*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*

One of the most common indications of stress is lower back pain. This is particularly so if we are hunched over an office desk for great periods of time. Learn to notice when your back is feeling the strain and give it a little TLC.

1. Find somewhere quiet and lie down with your arms at your sides, knees bent and soles of your feet in contact with the floor.

2. Tense your stomach muscles, drawing your stomach in and flattening your back against the floor. Slow and regulate your breathing.

3. Now relax your stomach.

4. Carry out two further repetitions of the above.

5. Lying flat on your back, extend your right leg so that it is flat to the floor and keep the left leg bent at the knee. Keep the palms of your hands flat to the floor and bring your left knee (still bent) across your right leg, attempting to touch the floor with it.

6. Now relax.

7. Repeat step 5 two more times and then three further repetitions with the other knee.

Never force the above twisting motion - gradually does it. Remember, if lower back pain is persistent seek medical advice as soon as possible.

copyright HealthChat 2000

Dr. Sims is the Medical Director of FitStop, the UK's foremost group of health and fitness centers, and an expert on matters relating to fitness of body and mind. Having trained as a GP, he now works full-time in health promotion and has written extensively on the subject, including a monthly medical column in Mensa magazine with the TV psychiatrist, Dr Raj Persaud. Dr. Sims was the original Virgin.Net online doctor.

Article courtesy of MediaPeak, http://mediapeak.com