Time for another spotlight on stretching! This time we’re going to focus On another famous area of pain: the low back.
Now for many of you this has come as the result of an injury, or even
more often, poor posture. But there’s a third culprit that is often overlooked and that’s tight hamstrings.
I know. Many of you are now wondering “what on earth does that have to do with back pain?”.
Now for many of you this has come as the result of an injury, or even more often, poor posture. But there’s a third culprit that is often overlooked and that’s tight hamstrings.
I know. Many of you are now wondering “what on earth does that have to do with back pain?”.
Well, when your hamstrings are tense it literally changes the tilt of your pelvis. As a result, the low back muscles aren’t allowed to lengthen. So, as much work as you have your massage therapist do on your low back, if the hamstrings aren’t released, you will only have partial, temporary relief.
Now there are several ways to stretch them, and your level of fitness and flexibility should be taken into account before trying anything too advanced. Below is a link to some good stretches from beginner to more advanced. Easy Hamstring Stretches
You will notice that many of these will also stretch your low back. Always let your body fold or hang to the level that creates slight discomfort, but never pain. As tempting as it is, don’t ‘bounce’ to try and get a deeper stretch. Work your way there gradually.
I would highly recommend this for everyone, not just those with pain. Many of us are now spending a large part of the day sitting at a desk, which only furthers the shortening of your hamstrings. So if you can get away with it, get up a few times a day and ease your poor muscles from the restraints of a desk chair and computer. You’re only a few minutes a day to more pain relief!
Cheyanna Carlson is a licensed massage therapist practicing at Harmony Massage.