8 Spinal Exercises That You Need to Try

Nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain, and 16 million have persistent discomfort in their spine.

A fantastic way to ease the pain is with spinal exercises as they strengthen the back muscles, remove pressure from discs, and improve your mobility. Perhaps you’re looking for spinal workouts, but you’re not sure where to start.

Sounds familiar? Don’t worry. You’ve come to the right place. Here are eight great spinal exercises to try today.

1. Bridge

One of the best exercises for spinal stenosis is the bridge. This ailment occurs in the neck and the lower back so strengthen your gluteus maximus as it supports the lower area of your spine.

To do an effective bridge, lie on the ground and bend your knees. Remember to keep your feet flat on the floor, so they’re hip-width apart. Your arms should be by your side, then slowly lift your buttocks until your body forms a straight line from the shoulders to your knees.

Squeeze the buttocks and keep your shoulders on the floor for 10 seconds. Then lower your vertebrae one-by-one until you’re laid flat. Repeat this 15 times and then rest.

You can also try the reverse bridge as it works out your upper back muscles. Start by pushing into your hands and feet to lift your buttocks off the floor. Make sure your body is in a straight line and hold for 10 seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat these 15 times.

2. Swimming Motion

If you’re looking for spinal stabilization exercises, pretend you’re swimming on the mat. Not only does this workout your entire back, but it also improves your cardio endurance.

Start by lying on your stomach and bring your arms straight above your head. Keep your legs on the floor while your forehead hovers just above the mat. Push into the floor and as you inhale, extend your arms and legs. Move your limbs up and down for 15 seconds. Rest and then repeat 10 times.

You should also invest in a neck shaper kit. We often forget how much we rely on our necks when we’re at our computers or looking down at our phones, so it’s important to exercise it.

3. Bird Dog

One of the top spinal extension exercises is the bird dog. This core exercise improves your stability, promotes a neutral spine, and relieves any discomfort in your lower back.

To do this pose, start on your hands and knees while tightening your stomach muscles. Lift and extend your left leg behind you. Hold for 10 seconds, and then switch to your right leg.

Repeat this 15 times for each leg and increase the time you hold each one. You can make this exercise more challenging by extending the opposite arm while lifting your leg.

4. Knee to Chest Stretches

Interested in spinal stenosis exercises?

Then harness the power of knee-to-chest stretches as these strengthen your hip and lower back muscles. Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.

Bring your left knee to your chest while keeping your other foot still. Make sure your lower back is pressed to the floor, and hold this pose for 40 seconds. Next, bring your knee to starting position and repeat with the other one. Do these five times for each leg.

5. Pelvic Tilts

One of the top spinal flexion exercises is pelvic tilts, as they release tension from your back muscles. To perform this workout, lie on the floor with your feet flat. Keep your legs by your sides, then gently arch your lower back while pushing your stomach out.

Hold this position for 10 seconds, then release. Next, flatten the back and pull your belly button towards the floor. Hold this for 10 seconds and then relax.

6. Cat-Cow Pose

Cat-cow is a popular yoga pose where you alternate between having an arched back to a more rounded one. This exercise increases blood circulation to your spinal discs while strengthening them. It’s also known to improve your posture and relieve stress.

Start by getting down on all fours with your knees and hands on the floor. Make sure your back and neck are neutral and straight. Now, tighten your abdominals and round your spine towards the ceiling.

Hold for 10 seconds, then return to the neutral position. Then slowly lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling while your spine and stomach sink towards the ground. Hold for 10, then return to the starting position.

7. Partial Curls

Partial curls are crucial because they strengthen your abdominal muscles. A weak core can cause lower back pain because there’s less stability, so regularly exercise your abs.

To perform partial curls, lie on your back and bend your knees. Cross your hands over your chest and take a deep breath. As you exhale, tighten your abdominal muscles and gently raise your shoulders.

Keep your upper body two inches off the ground while your neck stays in line with your spine. Hold this for 10 seconds and then return to the neutral position. Repeat 10 times.

8. Prone Press

Trying a prone press is great for exercising your upper and lower back muscles. Start by lying on your stomach and lifting your forehead, so it’s hovering above the mat. Keep your palms facing down by your chest and point your elbows to the back of the wall.

As you inhale, push into your hands and lift your upper body except for your ribs. Hold this for 30 seconds, then come back down. Repeat this 15 times.

Those Are the Top Spinal Exercises

Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know eight useful spinal exercises.

Alternate your workout routine by adding bridges, prone presses, and a cat-cow pose to strengthen your spine. You should also try partial curls and pelvic lifts as this workout the surrounding muscles, which will alleviate back pain. Good luck!

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