Did you know that strengthening your core help prevent back pain and problems like compression fractures? It’s true- your body’s core is the center of the body, and helps to support your weight as you walk, stand and even sit. When your core is weak, your body is unable to support itself. This causes your spine to compress, which leads to bulging and slipped discs, and painful compression fractures. In this blog, Advanced Radiology gives you a few tips to keep your core strong and save your back.
- Get moving. Sitting behind a desk all day zaps your core strength. Take regular breaks to walk around the office or the building. This helps to correct the bad posture you are probably practicing at your desk by forcing your body to hold itself correctly as you move.
- Stretch it out. Stretching helps to keep muscles in shape and prevents atrophy. Stretch regularly throughout the day- when you wake up, after long periods of sitting, and even before you go to sleep.
- Change your chair. Some patients swap their uncomfortable office chairs and use a balance ball instead. The balance ball forces them to hold their core tight, keeping good posture and alleviating strain on their back.
- Watch your waistline. Carrying additional weight around your midsection strains both your abdominal muscles and your back. When muscles are strained and pulled, it’s easier for you to develop injuries.
- Strengthen your center. Core strengthening exercises are critical to maintaining good posture and a healthy back. Many individuals find that by strengthening their core, their back pain subsides and they are able to limit reliance on pain relievers. For the most back benefit, these exercises should work out all of the abdominal muscles. Options like sit ups, six-inch leg lifts, as well as side and elbow planks will help strengthen your core, and thus strengthen your back. You should regularly incorporate these exercises into your day or workout routines. Push ups also benefit the core, as you are forced to hold your body in the plank position as you push up.
- Talk to your doc. As always, if you are experiencing back pain, you should discuss your symptoms with your doctor before starting any exercise regimen, and to rule out more serious conditions.
Do you have questions on how to strengthen your core to protect your back? Call Advanced Radiology today at 855.201.1519 for more information.