This week is flying by and I have no complaints what so ever. My little Ava is turning ONE tomorrow. I can’t believe it. I will be sure to dedicate my post to her tomorrow!! 
So last night I woke up in the middle of the night and my lower back was bothering me. When I got up this morning it still was a little irritated. I thought I would share this with you because I am not perfect, and just like some of you out there I have muscle imbalances that I know are causing the irritation in my back. The first time I experienced lower back pain was during labor with Ava. Besides hip surgery, this pain was hands down the worst. All you moms out there know the type of pain I am talking about.
This little back irritation is nothing compared to labor but rather then ignore it, I immediately did a stretch workout. The series of stretches I did was no more then 10-15 minutes. It was similar to the Ballet Stretch workout I did a couple of weeks ago. You can see some more stretches in the ballet post.
I find that the stretching I do with my classes just isn’t enough for how active I am, so I put in a little extra on my own time!
The reasons I think I had lower back pain:
1. Tight hip flexors
2. Picking up Ava with poor form. Bending at the waist instead of squating down to get her. (LAZYYYY)
3. Lifting heavier this week when I probably should’ve stayed at the weights I was currently lifting at.
4. Sleeping in odd positions. Last night I slept on my stomach but my arms and head were on my pillow, so my back was definitely arched
As a Personal Trainer, I know how to avoid lower back pain and what I should do to fix it! I’m not embarrassed that it happened to me but I am definitely aware that I need to make some changes!!
What has helped me to Ease my Lower Back Pain:
- Stretch
- Try not to sit for long periods of time
- Keep moving to avoid extra tightness
- Strengthen my hips, pelvic, and abdominal muscles.
After 10-15 minutes of stretching I felt like brand new
Do you ever have any back pain or tightness?
What are your favorite stretches? How often do you stretch?
December 4, 2014 at 4:39 pm
Ugh… I pretty much have lower back pain every day! I injured it in Crossfit several months ago and it’s never been the same. I know what I need to do (stretch, mobility, rest) I just forget, don’t have time, or put it off… Not good I know. It’s been bothering me more this weeks I have been foam rolling my hip flexors and using the lacross ball on my back more. Which has definitely helped!
December 5, 2014 at 8:43 am
Oh no! Back pain is the worst. I have a love/hate relationship with the foam roller.. it is torture but I feel so good after!