End Sports: Spinal Twist
- Lurati AR. Health issues and injury risks associated with prolonged sitting and sedentary lifestyles. Workplace Health Saf. 2018;66(6):285-290. doi:10.1177/2165079917737558
- Nakphet N, Chaikumarn M, Janwantanakul P. Effect of different types of rest-break interventions on neck and shoulder muscle activity, perceived discomfort and productivity in symptomatic VDU operators: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Occup Saf Ergon. 2014;20(2):339-53. doi:10.1080/10803548.2014.11077048
- Cooley D, Pedersen S. A pilot study of increasing nonpurposeful movement breaks at work as a means of reducing prolonged sitting. J Environ Public Health. 2013;2013:128376. doi:10.1155/2013/128376
- Daneshmandi H, Choobineh A, Ghaem H, Karimi M. Adverse effects of prolonged sitting behavior on the general health of office workers. J Lifestyle Med. 2017;7(2):69-75. doi:10.15280/jlm.2017.7.2.69
- Henning RA, Jacques P, Kissel GV, Sullivan AB, Alteras-Webb SM. Frequent short rest breaks from computer work: Effects on productivity and well-being at two field sites. Ergonomics. 1997;40(1):78-91. doi:10.1080/001401397188396
- Ylinen J, Kautiainen H, Wirén K, Häkkinen A. Stretching exercises vs manual therapy in treatment of chronic neck pain: A randomized, controlled cross-over trial. J Rehabil Med. 2007;39(2):126-32. doi:10.2340/16501977-0015
Writer Bio
Keri Mikulski is an ACE-certified personal trainer and author of the YA novel, Screwball. She resides in New Jersey where she runs competitively, plays golf, coaches softball, teaches at the local college, and regularly contributes to sports and fitness-related publications.