What's the best exercise(s) for lower back pain?

"Superman" exercises: Back injuries should always be checked by your doctor, especially if chronic or if one experiences symptoms down the legs. The superman exercise is ideal for strengthening the back muscles. Lie on your stomach, arms outstretched in front; lift the rt. Arm/shoulder and left leg/hip off the floor for 5 seconds, then repeat on the opposite side, do 12 sets, twice a day. See my back pain healthguide.

Yoga!: Often the best exercise for your low back doesn't involve exercising the low back at all. Stretching the back, and strengthening the abdominal and oblique muscles, as well as stretching hamstrings and glutes (buttocks) can really help. Massage (rolling on one or two tennis balls in a sock on a carpeted floor) is good, but in the longer run, yoga is terrific.

Depends: If flexion (bending forward) makes your pain worse, then extension exercises are best. If extension (bending backward) makes your pain worse, then pelvic tilt and flexion exercises are better.

See below: A gentle home exercise program that focuses on core strengthening is going to be your best bet. A great resource for this can be found at www.therehabzone.com