Three Home Exercises To Relieve Lower Back Pain

Although it's tempting for them to just lie down, people with lower back pain will find more relief by performing exercises that stretch and strengthen the lower back. 

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The following are three exercises to relieve lower back pain that can be done at home.

1. Pelvic tilt

A strong core prevents postural problems and the accompanying lower back pain. The pelvic tilt is an exercise that stretches, stabilizes, and strengthens the abdominal muscles.

Lie flat with the arms spread towards the sides, palms facing up, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor. Tighten the abdominal muscles until the back is flattened against the floor. Avoid lifting the hips. Tilt the pelvis upwards until there's an arch in the lower back. The tailbone should remain in contact with the floor. Hold the pose for a few seconds.

2. Cat-cow stretch

The cat-cow stretch or chakravakasana increases spinal flexibility.

Get down on all fours, with the knees in line with the hips and the hands beneath the shoulder joints. The neck should be in line with the torso. Exhale, then contract the abdominal muscles, drawing the belly into the back until the back is arched like that of a startled cat. Allow the head to drop towards the chest. Hold the pose briefly. Exhale, then reverse the pose by lowering the belly to the floor and gazing upwards. Hold the pose briefly.

3. Towel hamstring stretch

Tight hamstrings can limit pelvic mobility and stress out the lower back, causing poor posture and pain. The hamstring stretch prevents lower back pain from getting worse by strengthening supporting muscles and improving hip mobility, posture, and lumbar support.

To begin, sit on the floor and loop a towel around the foot. Lie down flat on the floor and pull the ends of the towel while raising the leg until a stretch is felt behind the thigh. The knee must be straight. The other leg should be completely flat on the ground. Hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds, then repeat on the other leg. 

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For more severe cases of lower back pain, or lower back pain that results from trauma, it's best to consult a medical professional before starting any exercise program.

Physiatrists like Mary Kneiser prescribe comprehensive exercise programs designed to strengthen the lower back and relieve pain. Subscribe to this blog to learn more about coping with back pain.

Physical therapy and its role in cancer survivorship

Since time immemorial people suffering from illnesses, whether chronic or short-term, have been advised to get off their feet to rest and recuperate. While this is still a sound recommendation especially if moving causes the patient pain or aggravates the condition, studies have shown that physical activity and exercise, under the guidance and advisement of a physical therapist can prove beneficial to cancer patients and survivors.

A fact sheet released by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy mentions that maintaining an exercise regimen during and after treatments has a positive impact on the general well-being of patients and survivors. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments have some adverse side effects on patients, but these are significantly lowered by the inclusion of physical activity in the individuals' routines.

 

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Without exercise, the cancer patient (or any patient who is bed-ridden for long periods of time) may experience trouble with their body functions, muscle weakness, and stiffness of joints. Adding to that, regular exercise can stem some of the problems that may lead to cancer recurring such as obesity.

That said, cancer patients and survivors may not always feel like they have the ability or the strength to exercise, and that's quite understandable since their health was compromised. To that end, physical therapy and rehabilitation can help cancer patients and survivors improve their quality of life by helping increase physical strength, allowing them to care for themselves and manage their symptoms and treatments.

Physical therapists work with the oncologists, occupational therapists, nurses, and nutritionists to keep the cancer survivors healthy by helping them, especially those who are having trouble with their body's movements during and after their treatments, regain control of their bodies. Physical therapists will not only encourage the cancer survivor to get some exercise but also help them decrease feelings of fatigue while raising endurance and muscle mass.

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More than anyone, physical therapists will know which exercise routines benefit cancer patients the most, especially as their abilities will differ vastly from that of a healthier person's, and thus, along with the oncologists and the entire cancer treatment team, pave the way to the survivor living a longer, cancer-free life.

Dr. Mary Kneiser specializes in physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine which she has used to help patients suffering from conditions including cancer, strokes, and chronic pain. To understand more about what a physiatrist does, visit this website.