What kind of warm up and stretches should be done for the lower back to prevent injury.?
435496
To help relieve stress on your back due to surfing strengthen your obliques and abs. Before going out to surf stretch your legs, glutes and neck. This will help to keep your back loose. Warm up first before getting into the water. Usually I just start by jumping or jogging in place just to get the blood flowing. Then stretch my glutes, then work down to my hamstrings, calves, then my neck. Once I start paddling out, I usually stop halfway out to stretch my shoulders and upper back by pulling my arm across my chest and elbows across body, above/behind my head. If I'm out for a long session I'll need to do this more often.
701347
It's good that you are remembering to stretch! Many people don't which results in pulls muscles and more.\n\nA little run or jog, lunges, and toe-touches on the ground (reaching for your toes while legs are stretched like a triangle, or pike stretch, reaching for your toes, legs together) are great to warm up your legs.
602706
Massage and yoga. Both are extremely effective. I have friends that have tried and they had scoliosis before. It is perfect now. Perfect back. I STRONGLY recommend it
731436
I would try yoga.\nIn yoga you just stretch yourself enough until you find a little discomfort, but not too much. Then hold the position for a few seconds, and then back off.\nYou don't have to really hurt yourself.\nYou will find that after a very short time, everything can be moved a bit further. It's important to do it every day though, even if for only a few minutes. I taught myself from a book, and find it really beneficial especially after an injury.\nI find that it makes the injury heal faster, and normal movement return much quicker.
225302
Here's my routine:\n\n1) Toe touches with one leg crossed in front of the other (make sure knees aren't bent).  Hold for 20 seconds, and repeat 3 times.  Do this for the right leg and then the left leg forward.\n\n2) Leg stretches.  Facing forward, standing, spread your legs apart about 3-4 feet.  Bend down and stretch to your left foot, right foot, then center ground, as far as you can (but don't strain yourself), holding each time for 20 seconds.  Repeat 3 times.\n\n3) Trunk rotations.  Standing straight, with legs slightly separated, begin rotating your body, just at the waist, in a circular motion.  Complete 15 rotations in a clockwise motion followed by 15 rotations in a counter clockwise motion.\n\n4) Shoulder rotations.  Spread arms straight out, and rotate them in a forward circular motion, first as large of a circle as possible, followed by a smaller circle, and finally a very small circle.  Do for 15 seconds each circle size, and then repeat, doing it in a reverse motion.\n\n5) Neck rolls.  Standing the same way as previously, tilt your head to the side, and then rotate it in a clockwise circular motion, for 5 rotations.  Repeat in a counter clockwise motion.\n\n6) Hamstring stretch.  Sitting on the ground, pull both of your feet as close to your buttock as possible.  Then, try to get your knees as close to the ground as possible.  Hold for 20 seconds, and do for 3 repeats.\n\n7) Hurler's Stretch.  Lay on the ground, with one foot straight forward, and the other bent away from you (shaped like a V).  Lean forward and try to touch your toes, holding for a count of 20.  Repeat 3 times.  Then lean back, and try to get your bent leg to touch the ground, holding it for a count of 20, and repeating for 3 times.  Switch the leg you have forward and repeat.\n\n8) Calve stretch.  Lean against a wall with your feet out about 4-5 feet.  Keep 1 foot with the heel completely on the ground, and lean forward for 20 seconds.  Switch legs and repeat.  Do both legs for 3 repeats, and then do another 3 repeats while keeping both heels on the ground.\n\n9) Quad stretch.  While standing straight, grab one foot, and pull it back towards your buttock until you feel the muscles in your front thigh stretching.  Hold for 20 seconds for each leg, and repeat twice.\n\nWow!  That takes a lot longer to put into words than just doing it!  Remember to take it slowly when you're starting out, and to just enjoy your runs.  Doing some stretches after wards is also a good idea.  I hope the above helps, and I wish you success in your running endeavors.
23203
I've had back problems before. You've probably been told to change your mattress, or buy a firm pillow. I did all of those the thing that worked for me was working out my lower back and also stretching my lower  back out. This helped me. \n\nTo stretch you lower back, sit on the floor. Bring your feet inwards like you're trying to touch your stomach with your feet. (your leg is still on the ground) The soles of your feet must be touching. Know lean forward as far as you can go. It helps if someones pushes you from the back and keep you in that position for thirty second. \n\nIf that doesn't help, change your lifesyle, sit up straiht and buy insoles.\n\nWhen all else fails, see a doctor. They are the true specialist. Hope that your back gets better.
205713
Try laying flat on your back and raise your legs until your heels are about 2-3 inches off the floor, and hold them there for as long as you can.  Do it as often as you like but be prepared for sore muscles in you stomach.
