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Posture

Back Clinic Posture Team. Posture is the position in which an individual holds their body upright against gravity while standing, sitting, or lying down. A proper posture visually reflects an individual’s health, ensuring the joints and muscles, as well as other structures of the body, are working properly. Throughout a collection of articles, Dr. Alex Jimenez identifies the most common effects of improper posture as he specifies the recommended actions an individual should take to improve their stance as well as enhance their overall health and wellness. Sitting or standing incorrectly can happen unconsciously, but recognizing the issue and correcting it can ultimately help many individuals develop healthier lifestyles. For more information, please feel free to contact us at (915) 850-0900 or text to call Dr. Jimenez personally at (915) 850-0900.


4 Principles For Pain-Free Workdays

4 Principles For Pain-Free Workdays

Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Alexander Jimenez shares some insights about a pain free workday.

#1. Use�Healthy Posture & Movement Patterns

Considering all the emphasis on how little or much we should sit or stand at work, there is almost no discussion of technique in standing and sitting. Inferior technique slumpsitting, archsitting, parking weight is used by many people so on, and poorly on joints.

As long as this is actually true, any place is going to stack up badly in the research�we are starting to see it for standing and �ve seen this for sitting. Sitting has been much maligned as �the new smoking�; and now standing as a replacement is being demonstrated to cause increased hospitalization due to varicose veins, atherosclerosis that is increased, etc. A good starting point is stretchsitting, to start the journey back to a pain free workday. Stretchsitting is simple, safe, comfy, and therapeutic.

Work with flannel, a towel, or a Stretchsit pillow so it contacts you at mid-back, below the shoulder blades.

  • Scoot your bottom all the way back in the seat.
  • Lean forwards from the hips, like a mini crunch is being done by you, and tip your ribcage forward.
  • Push downwards on the armrests/side bars/seat pan of your chair to get a soft stretch in your lower back.
  • Keeping the stretch, lean back out of your hips and adhere your mid back on to the Stretchsit pillow/towel.
  • Relax completely, letting the Stretchsit pillow and come from the mini crunch /towel keep you in traction that is light.
  • Roll each shoulder back and rest your hands close into your own body.
  • Angle your chin down slightly, letting the back of your neck be long.

 

(a) Lean forward from the hips, and tilt your ribcage forward, like you are doing a mini-�crunch. (b) Push downwards on the armrests/side bars/seat pan of your chair to get a gentle stretch in your lower back. (c) Keeping the stretch, lean back from your hips and stick your mid-�back on to the Stretch-sit cushion/towel.

 

(a) Come out of the mini�crunch and relax completely, letting the Stretchsit cushion/towel keep you in mild traction. (b) Roll each shoulder back and rest your hands close into your body.

 

Angle your chin down slightly, letting the back of your neck be long.

 

 

#2. Vary�Your Baseline Posture

No matter how good your bearing, your body still needs a variety of places. Sitting and standing are the most practical positions for most occupations (example computer occupations)�I recommend switching between them every 20- 30 minutes. If other positions and motions are practical for doing your job (eg, walking when speaking on the phone), that�s an excellent bonus�the more baseline stances and movements, the better. (one sitting against backrest, one stack sitting, standing in a desk, and walking with telephone)

 

Sitting against the backrest.

 

Stack sitting

 

Standing at a desk.

 

Walking while talking on a cell phone.

#3. Supplement With Rest, Exercise, Movement During & Outside The Workday

Use your breaks in the workday along with your time away from work to supplement your special service line spots. Do you need rest? Exertion? Stretching? Strengthening your abdominal muscles?… There are countless tissues and muscles within your body that have needs just like you are served by a diet that is diverse well, a movement regimen that is varied will also.

#4. Use Well – Designed Tools & Furniture

Experiment and learn with what constitutes furniture that is healthy this is an investment in the way you’ll be spending about half your waking life.

How Chiropractic Treatment Helps Posture

How Chiropractic Treatment Helps Posture

Posture is position of the body while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture, also referred to as neutral spine, has many health benefits, including the avoidance of injury back pain. Chiropractic can help improve and maintain posture.

