Five Exercises That Can Help Reduce Back Discomfort

Jan
12
2026

Five Exercises That Can Help Reduce Back Discomfort

Back discomfort is one of the most common reasons people adjust their daily routines, skip activities they enjoy, or struggle through long workdays. Whether it comes from prolonged sitting, repetitive lifting, or limited movement variety, the spine often reacts to how it’s used—or not used—throughout the day. At Neurosync Physiotherapy & Rehab, many clients from Ajax ask about exercises that support spinal health and day-to-day comfort.

Below are five movement-based exercises commonly used in clinical settings to support the back. They focus on Mobility, control, and muscular support rather than intensity. Always move within a comfortable range and stop if something feels wrong.

1. Cat–Cow Movement

The Cat–Cow movement encourages controlled spinal motion. It gently moves the spine through flexion and extension, which can help reduce stiffness linked to long periods of sitting.

How to do it:

  • Begin on hands and knees, wrists under shoulders, and knees under hips.
  • Inhale as you let your belly drop slightly, lifting the chest and tailbone
  • Exhale as you round the spine, gently drawing the chin toward the chest.
  • Move slowly, matching breath with motion for 8–12 cycles.

This exercise is often used early in a routine because it promotes awareness of spinal movement without loading the joints.

2. Glute Bridge

The glute bridge targets the muscles around the hips and pelvis. These muscles play a major role in supporting the lower back during standing, walking, and lifting.

How to do it:

  • Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Place your arms at your sides, palms down.
  • Press through your heels and lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees.
  • Hold for two to three seconds, then lower slowly.
  • Perform 10–15 controlled repetitions.

When the hips provide steady support, the lower back often works less during daily movement.

3. Bird Dog

Bird Dog focuses on coordination and trunk control. It challenges the body to stay steady while the arms and legs move, which mirrors real-world activities like reaching or stepping.

How to do it:

  • Start on hands and knees.
  • Extend one arm forward while extending the opposite leg backward.
  • Keep hips and shoulders level.
  • Hold briefly, then return to the start and switch sides.
  • Aim for 6–10 repetitions per side.

This exercise is commonly used to improve control around the spine without adding external weight.

4. Seated Spinal Rotation

Limited rotation through the mid-back can cause the lower back to compensate during turning movements. Seated spinal rotation encourages motion where it’s meant to occur.

How to do it:

  • Sit upright on a chair with feet flat on the floor.
  • Cross your arms over your chest.
  • Slowly rotate your torso to one side, keeping your hips facing forward.
  • Pause briefly, then return to the center and switch sides.
  • Repeat 8–10 times per side.

This movement is useful for people who feel stiff when turning to check blind spots or reaching out to the side.

5. Hip Flexor Stretch

Tight hip flexors can affect pelvic position, potentially increasing strain on the lower back. Stretching this area helps restore balance between the hips and spine.

How to do it:

  • Start in a half-kneeling position, one knee on the floor and the other foot forward.
  • Gently shift weight forward while keeping the torso upright.
  • You should feel a stretch at the front of the hip on the kneeling side.
  • Hold for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.
  • Repeat two to three times per side.

Consistency with this stretch is often useful for those who sit for extended periods.

Bringing These Movements Into Daily Life

Exercises alone are only one part of maintaining a healthy back. How you sit, lift, sleep, and move throughout the day also matters. Many people in Ajax balance desk work with commuting, family responsibilities, and recreational activities, which can add up over time. Short movement breaks, varied positions, and mindful pacing can complement the exercises above.

At Neurosync Physiotherapy & Rehab, exercise selection is often based on how someone moves, which activities matter most to them, and how their body responds over time. While general exercises can be helpful, supervision ensures they are performed correctly and progressed safely.

Final Thoughts

A resilient back depends on movement quality, consistency, and balance between strength and Mobility. The five exercises above are commonly used to support spinal function and reduce strain during everyday tasks. When practiced regularly and combined with thoughtful daily habits, they can play a meaningful role in keeping the back comfortable and active.

If back concerns continue or interfere with normal routines, a structured assessment can help clarify what the body needs next.

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