Pain Relief Stretches You Should Know

You may be suffering from a preexisting joint related condition like arthritis, recovering from pain after back surgery, or are just feeling the aches that life brings naturally. Either way, stretching is a natural, proven way to relieve pain in the prone areas of your body.

With that being said, here are some of the best stretches that you can do to help relieve pain.

Back Pain

Knees to Chest

This is one of the easiest and most effective stretches to do to relieve pain in the pelvis and lower back.

To do this stretch, lie flat on your back, and slowly bend your right knee while gripping the back of your thigh with both hands. Pull the leg towards your chest and hold for as long as needed. Repeat with the left leg.  

Lying Leg Twist

This exercise will not only relieve pain in the back, but also help to build abdominal strength. Again, lay on your back with your legs straight. Cross your right leg over the left side of your body, and hold until you feel tension in your lower back. Switch legs and repeat the process.

Neck Pain

Seated Neck Pull

This stretch helps alleviate pain in the sides of the neck. While sitting flat on the ground or in a chair, place your left hand on the top of your head, and tilt your head to the left. Gently apply more pressure to your head to increase the stretch.

Clasping Neck Stretch

This exercise targets the back of your neck, as well as upper back. While sitting, grip the back of your head with both hands, interlocking your fingers. Gently press your head downward, tucking your chin into your chest as you do so. Note, there are many more neck exercises to relieve pain than what is listed here.

While stretching, it’s important to remember a few things:

• Make sure to wear comfortable clothing that does not prohibit movement.
• Don’t push yourself. It’s ok to feel a slight discomfort when stretching, but if you feel any pain, then you should slow it down.
• Stretching should be done on a clean, flat surface that allows for free movement.
• Remember to relax and breath deeply.

For additional pain relief, visit your local New Jersey pain specialists at Garden State Pain Control.