Posts Tagged ‘alignment’
Pilates for Back Pain
More and more chiropractors today are recommending Pilates for their clients’ aching backs. When Pilates is done consistently, many people experience relief from back pain. What is it about doing Pilates that works well to relieve a person’s aching back?
Pilates is effective in relieving back pain because it addresses the structural imbalances in a person’s body that leads to back pain. Such issues like pelvic instability, poor posture, lack of core support, muscular imbalances, and lack of body awareness all affect back health. These issues are resolved when a person does the Pilates stretches on a regular basis.
Correct Posture Exhibited by Pilates Workouts
When a person begins to do Pilates, he or she has to concentrate on how the different body parts are lined up. This is known as our alignment. When we are standing or sitting, we tend to think of our alignment as our posture. However, having good posture is a dynamic process and depends upon the ability of our body to align all of its different parts to respond to different demands effectively. When this alignment is off, uneven stress is placed on the skeleton and especially on the spine. Pilates exercises are done while paying attention to this alignment. Uniform muscle use and development are created which allows movement to flow through a person’s body in a most natural way.
A very common postural imbalance that many people have the tendency to do is to either tilt or tuck the pelvis. Neither position does the body any good. In fact, by tilting or tucking the pelvis, weakness is created on one side of a person’s body and there are overly tight areas on the other side. The spine is denied the support of the natural curves and a domino effect of pains and aches are created all the way up one’s spine and even going into the neck. When one does the Pilates exercises, one becomes increasingly aware of the proper placement of their spine and pelvis. An inner strength is created that supports the natural curves of one’s spine. As you can see, Pilates has been the key for celebrating better backs for a large number of people.
Core Strength Developed by Pilates
You must have good core strength in order for the body to have proper alignment. What does having core strength mean? It means that all of your body’s trunk muscles are flexible, strong, and working together in an effort to stabilize and support the spine.
To have proper core strength, you have to look much deeper than just the big surface muscles that we often think about such as the rectus abdominis, the big back muscles, or those beautiful 6-pack abs. The core muscles are usually the ones that are found below the surface musculature.
Many forms of exercise simply focus on giving added strength to the big muscles such as the ones that we can see and the ones that are responsible for doing big movements. However, Pilates trains the body in such a way that all of the core muscles are working together to stabilize and support the back. When core strength is developed effectively, the body is trained to know when to release and to activate the core muscles. While core strength seems to be the catchall term, it is better to say that the core coherence that is taught by doing Pilates is essential for back health.
There are a range of DVD’s on sale at www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist.
Please visit my blog at www.stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com
Steven Giles
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/pilates-for-back-pain-721622.html
Pilates for Back Pain
More and more chiropractors today are recommending Pilates for their clients’ aching backs. When Pilates is done consistently, many people experience relief from back pain. What is it about doing Pilates that works well to relieve a person’s aching back?
Pilates is effective in relieving back pain because it addresses the structural imbalances in a person’s body that leads to back pain. Such issues like pelvic instability, poor posture, lack of core support, muscular imbalances, and lack of body awareness all affect back health. These issues are resolved when a person does the Pilates stretches on a regular basis.
Correct Posture Exhibited by Pilates Workouts
When a person begins to do Pilates, he or she has to concentrate on how the different body parts are lined up. This is known as our alignment. When we are standing or sitting, we tend to think of our alignment as our posture. However, having good posture is a dynamic process and depends upon the ability of our body to align all of its different parts to respond to different demands effectively. When this alignment is off, uneven stress is placed on the skeleton and especially on the spine. Pilates exercises are done while paying attention to this alignment. Uniform muscle use and development are created which allows movement to flow through a person’s body in a most natural way.
A very common postural imbalance that many people have the tendency to do is to either tilt or tuck the pelvis. Neither position does the body any good. In fact, by tilting or tucking the pelvis, weakness is created on one side of a person’s body and there are overly tight areas on the other side. The spine is denied the support of the natural curves and a domino effect of pains and aches are created all the way up one’s spine and even going into the neck. When one does the Pilates exercises, one becomes increasingly aware of the proper placement of their spine and pelvis. An inner strength is created that supports the natural curves of one’s spine. As you can see, Pilates has been the key for celebrating better backs for a large number of people.
Core Strength Developed by Pilates
You must have good core strength in order for the body to have proper alignment. What does having core strength mean? It means that all of your body’s trunk muscles are flexible, strong, and working together in an effort to stabilize and support the spine.
