The Editors Thank You For This “Life Hack”!
CALIFORNIA, FRIENDS, HEALTH & BODY, HOME, USA | HEALTHY | MAY 28, 2020
I’m visiting a friend who is very fit and an avid hiker. As we’re both middle-aged, we’re commiserating over the usual aches and pains.
Friend: “Since my last hike, my lower back has been hurting. It’s not injured, just sore.”
Me: “That happens to me, too. Try stretching your hamstrings.”
Friend: “What? No, my legs are fine. My back hurts.”
Me: “Yeah, but sometimes tight hamstrings can pull on your lower back.”
Friend: “That doesn’t make any sense. My hamstrings are probably tight from hiking, but it has nothing to do with my back.”
Me: “Another woman in my ballet class didn’t believe me, either. But when she stretched out her hamstrings, her back felt better.”
Friend: “I just don’t see how it can work.”
Me: “Look. It’s safe and easy to try; just do it.”
Friend: “I don’t know.”
After about ten minutes of this back and forth, my friend finally puts her leg on a surface about hip height and gently stretches the back of the leg. Then, she does the other side. When she’s done, she tests her back.
Friend: “Hey! The pain’s mostly gone!”
Me: “Great!”
Friend: “Hamstrings affecting the back… Who knew?”
Me: “Me! I knew!”
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