Posture correction exercises can provide many benefits for people who experience neck or back pain. If your pain worsens at certain times of day, improves with a change of position or moves from one area of the spine to another, it may be related to poor posture.
While making a conscious effort to sit or stand with a proper posture in order to help to ease your discomfort, more lasting pain relief can be found through exercises designed to strengthen the supporting muscles around your spine. The muscles in your back and core help your spine carry and stabilize the weight of the body. By strengthening these muscles, the amount of pressure placed on the vertebrae and discs can be reduced, which can have many long-term benefits for spinal health.
Exercise for a healthy spine
Your doctor should be able to recommend posture correction exercises that address your specific needs. These exercises can be classified into two main types:
- Stretching exercises. Tense muscles can pull your spine out of alignment, creating poor posture. Stretching the muscles in the neck and back can help to loosen them and allow your spine to return to its proper position.
- Strengthening exercises. Having strong muscles in the neck, back, abdominals and legs can provide additional support to the spine. Exercises that focus on building your strength in these areas can promote a healthy spine and a proper posture.
You should always consult your doctor before starting or changing a treatment or exercise program designed for spine health. Yous physician can make sure these exercises are safe to perform based on your lifestyle and medical history.
Other treatment options
In addition to posture correction exercises, your doctor may recommend other conservative treatments for easing neck or back pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) and hot/cold therapy can help provide relief by reducing inflammation and encouraging healing.
If an underlying spinal condition such as a herniated disc is making everyday activities difficult and you have exhausted conservative treatment options, your doctor may consider other type of treatments such as minimally invasive spine procedures.
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