Stretching is good for reducing low back pain.

 

No such thing as a stretch that is good for all back pain sufferers. Different structures are responsible for back pain. IN other words, not lal back pain is the same. What I deal with day in and day out is back pain caused by spinal disc compression.

 

For this type of pain, stretching is actually one of the worst things we can do for the pain. 

 

BUT, stretching makes my back feel better you say?

 

Yes, it does. Typically for 15-20 minutes and then the pain returns once again. This is called the "stretch reflex". It is a temporary inhibition of the back pain sensations that creates some temporary pain relief.

 

Pero, here is El Problemo!

 

When you are twisting and turning and bending, you are irritating and further compressing the spinal discs which ultimately causes more pain and more dysfunction and less mobility, your back further tightens and stiffness up. We have now begun this cycle of pain is felt, I stretch and it helps but then the pain comes back again, so I need to "stretch" again. And it goes on and on and on, you get the idea here.

 

So, we want to STOP the stretching which will stop irritating the spinal discs. Try to keep your spine in a "neutral" position, meaning stop bending forward, backward, sideways and twisting and keep your back upright as much as you can. You will see your back pain reduce and your mobility will increase and you will start feeling better, all without stretching every 15-20 minutes throughout the day.

 

Try it out

 

-Dr. B