What type of stretching can I do to help my lower back?

Question

I have had pain in my lower back for the past month and I know that it is from being inactive. I have started stretching 2x a day but my back still hurts when I wake up in the morning. What kind of stretches can I do to increase flexibility and treat my back pain? It makes it really difficult to exercise when in so much pain.

Answer 1

I also suffer from lower back pain. I recently went to my dr. and she gave me a list of excercises to help. Here they are:
Standing hamstring stretch
Cat and camel
Quadriped arm/leg raises
Pelvic Tilt
Partial curl
Trunk rotation
Piriformis stretch
Double knee to chest
Probably if you typed in a search for these you could find a picture to show you how to do them. I also sometimes take a motrin (anti inflammitory) and it helps. (Per drs instructions)
Good luck!

Answer 2

I have chronic lower back pain (orthopedic souvenir from my military service). I have found that 15 minutes of yoga every morning works wonders even when I wake up achey.

I bought a video called A.M. Yoga off amazon.com. It's not difficult at all --starts very slowly and stretches the back very gently. Makes a world of difference.

Answer 3

This was a miracle for me, an orthopedic surgeon prescribed it.
Lie on your back.
Bring your feet towards you, so your knees raise slightly.
Put your right shin on your left knee and keep it there.
Pull your left thigh towards you slowly and hold.
Switch sides and repeat.