Whether you woke up with a tight lower back, your desk job has you aching, or you overdid it at the gym, here is a relaxing yoga sequence designed specifically to stretch your lower back. Since tight hips, hamstrings, and shoulders can often trigger discomfort and pain, this sequence will also lengthen those tension spots. Do this series of yoga poses any time your back needs a little extra love.
An oldie but goodie, the Cat-Cow stretch doubles as a great warmup for your spine before just about any activity.
This backbending pose increases flexibility in your spine while opening your chest, shoulders, and abs.
Wide Child's Pose is a counterpose to Cobra to stretch your lower back.
This relaxing lower-back release also targets the oh-so-tight hips. Try it in the shower after a run — the hot water feels amazing on your lower back.
Aside from stretching your lower back, this variation of Wide-Legged Forward Bend also stretches your shoulders and hamstrings, areas that can cause back pain when tight.
This pose offers a deep spinal twist.
Since tight hips and hamstrings can cause lower-back pain, do this relaxing Seated Wide-Legged Straddle to stretch the backs of your legs and your lower back at the same time.
Target your hips and lower back with Butterfly pose.
Backbends can be a challenge for those suffering from back pain, so here's an easier variation called Half Wheel that also increases flexibility in your spine and neck.
One of the best stretches for a tight lower back, Happy Baby also opens tight hips.
This last pose, Eagle Spinal Twist is one of the most relaxing ways to increase side-to-side spinal flexibility.