Stretching for Back Pain
Back pain can often be debilitating to your daily life, and the treatment options can feel overwhelming. While waiting to figure out the perfect program for you, stretching and strengthening the back and core muscles can help prevent re-injuring your back.
According to an article posted on Harvard Health, “stretching and strengthening are key to healing and preventing back pain”. Weak back muscles and weak abs can lead to back pain or cause the pain to worsen. Fei Jiang, a doctor of physiotherapy at Providence Saint John’s Health Center says “Most back pain can be resolved by doing regular exercises to keep muscles that support your spine strong and flexible”. More and more scientific studies are looking into back pain, and a recent 12 week study found that participants who followed a stretching regime reported “better back functioning, less pain, and a reduced need for pain medication”.
The article on Harvard Health suggests incorporating a stretching and strengthening program that targets the back, abs and butt muscles. Abdominals and hip flexors are targeted because they help to maintain an upright posture. By strengthening the butt muscles, you get added back support when walking, standing and sitting. Muscles of the upper legs also should be strong and flexible. If they are not they can “strain the supporting structures of the back”.
Stretching is a great component of treatment plans to help prevent and ease back pain. Increased flexibility in the muscles will be less prone to injury then muscles which are inflexible. Increased flexibility also helps to increase joint mobility which decreases the potential for sprains and strains.
Regular stretching is key in preventing back pain, as it helps your body to maintain flexibility and even increase it over time. Assisted Stretching, performed by a highly trained stretch therapist helps to ensure that you are stretching safely and helps you to find the best stretches for your body.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076265
https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/stretching-back-pain-relief