References

Every primary source cited on this site

Each link goes to the PubMed record, DOI, or guideline. If you want to verify a clinical claim made anywhere on this site, start here.

Stretching mechanics

  1. Bandy WD, Irion JM (1994). The effect of time on static stretch on the flexibility of the hamstring muscles. Physical Therapy. View source ↗
  2. Vigotsky AD, Lehman GJ, et al. (2015). Acute effects of anterior thigh foam rolling on hip angle, knee angle, and rectus femoris length in the modified Thomas test. PeerJ. View source ↗
  3. Schleip R, Müller DG (2013). Training principles for fascial connective tissues. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. View source ↗

McKenzie / extension-bias protocols

  1. Long A, Donelson R, Fung T (2004). Does it matter which exercise? A randomized control trial of exercise for low back pain. Spine. View source ↗
  2. Garcia AN, Costa LCM, et al. (2018). McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy was slightly more effective than placebo for pain. BJSM. View source ↗

Core stabilisation and pelvic tilts

  1. Hodges PW, Richardson CA (1996). Inefficient muscular stabilization of the lumbar spine associated with low back pain. Spine. View source ↗
  2. Saragiotto BT, Maher CG, et al. (2016). Motor control exercise for chronic non-specific low-back pain. Cochrane Database. View source ↗

Glute weakness and back pain

  1. Nelson-Wong E, Callaghan JP (2010). Is muscle co-activation a predisposing factor for low back pain development during standing?. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. View source ↗
  2. Leinonen V, Kankaanpää M, et al. (2000). Back and hip extensor activities during trunk flexion/extension. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. View source ↗

Yoga and pilates for low back pain

  1. Wieland LS, Skoetz N, et al. (2017). Yoga treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain. Cochrane Database. View source ↗
  2. Sorosky S, Stilp S, Akuthota V (2008). Yoga and pilates in the management of low back pain. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. View source ↗

Guidelines and overarching reviews

  1. Foster NE, Anema JR, et al. (2018). Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions (Lancet Series). The Lancet. View source ↗
  2. Hayden JA, van Tulder MW, et al. (2005). Systematic review: strategies for using exercise therapy to improve outcomes in chronic low back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine. View source ↗
  3. NICE (2016). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s (NG59). NICE Guidelines. View source ↗
  4. Pearcy MJ, Tibrewal SB (1984). Axial rotation and lateral bending in the normal lumbar spine measured by three-dimensional radiography. Spine. View source ↗
Last reviewed 2026-05-12
Last reviewed 2026-05-12 · lowerbackstretches.com