Lower Back Stretching: A Healthy Key To A Strong Back

Information about Stretching Exercise

Adding stretching exercises is a necessary part of any daily exercise routine, as stretching enhances your overall well-being, stimulates circulation, strengthens muscles, increases flexibility and helps prevent injuries. While whole body stretching is important, certain areas of the body need more focus and attention than others. One of the most important areas to stretch is the lower back, because of the great risk of lower back injury there is in our society. A strong back is a great asset, and lower back stretching can help build the core muscles of your abdomen and back, giving a person greater strength and mobility overall.

Why Is Lower Back Stretching Important?

Lower back stretching is a very important aspect of maintaining a healthy body for a variety of reasons. The lower back can become very weak over time and becomes more prone to stresses and pain. Chronic lower back pain is the most common reason many people visit their doctor. A weak lower back is often the reason that this area becomes hurt or inflamed, because of lack of use or lack of movement. Stiffness can occur with age or a sedentary lifestyle, and the muscles are not pliable or bendable anymore, causing a range of problems.

Stretching the lower back also increases the muscle around the center of one’s body, also called the “core.” While stretching the lower back, one must engage the abdominal muscles as well, building the muscle and burning fat at the same time. This can help to tone and sculpt the muscle around the mid-section, which so many have trouble keeping in good shape. When a person suffers from chronic lower back pain, stretches are often prescribed for this person to help prevent pain as well.

Types of Lower Back Stretches

There are many ways of stretching the lower back, yet some moves are most often prescribed for those beginning a stretching routine. Lying flat on the floor with hands down by the sides, a person gently rolls their hips toward the ceiling while not lifting them off of the ground. This can be done for a maximum of 12 repetitions at a time. Also, a stretch called the cat stretch can be done by placing hands and knees on the ground while the back is arched up to the ceiling and then slowly brought to a neutral position. These stretches and many more can be done daily to help ensure a strong and healthy lower back.