This blog post contains the 11 best Back Stretches for lower back pain.

These stretches are designed to:

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stretches for Lower back Pain

The following back stretches for lower back pain are designed to be gentle and completely pain-free.

(Note: – It is very likely that you will need to perform other exercises to address your lower back pain. These general back stretches serve as a good place to start.)

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Read This First

If you experience an increase in any of your symptoms, consider the following:

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(I have arranged the stretches in order of difficulty – easiest to hardest.)

1. Knees Side-To-Side

Instructions:

• Lie down on your back.
• Keep your knees bent and feet on the floor.
• Gently rock your knees from side to side.
• Only allow the knees to drop as far as it is comfortable.
• Perform 30 repetitions.

2. Pelvic tilts

Instructions:

• Lie down on your back.
• Keep your knees bent and feet on the floor.
• Gently tilt your pelvis forwards.
• Arch your lower back.
• As you perform this, aim to feel a gentle contraction in the lower back muscles.
• Relax to starting position.
• Perform 30 repetitions.

3. knee to chest (Single Leg)

Instructions:

• Lie down on your back.
• Keep your knees bent and feet on the floor.
• Make sure that the legs are completely relaxed throughout this stretch.
• Using your hands, pull one knee towards your chest.
• Only pull the knee as far as you can comfortably tolerate.
• Hold this position for 5 seconds.
• Return to the starting position.
• Alternate legs.
• Perform 10 repetitions on each side.

4. Knee to Chest (Both legs)

Instructions:

• Lie down on your back.
• Keep your knees bent and feet on the floor.
• Aim to keep both legs completely relaxed throughout the movement
• Using your hands, hold onto both knees and pull them towards your chest.
• Aim to feel a gentle stretch in the lower back.
• Gently rock your knees to your chest for 30 repetitions.

5. Prone extension

Instructions:

• Lie down on your stomach.
• Place your forearms (or hands) onto the floor.
• Using the strength of your arms only, gently arch your lower back backwards.
• Make sure that you only arch the lower back as far you can comfortably tolerate.
• Aim to feel gentle tension across your lower back.
• Hold this position for 10-30 seconds.
• Perform 10 repetitions.

6. Standing Side Stretch

Instructions:

• Whilst standing, place your left hand on left hip.
• Push your hip towards the right.
• Whilst reaching over to the left with your right hand, tilt your torso to the left.
• Aim to feel a stretch on the right side.
• Repeat on other side.

See Also: QL Stretches

7. Sitting Forward Fold

Instructions:

• Sit down on the edge of a chair.
• Have your knees parted to either side.
• Slowly lower your torso between your legs.
• Keep the torso completely relaxed.
• Aim to feel a stretch sensation in your lower back.
• Hold for 30 seconds.

8. Child’s Pose

Instructions:

• Kneel on the floor.
• Reach as far away as possible and place both palms on the floor in front of you.
• Move your buttocks backwards until they are in contact with the back of your heels.
• Aim to feel a stretch in the lower back.
• Hold for 30 seconds.

9. Cat/Camel stretch

Instructions:

• Assume the 4 point kneel position.
• Make sure that your hands are underneath the shoulders and the knees underneath the hips.
• Transition between the following positions:
  1. Tilt your pelvis forwards as you arch your lower back.
  2. Tilt your pelvis backwards as you round your lower back.
• Aim to feel a contraction and stretch in the lower back respectively.
• Perform 30 repetitions.

10. Lower back Decompression

Instructions:

• Lie facing downwards on top of a large exercise ball.
• Position your body so that your lower back is in line with the middle of the ball.
• You can use your arms to keep yourself balanced.
• Completely relax your legs and allow them to dangle. Let the weight of your legs pull on the lower back.
• Allow the toes to gently rest on the floor.
• Aim to feel a stretch in the lower back.
• Hold for 30 seconds.

For more stretches like this: Lower Back Decompression

11. Foam Roll stretch

Instructions:

• Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor.
• Lift your bottom off the floor and place a block (or rolled up towel) under your sacrum.
  • (Make sure that the block is not directly underneath your lower back!)
• Straighten your legs so that the feet are in contact with the floor.
• You should feel a comfortable pulling sensation in your lower back.
• Hold for 10-30 seconds.
• Lift your bottom upwards and remove the block from underneath you.
• Note: Do not stay in this position for too long as you may experience difficulty getting up.

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Common questions

Any questions? Let me know in the comment section.

What causes lower back pain?

There are a multiple causes for lower back pain.

If you were to ask me what I consider to be one of the most common causes that I see, it would be: Too much sitting!

Prolonged sitting (…especially with bad posture) places a high amount of stress on the structures in your back.

This can eventually lead to stiffness, weakness and pain.

Note: If you are interested in strengthening the lower back, make sure you perform these exercises.

Should I stretch a sore lower back?

My immediate response: Yes!

… As long as there is absolutely no pain or discomfort whilst doing the stretches.

Note: There are a few circumstances (such as Disc Bulges, Nerve Impingement, Arthritis etc.) where it may be advisable to consult a health practitioner prior to commencing any stretches to the lower back.

How many times a day should you stretch for Lower Back pain?

It is recommended that you perform the appropriate back stretches for lower back pain 2-3 times per day.

(Note: The frequency can be changed to meet your individual needs.)

Do I need to do all 11 of the back stretches?

No.

Keep in mind – Not all stretches will be suitable for you.

It is important to be aware of how your body responds whilst performing each stretch.

Continue with the stretches that give you the most relief.

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Conclusion

• Back stretches can help address your lower back pain.
• The main aim is to restore normal movements, desensitize the lower back and address tightness.
• Not ALL exercises will be appropriate for you. Stick with the stretches that reduce your pain.
• Perform the stretches 2-3 times per day.

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Disclaimer: The content presented on this blog post is not medical advice and should not be treated as such. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use of the content provided on this blog post is at your sole risk. Seek guidance from a healthcare professional before starting any exercise and/or implementing any recommendation. For more information: Medical Disclaimer.