Why training the glutes can help you beat back pain

The network of muscles that support your lower back can also contribute to back pain if they are mismanaged. The greatest problem we face is insufficient strength: unless we regularly condition the muscles involved in core stability, they are going to weaken in relation to your body weight. That increases the burden on the actual vertebrae and, in particular, the intervertebral discs. But even people who take core stability seriously forget that this network extends to the glutes; indeed, the gluteus maximus is considered a minor, or auxiliary, core muscle.

Role of the glutes in back pain

Lifestyles that involve a lot of sitting tend to neglect the glutes; as a result, their strength and effectiveness in supporting our spine erode, and they can actually start contributing to our pain. Weak glutes contribute to:

• Poor pelvic alignment and stability: lack of stability at the base of the spine leaves you vulnerable to injury. 
• Poor hip flexor function: hip flexors become tight, which affects your seated posture. 
• More pressure on the lower back. A compromised set of glute muscles weakens the spine’s support network and contributes to pain and stiffness. 

What we end with is a picture of muscular imbalance and a lack of spinal stability. This is a recipe for subluxation at least! 

Improving glute strength and function in support of your back 

At Family Chiropractic and Natural Healing Center, everything we do is in support of your spine. Strengthening the glutes is in line with a lifestyle that prioritizes your spinal health. We can show you stretches and exercises that undo the tightness of the glutes that result from a sit-heavy lifestyle. If you want to start making small changes that really matter for spinal longevity, give our office in Milpitas a call to schedule an appointment today.