Research suggests that around 80% of adults will suffer at least one episode of back pain at some point in their lives. There are many causes of back pain from office working, pregnancy and sports to injury, accidents and lack of mobility. It can develop over time and can be brought on by conditions such as arthritis, scoliosis, or bulging or slipped disks.
 
There are many traditional ways to relieve back pain such as the usual home remedies of over-the-counter pain relievers and heating pads, but these aren’t a long term solution.

Get active
It might seem counter-intuitive, but one of the best approaches is to get moving, even if you are experiencing discomfort. Activity is crucial when relieving current and preventing future bouts of back pain.
 
Reformer Pilates especially is an effective form of exercise for managing and potentially resolving back pain by addressing any underlying issues, improving core strength, flexibility, and overall body alignment.
 
 
Improving your core strength
Reformer Pilates places a strong emphasis on core muscle engagement. This is beneficial when addressing back pain as a strong core helps stabilise  your spine and support a proper posture which reduced the risk of back strain and discomfort. By strengthening your deep muscles in your abdomen, lower back, and pelvis this will give you better spinal support and alleviate back pain.
 
 
Understand your body
Many cases of back pain are linked to muscle imbalances within your body, where certain muscles are overactive or underactive. Reformer Pilates exercises target specific muscle groups to create a more balanced and harmonious muscular system, which can reduce stress on your spine and reduce back pain.
 
This form of Pilates also encourages mindfulness and body awareness. With guidance from your experienced instructors, you can concentrate on your movement patterns and understand how your body feels during exercises which will help you identify and correct habits that may contribute to back pain. This increased awareness can lead to more mindful movement and improved posture throughout daily activities.
 
And by incorporating mindful breathing techniques that help to reduce stress and tension, which are often associated with back pain, this can help you relax.
 
 
Improving your flexibility
Quite often back pain can often be exacerbated by muscle tension and stiffness. When you are in pain it is tempting to reduce activity and become immobile, which could actually increase and prolong the pain. As Reformer Pilates incorporates a range of dynamic stretches and movements that can help improve your flexibility and joint mobility, this can alleviate muscle tightness and reduce the strain on your back.
 
When joining a Reformer Pilates class, there is a gradual progression of exercises and resistance levels so you can make sure your body slowly and gently adapts to become stronger over time, without overloading the muscles or exacerbating existing pain.
 
 
Correcting your spine
Reformer Pilates exercises promote proper alignment of the spine, which is crucial for preventing and managing back pain. The controlled and targeted movements can help to improve your spinal posture and reduce imbalances that may contribute to your pain.
 
 
A gentle approach
The machine used in Reformer provides controlled resistance and support which makes it a low-impact exercise option which is the ideal approach if you suffer from back pain, as it reduces stress on the joints while still providing an effective workout.
 
 
Reformer Pilates with Bora
At Bora Studio our certified Pilates instructors can tailor exercises to your specific needs and limitations. They can modify movements to accommodate any existing back issues you may have and provide personalised guidance to ensure a safe and effective practice.
 
We provide both group and 1 to 1 classes in Reformer Pilates with a focus is on your health and well being.
 
Find out more about us here.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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