From the article: Exercise to Relieve Back Pain
Consumer Reports says that back exercises are the best way to control or eliminate back pain. Have you reduced pain with back exercises? Which work best for you? Share your experience. Share Your Favorite
knees to chest
- My favorite back stretch is to lie down and pull my knees into my chest, which rounds the lower back just a tad. You can do both legs at the same time or one at a time. Hold it for about 15-30 seconds - it releases so much tension!
- —EKJacques
"Cobra"?
- I note that my favorite doesn't go by the name I expected, as Anne's site describes. I was taught to start face down and slowly push the torso up while keeping the waist on the floor. I don't even know if this is considered safe overall, but my wife used it (achieving a near-vertical torso) for years recovering from acute sciatica, and I found it to be helpful as well.
- —Guest Matt
Yoga & Exercise Ball Stretches
- I have a few yoga poses that really help stretch my lower back. I also learned several exercise-ball stretches and strength-building exercises from my physical therapist. Even just laying over the top of it and consciously relaxing my muscles really helps.
- —Adrienne110
Stretching
- When my back aches, I like to stand up, bend forward and let my head hang down - very relaxing for my back and neck. I also like the spiral stretch (lying on the floor and stretching the knee to one side while keeping the opposite shoulder down) and the yoga Child's Pose.
- —PaigeExercise
Pilates Stretches and Extensions
- Pilates has many great exercises that help back pain. It helps you develop the core strength you need to support your back. You need good instruction though. It won't do to just pick up a few Pilates exercises out of a magazine!
- —Guest OMPilates
T-Roll
- I have a foam roll that I got from the chiropractor. You just put it on the floor and roll away, it feels awesome!
- —khayesrn
