Pushing Through a "Stiff Lower Back"

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At Club360, we often hear clients describe their discomfort not as pain, but as a feeling of stiffness or tightness. This is an important distinction—and one worth revisiting, particularly when it comes to the lower back.

Many people live with lower back discomfort for months, even years. A common belief is that if a certain movement or stretch feels tight, then pushing into that stretch will help loosen things up. While this seems logical, the reality is often more complex.

Tightness vs. Pain: Two Points on the Same Spectrum

Stiffness or tightness is not always a sign that a muscle “needs stretching.” In fact, it’s often the nervous system sending a protective signal—similar to pain, but at a lower intensity. Because the sensation feels mild, many assume it’s safe to push through. However, stretching into this discomfort can sometimes create low-level irritation. This can:

• Slow down recovery from an acute issue

• Prevent the body from settling and healing

• Contribute to a persistent, ongoing problem

A Different Approach to “Tightness”

If you consistently feel tightness in the lower back during a particular stretch, try an experiment: avoid that stretch for a period of time. You may find that the sensation of tightness actually decreases rather than worsens.

This doesn’t mean stretching is always bad—it simply means that listening to your body’s signals is more important than following the old “no pain, no gain” mentality. By respecting these sensations, you can help your body recover more efficiently and avoid turning a short-term irritation into a long-term issue.

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