This post is the first in a series of recommended stretches to relieve back pain.

Many people who go to a chiropractor are looking for back pain relief. Having to manage chronic pain is not only stressful, it ultimately affects the rest of your life – everything begins to center around managing that pain.

There are some simple exercises that can help strengthen the muscles in your back, which oftentimes helps reduce the pain and alleviate some of the tension. However, it’s also important to remember that if you’re experiencing acute pain or one of the exercises hurts, you should consult a professional and cease that exercise immediately.

Low back pain may be caused by tightness in the hamstrings. If this is the case, start by lying on your back. Raise one leg in the air, gently straighten it at the knee, and pull your toes toward your head. It often helps to use a belt looped over the ball of your foot, holding one side of the belt in each hand. Remember to breathe, and only stretch as far as feels comfortable – creating pain will not ultimately help the problem, and may actually exacerbate it. Hold the pose for thirty seconds on each side.