WHY IS EVERYONE SUDDENLY TALKING ABOUT CORE STRENGTH?

“WHY IS EVERYONE SUDDENLY TALKING ABOUT CORE STRENGTH?”

As you’ve noticed, your spine isn’t just a floating column of bone connecting your pelvis and your head. There are several muscles involved in this balancing act, mainly your back muscles and your abdominals. Those six-pack abs are mostly for show. It’s the deep abdominal muscles — called the core — that attach to your ribs, pelvis and indirectly to the lumbar spine to offer support. Meanwhile, your back muscles are layered, with each layer working to balance the spine.

“HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CORE IS WEAK?”

Just as it sounds, the core is the center of your body, and keeping it strong will reduce your risk for back pain by making you less prone to back and neck injuries.

Indications that you have a weak core include lower back pain, as well as poor posture, such as slouching or a tilted pelvis. Overall physical weakness is another sign, because bursts of strength, such as throwing a ball, originate to some degree from your core muscles.

“HOW CAN I BOOST MY CORE STRENGTH?”
Begin a routine of exercises that will work your abdominal muscles equally, including your internal and external obliques and the transverse abdominals. The following are a few examples that require no equipment except a floor.
The Elbow Plank is the toughest thing you’ll ever do without moving. It is also one of the best and most basic exercises for your mid-section. Hold the position for 30 seconds, release, and repeat 3 times. Do this move once a day.

DID YOU KNOW?
Former Marine officer and retired DEA agent George Hood, 57, holds the world record for planking? He held his plank a total of five hours, 15 minutes and 15 seconds.
Abdominal Crunches are familiar to most of us. But you may wonder why sit ups aren’t on the list. The main drawback to sit-ups is the possibility of lower back and neck injuries. Even with crunches, beginners should start with a minimal number of crunches. Do three sets of 10 abdominal crunches every day.
You may not have thought of Push-Ups as an abs workout, but this simple isometric exercise incorporates the stabilization of core muscles, combining upper-body pushing with the plank. Do 3 sets of 10 push-ups every day. As your body becomes stronger, you can do more repetitions.
A regular routine of core exercises will boost core strength and lead to overall body strength. Before beginning any new exercise routine, consult your doctor, especially if you are currently experiencing back pain.

[bio]
Dr. Sukdeb Datta of Datta Endoscopic is a highly regarded and widely published specialist. Dr. Datta’s clinical interests have been wide ranging and focused on finding innovative solutions to complex clinical problems associated with chronic pain and spine issues. He believes in constantly evolving and intellectually advancing the field by incorporating the best clinical research and practice using the appropriate evidence-based approach and at the same time incorporating the best in translational pain research.

[DISCLAIMER]
This blog should not take the place of in-person medical treatment. Consult Datta Endoscopic or your physician for a personalized medical diagnosis and treatment plan.