While refraining from strenuous activities to relieve back pain might be the answer in the short term, when done for more than a few days, it can actually undermine healing.

Strengthening certain muscle groups can help keep your back strong and improve your posture. Some of the most important muscles to focus on are the following:

Hamstrings – These muscles at the back of your legs help correct posture when you are standing or sitting. They also support the gluteal muscles and the hip flexors. Strengthening your hamstrings can minimize stress on the lower back.

Piriformis – These muscles run from the back of the thigh to the base of your spine. When this muscle is tight, it can lead to sciatica-like pain.

Psoas Major – This muscle is attached to the front of the lower spine and can affect mobility in the lower back. If this muscle is tight, it could make it hard for you to stand for extended periods or kneel on both knees.

Gluteal Muscles – This group of muscles in your buttocks supports flexibility in your hips and pelvis.

“Don’t forget to stretch,” added Dr. Scott Sauer, fellowship-trained pain management doctor. “Practically everyone can benefit from stretching the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the back.”

Reduced motion in your back and spinal column can sometimes make back pain worse, so being sure to stretch on a regular basis is extremely important. Stretching daily, perhaps even more, will help ensure flexibility in key muscle groups.

If you would like to learn more about back pain or exercises that can help strengthen your back, please contact our back experts at OrthoSC today at (843) 353-3460 or schedule an appointment online. With a comprehensive surgical and nonsurgical team of Dr. Erkan Alci, Dr. Zachary Bailey, Dr. Todd Cook, Dr. Joshua Gore, Dr. Gene Massey, Dr. Ryan Mathern, Dr. Scott Mayhew, Dr. William Mills, Dr. Kimberly Purgavie, Dr. Scott Sauer, and Dr. Erin Watson, our back specialists can determine the cause of your back pain. They will recommend a number of treatments to get you back to doing what you love most as quickly as possible.