Why is Posture Important

Appearance benefits with good posture are obvious, but there are many less-obvious health benefits you should know. Good posture can:

  • Maintain correct alignment of bones and joints
  • Reduce stress on ligaments, minimizing risk of injury
  • Prevent muscle strain, overuse and pain
  • Conserve energy as muscles are used more efficiently
  • Decrease abnormal joint wear

Research has shown that poor postures may increase feelings of depression, affect your digestive tract and influence confidence and stress levels.

Signs You have Poor Posture

There are many indicators of poor posture, but some of the more common are hunched shoulders, rounded shoulders, rounded upper back, forward head carriage and arched lower back. Another indicator is back pain. Unsure if you have good posture? Talk to your chiropractor or schedule an appointment for a spinal examination.

 

Factors That Contribute To Poor Posture

There are several common factors linked to poor posture:

  • Stress
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Weak postural muscles
  • Abnormally tight muscles
  • High-heeled shoes

How To Maintain Or Correct Posture

 

The first step is awareness! Bring your attention to your posture as you sit, stand or lie down. If you�re sitting, keep both feet on the floor or a footrest, don�t cross your legs and use low-back support. While standing, keep your knees slightly bent, relax your arms and pull your shoulders back. When lying down it�s critical to choose the right mattress and pillow, and avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Importance Of Chiropractic Care &�Therapies

Your chiropractor can help you to maintain and correct your posture through chiropractic adjustments, exercises and recommendations on proper positions during different activities.

Source:

chiro one wellness centers

This No-Equipment Workout Will Ignite Parts of Your Body You Didn’t Know Existed

This No-Equipment Workout Will Ignite Parts of Your Body You Didn’t Know Existed

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Kathryna Hancock

There’s so much to love about a strong midsection � most importantly, it’s essential for a healthy body. 

Fact: strengthening the core helps improve posture, prevent everyday injury, and combat chronic back pain, which is all too common if you sit at a desk all day. 

Keep in mind that this isn’t a beginner workout. “If you feel your back or hip flexors too much while doing these exercises, it’s an indication that your abs aren’t strong enough to perform them,” he said. In that scenario, you can always reduce the amount of reps, modify the moves, or opt for a more beginner-friendly workout.

The workout: Run through the five-move circuit for a total of three times. Do your best to minimise breaks between each move.

Double Leg Lifts

Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

  • Lay flat on the ground with your legs extended straight up toward the ceiling. Place your hands underneath the back of your head. For added stability, Austin recommends laying your arms out to your side, allowing the palms to grip the floor much like you would in a push-up position.
  • Pressing your lower back into the ground, slowly lower both legs down toward the floor, then slowly raise them back up. If this is too difficult, lower them as much as you can, or lower one leg at a time.
  • Complete 10 to 15 reps.

1 / 5

Hip Dips

Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

  • Begin in a side elbow plank on your right side with straight legs and your feet stacked.
  • Inhale and lower your pelvis to the floor, so your right hip hovers just off the floor. Exhale and press up through your right waist to lift your pelvis and return to side plank. Pull your right shoulder blade down your back to stabilize your shoulder.
  • Repeat for a total of 10 to 15 reps to complete a set, then switch sides.

2 / 5

V Crunch

Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

  • Lying on your back, lift your legs and arms up so they are extended toward the ceiling. Lift your upper back off the floor, reaching your hands toward your feet.
  • Lower your legs toward the floor while reaching your arms overhead, keeping your shoulders off the mat and your lower back pressed into the ground.
  • Repeat the crunch motion to complete one rep.
  • Complete 15 reps.

3 / 5

Alternating Two-Point Plank

Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

  • Start in a plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your feet in line with your hips. Lift your left leg off the ground so your heel is even with your pelvis.
  • Keeping your torso steady, reach your right arm forward. Really brace through your abs by pulling your navel to your spine. Hold this position for about three seconds.
  • Return to plank, then switch sides, lifting your right leg off the ground and reaching your left arm forward. Hold for three seconds and return to plank. This is one rep.
  • Complete 8 to 10 reps.

4 / 5

Bicycle Crunches

Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

  • Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground (pull your abs down to also target your deep abs).
  • Put your hands behind your head.
  • Bring your knees in toward your chest and lift your shoulder blades off the ground, but be sure not to pull on your neck.
  • Straighten your right leg out to about a 45-degree angle to the ground while turning your upper body to the left, bringing your right elbow toward the left knee. Make sure your rib cage is moving and not just your elbows.
  • Switch sides and do the same motion on the other side to complete one rep (and to create the “peddling” motion).
  • Do 15 to 25 reps at a quick pace.

