7 Stretches for a Stiff Lower Back

Below is a series of stretches that will help you if you suffer from a stiff and/or immobile lower back.

The 7 stretches in this blog post are great exercises for individuals that spend more than 3 hrs per day sitting (yes, that will cover over 90% of the population).

We all spend far to much time sitting (myself included). When you add up the activities that involve sitting it is not hard to see why lower back complaints are so common: Sitting in the car, at work, on the computer, on the sofa in the evening etc.

Sitting for extended periods causes the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine to stiffen. In addition to that the nervous system that innervates the muscles can be come idle (or inhibited) leading to additional problems.

The good news is regular stretching can reduce much of this stiffness and reduce your pain.

Start with the stretches below aim to do them all once in the morning and once in the evening.

Perform each stretch once and hold it for 30 seconds (time the 30secs period as most people who don't use a timer vastly underestimate how long 30secs is!).

IMPORTANT: the stretches below are for individuals who are NOT suffering from acute pain. If your pain and discomfort is high please consult myself or another practitioner before starting them.

1. Cross Over

Lie on you back and keep one leg straight, bend the opposite knee to 90 degrees across your body.

Keep the opposite shoulder in contact with the ground.

You should feel a stretch in your lower back.

Perform the stretch with the opposite leg.

2. Cat Stretch

Start on all fours with your hips, knees and shoulders at 90 degrees.

Carefully arch through your lower and mid back.

Hold and repeat.

3. Heal Sit

With feet hip width apart, kneel back on to your heels with your arms outstretched.

You should feel a stretch in your lower back.

4. Knees to Chest

Bring both knees in to your chest and gently pull in with your hands to increase the stretch.

Your buttocks should lift off the ground slightly.

5. McKenzie Extension

Lie on your front carefully supporting your upper body through your arms.

Allow the lower back, buttocks and stomach to relax – hold.

6. Standing Side Bend

Stand up straight and cross your stretching leg over the other leg.

Lean the opposite way with your hands on your hips; you will feel a stretch in the side of your hip and stomach.

7. Standing Extension

Stand up straight and place your hands into your lower back.

Carefully push your hips forwards and extend through your lower back.