One of the most commonly utilized exercises for the lower back is the prone press-up (demonstrated in this picture). The idea of this is to stretch the lower back muscles which helps to alleviate lower back pain and tension. I have a large problem with this exercise however, it cannot possibly be stretching the lower back muscles. The action of the lower back muscles is to extend or bend the spine backwards which is exactly what is being demonstrated in this picture. This is on par with saying that performing a bicep curl actually stretches out the bicep muscle. When we talk about stretching muscles, we need to move both ends of the muscle apart, not together. More than likely what people are finding relieving by this exercise is that it is stretching out their hip flexors which can be a major contributor to lower back pain. This is not to say that this exercise cannot be helpful when used for the appropriate conditions, however the idea that this exercise stretches the lower back muscles is simply incorrect. Who cares how it works as long as it works you ask? The problem is that certain conditions, which cause lower back pain, like facet syndrome or spastic lumber erectors, would be exacerbated by this type of exercise. So if you'd like to get to the bottom of your back pain, give the office a call!
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