Milton Keynes: 01908 307075 | Northampton: 01604 460200 | Aylesbury: 01296 489231
![]() |
Milton Keynes: 01908 307075 | Northampton: 01604 460200 | Aylesbury: 01296 489231
Chiropractic treatment always includes advice on stretching exercises.
Stretching is a great way to keep muscles and joints relaxed, mobile and feeling well.
Stretching is also simple, requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere at any time for free.
Stretching can be a geat help to reduce pain and improve mobility, but it can also be detrimental to your improvement if done incorrectly or if the wrong exercsies are used for the type of injury you have.
Please read on to find out how to use stretching to help your pain.
![]() |
Want To Know More? Request a Callback Here! Or Give Us a Call, To Find Out How We Can Help You. |
Milton Keynes: 01908 307075 | Northampton: 01604 460200 | Aylesbury: 01296 489231
For general, daily stretching, here are some key reminders:
![]() |
Want To Know More? Request a Callback Here! Or Give Us a Call, To Find Out How We Can Help You. |
Milton Keynes: 01908 307075 | Northampton: 01604 460200 | Aylesbury: 01296 489231
Almost everyone can benefit from stretching the soft tissues - the muscles, ligaments and tendons - in the hips, legs and buttocks.
The spinal column and its muscles, ligaments and tendons are all designed to move and limitations in this motion can make back pain worse.
But it is important to know that the spine is a chain of 24 segments or vertebrae and each segment has a limit of how far it can move safely. If it moves further than normal you get an injury and pain.
The individual vertebrae in the lower back have the capacity to move 2-5 degrees in rotation individually, which is not much!
When you do general mobility exercises, the most flexible part will move the most and the stiff part of your spine will only move slightly, if at all, before you feel pain from the flexible part.
There is no evidence to show that improving your general spinal movement will reduce your back pain, or neck pain!
Chiropractic manipulation is very specific and precise. We can select
exactly which vertebrae to move to avoid puting stres on the unstable part.
This is why it is not advisable to do general twisting exercises or hyperextension exercises if you have a back problem. Do the McKenzie exercises aggravate your problem? Then stop now!
So - don't do general spinal stretching if you have back problems!
Keep the following in mind when starting a stretching routine as part of a program of back exercises:
If you need to stretch a muscle group often to keep it relaxed, there is an underlying reason which should be investigated!
If you already have low back pain or neck pain, it is best to check with a chiropractor and discuss whether the following neck, shoulder and lower back pain exercises should be done.
A stiff back is sometimes accompanied by a stiff neck and the following exercises can be done to stretch the neck and shoulder area.
Flexion Stretch—Chin to Chest
While standing or sitting, gently bend the head forward while bringing the chin toward the chest until a stretch is felt in the back of neck.
Lateral Flexion—Ear to Shoulder
This exercise stretches the neck area below the ears as well as the top of the shoulder. To begin, gently bend the neck to one side as if to touch the ear to the shoulder until a stretch is felt in the side of the neck. Switch to stretch the other side.
Back Exercise Stretches
Many back pain patients know the feeling of tension in the back, especially first thing in the morning. These stretching back exercises can help bring back some suppleness and increase mobility, decreasing back pain and discomfort.
Back Flexion Exercise
While lying on your back, pull both knees to the chest while simultaneously flexing the head forward until a comfortable stretch is felt in a curled-up position.
Knee to Chest Stretch
While lying on the back with the knees bent and both heels on the floor, place both hands behind one knee and bring it to the chest.
Hips and Gluteus Stretches
The hips and buttocks (where the gluteus muscles are) support the lower back, and stretching these muscle groups plays a pivotal role in maintaining spine flexibility.
Hip Stretch
While standing with feet shoulder-width apart, take a half-step back with the right foot, bend the left knee and shift weight back to the right hip. While keeping the right leg straight, bend forward more and reach down the right leg until a stretch in the outer hip is felt.
Piriformis Muscle Stretch
The piriformis muscle runs through the buttock and can contribute to back pain or leg pain. To stretch the this muscle, lie on the back and cross one leg over the other and gently pull the other knee toward the chest until a stretch is felt in the buttock area.
If you would like more information on pain relief and stretching you can contact your local ISIS Chiropractic Centre.
![]() |
Want To Know More? Request a Callback Here! Or Give Us a Call, To Find Out How We Can Help You. |
Milton Keynes: 01908 307075 | Northampton: 01604 460200 | Aylesbury: 01296 489231
Your e-mail address is totally secure and will not be shared with third parties.
May 16, 22 04:35 AM
Safe, effective and pain-free treatment, backed by clinical research. Clear fat in regions hard to reach, Look and feel at your best. We can help you!
Oct 04, 21 09:15 AM
Halloween is nearly here and as you're preparing for a night of frightful fun make sure to remember our top tips to prevent pain for all the family this year!
Mar 29, 21 10:27 AM
We are looking for a full-time Chiropractor in our Aylesbury Clinic.
Running Injuries And Prevention
The Queen Awards Chiropractic Royal Charter!
Stop Injuries Play Golf Better And Hit The Ball Further?
Find out more about our Golf performance assessment here!
Titleist Performance Institute
Milton Keynes:
01908 307075
Northampton:
01604 460200
Aylesbury:
01296 489231
If You Can't Find What You Are Looking For, Click Here And Make An Enquiry!
Gardening and Preventing Back Pain. Watch Our Video!