Why Pilates could be the secret weapon for back pain?

The majority of people who suffer from back pain have never stepped into a Pilates studio, let alone know the benefits of it. But as devotees of this exercise know, Pilates is much more than stretching the body. It can go a long way to treating and even preventing back pain.

Back pain is on the increase, and a recent study has found that lower back pain causes more disability than any other condition, affecting nearly 1 in 10 people.

Consultant neurosurgeon Mr Bhupal Chitnavis at London Bridge Hospital says:

So how can Pilates help?

Pilates promotes a strong and flexible spine

Pilates can strengthen and train the small and large muscles attached to the spine. These muscles are important for coordinating movements.

Lynne Robinson, Pilates Guru and co-founder of Body Control Pilates says that this strength of the spine must be balanced with flexibility.

She also says that Pilates is the perfect choice of exercise for anyone concerned with the health of their back because it puts you back in control of your body.

Pilates can improve your posture

If you don’t work to keep your body in it’s correct alignment, you can end up with back and neck problems later on. A good posture allows the optimum distribution of force through the body so the musculoskeletal system can function properly and protect against injury and deterioration. If the spine is not held straight, the internal organs are crowded, which can reduce their effectiveness.

Pilates can strengthen the body’s own muscular ‘corset’ that supports and protects the body during everyday movements. This corset of muscles around the torso often becomes weak after years of poor posture.

What to be aware of when doing Pilates with back pain

If you are going to try Pilates for back pain, Lynne recommends the following:

• Take your time to do the exercises properly and practice at home too.
• Take what you learn in class into your daily life and sit, stand and walk tall. Don’t slouch.
• Lift carefully. If you have to lift a heavy object stand square to it and bend from your hips and knees, keeping your back straight.

Staying to in bed relieve back pain is not a good solution other than in the very short term, advises Mr Bhupal. Most doctors now advise anyone with nonspecific chronic low back pain to stay active and keep moving. Lynne also advises

Source: https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/wellbeing/a27162/pilates-for-back-pain/