Core Strength & Back Pain
You may be surprised how frequently issues with the neck and back actually stem from issues with core strength. Your core refers to the muscles that make up your torso, including your abdomen. These muscles are called the core because they are at the center of your body, and they are necessary in just about every action that you engage in. Everything from walking and running and swimming to sitting and driving require you to engage your core. There are a lot of reasons to improve core strength outside of any existing neck or back pain. When you improve your core, you are likely to also improve your posture and thereby reduce your risk of developing further back pain in the future. Furthermore, the exercise that helps to improve core strength is often helpful in promoting weight loss, and for those who are overweight, this could also help reduce pain in the neck and the back. Sometimes, when your core is weak, it can cause you to experience added pressure on areas like your neck and back. There are a lot of ways that working with a physical therapist can help you improve your core strength. You may be encouraged to practice core exercises, for example, which may include abdominal crunches or leg lifts. Light weight- training activities are also frequently helpful, as are balance- based activities like yoga. If you haven’t spent much time building core strength in the past, then working with a physical therapist is a great place to start. Your physical therapist will guide you through proper postures and movements to reduce further risk of injury. For more information about how to start improving your core, contact us.
Laughter Is the Best Medicine
Staff Spotlight
Did you know? …that laughter is good for your heart? It diminishes stress and boosts the immune system. Even the simple act of smiling has a positive effect on happiness and physical health, helping the heart recover more quickly after stressful events. Smiling and laughter reduce blood pressure and releases serotonin and other natural pain killers. Did you know?
Melissa Bell PT, DPT
Melissa Bell received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University in 2012 after receiving her B.S. inHealthScience fromClemsonUniversity. Melissa enjoys treating a variety of orthopedic conditions but also specializes intreatingvertigoand innereardysfunction and is certified as a Vestibular Specialist with theAmerican Instituteof Balance. She
...that laughter’s positive effects are instantaneous! Once you start laughing, you immediately feel better and pain is perceived as less intense. These effects can last as long as 24 hours so laugh at least once a day!
has additional training in dry needling, spinal manipulation, Graston Technique, and joint mobilization. Melissa’s favorite hobbies are hiking with her husband, cooking, and kayaking on Lake Norman.
Made with FlippingBook Annual report