Life is no fun when you’re constantly in pain or worried about getting injured. Back pain is especially frustrated and debilitating. You may find yourself needing to lie down after a task as simple as walking to the mailbox. You may feel like it could break at any moment. But the good news is that you can get ahead of these problems by building strength in your body’s core.
What is the core?
Contrary to what many people think, the core doesn’t just consist of your abdominal muscles. It refers to the entire midsection of your body, including your spine, chest, and pelvis. Most of the weight in this area is supported not by your bones, but by the muscles in your stomach and back. The muscles hold your bones in place while also protecting your vital organs. The core stabilizes movement for your entire body, making it crucial for activities like walking and lifting.
The risks of a weak core
When your core is weak or misaligned, a multitude of problems can arise. You are physically weaker, making it easier to injure yourself through overexertion. You become prone to poor posture, which also makes injuries more likely during strenuous movements. Lifestyle factors also play a major factor. Many jobs require you to sit at a desk for extended periods, but this causes pain by placing extra stress on the back and may also feed posture problems.
These problems tend to feed themselves and each other, creating a vicious cycle. If you sit too much, sitting will become more painful because of the stress on your back. If you hurt yourself, limited mobility makes it more likely that you will be injured again.
The biggest risk is a spinal injury. Why? Because if the muscles around your spine are weak, the spine itself has to carry a greater load. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself from injuries and pain by building and maintaining strong core muscles to support your bones.
Building core strength
The point of core strength is to promote balance and stability so that you can maintain proper posture and avoid injuries. The best way to do this is through regular exercise. You don’t need to do sit-ups until you have a 6-pack. In fact, there are many easy exercises that you can start with today. Basic yoga is a great option for beginners to improve flexibility. Another tip is to replace your desk chair with an exercise ball to work on your balance.
But be careful not to overexert yourself. Attempting an exercise beyond your capabilities runs the risk of injury, which defeats the purpose of building strength to avoid injuries. Choose exercises that fit your level of health and flexibility. If even the most basic exercises cause pain, see a doctor, because you probably have a musculoskeletal issue that needs addressing.
It is also important to combine your exercise with a healthy diet. This will keep your weight down, relieving stress on your core, while providing your body with the nutrients to stay strong and healthy.
The benefits of strengthening your core
Building strong muscles in your core will help to support your spine, reducing pain and protecting you against injury. You will sleep better as your heart and diaphragm become stronger. Your joints and muscles will be lubricated, making you more flexible. You will gain strength and be able to do things that used to be too hard. Daily tasks like housework won’t leave you in pain. And as you work out, seeing the results will motivate you to exercise even more.
How chiropractic care can help with your core
Some injuries and pain won’t improve through home workouts, especially when they are the result of a spinal misalignment, or subluxation. This is where chiropractors can step in. Chiropractors have spent years studying the musculoskeletal system. They can get to the bottom of your core injury and use adjustments to fix it. With regular adjustments, your muscles will return to their proper balance and alignment. Chiropractors can also offer exercise plans, ergonomic and posture advice, and dietary advice.
By combining chiropractic care with an active and healthy lifestyle, you will be able to build strength and flexibility in your core, so you don’t have to worry about injuries and pain. Contact us today to get started.
