The "seated pelvic tilt" exercise — a simple way to relieve lower-back tension at your desk

Prolonged sitting often leads to weakness and tension in the core muscles that support the lower back. A simple pelvic tilt back and forth, done while sitting in your chair, helps gently stretch the lower back, increases mobility of the lumbar region and eases tension — without having to get up from your desk.^[2]

Staying active is an important part of preventing back pain. Even small exercises, such as pelvic tilts, help strengthen the core and reduce the load on the lower back during desk work.^[1]

In addition to pelvic tilts, it's helpful to fill your micro-breaks with simple exercises — for example, shoulder shrugs, seated torso twists or a light neck stretch — to release the tension that builds up during the workday.^[3]

If you already take breaks and do simple movements like pelvic tilts, you're helping keep stiffness from building up and maintaining the flexibility of your back.

If you experience severe or worsening pain, numbness, weakness in the legs or other warning signs, be sure to see a doctor — especially if the pain doesn't go away after simple movements and rest.^[1]