Texas Back Institute Announces 'Nine for Your Spine' for National Spine Health Day - ...( Nine Exercises to Build a...),Health

Nine Exercises to Build and Maintain a Healthy Spine

PLANO, Texas, Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to educate people about spine health, Texas Back Institute shares "Nine for Your Spine." The release of these nine easy exercises coincides with National Spine Health Day, October 16, 2008.

National Spine Health Day was established to bring attention to and understanding about exercise as the most effective means of reducing the prevalence and severity of back pain. While the occurrence of back pain is widespread, the underlying causes are not. The best prevention for back pain is simple: exercise.

"Most people don't realize how important their spine is to their overall health," said Dr. Scott Blumenthal, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who specializes in artificial disc surgery and sports-related injuries at Texas Back Institute. "Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper respiratory infections."

In recognition of National Spine Health Day, Texas Back Institute shares "Nine for Your Spine," exercise tips to build and maintain a healthy spine:

1. "Draw in" exercise

Lie on your back with knees bent. Imagine buttoning very tight

pants. Slowly "draw in" the lower abdominals, just below the navel,

and hold for 10 seconds. Keep the back as relaxed as possible, and

avoid flattening or arching the back. This exercise focuses on

strengthening the lumbar stabilizer muscles. Can be performed in any

neutral spine position (sitting, standing, walking, while working

out, etc.).

2. Press-up

Lie on the floor on your stomach, and place your hands in a push-up

position. Slowly push up with arms and allow the back to naturally

bend as if doing a standing back bend. Try to relax the lower back

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