Repeat the circuit for a total of three times.

5 / 5

How Improper Posture Affects Overall Health and Wellness

How Improper Posture Affects Overall Health and Wellness

Poor posture is an incredibly common problem in today�s world. With the increase in technology and decrease in physical exercise, many people find their posture slipping more than ever before. While we know that good posture certainly looks better, is it really cause for concern? Take a look at these ways in which poor posture may negatively impact health, followed by some tips for improving it a little more every day.

The Effects of Poor Posture

  • Pain in the Back, Neck, and Shoulders – Poor posture can cause stiffness or pain in any of these areas. The longer you sit or stand with bad posture, the more pronounced these pains are likely to be.

  • Slow Digestion – Poor posture is almost always because of slumping or slouching the shoulders and core. This can cause the digestive tract to be pressed, which can make any sort of digestion painful and more troublesome.

  • Poor Self Perception – Our minds often take cues from the body. If slouching is a constant, our minds get the message that we feel poorly about ourselves, and our self-esteem and perception is likely to take a hit.

Solutions for Bad Posture

  • Exercise – Both regular exercise as well as posture specific exercises can help strengthen the body and improve overall posture. This might include moves that especially work the core, back, and shoulders.

  • Find Some Triggers – Bad posture is a tough habit to break. It can help to give yourself constant reminders. Ask a friend to remind you when they see you slouching. Post sticky notes all over the mirror or your desk at work. Set intermittent alarms on your phone. Do whatever it takes to bring good posture to the forefront of your mind.

  • Get Chiropractic Care – This is actually a great place to start for correcting poor posture. Chiropractors can eliminate painful areas of the spine that may be contributing to poor posture. They may also help to increase flexibility, improve mobility, as well as give you some simple everyday tips for getting your posture and basic spinal health in check.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900

Additional Topics: Preventing Spinal Degeneration

As we age, it’s natural for the spine, as well as the other complex structures of the spine, to begin degenerating. Without the proper care, however, the overall health and wellness of the spine can develop complications, such as degenerative disc disease, among others, which could potentially lead to back pain and other painful symptoms. Chiropractic care is a common alternative treatment option utilized to maintain and improve spine health.

 

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

 

Yoga Postures for a Strong and Flexible Back

Yoga Postures for a Strong and Flexible Back

Do you yearn for a strong and flexible back along with a super flat tummy? So, what�s the relationship between a strong back and super flat tummy? When your back is strong and flexible, you will be able to work on strengthening and toning your core muscles. And, when your core shrinks and tones, you will enjoy a flat tummy. Bonus � better posture, better digestion, regular bowels, more energy, and a happier you!

In this article, we�ll be looking at some poses, 7 to be precise, that will stretch, strengthen, and tone your back. So are you ready?

7 Yoga Postures for a Strong and Flexible Back

Parivrtta Trikonasana � Revolved Triangle Pose

As the name suggests, it involves a twist. Just make sure you twist from your abdomen while maintaining the length of your spine to reap the most out of this posture.

Stand with your feet together, palms resting along the body. Inhale and separate your feet about 4 feet apart. Raise your arms at shoulder level, palms facing the floor. Roll your shoulders down and away from your ears. Engage your core and lengthen your spine. Exhale and turn both feet to your right. Inhale and square your hips to the right.

Exhale and place your left palm inside your right foot. Inhale, twist your torso and lift your right arm up, fingertips pointing to the ceiling. Gaze at the fingertips. Beginning students should keep their head in a neutral position, looking straight forward, or turn it to look at the floor.

Hold the posture without compromising on your breath for seven breaths. Exhale, release the twist, and bring your torso back to upright with an inhalation. Repeat for the same length of time with the legs reversed, twisting to the left.

Marjariasana � Bitilasana � Cat Cow Pose

This flow is one of the simplest movements practiced in Yoga Vinyasas to warm up your back and core. But those who practice it daily vouch for its core and back strengthening benefits.

After completing Parivrtta Trikonasana on both sides, join the feet together. Inhale and swing your arms over your head. Exhale and fold forward, placing your palms on either side of your feet. Walk your legs back and drop your knees down to come into Table Top position.

