Low Back Pain & Strength Training

Like any joint in the body, our back does better when thereare strong muscles and ligaments to support the joint. Our current lifestyle, with prolonged periods of sitting, do not benefit our joints or connective tissue which primarily maintain their health through movement. Many people believe that walking is the only exercise they need to maintain their health as they age. Walking does have many benefits; cardiovascular, body weight loading through the lower body, social connection with others, and connection with nature. However, on its own, walking cannot maintain the integrity of the joints of the body. Bones and joints and connective tissue need to be loaded. If you do not have a physically demanding job, or do not regularly work around the house, lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects, then a strength training program is beneficial for you. This may be done at home, or at the gym, it’s really a matter of comfort, preference, and whatever enables you to train on a regular basis.

For many of you who have chronic low back pain, depending upon the source of your pain, a slowly progressed training program can help to reduce the recurrence and severity of discomfort. If you are uncertain, check with your physician if strength training is appropriate for you.

Strengthening the legs, gluteals, abdominal muscles, and para-spinals, will help support your back during the activities of daily living. Specific muscle strengthening to improve balance of the muscles stabilizing your pelvis also benefits a healthy back. Strength training enables you to gain control over your life rather than regularly outsourcing the care of your body to others. Freedom from pain, gives you freedom of movement which then helps the health of your spine and other joints, which improves the quality of your life! It makes you “Fit2Function”! ;)

I can work one on one with you, so together we can discover the best ways for you to move, and to strength train for your specific needs, meeting your goals for a healthier, physically capable, lifestyle.

Written by Sarah Nurcombe
Fit2Function

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