Back pain
back pain exercises;
kindly do these exercises. Back pain is described as acute or chronic based on how long you?ve had it.
Acute pain lasts days to weeks, subacute pain lasts six weeks to three months, and chronic pain lasts longer than three months.
Things that make it better or worse
back pain may get worse with movement or if you sit or stand for a long time. It may get better if you switch positions or walk around.
Other symptoms you may experience with back pain include:
?the painful spot looking swollen and feeling tender to the touch
?a muscle spasm in the painful area
?numbness or weakness in one or both of your legs (if the pain is due to a nerve issue)
if you find you have back pain and can?t hold your urine or bowel movements, something is pressing on your spinal nerves, and you should be evaluated immediately.
This condition, called cauda equina syndrome, can cause severe long-term damage to your spinal nerves if not treated right away.
6 imbalances that cause pain?and how to fix them
"pain is a medical condition and a medical issue, says brett jones, owner of applied strength in pittsburgh who is certified for the functional movement screen, a system of tests and cor
rective exercise strategies. "it's a warning sign. The pain is there to tell you something's wrong.
And that warning sign could be more serious than "you're going too hard. Jones and the other coaches consulted for this piece all had a horror story to tell-when pain in a client meant a more serious condition such as a nerve issue, thyroid issue, or even cancer. The point: if you experience regular pain while exercising-or when you're not-go to the doctor.
If you've been cleared by a doc and you're still feeling discomfort, try these simple tests to see what's truly causing the pain-it could be related to an imbalance in a completely different part of your body. The good news: with these drills, stretches, and corrective exercises, you may be able to fix them-no doctors necessary.
1. Standing extension
how it helps ? this standing extension helps reverse what you do on a daily basis (hunching)? since most bulging discs and herniated discs are caused by poor posture and repeated flexion of the spine (esp bending fwd in bad posture), this stretch helps push the disc back to neutral position.
How to do it
? begin this exercise by standing up with good posture. Now take both hands and place them on both sides of your lower back. Now with the help of your hands push your pelvis forward and extend your spine back. Follow the extension with your neck so that you end up facing the ceiling.
? start with 10 repetitions and do 2-3 sets.
? this one is particularly great to do when you need a break from sitting at your desk.
** this should not cause any pain. If you feel pain during it is not a good one for you. In that case, stop and try some of the other exercises below instead.
2. Half cobra pose (prone lumbar extension)
how it helps ? the half cobra stretch helps to push the disc material back towards the center of the inter-vertebral disc to allow for improved healing. The goal of repeated lower back extension is the ?centralization of symptoms?, which basically means pain that travels down the affected leg to the foot should come back up closer to the low back ? which will in turn alleviate the pain.
How to do it
? begin this exercise by lying on your stomach (prone position) and slowly prop yourself up on your elbows while keeping your hips in contact with the floor.
? hold the prop-up position for 10-15 seconds before returning to the prone position (lying face down).
? gradually increase to holding the end position for 30 seconds. Aim for 10 repetitions of this stretch.
** initially, you may not be able to tolerate this position very well, so make sure you start slowly and carefully. If there?s any pain, try a different exercise instead.
3. Full cobra pose (advanced extension)
how it helps ? this stretch is based on the same principle as the half cobra pose above. This advanced extension helps to push disc material back towards the center of the intervertebral disc, with the goal of alleviating pain symptoms.
How to do it
? once you?ve mastered the half cobra pose, you can increase the difficulty by moving to the advanced version of this stretch. Begin this exercise by lying on your stomach in the prone position (lying facing down) and slowly press up on your hands while keeping your pelvis in contact with the floor and lower back relaxed.
? hold the prop-up position for 10 seconds. Aim for 10 repetitions of this stretch.
? eventually try to hold this pose for longer if it feels good (20-30 seconds).
** if you feel pain during this exercise, it is not a good one for you. In that case, stop and try some of the other exercises instead.
4. Cat-cow
how it helps ? this is one of the most popular herniated disc exercises. By combining two yoga poses, the cat-cow stretch can help to relieve pressure on the herniated disc by opening the intervertebral disc space. It also improves mobility of the spine, which may help to relieve disc herniation pain and speed recovery.
How to do it
? begin this stretch on your hands and knees. Inhale and let your stomach ?drop? towards the floor as you look up towards the ceiling.
? follow this by exhaling and slowly rounding your spine while pressing into the floor with your hands and slightly curving your neck to look at your feet.
? aim for 10 repetitions of this stretch and do 2-3 sets.
How it helps ? this exercise will help strengthen and stabilize your lower back and deep spine muscles. This will help you to maintain a good posture and avoid future episodes of herniated discs.
How to do it:
? begin on your hands and knees with your hands positioned under your shoulders and knees positioned under your hips.
? raise your left arm and reach it forwards until it is aligned with your torso; at the same time, kick your right leg backwards until is it aligned with your torso.
? hold this position for 2-3 seconds before slowly returning to the starting position.
? repeat with your right arm and left leg.
? alternate sides for 10 repetitions and do 2-3 sets.
** ensure that your head, neck, and back maintain a neutral alignment to minimize stress on your neck.
5.plank:
how it helps ? just like the bird dog, this ?core? exercise will help bring your pelvis into right position by strengthening the deep spinal muscles and glutes (butt muscles).
How to do it
? begin lying on your stomach with your forearms against the mat.
? engage your core and lift your body so that you are resting on your forearms and toes.
? start with 10 second holds and work up to 30 second holds, do 2-3 sets.
** ensure to keep your back straight throughout the entire exercise ? spine in neutral position.
Thoracic expansion
if you?re using a chair, sit facing forward and allow your upper body to fall over the back of the chair. Extend your arms above your head for a deeper stretch.
Hold either position for 10 seconds.
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