Breathing is a very primal movement which happens subconsciously. However it can have an affect on how we move and how we stabilize. It also plays a role in regulating our body’s Ph (acidic and alkaline) levels. For neck and back pain sufferers this should be a fundamental movement that is corrected before any other exercises are taken on.
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The shoulder is designed to be mobile. It is a ball and socket joint, which allows for a wide range of movements. A lack of this motion or faulty movement can develop into pain or injury. Many people with shoulder issues are surprised when they learn that many conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, can be treated conservatively.
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When you have back pain, whether or not to exercise may become a concern? Not only is exercise safe, but it is recommended. A typical response to experiencing back pain is to take it easy, either staying in bed or at least stopping any activity that is strenuous. While this approach is understandable and may even be recommended in the short term, when done for more than a day or two it can actually have a negative impact on how you heal. Instead, exercise is almost always necessary to alleviate pain and speed recovery.
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Soft tissues are muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and fascia. They can become injured for different reasons including an acute episode as well as repetitive or cumulative trauma. Whether the tissues are recovering from an acute injury or under constant demand from repetition they respond in similar ways, they lay down scar tissue. This is our body’s way of repairing and healing itself.
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Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms and causes pain. This muscle can also irritate the nearby sciatic nerve which can cause pain and numbness and tingling along the back of the leg.
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Poor posture of the upper back and neck will often result in pain, joint stiffness, and muscle tightness. The cervical spine and the supporting muscles become labored and stressed with a forward head posture. This is a common presentation when the chin protrudes forward rather than remaining in its proper position over the chest. At the spinal level, this can affect the joint movement which may result in wear and tear. An imbalance of the supporting muscles will most often result. The upper trap muscles are among those that become overactive and tight. Continue reading “A Simple Exercise for Neck and Upper Back Pain” »
