Can Pilates Help Lower Back Pain?

Strengthening Your Lower Back

Lower back pain is extremely common — whether from an injury or from repetitive wear and tear. However, it’s important to release your back to alleviate pain and strengthen your spine. The following Pilates exercises can help you do just that.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of exercises that can help improve back pain. The exercises are designed to strengthen and stretch the muscles in the back, which can help relieve tension and pain. Often, Pilates is compared to yoga as both systems of exercises can help improve back pain. However — they differ in their approach. Yoga focuses on stretching and lengthening the muscles, while Pilates focuses on strengthening the muscles. Both approaches can be effective in relieving back pain.

Pilates can also help improve posture and flexibility, which can further reduce back pain. There are a variety of Pilates exercises that can help relieve back pain. Some examples include:

The Superman

This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles in the back and improve posture. To do this exercise, lie on your stomach with your arms and legs outstretched. Then, slowly lift your head, chest, and legs off the ground. Hold this position for a few seconds before lowering back down.

The Pilates Scissors

This exercise helps to stretch the muscles in the back and improve flexibility. To do this exercise, lie on your back with your legs in the air. Then, slowly lower one leg toward the ground while keeping the other leg raised. Hold this position for a few seconds before switching legs.

The Cobra

This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles in the back and improve posture. To do this exercise, lie on your stomach with your hands by your sides. Then, slowly lift your head and chest off the ground. Hold this position for a few seconds before lowering back down.

Treating Your Back Pain

These are just a few examples of Pilates exercises that can help relieve back pain. For best results, it is recommended to consult with your spine specialist to ensure you are safe to exercise, as well as your Pilates instructor or physical therapist to create an individualized exercise plan.

At Inspired Spine, our experienced and knowledgeable team is dedicated to relieving your chronic back pain with the least invasive treatment possible.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our spine surgeons, call (952) 225-5266 today.