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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
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Lower Back Exercises Eliminate Pain
Copyright (c) 2009 Nancy Rishworth
Do you have lower back pain? You have lots of company – Americans spend approximately $50 billion each year on pain relief for back pain. Lower back pain is one of the most common back ailments – it’s a leading cause of missed work. You don’t have to let the pain control your life. Back Exercises can give you increased flexibility and allow you to live pain-free without medication.
Back Exercises improve strength of the core muscles, those muscles that support your back, your abdominal muscles, and your legs. This group of muscles is also responsible for your posture. With flexibility programs, you can strengthen those core muscles and eliminate or reduce your lower back pain.
Many exercises improve the strength of core muscles. A regular program of resistance training (e.g., weights), walking, bike riding, swimming and aerobic exercises will strengthen core muscles. But adding flexibility programs, core stability and therapeutic exercises is one way to add even more value to your exercise routine.
The first stage of lower back exercises is to slowly work on building abdominal and core strength. Exercises such as abdominal crunches, pelvic tilts, and leg lifts all help to strengthen the core muscle group. Gradually, you can add more challenging exercises, such as Squats to your regimen.
Back exercises are greatly aided with the addition of flexibility programs. Whether you are incorporating some stretching exercises, yoga, or pilates, these exercises help you stretch your muscles. When you stretch your muscles, you actually lengthen them. This helps improve your posture.
Flexibility programs are also great methods for relieving the pain. Stretching exercises help develop flexibility in the spine. Stretching may be one of the most important methods for easing the pain. Simple stretching exercises release some of the tension in lower back muscles. When you release muscle tension, you eliminate the tightness and possible muscles spasms.
Another great option for lower back exercises is to incorporate a Swiss exercise ball, or an inflatable exercise ball, in your routine. Working out with these fitness balls, or simply using them in flexibility programs, helps you develop greater core strength as you try to stabilize yourself on the ball.
Lower back pain doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying your life. When you work to incorporate these exercises into your routine, as well as stretching and flexibility, you enjoy a life with a significant reduction in pain.
Nancy Rishworth
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/lower-back-exercises-eliminate-pain-716100.html
