The WORST Stretches For Low Back Pain (And What To Do Instead) Ft. Dr. Stuart McGill
One of the first solutions people struggling with back pain seek are lower back stretches to relieve their pain. But the truth is, many …
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February 10, 2026
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These exercises seem much more effective than the usual advice. I'm definitely going to give the cat camel a try.
Ardha chandrasana at 6:49 – interesting, I never though of this movement when treating my psoas.
Thank you. I was literally doing all of those exercises but hd no improvement at all.and had to make an appointment with the doctor to find out the actual problem. Will definitely try everything you suggested
This is mostly because you aren't supposed to stretch the lower back while doing this. Instead you flex the back in an arch in the opposite direction from the stretch. It strengthens the lower back, lengthens it and stretches your hamstrings and glutes.
I’ve had chronic lower-back issues for years that enter into an acute phase at least a couple (or more) times per year. When this occurs (usually due to some unthinking movement on my part) I’m laid out for at least a week – not nice!! I’ve been doing my same “lower back stretches” faithfully, every morning, for years. As it turns out my routine includes ALL of the exercises that you recommended against. Two days ago I, AGAIN, tweaked my lower back! So, just yesterday, I stumbled upon your video and decided to change my routine to the exercises that you outlined in this tutorial. At first it was difficult (the cat camel being the worst); however, after doing a second set of the exercises, a few hours later that same day, the cat camel became significantly easier as did the other exercises 👍. This morning I woke up and my back felt “different” – more stiff than painful! I proceeded to do this newly found routine without any pain whatsoever. There was discomfort but not the almost debilitating sensation that I would normally experience. This is an “awakening” for me. I will definitely discard my old routine and adopt this new one. Thank you… THANK YOU!!
5:55 strangely i cant feel the stretch only on one side
same video for upper back pls
Is this gonna help to reach side split because it's my mane point, and the only thing stopping me is the lambar, it's like a solid stone that cannot move when I'm stretching
o psoas eu achei sensacional
These exercises made my lower back pain worse after doing them
The science don't lie, thanks for movements with specific results.
This video in 2020 literally change mi life.
Don't need a science lesson, just go straight to exercise please
I’ve been dealing with lower back pain on and off for years. After doing these movements noticeable improvement during a big flareup. Thank you.
Man was just me or made the arirplanes is hard is F i always lose my balance hahahahha
Very well explained!
I think it's important to clarify that in the intro when mentioning how these stretches can actually aggravate the problem he's talking about spinal/joint based pain. If your pain is muscular (spasm/knot, tightness, scar tissue, atrophy) then these stretches can absolutely help, although it's still true that stretches alone are usually only temporary relief, muscle trigger, motion, and strengthening are needed for long term improvement.
Lies this is exactly what you need to do. After living with a crazy herniated disc since 2013, in 2023 I started stretching my back in the most uncomfortable position and just got stronger in my weighted Jefferson curl today I have zero back pain
Holy shit ! Thank you for this video I pulled something in my back yesterday I know I have a herniated L4 disc. I couldn’t move yesterday and this morning found this video and I’m ALOT! Better already 🙏🏻
THANK YOU JEREMY! I’ve done all those stretches that only make my back ache. This is wonderful. After doing a few reps of these exercises , my back loosened up! What a relief. ❤
is it applicable for coccyx pain as well?
I just found your video. I love it. But would you happen to have exercises for sciatic pain?
These require more stability than I have, is there a starter video, something that can get me to the point that I can do these, beyond the cat cow thing which I can do
Bro don't be Athlean-X
It actually works! Back pain relief for the first time in years 🎉
This exercises fix the sacroiliac joint pain?
After doing the psoas stretch my back feels extremely tight and not mobile at all. Should I continue?