Arthritis Treatment: Exercise Treatment for Low Back Pain

One of the most common reasons for a visit to a rheumatologist is low back pain. And one of the simplest and safest forms of treatment is therapeutic exercises.

There are eight exercises that can help. These should only be done after consulting with a physical therapist or your physician.

#1. The first is to lie flat on the floor in a relaxed fashion, bring your right knee toward your chest, and clasp your hands around the knee. Pull the right knee toward the chest firmly and at the same time straighten your left leg. Do 5 repetitions. Repeat the same with the opposite leg. It may help to have a small pillow under your head to prevent neck strain.

#2. Lie on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, with your arms at your sides with the palms down. Tighten the muscles of your lower abdomen and buttocks so your low back flattens. Slowly raise your lower back and buttocks off the floor and hold for five seconds. Relax and repeat five times.

#3. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Feet flat on the floor, hands at your sides, with the palms facing down. Tighten the muscles of your abdomen and buttocks so as to push the lower back against the floor. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Relax and repeat five times.

#4. Lie on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, arms at your sides. Bring both of your knees to your chest and clasp your hands around the knees and pull them toward your chest. Hold this position for five seconds and relax. Repeat five times.

#5. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, and arms at your side, with the palms facing down. Raise your left leg up as far as comfortable without overstretching the hamstring muscles behind your leg. Return your left leg to its starting position and repeat five times. Do not jerk! Repeat the same exercise with your right leg five times also.

#6. Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing down. Slowly raise your left leg and bring it towards the opposite side of your body until you feel a stretch. Repeat the same motion with the right leg. Do each side five times.

#7. Lie on the floor with your knees bent. Place your hands next to your ears. Squeeze your stomach muscles and lift your head two to four inches off the floor, while looking at the ceiling. Hold this position for 5 seconds and repeat five times. Do not put your hands behind your neck as this can cause you to strain your neck.

#8. Stand with your hands against a wall and your left leg 18 inches behind your right foot with the heel flat against the floor. Bend your right knee but keep the left leg straight. Slowly bend forward until you feel the stretch in your calf. Hold this position for five seconds. Repeat five times, then do the right leg the same number.

It may be more comfortable for you to use a small pillow to cushion your head. This will also prevent neck strain. Use a yoga mat if you have one.