Pilates for Back Pain
By Sandee Lea
Maintaining proper balance in your back is essential to keeping it functioning properly and free of pain. The back is a complex network of muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones. There are 31 layered back muscles which surround and protect the spine and adjoining ribs, spanning from the neck to the tailbone. Poor posture, injury and postural defects such as Scoliosis, swayback and hunching have all been strongly linked to muscular imbalances, which can result in back pain.
With the help of a Pilates routine, balance can be achieved by keeping muscles in proportion so they can work in harmony with one another. With its emphasis on whole body alignment and developing balanced strength in muscles that keep you upright, the proper exercises can help reduce pain, gain strength and increase range of motion. However, treating back pain is not simply a matter of stretching and strengthening back muscles.
If you suffer from lower back pain, an exercise plan like Pilates can help relieve the discomfort. This is achieved is through a focus in developing core strength. Core strength comes from the midsection of the torso where the abdominal and back muscles are attached to the spine, pelvis and ribs, wrapping around like a wide belt. Weak abdominals force back muscles to overwork, which can lead to painful spasms and an increased risk of low back injury. Pilates exercises aim to tone the core musculature in an effort to provide a proper balance of strength and flexibility, allowing your back to feel and function in top form.
Posture is a major factor in back health. One of the biggest contributors to poor posture is the way in which we sit. Sitting for extended periods of time in a modern chair actually puts irregular strain on the back's muscles and discs, while also blocking crucial nutrients from our discs. Many people neglect proper posture, which can cause an unsightly appearance. More importantly, they cause pain and in extreme cases of disc pathology they decrease the functioning of lungs or other organs. Even if you don't have one of these conditions, you may be concerned about how you carry yourself and your appearance, especially as you age.
There are a number of Pilates instructors who now specialize in the physical rehabilitation of injuries and structural disorders. Most rehabilitation is accomplished through utilizing sophisticated techniques and equipment tailored to clients with muscle imbalances. One such piece of specialized equipment is called a Pilates Reformer. The Reformer is especially designed for the Pilates repertoire, which provides a method of non-impact exercise. Used in many physical therapy offices, the Reformer is widely recommended for patients with an array of issues such as arthritis and spinal instability.
Some simple exercises may also be given to the client to incorporate into their daily activities. This allows the principles of the Pilates method to carry over into everyday life and retrain the body to continually exist in better form and posture. While this may not reverse the adaptive changes occurring in the bones, it can reduce pain and positively affect how you feel, move and look. For many people, this is all that is needed.
Many people are finding Pilates an excellent choice for preventing or managing posture related back problems. A good Pilates routine can you help you strengthen key muscles that contribute to a healthy back and body. The stronger your back and core are, the less prone to injury they will be. The right Pilates routine can help strengthen the right muscles and help achieve the balance that your back needs to function properly.
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