Lower back pain can be helped with gentle, thoughtful movement.

When your lower back muscles are tight, they are not in the mood to stretch or be stretched.  But gentle, repetitive, tiny movements can help them relax.

If you have pain in your lower back small movements work better than trying to “stretch it out.”

I’m looking at a device in a catalog that helps you move in a slow, rhythmic way while you lay on your back.  In fact, this device actually does the movements for you and it costs $199.  But, do you know what?

You can do those movements yourself without the device.  🙂

The idea is that by doing slow, subtle, thoughtful movements in a rhythmic motion–slightly up and slightly down, slightly back and forth, slightly side to side–you won’t aggravate already irritated muscles.  This is easiest to do when you are laying on your back.

Instead of aggravating those poor, tight muscles, by moving in this way, you will move blood through your tight muscles to help them relax.

The movement acts like a pump.  And you will move the lymph fluid through your tissues to reduce swelling (inflammation.)

Another benefit is that your muscles will become a bit stronger.  Why?  Because you will be using them in a more balanced way.

How often?

At least twice a day but more often if you prefer.  Take pressure off your spine by making these small movements to relax your muscles.

Lower back pain almost always comes from your muscles and moving in this simple way–with tiny movements in many directions–helps increase your circulation and helps muscles relax naturally.