1032865
Seriously, take back pain seriously.\n\nFirst, you need to see a chiropractor, or other health professional to be sure your back is properly aligned.  These  people are not quacks, as they have restored my alignment a few times, especially following my car accident.\n\nIf your bones are ok, your nerves are next.  One could be hung up between your vertebrae.\n\nIf it's not your nerves, muscles or tendons could be overworked, or too weak for the work you do.\n\nIf a tennis player has tennis elbow, for example, he has to  \n1)  rest it \n2)  massage it\n3)  treat it - heat /cold, ointment, muscle relaxer, sauna/whirlpool,etc.....and once the pain subsides, \n4)  exercise  to strengthen it - including sensible weight training\n5)  stretch, stretch, stretch\n\nThese 5 points are routine maintenence for a lifetime.\n\nBy the way, contributing to the problem could also be your matress, or the way you sleep, or unsafe lifting practices.\n\nOne more thing comes to mind:  you can expect back problems to surface as your stomach muscles weaken.
713887
Two days is what is most often advised.\n\nIf it is strength training, stretching between the exercises can just about eliminate any after-exercise pain.  But it should be the right stretches and they should be undertaken with good form.
518141
Purchase a back brace, you can either wear them under or over your shirts, depending on how much you need the support. As for the ongoing pain, take some Tylenol or another OTC med and take a hot bath, the warm water helps muscles relax.\n\nAlso, what I discovered, stand up tall and straight, may think that it'll hurt worse, but it really doesn't. The more you slouch, the more pressure is put on your spine.
1006623
the best is Hyperextensions (Back Extensions) I do is almost everyday and already feel my back stronger and stronger....\n\nTips: Lie face down on a hyperextension bench, tucking your ankles securely under the footpads. Adjust the upper pad if possible so your upper thighs lie flat across the wide pad, leaving enough room for you to bend at the waist without any restriction. Start with your body in a straight line. Cross your arms in front of you or behind your head. You can also hold a weight for extra resistance. Slowly bend forward at the waist as far as you can while keeping your back FLAT. Do not round your back. Slowly raise your torso until your legs and upper body are in a straight line again. Do NOT arch your back past a straight line!
645388
First, see a doctor for xrays to rule out pinched nerve, cracked or broken bone(s) that may not have healed properly. Also rule out tendon or muscle pulls you may be continuing to aggravate due to your natural movements, work, sports, etc. Once you have ruled out those causes:\nFor some people, sleeping on a hard surface, like the floor, for 7-10 days can greatly reduce or eliminate the pain, since you are not putting extra tension on the back while sleeping/tossing/turning.  Do this after a very warm 20 minute bath which will relax your muscles and help you sleep.\nSit-ups, as many as you are comfortable with, daily will strenghthen abdominal muscles which will take strain away from back muscles for natural support. Massage therapy from a RMT can work wonders as well. Consult your physician about chiropractic, with a full understanding of the possible risks and benefits. Avoid Rx unless it is your last resort,  consulting with a pharmacist for precise advice. Products such as "Icy Hot" patches are very effective for temporary 8-12 hour relief. Carefully examine your posture while sitting and standing, expecially at the computer. Use a very good chair with proper lumbar support and maintain a straight back, not slouching. If you frequently have to drive for long periods and your vehicle is not properly equipped, buy a good quality lumbar/leg support seat pad, perhaps with the heating and/or vibration options at any dept store.\nIn Canada, you can actually get a Rx from your doctor to purchase a hot tub/jacuzzi, making the purchase deductible from your income tax. Check with your tax dept. A hot tub is excellent therapy if you have no cardiovascular conditions, such as hyper or hypotension and mostly fun anyway!
31849
First you have to warm up with a little of cardio like jumping jacks or running because the muscles are still stiff and you need to "warm them up".  This prevents strains.  Well, then after that you can stretch.
349517
Lift weights........Squats will help.  Remember to contract your tummy ( a relaxed contraction!) before squatting this helps to keep your lower back flat.  Do sets of 15 to 20 reps. Squat until parallel.  Also leg extensions, lunges, leg curls and the leg press are great as well.  \n\nRemember to use a full range of motion with each rep and take your time - do not jerk the weight.......nice, easy, controlled, and smooth reps.\n\nAlso remember to stretch before during and after!  This will  minimize soreness, improve flexibility, and improve the shape of your legs too!\n\nYou will have some great legs!\n\nGood luck!
1003677
One of the best exercises for your back that you can do at home is the prone cobra. Lie on your stomach, and lift your feet from the floor. Hold at the highest point, and control them back to strarting position. Now, do the same thing with the superior end of the body (head and shoulders). Lift the head and shoulders from the ground and hold for several seconds, with the rest of the body on the ground. Feel the muscles in the low back contract. Repeat until they are tired. Try it three times per week, and you will gain a stronger low back. Use it in conjunction with a abdominal workout.
1059243
First, if the pian is severe, you should see a doctor. There may be a medical reason for the back pain.\n\nHere's a list of exercises that target the lower back. Also, working your abs will really help take pressure off your lower back. And losing that "spare tire" will be a big relief.
398937
swedish massage might be better for lower back pain. It will relax the muscles in the area, allow improved circulation, and release tension. \n\nUltimately, you might want to do some form of yoga also, to complement the work of the massage, and improve the flexibility and strength of the muscles in the area.