Leg stretch eases lower back pain

If your lower back feels tight, use this gentle stretch to release tension in your hamstrings and hips. Stretching these two areas can reduce some of the pressure on your back.

--Karen Voight

1 Lie on your back with your knees in a bent position. Bend your right knee toward your chest until your calf is parallel to the ground. Place a strap or towel around the ball of your right foot. Slowly straighten your right leg and gently pull it toward your chest. Tighten the muscle in the front of your right leg to keep your leg straight.

2 Grasp both ends of the towel or strap with your left hand and rest your right arm on the floor, palm down. Slowly move your right leg over and across to your left shoulder. Keep your shoulders and hips pressed firmly on the floor with your neck relaxed. Do not let your right hip rise off the floor. Switch legs and repeat.

--

Karen Voight can be reached at kvoightla@aol.com.