Boys are particularly prone to developing stretch marks when they grow rapidly during puberty. Fortunately, there are several ways you can treat and minimize stretch marks on your back. According to MedicineNet.com, you can try surgical methods like chemical peels, laser surgery or dermabrasion or over-the-counter treatments. According to author James Benson, doing these exercises can also help minimize stretch marks on your back in a natural way.
Standing Forward Bends
From a standing position, raise your arms over your head. Keep your arms straight next to your ears. Stretch your body forward and then down, bending from your hips and keeping your knees straight. Hold onto the back of your legs. Bring your forehead as close to your knees as you can. This exercise helps your spine become more supple and youthful in addition to helping minimize the appearance of stretch marks on your back.
Plough Pose
This is a yoga position that Benson recommends doing to minimize stretch marks on your back. To do this exercise, lie flat on your back. Keep your head and neck on the floor and raise both of your legs until they form a right angle with your upper body. Place your hands onto your buttocks. Gently push your body up by walking your hands down your back. Continue this movement gradually until you are resting on your shoulders. Then slowly lower both of your feet down towards the floor behind your head. Keep your knees straight. If your toes reach the floor, you can place your hands on the ground behind your back with your palms flat on the ground and your hands parallel to each other. In addition to minimizing the appearance of stretch marks on the back, this exercise also helps slow the appearance of the signs of aging and nourishes your spinal nerves. It keeps your vertebral column strong, healthy and elastic.
Wheel Pose
This is an exercise Benson recommends from both yoga and gymnastics. To do the wheel exercise, start by lying on your back. Bend your knees and place your feet on the floor close to your buttocks. Place the palms of your hands into the ground next to your ears, with your fingers facing towards your toes. Slowly lift your head, neck, chest and shoulders off the ground and balance on your hands and feet. Try to straighten your arms and hold this position for about 30 seconds.
References
- MedicineNet.com: Stretch Marks: Causes, Prevention, Treatment, and Surgical Removal
- Benson, James; Stretch Marks! Various Kinds of Stretch Marks & Effective ways to Treat Them; 2008