To have proper core strength, you have to look much deeper than just the big surface muscles that we often think about such as the rectus abdominis, the big back muscles, or those beautiful 6-pack abs. The core muscles are usually the ones that are found below the surface musculature.
Many forms of exercise simply focus on giving added strength to the big muscles such as the ones that we can see and the ones that are responsible for doing big movements. However, Pilates trains the body in such a way that all of the core muscles are working together to stabilize and support the back. When core strength is developed effectively, the body is trained to know when to release and to activate the core muscles. While core strength seems to be the catchall term, it is better to say that the core coherence that is taught by doing Pilates is essential for back health.
There are a range of DVD’s on sale at www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist.
Please visit my blog at www.stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com
Steven Giles
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/pilates-for-back-pain-721622.html
Pilates for Back Pain
More and more chiropractors today are recommending Pilates for their clients’ aching backs. When Pilates is done consistently, many people experience relief from back pain. What is it about doing Pilates that works well to relieve a person’s aching back?
Pilates is effective in relieving back pain because it addresses the structural imbalances in a person’s body that leads to back pain. Such issues like pelvic instability, poor posture, lack of core support, muscular imbalances, and lack of body awareness all affect back health. These issues are resolved when a person does the Pilates stretches on a regular basis.
Correct Posture Exhibited by Pilates Workouts
When a person begins to do Pilates, he or she has to concentrate on how the different body parts are lined up. This is known as our alignment. When we are standing or sitting, we tend to think of our alignment as our posture. However, having good posture is a dynamic process and depends upon the ability of our body to align all of its different parts to respond to different demands effectively. When this alignment is off, uneven stress is placed on the skeleton and especially on the spine. Pilates exercises are done while paying attention to this alignment. Uniform muscle use and development are created which allows movement to flow through a person’s body in a most natural way.
A very common postural imbalance that many people have the tendency to do is to either tilt or tuck the pelvis. Neither position does the body any good. In fact, by tilting or tucking the pelvis, weakness is created on one side of a person’s body and there are overly tight areas on the other side. The spine is denied the support of the natural curves and a domino effect of pains and aches are created all the way up one’s spine and even going into the neck. When one does the Pilates exercises, one becomes increasingly aware of the proper placement of their spine and pelvis. An inner strength is created that supports the natural curves of one’s spine. As you can see, Pilates has been the key for celebrating better backs for a large number of people.
Core Strength Developed by Pilates
You must have good core strength in order for the body to have proper alignment. What does having core strength mean? It means that all of your body’s trunk muscles are flexible, strong, and working together in an effort to stabilize and support the spine.
To have proper core strength, you have to look much deeper than just the big surface muscles that we often think about such as the rectus abdominis, the big back muscles, or those beautiful 6-pack abs. The core muscles are usually the ones that are found below the surface musculature.
Many forms of exercise simply focus on giving added strength to the big muscles such as the ones that we can see and the ones that are responsible for doing big movements. However, Pilates trains the body in such a way that all of the core muscles are working together to stabilize and support the back. When core strength is developed effectively, the body is trained to know when to release and to activate the core muscles. While core strength seems to be the catchall term, it is better to say that the core coherence that is taught by doing Pilates is essential for back health.
There are a range of DVD’s on sale at www.pilatesorstretchforbackpain.com which have been recommended by a leading British Osteopath/Physiotherapist.
Please visit my blog at www.stretchorpilatesforbackpain.com
Steven Giles
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/pilates-for-back-pain-721622.html
Back Pain and Diagnosis Problems
Did you know that many doctors miss areas of concern that could lead to cures? Did you know that back pain is common, yet many doctors fail to see the cause? The answer is simple. The reason is most medical doctors have little experience in the system of healing so to speak. Rather many doctors focus on prescribing medicines and searching for answers, which many times rest in front of them.
Don’t get me wrong, good doctors reach everywhere, yet these people lack educational knowledge of the spinal column, central nervous system and so on. As well, these people fail to see that many causes of back pain rests in misaligned bones, or spine. Of course, diseases may cause back pain as well. Sitting too long, lack of stretch exercises, etc, all cause lower back pain.
If the back pain is, serious it will often show up in MRI or CT scans. X-rays will show back conditions, however since doctors review all areas, except the alignment of the bones and spine, thus most times the x-rays only reveal what the doctor wants to see. This happens to many people, including myself. A pro in analyzing the spine and bones is the man you want to see if you have chronic back conditions.
