An Exercise to Ease Back Pain

Does your back hurt so it's hard to sleep at night? Does that make you reach for a pain killer, even though you know the risks?

Today I read about an exercise that might do the trick better than the temporary and sometimes nauseating fix provided by a pill.

You need one of those big exercise balls - you know, that big blue or gray thing you bought thinking you were going to exercise a lot. Look behind the couch in the family room - it has to be somewhere.

Start by lying on your stomach on the ball. Keep your feet wide for balance. Slowly roll forward until the ball is placed in front of your hips. Allow your body to bend forward, rounding to the shape of the ball.

Relax your body completely and place your hands on the floor for support and balance. You should feel light to moderate stretching in your lower back, and possibly your hamstrings.

This stretch loosens the muscles that run up and down your spine, creating more space between each vertebra and easing the tension.

Best success!

Marte