Health library

Boost your back with a gentle stretch

To help keep your back in shape, consider doing stretching exercises. Here's a stretch you might want to try. First, ask your doctor if it's right for you—especially if you already have back pain.

Simple steps for a gentle stretch

Lie on your back with knees bent.
Raise a knee to your chest while pressing your back into the floor.
Hold the stretch for five seconds.
Repeat with your other knee.
Do this stretch 10 times on each side.

Learn more about how to prevent and treat back pain in our Backs health topic center.

Reviewed 8/15/2025

Sources

Brain & Life. "Stretches for Relieving Lower Back Pain." https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/relief-for-back-pain.
FamilyDoctor.org. "Low Back Pain." https://familydoctor.org/condition/low-back-pain/.