How can I loosen up?

[x2xtreme360]

Last week when the exhaust hanger broke on the Corolla, I got down on my hands and knees to investigate. About a minute after doing so, something happened to my back. I could barely turn my head, and the pain was excruciating.

The pain has since dwindled, but every morning, my back in particular, feels very stiff. I'm not out of shape, persay. I'm 23, 185lbs, 5'11", and I'm feeling very stiff and worn out. I can still do everything physical, but it takes its toll.

I need some sort of, idk... organized stretch routine to help my flexibility and loosen my body up. I was thinking about Yoga, but that's more spiritual than anything, and Idk if it's for me. Any recommendations?

[AdamVR4]

Go to a chiropractor!!! It's going to cost you like $50, you'll have IMMEDIATE pain relief, and you will likely only require 1 visit.

EVERY time I tweak my back (leaning across an engine bay akwardly, landing violently on a stiff leg, slamming into somebody in sports, etc, etc), I see a chiropractor ASAP and it's immediately fixed.

If you let this injury linger, you could have permanent back problems.

[AdamVR4]

Oh and while I've only done yoga once, I can tell you it's not really "spiritual" ... I did hot (like 100 deg F, 100% humidity room) yoga ... It's as physically challenging as you make it and I like to challenge myself, so it was, uh, not easy.

There's nothing spiritual about sweating balls surrounded by hot chicks in tight clothing.

[BigTyla]

Oh and while I've only done yoga once, I can tell you it's not really "spiritual" ... I did hot (like 100 deg F, 100% humidity room) yoga ... It's as physically challenging as you make it and I like to challenge myself, so it was, uh, not easy.

There's nothing spiritual about sweating balls surrounded by hot chicks in tight clothing.

Yoga is the real deal. It gets a bad reputation because of the ohms and stuff, but it is very physically demanding. Very good if you are wanting to improve your flexibility and strength at the same time.

Stretching first thing in the morning might help out too, and maybe even before bed every night. I used to stretch at night when I was in high school (was very active in football and weightlifting) and it helped me a lot. You might also consider weight training to strengthen your core muscles. A lot of people are all hyped about bench press, curls, etc but completely neglect their lower back and legs. Workouts like the clean and press might give your lower back the strength it needs to support the rest of your body.

[DocWalt]

My girlfriend was having me do pilates the other night because I tweaked my back. Holy hell I'm not in shape. Made my back feel great though lol

[Rom3BreaK]

Foam rollers/tennis balls (same effect) work well to stretch muscles. The tighter your muscles are the more pain you feel...but after you've used them there's a surprising difference. I have similar problems; all my muscles seem far too tight despite my best efforts to stretch a lot. I should take my own advice and buy a foam roller. I also suggest running and working out with higher reps/lighter weights in core muscle areas. Go super easy when targeting back muscles, stretch very gently and stop immediately if you feel any pain at all.

I heard in some lifting safety video (construction work) that your back is not fully healed until you feel no pain for 4 or 5 years after an injury, so take it easy!

The first stretch in this video works great for me:

[mb3000]

My suggestion-lift weights.

IMO muscles get pulled because they are weak, start working out & you won't pull anything.

[BigTyla]

My suggestion-lift weights.

IMO muscles get pulled because they are weak, start working out & you won't pull anything.

Not necessarily true. In 11th grade I pulled my front quad running a 40 yard dash. I was 170 lbs and squatted ~400 lbs. I'd say my leg muscles were pretty strong. You have to factor flexibility into the equation. I believe the source of my injury was a mixture of muscle fatigue and reduced flexibility.

That being said, I do think in OP's case muscle strength is the core of the issue, which is why I brought up weightlifting.

[green-lantern]

Prostitute...duh!

[mb3000]

Not necessarily true. In 11th grade I pulled my front quad running a 40 yard dash. I was 170 lbs and squatted ~400 lbs. I'd say my leg muscles were pretty strong. You have to factor flexibility into the equation. I believe the source of my injury was a mixture of muscle fatigue and reduced flexibility.

That being said, I do think in OP's case muscle strength is the core of the issue, which is why I brought up weightlifting.

Clarity is not my forte.