Most Americans will encounter back pain at some point in their lives, and many others may even suffer from chronic back pain. Whether you injured your back or experience consistent pain, you should consider doing Pilates. Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that strengthens your core, increases flexibility, and can result in decreased back pain. A newcomer to Pilates should remember to take it slow, focus on their breathing, and improve their posture.
Not only does Pilates allow the mind and body to connect while strengthening core muscles, but it is also a great way to improve overall posture. Poor posture is a common cause of back pain, and most people do not realize how their bad posture is affecting their quality of life. If you are suffering from back pain and want to explore Pilates as a possible treatment, you should consult with a trusted medical professional first. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our experienced physicians and medical staff are ready to discuss your back pain and determine a treatment plan for you.
3 Tips for Pilates and How It Can Ease Back Pain
There are many ways that Pilates can help your body heal, and these tips can assist you in getting started:
Tip #1: When Beginning Pilates to Ease Back Pain, Do Not Overdo It
Newcomers to Pilates should avoid overworking their bodies during a session. The last thing you need is to aggravate your back pain further because you rushed into an expert class. As a beginner, it is more important to focus on doing the basic exercises with the proper form and a good breathing technique rather than trying to master very complex movements and exercises.
You should consult with a seasoned Pilates instructor or a medical professional to make sure your body is ready to begin this form of exercise. Especially in the case of an injury, there are certain movements and exercises that should be avoided until the injured area is healed. You may need to do simple exercises at home while your body heals before you are cleared to attend regular Pilates classes.
Tip #2: Focus on Your Breathing
As you begin your pilates journey, focus on your breathing technique. With intentional breathing, you become more focused as you target specific muscles. Also, the correct breathing technique can strengthen your diaphragm. Breathe in through your nose and out of your mouth to best strengthen your diaphragm and make it more flexible. A stronger diaphragm, as a result, often eases back pain.
Pilates often activates muscles that sedentary people do not engage regularly. It may primarily engage the core, but another goal of these exercises is to connect your mind and body.
Tip #3: Improving Your Posture Through Pilates Can Help Ease Back Pain
When you hunch your back, the space between the discs in your spine becomes cramped, and this can cause back pain. By learning to stand and sit straight through repeated Pilates exercises, you allow for more space between the discs in your spine and relieve any pressure caused by hunching. Once you are familiar with the exercises, you will be able to fix your poor posture throughout the day.
Many Pilates exercises point to having a neutral spine, which is the ideal posture. As you continue to do exercises, you will most likely incorporate these practices into your daily life. For example, if you notice yourself hunching your back as you push the grocery cart, you will remember to engage your core and stand up straighter to have a neutral spine. While straying from the neutral spine might have gone unnoticed before, you will become aware of your posture and muscle movements.
The Expert Medical Professionals at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Are Ready to Treat Your Back Pain
People suffering from back pain could greatly benefit from Pilates, but they should remember to ease into it. After beginning Pilates, you may notice a deeper connection between your mind and body, more control over your breathing, and improved posture. If you are experiencing back pain of any kind, reach out to the medical professionals at NJ Spine & Orthopedic for help.
NJ Spine & Orthopedic has a trusted team of experts that want to help you find relief from your back pain. Do not hesitate to call (866) 553-0612 or fill out our contact form today.