The core muscles refer to the muscles of your torso, particularly those of the abdominal area, lower back, and middle back. This includes the rectus abdominis (the abs), the transverse abdominis, the obliques, the muscles along the length of the back, and the pelvic floor. Other muscle groups of the body such as the lats and the glutes are often employed to help support these main core muscles.

As a skilled chiropractor and pain relief expert, Dr. Nathen Horst always considers the overall health of his patients, with a focus on the strength of their core. Our Temecula, CA chiropractic clinic would like to consider why the core muscles are so important and the role that chiropractic adjustments can play when it comes to lasting wellness and pain relief.

Why Core Muscles Are So Important

Core muscles aid in many functional movements of the body. They provide stability and balance when lifting, turning, walking, and performing a multitude of daily activities. If you have a weak core, you’re more likely to experience poor posture as well as serious bodily injury, particularly to the lower back.

How Core Strength Benefits Spinal Health

By having a strong core, your muscles will be able to properly support your weight when it shifts from your upper to lower body. The strain won’t overburden your lower back. In fact, strong core muscles strengthen the muscles of the lower back, making soreness and discomfort less of the an issue so long as your core remains strong.

We’ve previously noted that balance, strengthening, and mindfulness are among the benefits of yoga, which is a great way to engage your core muscles and work on balance.

Good Exercises for the Core

If you don’t want to just sign up for yoga just yet, there are a few core exercises you can work on at home. Consider this a sample of beginner core exercises:

• Standing Bicycle Crunches – Stand straight with your hands behind your head. Raise your bent right leg as high as you can, touch the raised knee with your left elbow, and return to starting position. Repeat the motion with your left leg and right elbow.
• Glute Bridges – Lie down flat on your back with your knees up and feet on the ground. Your hands should be to your sides on the ground at about hip level. Push your pelvis into the air using your legs and glutes while keeping your back straight. Hold the position for a second or two, then gently return to starting position.
• Front Planks – Lie down on your stomach. Position your arms beneath you with your forearms and elbows as support. Raise your chest, abs, and lower body off the ground. This should resemble a modified push-up position with your body supported by your forearms. Hold the plank for as long as you comfortably can and then gently return to starting position.

These three core exercises are designed for people just starting to build their core. There are more challenging variations of these exercises to try once you’re ready.

Core Exercises and Regular Chiropractic Adjustment

Core exercises alone may not be sufficient to alleviate back or neck pain. You may also need to undergo chiropractic adjustments to address the underlying issues with your spine. You’ll be able to experience pain relief and mental clarity from regular chiropractic adjustments, and will be able to strengthen you core between visits to you chiropractor.

Think of core strengthening workouts and chiropractic care as a winning combination of professional treatment and at-home care for spinal health issues.

Learn More About Improving the Health of Your Spine

For more information about improving the health of your spine, your posture, and your overall wellness, contact our chiropractic care office. Horst Chiropractic is here to offer advice, insight, and expertise on various wellness matters.