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Back and Neck Care
Keeping Your Back Healthy; Photo of construction worker
Exercises for Strength and Flexibility
Home Wellness Centers Back and Neck Care Keeping Your Back Healthy Exercises for Strength and Flexibility

Back Exercises: Side Stretch

To start, sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Shift your weight slightly forward to avoid rounding your back. Relax. Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned.

  • Stretch your right arm overhead.

  • Slowly bend to the left. Don’t twist your torso.

  • Hold for 20 seconds. Return to starting position.

  • Repeat 2 times. Then, switch to the other side.

Publication Source: Kohatsu W, Integrative Medicine, 2nd ed., Chapter 63 - Low back pain exercises, 2007, pp 687-695
Online Source: National Guideline Clearinghouse http://guidelines.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=9863&nbr=005287&string=Adult+AND+low+AND+back+AND+pain.
Online Medical Reviewer: Bhattacharyya, Tim MD
Date Last Reviewed: 1/15/2007
Date Last Modified: 12/12/2007