Effective Stretches for Lower Back Pain Relief

Regular, gentle stretches for lower back pain can work wonders for symptom relief and are a vital part of the recovery process for almost any injury. Stretching doesn’t just alleviate low back pain, it can also strengthen the back and properly warm your muscles to prevent problems from recurring. Keep reading to learn safe and effective stretches for lower back pain relief.

Best Stretches for Lower Back Pain

To reduce lower back pain, we recommend a combination of stretches that target and warm up your hamstrings, glutes and core. If your mobility is limited, there are also variations of stretches that can easily be performed from a seated position.

Check out some of our top recommended stretches to relieve lower back pain below. If you’re unsure of your limits and abilities, consider working with a physical therapist to create a stretching program suitable for your needs.

The hamstring and glute muscles are often times common contributors to lower back pain. This group of muscles run from the buttocks down the back of the thigh and knee - allowing the knee to bend and the hip to extend. By stretching out these muscles, you will reduce tension in the lower back. Try out these simple hamstring and glute:

Core Stretches

Performing stretches that target your core will help to increase flexibility and improve posture, which in turn will reduce your lower back pain. Try mixing in these stretches to loosen your core fire up the abdominal muscles.

• Bird-Dog Stretch

  1. Position yourself on your hands and knees on a mat. Keep your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
  2. Carefully stretch your right leg out behind you, with your toe pointed.
  3. Then stretch the left arm out in front of you.
  4. Extend your stretch and hold for 5 to 10 seconds before returning to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for 5 to 15 repetitions.
  6. Switch and repeat using your left leg and your right arm.

• Single Knee to Chest Stretch

  1. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your arms flat beside you.
  2. Pull your bellybutton in toward the floor.
  3. Keeping the knees bent, raise one foot off the ground so that the lower leg is parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 3 seconds before returning it to the ground.
  4. Repeat on the other leg. This is one repetition.
  5. Perform 10 to 30 repetitions.

• Double Knee to Chest Stretch

  1. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your arms flat beside you.
  2. Pull your bellybutton in toward the floor.
  3. Keeping the knees bent, raise both feet off the ground so that the lower legs are parallel to the floor. Hold this position for 3 seconds before returning both feet to the ground.
  4. Perform 10 to 30 repetitions.

Yoga Stretches

Practicing yoga is a gentle way to build a strong and flexible core. Stretches and poses that target the lower back are a gentle and effective enough for almost any fitness level. Try adding these types of stretches to your routine for strength that adequately supports your back.

Yoga Stretches for Lower Back Pain

Seated Stretches

Seated stretches are a safe alternative for older adults or those with impaired mobility. Additionally, office workers can also reduce back pain and improve flexibility by performing these gentle stretches while at their desks. Some of the best seated stretches for the lower back include:

• Seated Cat-Cow Stretch

  1. Sit up straight on a chair, leaving room behind you on the seat.
  2. Breathe in and lean forward.
  3. Breathe out and lean backward, with your arms out in front, your shoulders curled forward, and looking inward toward your bellybutton.
  4. Repeat 3 to 5 times.

• Seated Hamstring Stretch

  1. Sit on the edge of a chair, with your back tall and straight and your feet on the ground. Extend your right leg out in front of you.
  2. Slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch in your hamstring. Do not bend your knee. Hold for 30 seconds.
  3. Repeat on the other leg.

• Seated Knee to Chest Stretch

  1. Sit in a chair with your back against the back of the chair.
  2. Gently grasp behind one knee with both hands. Lift your knee toward your chest, as far as you can without causing pain.
  3. Take a deep breath in — you should feel a stretch in your lower back.
  4. As you breathe out, lower your leg to the floor.
  5. Repeat 3 to 5 times on each side.

• Seated Pelvic Tilt

  1. Sit in a chair with your back straight and your shoulders back. Pull in your belly button.
  2. Flatten your back against the chair to tilt your pelvis backward.
  3. Return to the starting position, arching your back slightly.
  4. Repeat 10 times and do 3 sets of 10.

  Find even more seated stretches and exercises here.

How Often Should I Stretch?

To treat or prevent lower back pain, we suggest stretching your hamstrings, lower back muscles, and abdominal muscles on a daily basis. If you are working with a physical therapist, they can recommend a program that is tailored to your needs.

With daily stretches and other home care remedies, your lower back pain should start to ease within two weeks. Chronic back pain may take even longer. See a doctor if symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks or if they actively get worse during this time.

Stretches to Avoid

While stretches are a key component of lower back pain recovery, not all stretches are beneficial. Some exercises, such as toe touches, can exacerbate back pain and delay your recovery.

Stretches and Exercises to Avoid with Lower Back Pain

General Tips for Stretching to Relieve Lower Back Pain

To get the most out of your new stretching program, keep the following tips in mind:

• Set a daily stretching routine and stick to it.
• Know your limits and take a break when you need to.
• Never stretch to the point of pain.
• Adapt stretches to your needs — support yourself against a wall or chair when necessary, or use resistance bands to increase the intensity of stretches.
• For added benefits, use a back stretching device to extend tight muscles while protecting your spine.
• Pair stretches with hot and cold therapy — heat is great for loosening up muscles before stretching, while ice can reduce muscle soreness afterward. Learn more about using ice and heat to treat lower back pain below.

Ice or Heat for Lower Back Pain

The Importance of Stretching

Regularly stretching out the muscles and other structures that support the lower back will:

• Relax tight muscles
• Boost circulation in order to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the spine
• Increase flexibility and mobility to reduce stress on the back
• Strengthen the back and core to prevent further damage
• Help relieve arthritis and other conditions that affect the spine and lower back

Start incorporating these stretches into your daily routine and before you exercise to see, and feel, the best results.