5 Ways That Pilates Can Help With Back Pain

July 19, 2023

Pilates is a great way to help in treating back pain and preventing future episodes. Here are 5 Ways That Pilates Can Help With Back Pain.

Back pain can be a very unpleasant and sometimes debilitating condition. It is estimated to affect at least 80% of the population at some point in their life, making it one of the most common medical ailments. Back pain is usually caused by overuse or injury to muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves, and other structures in the back.

Common causes include bad posture, heavy lifting, and physical activity without proper stretching or warm-up.

Staying active when suffering from back pain is important for recovery and prevention of further complications. Gentle exercises such as walking and stretching can help to increase mobility in the affected area and reduce muscle tension.

Stretches can also strengthen supportive muscles around the spine which can help promote good posture and reduce strain on the back. While exercise can be beneficial, it is important to start with low intensity and gradually increase over time as you begin to feel more comfortable.

It is also important to seek medical attention if your back pain persists for longer than a few days, or if there is sudden onset of severe pain.

Most instances of back pain can be treated at home with rest, ice, and gentle stretching; however, ignoring symptoms or waiting too long can make things worse in some cases. Seeking medical attention will allow for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.

In conclusion, while back pain can be very debilitating at times, it is important to stay active in order to promote recovery and prevent further complications from developing.

However, it is just as important to seek medical attention if your back pain persists or worsens. With proper treatment, most cases of back pain can be resolved in a relatively short amount of time.

Why Exercise Can Help With Back Pain

Exercise can be a great way to help reduce and manage back pain. Regular exercise strengthens and stretches the muscles which support your spine, helping to improve flexibility and range of motion as well as reducing stiffness in your joints.

Strengthening muscles also helps reduce strain on the back, which can contribute to pain relief. However, it’s important to choose the right exercises for you – low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling are often recommended for people with back pain, rather than high-impact activities such as running.

There are also some specific exercises that can help alleviate back pain. These include core strengthening exercises such as planks and bridges; stretching exercises that target key areas such as the hamstrings, hip flexors, lower back, and shoulders; and strengthening exercises that focus on the core muscles surrounding the spine.

Doing these regularly as part of a daily routine can help to reduce pain and improve overall mobility.

Resting when you experience back pain can seem like a good idea, but it’s important to limit your rest time – too much rest can make your muscles weak, leading to further stiffness and pain.

Taking regular breaks throughout the day is important, especially if you have a physically demanding job, but it’s also beneficial to keep moving in between breaks. Even light stretching or gentle movements such as walking can help with recovery from back pain, so try to keep active where possible.

5 Ways That Pilates Can Help With Back Pain

1. Pilates can help improve posture, one of the most important factors for reducing back pain and preventing more pain in the future. Strengthening and stretching the muscles in your abdominals, shoulders, hips, and back, helps to stabilize your spine and improve how you carry yourself day-to-day.

2. Pilates can also help strengthen your core muscles which are essential for supporting your spine and keeping it in its correct alignment. Strengthening these muscles not only reduces existing back pain but also helps to prevent more from occurring in the future as well as improving overall body function.

3. Practicing pilates exercises regularly increases flexibility which is an important component for maintaining a healthy back. Improved flexibility helps reduce muscle tension, making it easier to move and prevent pain.

4. Pilates helps to improve balance and coordination which is especially important when dealing with back pain. By properly engaging the abdominal muscles during pilates exercises, your body will be able to better manage its center of gravity and support itself in an ergonomic way.

5. Pilates encourages proper breathing techniques which can help alleviate stress and tension on the spine by helping you relax your mind and body while improving circulation throughout all parts of your body including your back. This improved circulation brings more oxygen to your muscles, allowing them to rest, recover, and repair themselves more efficiently for sustained relief from chronic pain. Overall, pilates is a great exercise to help reduce back pain and keep you from future injury. It is low-impact and gentle on the body, yet powerfully effective in improving posture, strength, flexibility, balance, and overall health.

Want To Know How Can Help You At LEVEL4?

At LEVEL4, we understand the frustration that comes with back pain that is keeping you from being active. Many of our clients struggle with back pain and we have gotten proven results in helping people treat their back pain through a number of methods, especially Pilates.

Right now you can schedule a free back pain assessment with us at LEVEL4 PT& Pilates to see if we are right for you and to help in getting the conversation started about the best ways to treat the issue.

You can also feel free to give us a call at 760-503-4440 (We still like to talk on the phone!)

If you have not yet visited LEVEL4 and still have concerns about the symptoms you are experiencing, you can head over to our site to read more about the issue, and if it continues to be a problem, you can contact us or visit us at LEVEL4 PT & Pilates.

We love to keep people in the San Diego area mobile, active, and off pain pills – let our expertise go to work for you to help you return to the activities you love.

You can also schedule a no-obligation (and free!) phone consult or visit us at our Encinitas clinic as part of your Free Back Pain Assessment. Or just give us a call at 760-503-4440.

Until next time,

Dr. Dawn Andalon

Other Free Resources from LEVEL4 PT & Pilates…

Read Our Blog – 6 Health Benefits of Pilates

Read Our Blog – 5 Pilates Exercises That Can Help With Your Pelvic Floor

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Dawn Andalon, DPT, MTC, CPI

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist at LEVEL4 PT & Pilates

Dr. Dawn Andalon is a physical therapist, educator, author, and co-founder of LEVEL4 PT & Pilates. She is known as a leading spine and women’s health specialist in the San Diego area.

Prior to living in Carlsbad, CA, she worked at Nike Headquarters in Portland, OR as a physical therapist and consultant. She has always enjoyed fitness and working with the athletic population as a former dancer and gymnast. Dawn has also completed certification through Polestar Pilates which she has implemented with elite and Olympic athletes, surfers, golf pros, and the weekend warrior to enhance their chosen sport. After having 2 kids she saw a need for more highly skilled programs for women who are struggling with common body struggles after having a baby so she went on to seek more training in Pelvic floor rehab and the female athlete through Herman & Wallace Institute. As a spine specialist with a Manual Therapy Certification from University of St. Augustine and Pilates background she has helped men and women of all ages stay active and feel their best.This combined with her passion to educate women, especially the peri and post-menopausal women who want to resolve their physical concerns as they age.

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