The types of back pain include sciatica. The back problem may be listed as slip disk in some instances, yet the pain often challenges doctors diagnose since a sharp, electrical shock-like and distressing ache starts at the back and then travels to the legs. Sometimes the pain is intermittent, while other times the pain may be chronic.
The particular problem often requires surgery to correct. Sciatica according to few experts is one of the worst backaches endured, since even when the pain has mild pain it is difficult to bend forward and over to tie a shoe. The problem rests in the spine, joints, and connective elements of the spinal column that links to the entire body.
The spinal column makes up muscles, bones, central nerves, etc. What holds the spine together is disks, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, etc? When a person stands erect, the spine’s elements will join to apply tension. You can visualize the tension by considering how a string will respond when you pull it down. The changes assist the body in mobility; as well, it determines how the body responds to movement.
The lower back is made up of large-scale structures, including the backbone and the hip joints. The hip joints connect to the pelvis and each element joins with the spinal column at the triangle bone in the lower back and at the baseline of the spine that joins the hipbones on either side and forms part of the pelvis. (Sacrum)
The large bones attach to the legs, which provide us strength and support to the vertical spinal column. We have thick bones that start at the opposite side of the thick cord of nerve tissues (Spinal Cord) that is near the neck. Along this area, the joints are thick and the bones start to thin and shrink. The spinal cord is a ‘thick whitish’ nerve cord surrounded by tissues and extends from the base of the brain and continues to the spinal column, giving mount to a pair of spinal nerves that contribute the body.
Combined these elements give us the ability to move and provides flexibility. In addition, the organs are directed by these elements.
The spine is held up by the larger group of bones at the lower region, smaller base, and the top architectures. Stress occurs at the area, since below this region larger muscles work by directing and sparking movement. This is how the legs are able to move, which brute stress is applied to the vertebrae. At the back, we also have a lumbar spinal disk. The disk is affected by the brute stress, since each time we bend and sit, we are applying more than 500 pounds to this area, yet it stretches to a ‘square inch’ around the disks and per count along the area.
John Pawlett
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/back-pain-and-diagnosis-problems-98622.html
Four Exercises to Relax a Painful Back
Copyright (c) 2008 Nancy Rishworth
Do you suffer from lower back pain? There’s nothing more frustrating or debilitating, than waiting for muscle spasms in your back to relax. The root of many back problems is simply a result of weak muscles.
Your core muscles are the muscles of the back, abdomen and buttocks. The purpose of these muscles is to support the spine. If these muscles aren’t exercised, they become shorter – which causes the spine to be forced out of alignment.
Exercises for the back will strengthen the core muscles, resulting in a strong, supple spine and back – pain free. The best back exercise program combines exercises that stretch the back muscles with exercises that strengthen the muscles. When you start a program for back exercises, take it slow and easy. You don’t want to further injure or aggravate your back. If you start to feel back strain, slow down.
Here are some simple exercises to begin building core muscles and flexibility:
Knee to Chest – This exercise stretches back muscles. Lie down on a floor or firm surface. Clasp your hands behind your left thigh and pull gently towards your chest. Keep your opposite leg flat and straight. Maintain the stretch for 30 seconds, switch legs and repeat.
Pelvic Tilt – While lying on your back on the floor or firm surface, bend knees and place feet flat on the floor or surface. Push the small of your back into the floor by pulling your abdominal muscles up and in. Hold the movement for five seconds. Continue breathing normally throughout the hold.
Hip Rolling – While still lying on your back, bend both knees with feet flat on floor. Cross your arms over your chest. Slowly and gently turn your head and upper body to the right, while moving your knees to the left. Relax your knees towards the floor (be careful not to force the action). Bring your knees back to center and reverse directions.
Pelvic Lift – Lie on your back on the floor or flat surface. Place your feet flat, and bend your knees. Cross your arms over your chest, keep your legs together. Tilt your pelvis and gently push your lower back to the floor. Slowly lift your buttocks of the floor. Lower your buttocks to the floor.
These four exercises for the back will begin to stretch and strengthen your muscles. When performed gently, they are also beneficial in relaxing and stretching sore and strained back muscles.
There are many additional core muscle exercises that strengthen your muscles. When you perform these stretching and strengthening exercises, it can result in pain-free movement, increased activity, and an enjoyable quality of life. All this with just a few simple stretches a few times a week – what could be better?
Nancy Rishworth
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/four-exercises-to-relax-a-painful-back-693145.html
