The Best Core Exercise for Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a very common problem.  If fact, it is one of the most common reasons for unproductive work days and missed work days in the United States.  Low back pain can be both acute and chronic.  Acute low back pain is low back pain that has been present for less than 3 months.  Lower back pain that has been occurring for longer than 3 months is considered chronic.

There is a common factor that is present in most cases of low back pain, whether it is acute low back pain or chronic low back pain.  What is it?  WEAK abdominal muscles or having weak core.

Thus, the focus of this article and the video above is to give you one of the best core exercises for low back pain relief.  The exercise is often referred to as the “bird dog.”  You will kneel on all fours. You will then slowly lift and straighten both your left arm and right leg at the same time.  Thus, you left arm and right leg are straightened and off the ground and your right arm and left leg are still on the ground.  You will hold this position for 5-10 seconds.  You will then repeat the same movement but in the opposite sequence – you would then raise and straighten you right arm and left leg, holding for 5-10 seconds.  Repeat this on each side 3-5 times and you have completed one set.  You would want to build up to performing 3-5 sets of this exercise per day.  It will take you less than 5 minutes per day and can really help improve lower back pain.

If you find this exercise to difficult to complete you can simply start by lifting and straightening one arm or one leg at a time.  As you feel more comfortable you can then attempt to combine both the arms and legs as discussed above.

Please try the best core exercise for low back pain and see if it helps.  If you are seeking low back pain relief, please call our office today at 651-779-5998.  We focus on providing short term care for back pain relief.  Dr. Eric Lund

We serve many patients in Roseville, MN, Saint Paul, MN, Arden Hills, MN, Shoreview, MN, and Falcon Heights, MN.  55113 and 55117