We get asked every day what stretches can we do for the lower back. Our response to that is always what stretches have you been doing? Very rarely do we see our patients doing the right stretches.
This is the reason why they aren’t getting better and why they are in our office for treatment. These are the top exercises we see that are actually hurting your back pain.
Any Flexion Exercises!
As a society, we spend so much time sitting, no matter perfect posture or ergonomic desk chair. It is still flexion if you are sitting and repeated flexion has been shown to increase your chance of lower back pain.
Worst exercises for the back
- Toe touch flexion
- Sitting flexion
- Double knee to chest
- Childs Pose
Here are some better alternatives
- Cat cow
- Cobras
- Rocking
- Hip flexor stretch
We recommend these exercises because they promote mobility, especially extension in the back and mobility in the hips. Obviously, these exercises aren’t the best for everyone. It is important to get evaluated properly to decide which are the best exercises for you.
See our video on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook for a demonstration of each exercise.