Adjust your knees to stack them under your hips. Stack your shoulders over your palms. Allow the tops of your feet to press on the floor; toes extended backward. Spread the fingers and press the palms into the floor.

Inhale, arch your back, and gaze up, stretching your neck [Cow]. Hold for seven breaths. Exhale, round your back, pull your navel towards your spine, engage your gluteus muscles, and tuck your chin to the chest. Gaze down [Cat] and hold the posture for seven breaths.

Repeat the movement slowly ten times.

Tips: If you have a knee injury, fold your mat or use a folded blanket to add additional cushioning for your knees.

Bhujangasana � Cobra Pose

This backbend works wonderfully stretching your upper and lower back, toning the muscles, and strengthening them. Just do this stretch after a long day of sitting and experience its soothing impact!

Once you complete Cat Pose for the last time, bring your spine to a neutral position in Table Top. Gently walk your arms forward and lower your body to the floor. Stretch your legs backward. Allow the forehead to rest on the ground.

Adjust your palms to align them along with your chest, wrists stacked under your shoulders. Press the tops of your feet on the floor, toes extended back. Keep your legs active. Roll your shoulders down and away from the ears so that the shoulder blades come closer.

On an inhale, press the palms firmly into the floor and lift your forehead and chest off the mat until your ribs are completely away from the floor. Allow your hips to rest on the ground. Exhale and on the next inhalation, bend backward, tilting your head slightly back.

Deepen the stretch until your experience a tingle on your lower back. Hold the posture, squeezing your gluteus and pulling your navel to the spine, for seven deep breaths.

Exhale and slowly come back to lying.

Tips: Gaze forward if you have any neck injury.

Dhanurasana � Bow Pose

Bending your body like a bow improves the suppleness of your back. As you pull your heels away from the buttocks, the legs stretch, and tone. Other benefits � better digestion, flatter stomach, and toned arms.

From Bhujangasana, exhale and lie with your forehead on the floor. Separate your legs as wide as your hips. Bend your knees and allow the heels to come close to your buttocks. Let the big toes to come into contact. Hold the ankles with your palms. Inhale and lift your head and chest off the mat until your entire rib cage is up from the floor.

Balance on your lower abdomen and pull your legs away from your buttocks. Squeeze your buttocks to feel the stretch on your back. Hold the posture, breathing deeply, for seven deep breaths.

Variation: Practice Parsva Dhanurasana by turning your torso sideways on an exhalation. Maintain the legs. Come back to center before repeating on the other side.

Setu Bhandasana � Bridge Pose

sethu_asana_bridge_pose_yoga-2

This posture strengthens your core, legs, back, and hips. Feel free to use a block or anything else to support your lower back.

Release your legs and palms and lie down on your abdomen, resting the forehead on the floor. Take five deep breaths to relax your body and breath. Turn to your right and lie down on your back, hands resting on the sides, palms flat on the floor.

Roll your shoulders down to rest them firmly on the floor. Bend your knees, separating them hip-distance apart. Allow your knees to fall towards each other slightly. Pressing the feet and palms into the floor, inhale, and lift your hips away from the floor.

Exhale, squeeze your thighs and roll them inward. Lift your hips higher to bring your chest closer to the chin. If possible, interlace your fingers beneath you.

Hold the posture breathing for seven long, deep breaths.

Exhale and slowly release your hips to the floor.

Variation: Once you are in Bridge Pose, inhale and lift your right leg perpendicular to the floor and hold for five breaths. Exhale, release the right leg, and repeat on your left.

Chakrasana � Wheel Pose

It is a complete body strengthener and toner. However, if you have a meniscus, ligament, wrist, or shoulder injury, please refrain from practicing this pose as it could worsen the pain and inflammation.

Keep your legs just as you kept for Setu Bhandasana. Place your palms at shoulder level, fingers pointing towards you. Pressing the palms and feet into the floor, lift your head and body off the floor. Tilt your head backward and gaze up to feel the stretch on your neck.

Stretch your thighs and shoulders. In the final position, your body looks like an arch, almost like a wheel. Breathing deeply, hold the posture for seven deep breaths.

To release the position, lower your body till it touches the ground. Straighten your legs.

