Oiling Your Joints

Sometimes, as you start to move, you feel aches and pain you didn’t expect.

This may be especially common after sitting or standing for long periods of time. Here are some tips to follow to loosen up the joints. Always remember to come and get a spinal tune-up. Our clinic is conveniently located in Leesburg. You don’t have to live with neck or back pain.

Muscles and ligaments are sort of like playdoh, they are both elastic and plastic. This means that our ligaments are stretchable (elastic), but also stay in the position that they are in for long periods of time (plastic). When you’re in pain the lower back ligaments become irritated.

They lose their elasticity, but still maintain their plasticity.When you try and stand up after sitting, your ligaments and muscles don’t want to stretch. In order to help them stretch and regain their elasticity,you must first regain low back motion. Pelvic tilts and hula hoops will help regain motion in the lower back.

Do the following to avoid pain upon standing:
While still sitting, do a few pelvic tilts. First arch your lower back, then tuck your tailbone under (flatten your arch). Be careful when arching as this may increase your pain. Only stay in the pain free range of motion. Notice as you’re tucking your tailbone, that you’re contracting the muscles in your buttocks. Furthermore, notice that as you tuck, you’re also using your abdominal muscles. Arch and flatten your lower back three times. On the third time, tuck your tailbone (flatten the arch) and hold it. Put your hands on your thighs and stand up slowly.