Pilates for Lower Back Pain

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Misty_Andersen]Misty Andersen
Your low back consists of five vertebra that are the largest of the spine's vertebra and carry the most weight. The lower spine connects to the pelvis and how the pelvis sits on top of the leg bones directly effects how the muscles in the low back work to keep you standing upright. If your pelvis is tipped forward, the low back has to contract more and becomes tight. Pilates will teach you how to engage your abdominals to balance your pelvis in a neutral position on top of your leg bones and how to sequence your spine to stretch out your lower back which will bring relief to low back pain.
Pilates targets strengthening your deep abdominal muscles that wrap around your torso like a corset that attach to your spine as well as stretching and strengthening your hamstrings which also attach to your pelvis and contribute to how your pelvis sits on your legs. A good Pilates instructor will be able to access which muscles you need to strengthen and which ones you need to stretch in order to achieve better posture. The different types of Pilates equipment and exercises are designed to work your deep stabilizer muscles while allowing your larger muscles that are pulling on your bones to relax.
The Pilates reformer is a piece of equipment that you lie down on that allows the low back to release and with the help of an instructor, targets the deep abdominals to hold the pelvis in neutral while you straighten and bend your legs. Your instructor will pay attention to your foot placement on the footbar to ensure you're placing your weight correctly to target the muscles in your legs that are weak and allow the strong ones to let go. Good posture begins with the feet and the footbar on the reformer helps people become more flexible and stronger in their feet and ankles.
The Pilates cadillac is a piece of equipment that utilizes springs to help you sequence through your vertebra. A lot of people with low back pain aren't very flexible in their low back. The vertebra are designed to articulate individually instead of as one piece as if fused. Your Pilates instructor will help you use the spring to keep your upper body lifted as you work on sequencing through your low back and lengthening those muscles to allow movement. Your instructor will also show you how to use your feet to stabilize your legs to let the front of your hips release. Your pelvis should roll on top of your leg bones with the engagement of your abdominals to begin the articulation.
The reformer and the cadillac both use springs to help your instructor guide you through supportive movements that are low impact on your joints. These movements teach you to move from your abdominals which support your spine and brings your body into proper alignment. You will then take your new movement patterns into your everyday life so you can move pain free and prevent further injuries. Pilates is an investment in yourself and is an exercise regime you can do your whole life. Connecting to your body through Pilates will bring awareness to how you're sitting and moving through space which will keep you healthy and strong.
Misty Andersen is a Certified Classical Pilates Instructor that operates a Pilates studio in Encinitas, CA, [http://www.themindfulmethod.com]http://www.themindfulmethod.com. She became certified in 2006 through The Pilates Center and continues her education on her own and by taking continuing education credit courses through the Pilates Center. She spends her free time surfing, snowboarding, making jewelry and gardening. Contact her today to schedule a session [http://www.themindfulmethod.com]http://www.themindfulmethod.com.
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