If you've been feeling back pain for over 12 weeks, there is a very good chance that you are suffering from Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). Chronic Low Back Pain may leave you feeling restless, hopeless, and hungry for answers. Many clients have had lower back pain for so long that it almost feels as if there is no solution.
However, the solution to chronic pain could be as simple as moving around a little bit more each and every day—in a controlled and calm environment. In other words, practicing Pilates can be the perfect solution for your back pain problem.
How Does Pilates Help with Chronic Back Pain?
Pilates sessions have been shown to eliminate back pain by strengthening your core. They also help you to practice good alignment of the spine, as well as stretch out your tight back muscles. This often provides immediate relief during a session, but it will also help you eliminate chronic low back pain in the future—especially if you continue with more Pilates sessions.
If this sounds like something that you would like to try, a beginner's Pilates class would be a great place to start. Performing these light yet powerful movements 2-3 times per week can help you see the results you're looking for—a more stable core, a stronger back and body, and increased flexibility.
You will soon realize that you will have better control during movement, improved posture, and better breathing. Lastly—and most importantly—Pilates can be the answer to reducing pain and increasing functional ability.
Before you get started, however, you should first consult a Certified Pilates Instructor to make sure that you are healthy enough to engage in exercise.
Certified Instructors are Very Important to Your Success
Your form is a very important part of getting the most out of your Pilates workout. This is why it is very important that you do not begin a Pilates program without the help of a certified Instructor. Some of the key components to eliminating chronic low back pain include, but are not limited to, some of the basic fundamentals of Pilates. A great instructor knows how important this is and will help you. Listed below are several things your instructor will watch out for:
- Engage Your Abs/Core: Since your back and your abs support one another, it’s important to make both stronger at the same time.
- Lengthen your neck and keep your shoulders down: Your ears should never be near your shoulders.
- Your body should work symmetrically: Your hips should be evenly set and so should your shoulder level.
- Be mindful and present with every movement: At first, go slow and gently. If an action provokes pain—don’t do it.
- Breathe as deeply and as controlled as possible. This will activate your core and help you relax.
Pilates Will Help You For Years to Come
Through Pilates, you'll see your body growing and your pain shrinking. When compared to typical care and other physical activity, Pilates goes above and beyond getting rid of pain—it also strengthens your body, so you'll to be able to do more and you'll be stronger than before!
The practice of Pilates is also highly versatile and modifiable. As you grow stronger, you can adjust the exercises to match your level. You can also use specialized Pilates equipment, like a Reformer, to help monitor, guide, and support your movements.
Would You Like to Give Pilates a Try?
If you would like to talk to us about starting a Pilates program, please give us a call at 770-723-6880. Our studio is located at 4375 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 330, Suwanee, GA 30024. You can also reach us online by clicking here.
Referenced Article:
The Effectiveness of Pilates Exercise in People with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review - PMC - US Library of National Medicine - National Institutes of Health