Tips: Avoid the posture if you have hypertension or vertigo and during menstruation.

Ardha Matsyendrasana � Half Spinal Twist

Ardha Matsyendrasana translates into the half twist pose of the king of fishes. An excellent detoxifying pose, it works on stretching and strengthening your upper back.

After completing Chakrasana, turn to your right and sit with your legs extended forward. Bend the right leg, lift it and place it close to your left hip. Bend the left leg and place it under the right buttocks. Inhale and lift your left arm up. Exhale and bring the left arm around your right leg and hold your right toes. The left armpit should rest outside the left knee.

Place your right arm on your back, allowing the right fingertips to rest on your left thigh. Exhale and twist to your right. Look over your right shoulder and fix your gaze at one point. Hold for seven breaths.

Inhale and come back to center slowly and stretch out your legs. Repeat on your left side.

While certain poses outlined above might feel terrible during the first practice, regular practice will make you perfect.

So start practicing these poses to tone your back and improve your core!

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900

Additional Topics: Preventing Spinal Degeneration

As we age, it’s natural for the spine, as well as the other complex structures of the spine, to begin degenerating. Without the proper care, however, the overall health and wellness of the spine can develop complications, such as degenerative disc disease, among others, which could potentially lead to back pain and other painful symptoms. Chiropractic care is a common alternative treatment option utilized to maintain and improve spine health.

 

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: New PUSH 24/7�? Fitness Center

 

 

Posture Power: How To Correct Your Body’s Alignment

Posture Power: How To Correct Your Body’s Alignment

Besides your personality body alignment says a lot about how your muscles and joints are working. Learn more about assessing your postural deviations and how to fix them!

Many studies show that how you feel and look is directly linked to your posture. Even the people know how important is to have good posture, most them don�t do anything to improve it.

Many of you probably live with deformed backs and imbalanced hips, and, of course, deal with the pain that you think is normal.

How dangerous can be to live with bad posture?  It can lead to plenty of problems:

�           Chronic back, shoulder and neck pain

�           Headaches

�           Injuries to feet, knees and hips

�           Fatigue

�           Stiffness

�           Difficulty breathing

�           Muscle atrophy and weakness

�           Impingement and nerve compression

�           Digestion issues

�           Carpal tunnel syndrome

�           Sciatica

If you are suffering from any of these problems, you should understand proper posture and learn about your own postural deviations.

Correcting Your Alignment

To solve a problem, you first need to find out what causes it. Most of the postural deviations occur as the muscles that work to hold a joint in place are imbalanced.

You can correct imbalances by strengthening the underactive muscles and to stretching the overactive muscles

Standing Assessment

For you who are not sure whether your posture is good or it needs a little correction, do this standing assessment first:

�           Put on form-fitting clothes,

�           Stand shoeless, tall but comfortable, do not trying to force yourself to stay in perfect posture.

�           For an honest assessment, close your eyes and march slowly in place a few times.

�           Have a friend take a full body picture of you

Here�s what a properly postured body should look like:

�           Picture � posture

Standing Assessment Postural Deviations

I � Back, Shoulders, Hips, And Head

Here�s how you can correct these deviations:

Deviation 1: Sway Back � Hips Press Forward and Sit In Front Of the Ribs

Overactive muscles: erector spinae, gluteus maximus and medius, hamstrings and quadratus lumborum Stretches: Runner�s stretch, seated glute stretch, world�s greatest stretch, hamstring stretch, lying crossover, hamstring self-myofascial release (foam rolling)

Underactive muscles: Iliopsoas, rectus femoris (hip flexors and lower abs) and external obliques

Strengthening exercises: Cocoon, hanging leg raise, exercise ball pull-in and scissor kick

Deviation 2: Lower-Cross Syndrome 

Excessive Curve In The Low Back, Pelvis Is Tilted Forward

Overactive muscles: erector spinae (hip flexors and low back) and Iliopsoas

Stretches: quadriceps self-myofascial release, quadriceps stretch, pyramid stretch over ball, hug knees to chest and kneeling hip flexor,

Underactive muscles: gluteus maximus and abdominals

Strengthening exercises: Pelvic tilt to bridge, exercise-ball hip bridge, single-leg glute bridge, frog sit-up and leg elevated crunch,

