Exercises for Easing Back Pain - 1st Week
By Genevieve Cunningham
There’s nothing worse than living with backpain. It’s not only literally painful, but it truly gets in the way of your everyday life. Because we use our backs for everything that we do, everything becomes more difficult, and some things become impossible. A great way to manage backpain is through exercise. Check out these great exercises for easing backpain and building a stronger and more stable spine for long-term health.
Hamstring Stretch
Sometimes backpain stems from tight legs, especially if the tightness is in the hamstrings. The tension pulls on the muscles and tendons in the lower back, and it also requires the lower back to work extra hard to compensate for the state of your legs. Performing hamstring stretches every day helps relieve that tension. Try standing with your legs together, knees straight (or almost straight), and bend down to touch the toes. Because the hamstrings are so large, it might take a while to really work out the pent-up pressure, but stick with it, and you’ll notice a difference over time.
Walking
The great thing about walking is that almost everyone can do it. It’s low impact, easy on the joints, challenging on the lungs, and can be done in almost any state of health. It can also be adapted to meet your specific needs. If you’re in extreme pain, try walking in water. It relieves pressure and pain from the back as you move. If you need a bigger challenge, walk uphill or push something heavy (like a stroller). Stick with this exercise, and you’ll have a routine that can be done now and long into the future.
Core Workouts
The core is the opposite of the back, so when it is strong, it helps to protect the back. When it’s weak, it can cause the back to work too hard, ending in pain or injury. To work the core, try exercises such as crunches, the plank, or leg lifts. The stronger you keep this area, the better it will be able to support and stabilize the back.
Don’t Forget: Chiropractic Care
Another great tip for taking care of your back is to get chiropractic care. Chiropractors look for spinal misalignments, and then correct them using spinal manipulation. This correct alignment helps to treat and prevent pain, improve flexibility, diminish headaches and joint pain, as well as bring many other healthy benefits. Even if you can’t exercise every day, getting regular chiropractic care will help to boost your health and protect your back for years to come.
If you would like to try chiropractic care to ease back pain, check out The Joint Chiropractic. With walk-in visits and affordable pricing, getting care is easier than ever. Along with a solid exercise routine, getting quality care can really make a dent in the health of your back. Protect your back and get on a path to a healthier lifestyle by visiting The Joint today!