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 cat 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 stretch.
Cat stretches involve arching the back to make it stronger, said medical website WebMD.
The exercises could also reduce stiffness, while also increasing the recovery time.
“Doing exercises to strengthen the lower back can help alleviate and prevent lower back pain,” it said.
“It can also strengthen the core, leg, and arm muscles.
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“According to researchers, exercise also increases blood flow to the lower back area, which may reduce stiffness and speed up the healing process.
“The cat stretch can help lengthen the back, make it stronger, and ease tension in the muscles.”
To perform the stretch, get onto your hands and knees, and arch your back, while pulling your stomach up toward your spine.
Slowly relax your muscles, allowing your abdomen to fall to the floor.
Repeat the exercise between three and five times, twice a day.
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You could also lower your chances of developing back pain by regularly using a rowing machine, it’s been claimed.
Rowing is one of the best cardiovascular exercises that you can do for back pain.
It helps to strengthen the lower back muscles, but it’s crucial that you maintain a good form during your exercise, otherwise you risk making the pain worse.
Lower back pain is the most common type of back pain in the UK, said the NHS.
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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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