If you’ve never had back pain, step forward now—or, more likely, remain seated with the rest of us rubbing our lower backs, feeling seen and slightly called out. Lower back discomfort is so widespread, an OpinionWay study from 2017 found that a jaw-dropping 90% of French people suffer from it. And nearly a quarter have already needed time off work as a result! No wonder it’s called “the illness of the century.” But here’s the real plot twist: most people, despite suffering, don’t do much to fix it. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 admit they do absolutely nothing. Yikes.
The Universal Struggle: Why Lower Back Pain Is Everyone’s Problem
Bad posture, stress, the way we eat, and let’s not forget the hours spent glued to our seats—there are plenty of reasons why back pain strikes. While some dream of the secret to eternal youth, many would happily settle for a secret to a pain-free spine. If you’re among those affected, here’s something refreshing: physiotherapist James Moore has a surprisingly simple move you can do at home to soothe those nagging aches.
Meet James Moore: The Social Media Physio with the Method That Works
James Moore isn’t just any physiotherapist; with five million followers on Instagram (@jamesmoorewellness), he’s transformed looking after your body into something both accessible and approachable. Moore continually shares advice on how to treat your body well. Among his many videos, one stands out: a single, effective exercise designed just for your lower back.
The Exercise: Relief in the Frame of a Door
Ready to try it? You don’t need any fancy gear—or even to change clothes. Moore himself does the move in jeans and city shoes; no lycra, no judgment. Here’s how you get started:
- Stand next to a doorframe, ready to use it for support.
- Place your hands against the wall so your body is parallel to the frame.
- That’s your starting position.
Now, the trick is in the stretch. According to Moore, the gluteal muscles (yes, your glutes!) can cause just as much discomfort in the lower back as the back muscles themselves. That’s why stretching out this area can be so effective in providing relief. The beauty of it?
- No elaborate set-up, no need to shop for special sportswear.
- A simple move that fits right in with everyday life.
Whether you’re in your living room, at your office desk, or sneaking off to a corridor for a minute of self-care, this exercise doesn’t require anything more than a doorframe and a minute of your time.
When to Seek Help: Listening to Your Body
This simple method can bring real relief to your lower back. But here’s a word to the wise (and sore): if your pain persists, don’t delay—see a medical professional. Persistent pain is your body’s way of ringing the alarm bell, and sometimes, even the most ingenious stretch needs backup.
The bottom line? Looking after your back doesn’t have to cause you any more pain, and taking action—even if it’s as simple as stretching by your doorframe—can start to make a difference. But remember: if the pain sticks around, it’s time to call in the experts.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
