CORE Muscles Provide Spinal Stability!
Most exercises, such as the ones typically performed in a health gym, do not work or build the core muscles.
“Isotonic” means with motion. Isotonic exercises, such as lifting weights, do not affect the core muscles responsible for improving your posture.
“Isometric” means without motion. Isometric exercises are performed against resistance and affect the postural muscles.
Studies show it takes 12 weeks to develop muscle physiology.
The spinal exercises that Corrective Chiropractic of Greenville NC customizes them for your individual x-rays and posture.
Dr. Bret Wickstrom incorporates both positive and negative muscle exercising.
Spinal Twist & Spinal Molding
The discs of the spine have hydrogel properties that will change from a liquid to a gel state depending upon the core temperature – much like Jell-O™! By taking advantage of this amazing ability of our spinal discs to “mold” the proper ‘S’ curves (lateral view) of your spine into place.
By performing the spinal twist and combining it with spinal molding this recipe is like hitting the “RESET” button for your spine. The stress of gravity on your muscles is shifted back to your spine. Decreasing neck and low back pain along with muscle soreness.
You must be under chiropractic supervision before performing this combination. Especially a structural chiropractor. To first have the correct medical equipment and thus be instructed to properly perform the twist. If that indeed what your body is able to do based on your physical history. To raise your core temperature and liquefy the discs, perform the Spinal Twist exercise. This gets the bones of your spine moving. Motion creates friction, and friction creates heat! After you are done performing the Spinal Twist, you will be able to place a hand on your back and feel the warmth radiating from your spine.
After you’ve performed the spinal twist it’s essential to lie down with spinal supports that are specifically prescribed for your spine. There are several combinations and spinal supports that a person could be prescribed so follow the directions of your chiropractor. Set a timer for 20 to 30 minutes, and relax! It takes at least 20 minutes for spinal discs to cool and revert back to a gel state.
The blood supply to the spinal discs atrophies (dies) after puberty (fortunately young children will almost never have disc problems). The only way the discs stay healthy after this point is through motion; water & nutrients are pumped into the disc, and waste is pumped out when you perform the Spinal Twist. For optimal spinal health, these two exercises should be performed right away when you wake up, and before you lie down to go to sleep. You need annual x-rays (possibly more depending on your spinal shifts) to regulate how often you need to perform that particular spinal molding. Keep in mind that your teeth involve much more than just going to the dentist – likewise, good spinal health can only be maintained through caring for your spine every day, on a regular basis.
If you are interrupted after doing the Spinal Twist and do not give your spine a chance to cool down while molding the curves in place, be very mindful of your posture for the next half-hour. The curves will set in whatever position you maintain during this time. This warning also applies after you exercise, work in the garden, etc. If you allow your spine to cool down in an abnormal position, the result with be muscle tension, soreness & pain!
Advanced Spinal Molding
Your doctor may prescribe additional spinal blocks to be placed under your hips to correct abnormal rotation of the hips & pelvis and apparent leg length inequalities. For example, if your right hip is rotated forward (anterior), your left hip will be back (posterior), and it will appear that your right leg is shorter. Most of your weight will be distributed down your left leg, and this can result in extra wear & tear on your left hip, knee, and ankle.
Patients with scoliosis may perform spinal molding with a support under the rib arch to assist in de-rotation. This support should be placed parallel to the spine.
It is important not to exceed the 30-minute time limit on the Spinal Molding exercise, as this will place unnecessary tension upon the muscles. If you feel muscle pain or soreness after performing Spinal Molding, place an ice pack on the affected area: exactly 10 minutes for the neck, 15 for the mid-back, or 20 for the low back. This will reduce inflammation and pain.
The body will respond to the cold temperature by decreasing blood circulation to the area; removing the ice pack after a while will enhance this, and actually speed up healing by bringing oxygen and new blood cells to the area. If the pain persists, continue the regimen of ice at alternating periods of 10-20 minutes on, sixty minutes off. Do NOT use heat unless specifically instructed to do so; this may actually excite the nerves and increase pain, much like adding boiling water to a teapot brings it closer to boiling.
Please always talk to your chiropractor before performing any of the above items. Seeking a good structural chiropractor should be of the highest importance. We at Corrective Chiropractic of Greenville NC provide the latest and up to date information on structural care.
