Best Save Your Back!

If you’ve ever been laid up with a back injury, you know how severe the pain can get. The unfortunate thing is that chances are the injury could have been avoided if only a few precautions were taken. After all, the muscles, ligaments and discs of your back do a big job, supporting your spine and moving the weight of your body. Good posture, exercise and correct body mechanics help keep it flexible and strong.

By the same token, massage can help with posture by stretching shortened muscles and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles and other tissues), freeing movement around the joints, and relieving muscle contractions that can pull you out of alignment.

However, an ounce of prevention is certainly worth more than a pound of cure. Keep in mind that you can protect your back by putting a bit of forethought to your movements. To help you preserve your healthy back, I’ve listed a few tips.

Whenever you are working on your feet be sure that your feet are shoulder-width apart to improve stability and be sure your weight is spread evenly on both feet.
Strengthening your core muscles through abdominal exercises. Take a class or ask for advice from an exercise instructor or personal trainer. Learn to feel where your center of gravity is. This is important because many people try to move from their upper bodies, which is less efficient than moving from your pelvis, hips, and abdomen.
If you’ve got to pick up something small from the floor, kneel down on one knee to retrieve it.
To pick up something heavy, first stand close to it, squat (keeping your back upright) and use your legs to lift it, and avoid twisting as you lift.
When reaching for an object overhead, keep your shoulders and hips facing it. Twisting while carrying a load is dangerous to your spine. Don’t do it!

Take good care of your back and it will take good care of you. And, that includes proper stretching, exercise and regular massage, too.

As Always - Enjoy Your Life!

John Aaron Villarreal

The Legal Stuff: The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose,
cure, treat or prevent disease. Please consult your physician
prior to starting any exercise or diet program.

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