PUBLISHED 11/02/2006
Thirty-one million Americans struggle with back pain, and due to the repetitive and forceful nature of running, it's no surprise that many of them are runners. People with chronic back pain typically have inflexible muscles down the back side of the body--sound familiar? The stretches below will relax those muscles and increase circulation and range of motion. Do 10 reps of each before and after a run. If the pain is especially acute, stretch, ice the area for 10 minutes, and stretch again.
Single-Leg Pelvic Tilts
1. Lie on your back with knees bent and a rolled towel under your neck. Place your hands behind one knee. If you can't reach your knee, hold the back of your thigh.
2. Bring your knee toward your shoulder. Hold for two seconds, release, and repeat.
Double-Leg Pelvic Tilts
1. Get in the same starting position, but place your hands behind both knees or thighs.
2. Bring both knees toward your shoulders. Hold for two seconds, release, and repeat.
