If you’re hunched in front of a computer screen right now like I am or are waking up from a long night’s sleep, you may be experiencing some back pain. Of course, back pain can be caused by many factors, but it is also a hard truth that many of our lives require us to sit in chairs and be less mobile (and sorer) than our ancestors. Here are five easy exercises to relieve your back pain.
Cat stretch
Place your hands and knees on the ground. Slowly arch your back up as you take a breath in, and then pull your abdomen down as you breathe out.
Bridging
Lie down with a flat back, and your knees bent. Gently raise your hips, hold it for a few seconds and slowly lower back down.
Wall sits
Lean your back against a wall and bend your knees at a 90-degree angle. Hold the stretch for a few seconds, rest, repeat.
Hamstring stretches
Lie down on your back and bend one knee. Raise your opposite leg and pull it towards you. If you cannot reach your leg, you can use a towel wrapped around your foot to help you. Switch legs.
Aerobic exercises
Walking, biking and swimming can all be useful ways to improve back health, just don’t overdo it! Working your muscles through low-impact exercise will help bodily circulation, strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and posture.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076265?s=5
https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-exercises
