Summit Orthopedics Physician Recommends Combined Stretching and Strengthening for Back Pain Relief
Dr. Seth Bires, an interventional spine expert at Summit Orthopedics, advises that a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises is crucial for improving mobility and stabilizing the spine, particularly for individuals experiencing back pain. According to Dr. Bires, back stiffness often results from the body's protective response to irritated underlying spinal structures, which can lead to increased pain and tightness in overlying muscles. Stretching helps by improving blood flow and easing muscle tension around an irritated spine. He recommends dynamic warm-ups before activity and saving static stretching for after muscles are warmed up. Strengthening, especially core and trunk stabilization exercises, along with leg strengthening, is consistently helpful for the lower back as it protects and unloads spinal discs and joints.
