Contribution of Osteopaths to Team GB in Athletics World Championship 2019

Tags – Stress-Related Physical Pain

Like most things in life, not all pains are created equal.

At the most basic level, there are physical, as well as psychological pain, but there can be other forms of extended bodily damages too. For instance, some injuries caused by an accident, or even poor body posture, may lead to deterioration of muscles, and later leading to psychological trauma.

In some cases, the extended injury may not even be directly connected, at least from an external, physical consideration. For example, if you have had a negative experience in the past, an anchor resemblance may trigger the memory of the pain in the first place.

In all such cases, there are exercises and programs in osteopathy, that are able to provide the necessary help.

Stress and Posture

Even though stress is a mental state, it’s effects extend to our physical posture too.

For instance, generally, when an individual is feeling depressed, the body physically starts to close. This means the shoulders of the depressed person shurge in and the spine curls down.

As a result, when the individual is sitting, they may slouch, causing long term problems from bad postures. Because the posture can be dealt with directly, in theory, some psychological help is also obtained indirectly through physical attention.

The next stage is then to realign a good body posture through stretches, exercises and constant readjustment. Check below for some good stretching notes and suggestions. 

General Notes on Stretching

In particular, we are discussing back stretches here, related to posture.

In all such stretches, the focus is on the associated muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting the spine. For other specific forms of stretches, e.g. with pains related to necks and back, please consult our professional services here at The Spine Clinic.

The specified forms of stretching covered here have extended benefits. This includes:

• Improving upon muscle tension. In most cases, the extent of the pain is directly related to the tension in the muscles themselves. Therefore, stretching can extensively help.
• Back pain can also limit your mobility and range of motion. Stretches allow you to break the shackles and improve your movements.
• In worse case scenarios, and especially in cases where the pain is not dealt in a timely manner, your body can be permanently damaged. Therefore, stretches can help you reduce the risk of disability.
• Stretching also enables you to counteract the effects of stiff muscles. This stiffness is generally caused by longer periods of sitting down; a part and parcel of most jobs these days.

The extent of such stretches depends on the time-length of your condition. For instance, if you are affected by chronic pain, generally regarded as any pain that has been there for over 3 months, the treatment itself may span over weeks, if not months. 

In cases where necessary, we may also suggest a physical therapy program, of which stretches can be a part of. In many cases, the physical therapy program can also be followed at home, while conducting regular checkups with your trained professional.

Let’s go through some tips regarding stretches.

General Tips for Stretching to Relieve Back Pain 

• How you physically feel in the moment can have an impact on the physical goals you are trying to achieve. Therefore, what you are wearing and the attached comfort levels are key to unhindered movement.
• Next, it is important to exercise on a clean, clear surface. This will allow you to continue without any unnecessary blockages.
• It is important to know the limits of your body. Therefore, do not put your body through excess tension through, for instance overstretching. Over time, you will be able to push further anyways. So, keep the process consistent.
• Building upon the last point, do not indulge in any excessive motion, e.g. jumping.
• Stretches are not singular motions. Therefore, it is important to hold your stretches, ideally for 15 to 30 seconds each. In addition, this will allow you to improve your motion in the long term. Further, repeat each motion at least 2 to 5 times to allow your body to elongate.
• Focus on each side of the body at any given time instead of keeping the motions random. This allows attached muscles to be exercised simultaneously and benefitting from the motions.

To learn more, get in touch with us today.