Your back is used in almost every movement your body makes. To prevent or reduce pain and stiffness, you may want to get into a daily routine of stretching your back. This guide will tell you how to stretch your back.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

Your back is used in almost every movement your body makes. To prevent or reduce pain and stiffness, you may want to get into a daily routine of stretching your back. This guide will tell you how to stretch your back.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• Stretching your back can be done to prevent or to recuperate from injury. It helps increase flexibility and reduce pain. For optimum back health, you should stretch regularly.

(Creative Commons photo by unfurled)

• You should consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. If you are currently experiencing back pain or are aware that you have a problem in your back, it is essential that you see your doctor for an exam before performing back stretches to avoid potentially aggravating an injury. Some issues that may require medical guidance before beginning any back exercise program include:

1. Recent surgery
2. Osteoporosis
3. Spinal disk injury
4. Fractured vertebrae
5. Back sprains

• There are a number of different stretches that can help to keep your back muscles flexible. Some work well as warm ups before more vigorous exercise. Select the ones that are most comfortable for you. Before beginning any stretch, warm up the muscles you'll be stretching by performing small gentle movements for about 5 minutes. This will get the blood flowing to the muscles and increase the effectiveness of the stretch, as well as prevent injury.

• spine universe: Back Pain Exercises and Stretches

• NHS: Video : Back Stretches

• Straighten Up UK: Three Minute Posture Care Program

• Video Jug Video: Pilates Cat Stretch

• Pilates: Cat Stretch</hypertext>

1. Stretching should not cause pain in your back or neck.

2. If the stretch is to be performed on the floor, you can use an exercise mat for cushioning.

3. Perform each motion slowly and smoothly, stretching as far as you're comfortable.

4. Overstretching can cause muscle or nerve damage.

• If you check with your doctor, warm up, and perform stretching regularly, you can help to preserve strength and flexibility in your back.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Warm Up
• Step 1: Stretch
• Step 1: Cool Down
• Conclusion