Low back injuries are very common and can occur from incidents like work and auto accidents. Management of acute low back pain can be performed by your Chiropractor. When the acute stage has passed your physician may slowly introduce stretching exercises to promote flexibility and muscle balance in the low back.
Before stretching can be prescribed, your chiropractor will help identify aggravating movement patterns. Stretching should not be painful and most providers will encourage you to discontinue a stretch if it aggravates your condition. The key is to find a movement pattern that helps alleviate the pain and this will become part of your daily stretching routine.
A good place to start is to stretch the muscles in areas adjacent to the problem area. The hamstrings, gluteal group muscles, and quadriceps attach to the pelvis and can change the dynamic movement and static position of the low back. If the quadriceps are tight, the pelvis may tilt forward and increase the extension in the low back. If the hamstrings are tight, the pelvis may tilt backward and increase the flexion in the low back.
During the repair phase of the healing process it is important to adhere to a prescribed series of stretches and exercises that will improve flexibility and strength.