Deviation 3: Rounded Shoulders

 Shoulders In Front Of Ears

Overactive muscles: Pectoralis minor and major (chest)

Stretches: Front deltoid stretch, chest stretch on stability ball, dynamic chest stretch, elbows-back stretch, chair upper-body stretch

Underactive muscles: Rotator cuff, serratus anterior (muscles in the back surrounding the shoulder blades and rear delts) and lower trapezius,

Strengthening exercises: Seated cable row, shoulder external rotation, back fly with band, rear- delt row

Deviation 4: Forward Head

Ears In Front Of Shoulders

Overactive muscles: Neck extensors, levator scapula (muscles behind the neck that tilt the head back) and upper trapezius,

Stretches: Neck self-myofascial release, sternocleidomastoid stretch and chin to chest,

Strengthening exercises: Isometric front-neck exercise

Underactive muscles: Neck flexors (muscles in front of the neck that tilt the head forward)

Deviation 5: Upper-Cross Syndrome

 Rounded Shoulders With An Excessive Curve

Overactive muscles: Trapezius, pectoralis major and minor, levator scapula, neck extensors (the back of your neck, upper back, traps, and chest)

Stretches: Neck self-myofascial release, front-delt stretch, chin to chest, chest stretch on stability ball, elbows-back stretch, chair upper-body stretch and dynamic chest stretch

Underactive muscles: Rotator cuff, rhomboids, lower trapezius, deep neck flexors (muscles in the back surrounding the shoulder blades, rear delts, and in front of the neck) and serratus anterior

Strengthening exercises: back fly with band, seated cable row, isometric front-neck exercise, rear-delt row and shoulder external rotation,

Deviation 6: Head Tilt

Head Tilted To One Side (Can Be Accompanied By Rotation toward That Side)

Overactive muscles: Sternocleidomastoid tilted toward the midline.

Stretches: Side neck stretch, sternocleidomastoid stretch and neck self-myofascial release,

Underactive muscles: Sternocleidomastoid tilted away from the midline.

Strengthening exercises: Perform daily activities (e.g., chewing, pulling, lifting, carrying, and using a cell phone) evenly on both sides, isometric side-neck exercise

Deviation 7: Uneven Shoulders

One Shoulder Sits Higher Than The Other

Overactive muscle: Trapezius (muscle running from the back of the neck into the shoulder girdle) on the elevated side

Stretches: Side neck stretch, neck self-myofascial release

Underactive muscles: Serratus anterior

Strengthening exercises:  single-arm high-pulley row, perform daily activities on both sides

Deviation 8: Uneven Hips

One Hip Sits Higher Can Give The Perception Of Leg Length Discrepancy

Overactive muscles: hip abductors, internal and external obliques, erector spinae and quadratus lumborum on the raised side

Stretches: Runner�s stretch, world�s greatest stretch, IT-band stretch, IT-band self-myofascial release, seated glute stretch, lying cross-over, piriformis self-myofascial release, dancer�s stretch

Underactive muscles: Varies based on individual

Strengthening exercises: Avoid high-repetition andhigh-impact exercises until the pelvis is aligned.

II � Feet and Ankles

Like your other parts, your feet and ankles have a proper alignment.

Here are some common postural deviations for the feet and ankles:

Deviation 9: Feet Turned In

Toes Are Turned In Toward The Midline Of The Body

Overactive muscles: Tensor fasciae

Stretches: IT-band self-myofascial release and IT-band stretch,

Underactive muscles: Gluteus minimus and medius

Strengthening exercises: Bridge with band tension around thighs, squat with band tension around thighs and lateral tube walk,

Deviation 10: One Or Both Feet Turned Out � Toes Are Turned Out Away From The Midline Of The Body

Overactive muscles: deep external rotators and piriformis

Stretches: Seated glute stretch, piriformis self-myofascial release, lying cross-over, IT-band self-myofascial release, IT-band stretch and dancer�s stretch

Underactive muscles: obliques and hip flexors

Strengthening exercises: Cocoon, hanging leg raise and exercise ball pull-in,

Your Turn!

If you notice any of these imbalances, utilize the stretches and strengthening exercises.

Some examples

�           If you have the upper-cross syndrome, do the strengthening exercises (rows and shoulder rotations on your back) 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

�           Static stretching should be done at the end of your workout, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds, and repeat a total of 3-5 sets.

