The Influence of Hamstrings Lengthening as a Tool for Relieving Nonspecific Back Pain

Background:

Background: Lower back pain is a common problem suffered by the majority of the population. More than 80% of adults will report lower back pain during their life. Good flexibility enables a larger range of motion of the joints and the muscles and is known to help maintain good posture, good mobility and better kinesthetic sensation. Therefore, flexibility of the hamstrings might ameliorate lower back pain.

Methods: Ninety men and women aged 35-55 who reported lower back pain and were found to have short hamstrings were randomly divided into two groups. The control group continued regularly with their sport activity in a fitness room while the other group participated in an intervention program which included stretching of the lower extremity, especially hamstrings, three times a week. All participants completed a back pain and a functionality questionnaire as well as two flexibility tests: Straight Leg Raise and Sit and Reach tests, before and after the intervention program.

Results: The participants in the intervention program reported less lower back pain, while the control group reported more severe pain. They also reported better daily activity, especially in walking, sitting and quality of sleep.

Conclusion: Regular stretching exercise especially for the hamstrings may be used as a tool for reducing lower back pain and improving daily activity.