Simple Exercises to Improve Your Spinal Health 

Spinal health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, and it’s easy to neglect it, especially if you spend long periods sitting or standing still. At Errol Street Chiropractic, we believe in taking proactive steps to care for your spine. So start improve your spinal mobility with these simple exercises.

Our chiropractor, Dr. Lisa Smycz, has designed an easy-to-follow set of exercises that you can do from home. These movements are focused on improving spinal flexibility, reducing stiffness, and promoting better posture—all essential for maintaining a healthy spine. If you’re looking for ways to improve your spinal mobility with these simple exercises, this guide will help you get started.

The Routine: Step by Step

1. Start Lying on Your Back
This initial position allows you to gently engage your spine and lower back.

  • Pelvic Tilt: A subtle yet effective movement that activates and stabilizes the lower spine.
  • Thoraco-lumbar Twist: A gentle twisting motion to loosen up tension in the mid to lower back.
  • Knees to Chest Stretch: Provides relief for the lower spine and hips, particularly helpful for those who sit for long periods.

2. On All Fours
Next, move to a hands-and-knees position to further mobilize your spine.

  • Elbow and Wrist Mobilization: Great for improving flexibility and relieving tightness in the upper body.
  • Cat/Cow Stretch: This classic stretch enhances spinal flexibility and helps release tension along the entire spine.
  • Side Bends: Targets the sides of your body to improve lateral mobility.
  • Thread the Needle: A deep stretch for the upper back and shoulders, perfect for those dealing with shoulder or neck tension.
  • Neck Mobility: Gentle movements that improve neck flexibility and reduce stiffness.

3. Lying on Your Front
This position targets the lower spine and back.

  • Low Back Extension: A great counter-movement to sitting, helping to stretch and lengthen the lower back muscles.

4. Finish with Grounding Poses
End your routine by stretching and aligning your spine.

  • Child’s Pose: A calming pose that stretches the lower back and promotes relaxation.
  • Downward Facing Dog: A full-body stretch that works your back, shoulders, and legs.
  • Spinal Roll Up: The final movement helps realign the spine and set you up for a day of good posture.

Why Spinal Mobility Matters

Maintaining good spinal mobility helps reduce the risk of injury and chronic pain. It can also improve your posture, allowing you to move with ease and confidence throughout your day. Regular mobility exercises help prevent the long-term effects of poor spinal alignment, such as back pain, muscle stiffness, and even headaches. If you’re seeking to improve your spinal mobility with these simple exercises, you’re taking a vital step toward long-term spinal health.

If any of these exercises cause discomfort or pain, stop immediately and consult a musculoskeletal expert. At Errol Street Chiropractic, we specialize in spinal health and posture correction. Our team is here to provide professional advice and personalized treatment plans to help you achieve optimal spinal health.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Spinal Health Journey?

Visit us at www.errolstchiro.com.au to learn more about how we can help you improve your posture and spinal function. You can also watch our exercise videos on YouTube, where Dr. Lisa Smycz guides you through the movements to keep your spine in peak condition.

The Australian Chiropractors Association has a free App called Straighten up Australia. CLICK HERE. If you would like to know more about what front on posture should look like CLICK HERE.  Find out how to assess side posture, please CLICK HERE.

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