Back Pain Stretching Exercises for Lasting Relief

Pain in your back is an agonizing indication that you've done some damage to the muscles in that region, or possibly the supporting ligaments and tendons. When it comes to getting relief from the pain, you have several alternatives available to you. Two of the most common ways to address the problem involve taking medication, either over the counter or prescription strength, and doing some back pain stretching exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve your flexibility. In most cases, you'll use a combination of these two approaches for maximum relief.

Medication for pain management is practically essential to get through the misery of back pain. Oftentimes, pharmaceuticals prescribed by your doctor will include muscle relaxants. These products help to loosen up your muscles, thereby giving them a chance to heal while reducing the extent of the pain that you're experiencing.

Along with medication, or sometimes in its place, a number of doctors recommend a therapy program comprised of back pain stretching exercises. Certain stretching techniques can assist the process of healing the damaged muscles, ligaments and tendons in your back, and also strengthen them so you can avoid future problems.

As you undertake a program of back pain stretching exercises, it's essential to do exercises that have been recommended by a professional such as your doctor or a physical therapist. You also need to do them with proper technique so you don't do further damage. That's why your doctor will usually recommend that you have a series of sessions with a physical therapist so you can learn to do the moves correctly under proper supervision.

One of the most common back pain stretching exercises is a basic back stretch. This stretch is particularly useful first thing in the morning when you're stiff from lying in bed all night. A simple back stretch involves slowly bending at the waist while standing, with the hands reaching towards the ground. Only go as low as is comfortable; don't strain yourself and don't bend your knees. Then slowly return to the upright position. Repeat this several times. This exercise both stretches and strengthens the back muscles.

Another exercise you might want to try is to lie on your back and bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor. Next, grasp one of your knees with both hands and draw it slowly forward towards your chest. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat with the other knee.

These moves can be incorporated into a regular stretching routine so that you can avoid future problems with your back.