Exercises for the Lower Back

The following rest positions can be used at home to rest your back and reduce pain. Click on the links below to access the corresponding PDF for the pattern that best suits your symptoms.

(Resource provided by Saskatchewan Ministry of Health)

Pattern #1

Symptoms

• Pain is worst in the back, buttocks, upper thigh, or groin but may radiate to the legs.
• Pain may be constant or intermittent.
• Pain is worse when sitting or bending forward.
• Pain may be eased by bending backward.
• Walking and standing are better than sitting.

Pattern #2

Symptoms

• Pain is worst in the lower back and may spread to buttocks or legs.
• Pain is always intermittent.
• Pain is worse when bending backward and when standing or walking for extended periods.
• Pain may be eased by bending forward or sitting.

Pattern #3

Symptoms

• Pain is mainly in the legs but back pain may be present.
• Pain is constant.
• Pain is often worse when sitting or bending, but in the acute stage can be made worse by any movement.
• Pain may be lessened in some rest positions.
• The best position is the one that most reduces the leg pain.
• There is no place for exercise or repeated movements.

Pattern #4

Symptoms

• Pain is worst in legs and can be described as heaviness or aching.
• Pain is intermittent and is made worse by activity (often walking).
• Pain is relieved by a change in position, usually by bending forward.