Tuesday Tip - Managing Lower Back Pain

Most of us have experienced lower back pain at some stage in our lives.  In the clinic, we see a lot of extended lower backs (commonly called a sway back - though this is technically not the case), which is painful with long periods of standing or lying on your tummy.
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As always, it's important to get the cause of your pain assessed to make sure there is nothing more serious going on, which we are happy to do.  For general lower back pain, try these tips to help keep it under control:

Pillow Support
I don't recommend that anybody sleep on their tummy because of the torsional forces it puts through your body and blood vessels, but if you do, try placing a pillow under your tummy.  This helps flatten out the lower back and alleviates the pressure on the joints.  NB: make sure it's under your tummy, not the hips.

Knee Hugs
This is a perfect way to start your day and gently wake up your back.  Hugs both knees to your chest and slowly start circular motions within a pain free range to massage and stretch out your lower back