Have you ever heard the quote from Joseph Pilates: “You are only as old as your spine is flexible?”
How about, “Fountain of Youth Found in A Yogis Spine” by Author unknown?
Some days it might feel like you are 100 years old. Spending too much time hunched over the computer, constantly standing on your feet, or hours in the car, chances are your back lets you know.
Why is the health of your spine so important?
What is so special about the 33 stacked bones in the center of the body and the muscles that support them that warrants so much attention?
The spinal cord and the 31 pairs of spinal nerves play an important role in how we interact with the world around us. The Nervous system – brain, spinal cord and nerves – carry sensory input from the brain and spinal cord to the other parts of the body. Sensory nerves are the ones that relay information from external stimuli to the brain through the spinal cord.
Our spine plays a major role in many aspects of our physical health. From the back to the core, our spine supports many different muscle groups throughout the body. Having a healthy, flexible spine is not just important, it’s critical!
When practicing Yoga or Pilates, some of the key components that are at the forefront of the classes is the mind body connection. Learning stabilizing moves will help in all aspects of life. Many postures in both Yoga & Pilates focus on strengthening the back as well as the core. Back and abdominal muscles are essential in helping the body maintain proper upright posture and allow fluid movement.
If you have ever suffered from back pain, herniated disc or strained muscles, you know it’s no fun!
Build on your back health
Here are a few key things to do to help strengthen & relax the muscles.
- Let your spine rest while sleeping. After a long hard day, have a firm mattress & a pillow. Keep the spine naturally aligned. For back sleepers, try placing a pillow beneath the knees to reduce lower back strain. For side sleepers, try placing a pillow between the knees to keep the hips balanced. Experiment with a few different types of pillows that support the neck. Getting a good night’s sleep is important!
- Exercise the core to strengthen the abs & back muscles. For most humans core muscles are rarely used enough during everyday activities. Enroll in a Yoga or Pilates class, to be guided through a series of exercises.
- Shoes, Shoes, Shoes! Here’s a great excuse to go out & get new shoes. Your shoes must support your spine. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or doing everyday activities, shoes they play a major role in your health of your spine. Good shoes provide a supportive base that helps the spine. A good fit prevents over pronation or supination- or too much rolling of the foot to the outside or inside.
- Enjoy a Massage! Yes, a massage has a number of therapeutic benefits, such as increased blood flow, loosening tight muscles & connective tissues. Evidence suggests that the effects of a massage can help the body relax & decrease stress. Did you know Fit In Boonsboro has 2 different Massage Therapist, & Fit offers a variety of Massage styles?
- Practice good ergonomics while sitting. Limit sitting for long periods of time. The discs in the lower spine are loaded more while sitting than standing. Sitting for long periods of time can aggravate or create a back problem. Choosing the right office chair and practicing good posture while seated plays an important role in supporting the natural curves of the body. Do whatever you can to avoid sitting for long periods of time. Get up to stretch, go for a walk, when on the phone pace around. The spine is meant to move to stay healthy, and movement fuels the spine with heathy nutrients.
Schedule a Massage, take a Yoga or Pilates class, purchase new shoes before they look worn! Sit up straight while in your chair, have a firm mattress & move around at least once per hour.
Here’s to a Healthy Spine & Healthier Body!