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Most of us have heard experts tout the benefits of stretching for runners and walkers. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that running and walking use leg, pelvic and back muscles extensively. Unless your body usage is premo, you are likely to practice your sport with imbalances in your postural alignment. When you do a weight bearing workout as vigorous as running, you risk strengthening the imbalances you have, which may lead to an injury.
Strength and flexibility imbalances between muscles that attach on or pass through the pelvis may create back pain. For example, tight hamstrings (muscles at back of the leg) are known to cause a condition called flat low back posture. (As the name implies, flat low back posture is a decrease in the natural spinal curve in the lumbar area.) Tight quads may pull the top of the pelvis forward, increasing the curve (a condition known as hyper, or excessive lordosis). Excessive lordosis may tighten up your back muscles.
About.com's Yoga Guide, Ann Pizer, has a great routine for runners. Check out her yoga stretches for runners.
| How to Align Your Spine | Back Pain | Is it Safe to Work Out When You Have Back Pain? |
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