| One of the causes of back pain is weak muscles in | | | | adjustable one as the right fit will be more beneficial. It |
| the back and/or in the abdominal area. Back exercises | | | | is a good idea to do a variety of stretching exercises, |
| are a good way to prevent and/or heal back pain but | | | | as they work in different combinations to provide |
| if you already suffer from back pain, consult your | | | | extensive stretching of the back muscles without |
| doctor before attempting any exercise program. The | | | | straining them. |
| idea is to use an integrated approach to back | | | | A series of back strengthening exercises should only |
| exercises: do some stretching, some strengthening and | | | | be attempted after soreness and irritation has healed. |
| some aerobic exercises. Warming up at the beginning | | | | Some useful exercises include the modified sit-up. In |
| and cooling down at the end are absolutely necessary, | | | | this exercise knees are bent with feet flat on the floor. |
| and some relaxation would help too. The combination | | | | The back is kept flat and not allowed to arch, while the |
| of all mentioned here, will help you heal your back with | | | | upper body is lifted and arms extended towards the |
| exercise. | | | | bent knees. Leg lifts and leg raises are also good |
| Stretching exercises are generally important for | | | | strengthening exercises. Do the exercises slowly and |
| stiffened muscles. They also help in stretching any | | | | deliberately. Do each exercise only 5 times and repeat |
| shortened muscles to prevent further problems. One | | | | them twice a day. This will help prevent straining of the |
| effective stretching exercise is the hamstring stretch. | | | | back. |
| Though the hamstrings are leg muscles, they have an | | | | Low impact aerobic exercise is good for healing the |
| effect on the back too. Another effective set is the | | | | back. In fact, it should be part of a healthy life-style. |
| sit-ups. They work the muscles in the abdominal area, | | | | Low impact aerobic exercises include walking, |
| thus working indirectly on the back. The exercise tool | | | | swimming, yoga and low impact workouts. Make it a |
| getting really popular is the exercise ball. You can use it | | | | point to do these regularly to have a healthy back or |
| while watching TV, using the computer, reading or just | | | | to heal a hurt one. |
| relaxing. When looking for the right ball, try to find an | | | | |