Every day millions of Americans deal with back problems. A large majority of individuals I work with have some sort of back issue, commonly herniated and slipped discs, fractured and fused vertebrae, and back strains. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be improved and for those who have not been injured yet, they can be prevented. The two most important causes of back pain lie in two culprits: core strength and posture.

Muscles work in pairs and two of the most stressed muscles in the body lie in the core. The lower back and the abdominal muscles are constantly working in tandem to support the torso. If one or both of these muscles are weak, it will cause the opposing muscle to over work, thus leaning to pain, discomfort, and other injures in the region. Thus many back issues, especially lower back, stem from a weak stomach. In addition, improper posture will greatly lead to back injuries. By leaning the upper back over and having the head in a forward posture, it will create a large amount of additional stress on the lower back. Improve posture and you will improve lower back pain.

Some of the most common injuries are also the most preventable. Increase core strength by adding core work into your workouts. Plank exercises and its many variations are the best at increasing core strength in relation to posture and lower back rehabilitation/prevention. Also, work on your posture by ensuring you are constantly standing up straight and keeping your back straight. Keeping these two components in mind during your workouts will lead to less discomfort in life.

By Sean Spire – a fitness professional, specializing in athletic development, weight loss, post-rehabilitation, and the geriatric population. With a degree in Exercise Science from Florida State University where he was a scholarship athlete in swimming, he currently resides in South Florida where he pursues his passion – helping people live life the way it is meant to be lived. More articles and tips can be found on Sean’s blog – http://www.aspirefitnessandhealth.com/

Photo By planetc1