Pilates and Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most complaints that doctors report hearing from their patients. It now appears that the popular fitness trend pilates can help ease this common ailment. Recent research shows that the tension and soreness associated with back pain can be eased significantly through the practice of pilates. Pilates, research shows, can help with the neutral alignment of the spin and can help strengthen the muscles that support proper posture. This in turn can help ameliorate much of the pain associated with back problems. Fundamentally, the underlying principles of pilates have been found to be beneficial for a number of common back problems.

Who can benefit the most from pilates? It appears that those patients who suffer from degeneration of the joints and intervertebral discs are most likely to find significant improvement from some kind of regular pilates practice. Pilates can also improve overall back pain, including improved postural symmetry, circulation, and joint and muscle strength.

When your posture is improved, your back muscles receive less tension, resulting in less wear and tear on the intervertebral joints and discs. Your muscles become stronger and suppler, your movements become more fluid, and your body becomes more efficient in dealing with stress and tension. Pilates can teach you greater awareness of how your body moves and can help you change any bad habits that may be hurting your back.

As with any form of physical exercise, before you decide to pursue pilates for your back pain, make sure to consult with a medical professional. Depending on your specific health and circumstances, a pilates program may or may not be recommended for you. If you and your doctor decide that pilates is right for you, make sure that you find an experienced and professional pilates instructor. Your pilates instructor should be certified in pilates instruction.

If possible, try to find a pilates instructor with experience in working with back pain patients. Make sure the instructor understands your specific back problems before even beginning a program. Remember, although pilates can be specially tailored for just about anyone, it is important that you receive one on one instruction, especially if you are a beginner. To the untrained eye, pilates appears gentle and easy to do. But if done incorrectly, certain pilates movements can exacerbate your back pain and actually cause serious injury.

Some back patients use pilates in conjunction with professional physical therapy treatment. Patients report increased flexibility, decreased pain, improved circulation, and improved posture from a program that combines pilates and conventional physical therapy. Make certain that your therapist is aware that you are also taking part in a pilates program, and vice versa.

This can help ensure that you do not place too much stress on your body by overexerting yourself. Overexertion can lead to even more problems, even though you may not feel the effects immediately. In some cases, your physical therapist may outline certain movements and principles that are important for your particular case. Speak with your pilates instructor about your physical therapists instructions, if there are any.