Try the Side-Lying Lumbar Opener to Release Tension in Your Lower Back
If you’ve been dealing with lower back tightness from sitting, standing too long, or just everyday stress, you’re not alone. Lumbar stiffness is one of the most common complaints we see.
Good news? You don’t always need a full workout to feel better. Sometimes, just one well-performed stretch can make a noticeable difference.
Today we’re sharing one of our favorite lumbar decompression stretches, the Side-Lying Lumbar Opener. It’s quick, gentle, and effective. Watch the video below to follow along:
What Is the Side-Lying Lumbar Opener?
This stretch involves laying on your side, gently rotating your upper body while letting your legs fall across your body. It creates space between the vertebrae of your lower back and allows the surrounding muscles to relax. It’s ideal for decompressing the lumbar spine without needing equipment.
Who Can Benefit from This Stretch?
Consider this stretch if you’re looking to:
Improve spinal mobility
Reduce mild to moderate lumbar stiffness
Alleviate low back tension
Support prenatal mobility and comfort (with professional guidance)
This stretch is suitable for:
Those who sit for long hours, including students, remote workers, or gamers
Individuals experiencing low back fatigue from commuting or travel
Parents, caregivers, or anyone lifting and carrying regularly
Fitness enthusiasts, dancers, or anyone with tight hips and lumbar tension
Expecting mothers looking for a gentle, mobility-friendly option (with professional guidance)
When to Use This Stretch
✅ First thing in the morning when your back feels stiff
✅ After long periods of sitting or driving
✅ Before or after workouts to warm up or cool down
✅ During the workday as a break from your desk
✅ At the end of the day to wind down and release spinal compression
Why Lumbar Stretching Matters
Your lumbar spine (lower back) supports much of your body’s weight and absorbs force with every step, bend, or lift. Over time, poor posture, sitting too long, or overuse can cause:
Muscle tightness
Joint restriction
Nerve compression
Stiffness when waking up or standing up
A well-targeted lumbar stretch can help:
Relieve pressure in the spine
Improve circulation to the lower back
Reduce pain and stiffness
Support spinal alignment and core engagement
Looking for More Than Just Stretching?
While stretching can relieve tension short-term, persistent lower back pain may be a sign of spinal misalignment, disc issues, or nerve irritation.
At Re-LAX Chiropractic, we combine:
Gentle chiropractic adjustments to realign your spine
Active Release Technique (ART) to release muscular tension
Spinal decompression therapy to relieve disc pressure
Movement coaching to help you sit, stand, and lift better
If your back pain keeps coming back, let’s look deeper and get to the root cause.
📍 Visit Re-LAX Chiropractic
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
🌐 www.re-laxchiropractic.com