Lower back pain and stiffness can be incredibly debilitating and can significantly impact your daily life. Whether it's caused by poor posture, muscle imbalances, or a sedentary lifestyle, finding relief can make a world of difference. Fortunately, there are four easy exercises that can provide instant relief and help alleviate lower back pain and stiffness.

Cat-Cow Stretch: Start by getting down on all fours, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale deeply, arching your back and lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling, like a cat stretching.

Hold this position for a few seconds, then exhale and slowly reverse the movement, dropping your belly button towards the floor and lifting your head and tailbone upward, like a cow. Repeat this motion for about 10 repetitions, focusing on the fluidity of the movement and the stretch in your lower back.

Seated Forward Fold: Sit on the edge of a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Take a deep breath, lengthen your spine, and then slowly hinge forward at your hips, reaching your hands towards your toes or shins. Keep your back as flat as possible and avoid rounding or straining. Hold this position for 10-20 seconds, focusing on the stretch in your hamstrings and lower back.

Repeat this stretch a few times, gradually deepening the fold as your body allows.

Child's Pose: Begin by kneeling on the floor with your knees wide apart and your toes touching. Slowly lower your hips towards your heels while reaching your arms forward, resting your forehead on the floor. Allow your back to gently relax and stretch in this position, feeling a gentle release of tension in your lower back. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking slow and deep breaths. You can repeat this pose several times throughout the day for maximum relief.

Pelvic Tilts: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

Take a deep breath and exhale, gently pressing your lower back into the floor and tilting your pelvis upwards. Hold this position for a few seconds, then release and repeat the movement, focusing on engaging your abdominal muscles and using them to initiate the tilt. Perform 10-15 repetitions, gradually increasing the intensity of the movement with each repetition.

While these exercises can provide instant relief, it's important to incorporate them into a regular routine to maintain a healthy back. Additionally, it's essential to address the underlying causes of your lower back pain through proper posture, strengthening exercises, and regular movement throughout the day.