Keep at it and soon you�ll notice some excellent results: You�ll look better, feel better and lift heavier!

Source, Model, Original Article : www.bodybuilding.com

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Why Your Back Hurts & How To Fix It

Why Your Back Hurts & How To Fix It

Why Your Back Hurts & How To Fix It

As one of the most common reasons for doctors visits, frequency of back pain is sky rocketing. Both active and inactive people will experience back pain at some point within the year and it�s estimated that 5/10 Canadians suffer back pain within a six month period.

I originally wrote this post for The Mommy Confessionals, if you haven�t been over there check it out!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information click here.

As moms, it�s not uncommon for us to grumble about our backs. We pick up, lift, twist and bend all day every day. And aside, from serious medical conditions (slipped and herniated discs, osteoarthritis etc) most back pain is caused by two things:

Poor Posture and Improper Movement Mechanics

 

Cause #1: Poor Posture

This is one of the most overlooked causes of chronic back pain especially in moms and pregnant ladies (I�ve actually touched on this posture here). Beginning during pregnancy, our center of gravity shifts to accommodate a growing baby. This shift makes our posture (which was probably not great to begin with) even worse. It causes our shoulders to round and low back to sway.

back pain and poor posture

Outside of pregnancy, even those of us who are active lead fairly sedentary lifestyles and daily tasks like involving sitting (to eat, to drive, to relax) affects the way our muscles function. Throughout our day we lean forward frequently which causes our chest muscles to become chronically tight and out upper backs unable to do their job. Our posterior chain becomes under developed and all of it adds up and leads to back pain.

 

Cause #2: Poor Mechanics

As I mentioned, as moms we lift, twist, bend and pick up all day long. Unfortunately, all of those movements require a sound technique and a strong musculature. Picking up kids, moving furniture and playing can easily leave you with some low back tenderness when you fail to use proper movement patters and the necessary muscles (I�ve written before about why we need to learn to pick things up properly!)

If you�re feeling a bit overwhelmed- it�s okay! With the exception of medical conditions, back pain is pretty preventable if you put in the time and effort.

In fact, the number one thing you can do to prevent your back hurting is strengthen your posterior chain (back of the body).

Creating a strong back of body allows your muscles to pull your body back into alignment and spread some of the force more evenly.

Learning to pick things up properly (using a hip hinge or squat) is crucial to preventing any injury to your low back. Meaning, strengthening the muscles of the back of the body is crucial.  My two favorite things to focus on when preventing back pain are: contracting the glutes and learning to hip hinge

The Glutes

Learning how to make your glutes strong and contract them has a host of benefits but one of the biggest is their help in posture. Glutes are part of the posterior chain but also the pelvic floor. They help keep your pelvis in proper alignment, keep you upright and move correctly (and yes they can look pretty!). Glutes are beyond important and one of my all time favorite body parts to train.

glute bridge and fixing back pain

Check out six of my favorite glute exercises here.

Hip Hinging

Learning to hip hinge is crucial as a mom and as a person. It�s a basic movement that we seemed to have forgotten and evolved out of.

Exercises that break at the hips

When you hinge from the hips you strengthen the back of the body and shift the weight back there also. Allowing your muscles to lift the object instead of the ligaments in your low back helps prevent lifting injuries.

I�ll be chatting about my favorite drills to teach and train the hip hinge in a couple weeks so peek back- but in the meantime check out the video below!

As moms, we�re moving all day long. But rarely are we moving correctly. Instead of using our muscles and proper mechanics we rely on our joints, tendons and ligaments. This is a recipe for disaster and, as you know all too well, back pain. Instead work on building strength, improving posture and becoming proficient in basic movements and your back pain will be far less.

 

If you enjoyed this article check out Why Every Mama Needs To Know How To Hip Hinge and 10 Posterior Exercises For Moms 

exercises to target glutes

6 exercises to target glutes




 

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WELCOME to Fit As A Mama Bear!

I�m Shelby � strength coach, nutrition coach, chronic foodie & mama bear. I�ve been a coach for the better part of the past decade and I truly love helping people.

Through fitness, food, mommyhood or making natural changes in your home, I�ve done it all � and I want to help you too!

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