Wearing the proper shoes during exercise is extremely important. When our foot hits the ground, the mechanics that follow can determine how our joints and tissues are loaded. As a result, it could be a contributing factor to pain or injury. However, finding that right shoe can sometimes be a confusing process. Here are a few things to consider:
Having adequate mobility through the mid-back, also known as the thoracic spine, is important in preventing pain and dysfunction. The thoracic spine consists of 12 vertebrae that starts at the base of the neck and runs down to the low back.
The hip consists of a “ball-and-socket” joint that is formed between the Femoral Head and the Acetabulum, a part of the Pelvic Bone. As a result of its shape the hip joint is capable of a wide range of motion in all directions – forward and backwards, side-to-side, and rotation inwards and outwards.
An important but often overlooked area of the body is the function of the ankles. Unless a person is specifically having ankle pain, the ankles are commonly put in the back seat. However, having adequate ankle mobility is extremely important for working out, sports, and everyday life.
I think we can all agree that the longer we sit at work, in the classroom, or in front of a TV we tend to find ourselves slouched and slumped over, especially towards the end of the day. We all do it, if someone tells you they never have bad posture, they’re lying! Everyone knows that slouching and poor posture can lead to backaches and pains, but there are other lesser-known consequences that can develop as a result of this. Many of these can be avoided by developing good habits!
Continue reading “Slouching Affects More Than Just Your Back!” »
Short answer: Absolutely! Let’s take a closer look at two separate muscle groups and their relationship with low back pain. These two muscle groups include the hip flexors and the deep hip rotators. The vast majority of society will sit for the majority of the day and become less active with aging. The result of this is tight hip flexors, a change in the position of the pelvis, loss of hip mobility/range of motion, and among other things can lead to low back pain.
Continue reading “Can Tight Hips Lead To Low Back Pain?” »