If you are looking for lower back pain relief you should combine stretches for lower back with low impact aerobic conditioning. Although you might assume that resting is the best remedy for this problem, in the long term this can actually be detrimental to the healing process. To help the spine recover and reduce the pain, active exercise is highly recommended.

Exercises help ease the pain by spreading nutrients throughout the disc space and into the back's soft tissue. This promotes healthy discs, muscles, ligaments and joints. It is important to do back exercises carefully and in the correct way to avoid injury and further pain.

If you are suffering from back pain your first step should be to consult a specialist or physiotherapist who is qualified to advise you on the correct course of rehabilitation. In most cases, a comprehensive exercise program will be devised to suit the individual's diagnosis and pain level. Two of the most common back exercises recommended by physical therapists are McKenzie exercises and Dynamic Lunbar Stabilization.

McKenzie Exercises, named after the physical therapist in New Zealand who discovered that extension of the spine could decrease pain levels resulting from a damaged disc space. Some of the McKenzie exercises are performed in a standing position, while others are done lying down. To keep the trunk stable and lengthen the spine, core muscle contraction is at the center of the exercises created for the upper and lower back.

Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization exercises focus on locating the individual's 'netural' spine i.e. the position in which he feels most comfortable. From this position, specific back exercises are performed to train the spine to remain in this position. These exercises can be hard work, because they rely on an awareness of your joints and their positions. They can, however, be extremely effective for treating both upper and lower back pain.

The McKenzie exercises and Lumbar Stabilization exercises may be done as part of the same rehabilitation program, as they complement each other. The McKenzie exercises tackle the pain and the Lumbar Stabilization exercises strengthen the back.

Many other types of exercise are suitable for treating back pain, including exercises that are not specifically targeting the back itself. Any type of exercise that consists of controlled, progressive strengthening movements, such as Pilates and yoga, are often recommended for the back.

For pain relief, try to incorporate stretches for lower back pain with strengthening exercises and low impact aerobic workouts.