Exercises for Lower Back
Why is it that so many American adults suffer from lower back pain these days? In part, it’s an overall lack of physical activity in our society, and the sedentary lifestyle that all too often accompanies a 40 hour work week. In part it is the fact that so many people either don’t know what to do or aren’t willing to put in the work to alleviate this chronic pain.
The majority of low back pain is both not only treatable, but also preventable. So if you currently suffer from chronic back pain that you can’t attribute to a single event or injury, of if you don’t, and would like to keep it that way, read on.
The simple truth is that the majority of lower back pain is the result of chronic tightness due to a lack of abdominal strength. Unfortunately the seated position in which we spend so much of our time (at work, in the car, on the couch) neither requires nor promotes use of the core muscles (abs and mid to low back). Unless we make a concerted effort to exercise these muscles, the natural tendency is for them to weaken due to lack of use.
If the abdominals are strong and tight they can better support the upper body in an upright position, and as a result can release stress from the low back. The best exercises for lower back pain are therefore those that strength the abdominal and other core muscles.
Balance exercises like the plank are beneficial in strengthening many of the muscles whose weakness is associated with chronic back pain. In fact, an exercise that challenges balance in any position will result in tightening and subsequent strengthening of the core muscles. There are a number of online video trainers that provide step-by-step instructions and demonstrations on how to perform balance-based abdominal exercises for lower back pain.
As a remedy for existing back pain, abdominal strengthening exercises should be combined with a good stretching routine. As you gain strength and flexibility within your core, discomfort in the low back during everyday activities should decrease noticeably.