Are You Having a Core Meltdown?
By Sandy Schroeder
The question of personal core meltdowns usually comes up about this time of year. Many of us are exercising less, eating more, and avoiding large mirrors that suggest problems.
If this sounds just a little too familiar, it might be a good time to learn more about your core and look for ways to strengthen it. Recently Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Mike Roizen focused on the core meltdown, warning us to be aware of the health risks involved.
Looking Closer at the Core
Core muscles encompass your abdominal, back, hip and butt muscles that support the spine and keep your body balanced.
Harvard Health suggests, “Think of your core muscles as the sturdy central link in a chain connecting your upper and lower body. Whether you're hitting a tennis ball or mopping the floor, the necessary motions either originate in your core, or move through it. A strong core underpins almost everything you do.”
Take a look at the many impacts.
Normal routines – Core muscles are needed from the minute we get up to the last tasks at night. Standing in the kitchen to fix breakfast, stooping down to put on your shoes or pick up your toddlers, and sitting to drive your kids to school and you to work, you use the core every day.
Daily jobs – Core muscles come in to play on the job. You may sit at a desk, use your phone and computer, and walk around the office. Or you may walk even more, lift, carry, and stand in a more physically demanding job in a store, factory or other business.
Back health – When core muscles weaken, low back pain may become intense, and reduce mobility. Help may be needed to strengthen the muscles, and limit the pain. Assistance from your doctor and your chiropractor are usually needed to get back to a normal routine.
Home, garden and garage – Core muscles are needed to mop, vacuum, lift, carry and reach to keep your world clean and functional.
Sports and leisure – The core gets involved when you run, swim, sail, ski, bike, play golf or tennis; you rely on the strength of your core muscles to make it happen.
Balance everything – As you move around daily, navigating various surfaces, indoors and out, and stand in one spot, core muscles keep you balanced and stable, avoiding slips or falls.
Posture demands – Bad posture with weak muscles can lead to slouching on the couch or slumping in your chair at work. Good posture lets you stand up straight and breathe deeply, looking great, and feeling better.
As always, start with your doctor and your chiropractor to choose the best ways to keep your core strong. They can suggest the best diet and exercise to keep you and your core in the best possible shape.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Morrisville, N.C.