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3 Stretching Exercises for Relieving Lower Back Tension and Pain

Targeted stretching of the iliopsoas, one of the body’s largest muscle groups, can help reduce lower back discomfort.
3 Stretching Exercises for Relieving Lower Back Tension and Pain
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Amber Yang
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Lower back soreness or stiffness may be linked to tightness in the iliopsoas muscle. Targeted stretching of the iliopsoas can help relieve muscle tension and reduce discomfort.

A simple way to check for iliopsoas tightness is the Thomas Test:
  • Lie flat on your back and pull one knee toward your chest. If the opposite leg—kept extended—lifts off the ground or bends at the knee, this may indicate tightness in the iliopsoas muscle.

Iliopsoas Tightness and Lower Back Pain

The iliopsoas muscle group is made up of the psoas major and the iliacus, and in some people, also includes the psoas minor, which lies in front of the psoas major.
Amber Yang
Amber Yang
Amber Yang is a certified personal trainer. She met all the requirements of the American Council on Exercise to develop and implement personalized exercise programs. She worked as a marketing manager for natural skin care products for years and as a health and beauty reporter and editor for ten years. She is also the host and producer of the YouTube programs "Amber Running Green" and "Amber Health Interview."