On first read of the title of this article it probably doesn’t make much sense. But, many things that work run against conventional wisdom. This is one of those things. It doesn’t mean that all stretching is bad but in my experience as a practicing chiropractor for 40 years, stretching is rarely if ever the solution to either acute or chronic low back pain. 

STOP Before Reading Further!

Before we go on please understand that I am not opposed to stretching. Stretching done properly can be beneficial. And, as I will discuss, stretching is rarely if ever the solution to nagging chronic low back pain! Or, for neck and shoulder pain. 

What is Causing What?

Let’s start by saying that almost all nagging low back pain is accompanied by muscle tightness. That might make you immediately assume that the muscle tightness is causing the low back pain. 

If we believe that the muscle tightness is causing the pain then we should start by asking what is causing the muscle tightness. Without knowing that we aren’t able to determine what is causing what. 

Muscle Tightness is the Effect!

In my experience in the vast majority (I hesitate to say ALL) of the time the muscle tightness is the result of something else rather than the cause of the problem. Yes, muscle tightness can contribute to your pain but that isn’t a good rationale for stretching those muscles out. 

Often those tight muscles are a response by your body to brace the area. Sort of like those black back braces they used to wear at Home Depot and other stores until they realized they didn’t prevent any injuries. 

When nerves in the lower back get irritated and inflamed one of the most frequent results is spasm or tightness of the muscles of the low back. When you try to stretch these muscles out you get one of a few results:

• Very brief relief followed by a return of the pain and muscle tightness
• No relief or perhaps minimal pain reduction
• Worsening of your low back pain

A Recent Patient Story

Just last week a patient came in here at Life Chiropractic. He works a physical job and had experienced a flare-up of his low back and sciatic pain. After a few visits he was back to feeling great. 

We were talking about him getting back more fully into working out and I was cautioning him about doing much stretching as it often stresses the small joints of the lower back. 

He then related to me that one of the MDs he had seen recommended stretching and his experience was that it only made him feel more sore. 

It’s ALL About The Nerves

One reason I say that muscles are rarely the cause of the problem is that muscles cannot decide to tighten up on their own. If they cramp or go into spasm something else is causing this to happen. And, that again is why stretching rarely works. 

Muscles go into spasm as a result of:

• Being overstretched
• Injury due to overcontraction as in lifting something too heavy
• Dehydration and loss of electrolytes

Correct The Nerve Irritation

In the low back the nerves from the lower lumbar spine and pelvis control the muscles of the lower back, pelvis, and legs. When those nerves get irritated by spinal misalignments it causes those muscles to tighten up.

The CAUSE is the irritated nerves caused by the misalignments and NOT the muscle tightness. 

The ANSWER or SOLUTION is to correct the misalignments and remove the nerve irritation. 

Corrective Chiropractic

Corrective Chiropractic like that practiced here at Life Chiropractic in Grass Valley seeks to:

• Restore Balance to the body
• Correct misalignments
• Restore healthy joint motion

More often people will need to exercise or strengthen the muscles of the low back rather than stretch them. When stretching is indicated it is done only after the spine has been corrected and the cause of the tightness has been removed. 

About Dr. Berkowitz  

Dr. Bill Berkowitz is a dedicated chiropractor who brings reliability and depth to his practice at Life Chiropractic in western Nevada County. Focused on addressing chronic issues like low back pain, headaches, and anxiety, Dr. Berkowitz delivers patient-centered care rooted in proven methods without unnecessary extras.

Life Chiropractic, founded by Dr. Bill Berkowitz, offers reliable and results-driven chiropractic care for residents of western Nevada County. With a focus on foundational health solutions, the practice prioritizes quality and effectiveness to help clients achieve relief from chronic issues without unnecessary add-ons.

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