Back pain is a common condition that affects most people at some point in their lifetime, according to the NHS. But you could lower your risk of developing backache by regularly doing so-called ‘cat cow’ stretches, it’s been claimed.
Back pain could be caused by sleeping in the wrong position, having bad posture, or even by having a minor injury.
In most cases, back pain isn’t anything to worry about, and it’ll get better by itself within a few weeks or months.
You could get rid of your painful backache, or even prevent it from appearing in the first place, by doing certain exercises.
One of the best exercises to protect against backache is a cat cow stretch.
The exercise helps patients to relieve their back pain, as well as prevent it from coming back.
It increases the flexibility of the lower back, while also reducing the tension on the core muscles, according to medical website Healthline.
You don’t even need any expensive equipment to do the cat cow stretch.
All you need to do is get down onto your hands and knees, and arch your back, with your stomach pulled up toward your spine.
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Allow your head to drop forward, and hold the position for 10 seconds.
Return back to your starting position, and then raise your head toward the sky, while letting your pelvis drop to the floor.
Hold the pose for another 10 seconds, before again returning to your starting position.
Simply complete the stretches 10 to 15 times every day to relieve your back pain.
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“Lower back pain affects up to 80 percent of all people at one time or another,” said Healthline.
“Staying physically active and regularly stretching can help reduce lower back pain or prevent it from returning.
“The cat-cow stretch is a useful exercise to help increase flexibility and ease tension in your lower back and core muscles.
“You can also perform this exercise in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands on your knees, making it perfect for sneaking in a few stretches at work.”
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For short-term relief from backache, try taking some over-the-counter painkillers.
Overweight or obese patients could also reduce their back pain by simply losing weight.
Being overweight puts extra pressure on joints, which could make back pain worse.
Speak to a GP if you have back pain and a swelling in the back, difficulty passing urine, or chest pain. It could be a sign of something more serious.
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