The Question of Flexibility

The question of flexibility is becoming more important as Americans move toward a more sedentary lifestyle. The trend cannot really be helped, as jobs and recreation options are shifted into more screen-oriented settings, but there are steps you can take as an individual to fight the kind of stagnation that occurs to your body during a day spent deskbound. Flexibility, simply defined as the ability of the body to bend without incurring injury, can be added (back) into your life seamlessly, but it does take dedication. The upside to be gained with a more flexible body should be enough to convince you of its worth: being flexible is the best way to eliminate or greatly reduce the chance of back pain. Here are some simple stretches to keep the back flexible: 

• Pike stretch: Sit on the floor with legs extended in front of you. Lean forward and try to touch your toes, keeping your back completely straight. Stop before the feeling of resistance turns into pain in any of the main points being stretched: the hamstrings, leg muscles and lower back. 
• Pike stretch, standing variant: stand straight up, bend at the waist and reach toward your toes. Bend as far as you can but don’t cause yourself pain. You should feel a stretch in the back and legs. 
• Spinal stretch: Lie supine, then cross the right leg over the other while extending the right arm in the opposite direction. You can rest your left hand on the knee of the right leg. 

At Family Chiropractic & Natural Healing Center, we believe it is the littlest things which make the biggest difference. We want to help you retain the greatest amount of flexibility as you move forward in life and we can provide you with chiropractic adjustment and help you implement stretching techniques that will truly make a difference in your life. 

Dr. Gregory Lind, D.C.