Why is back and posture health so critical?
Back pain and poor posture can have a significant impact on various aspects of our health. Here are some ways in which they can affect our overall well-being:
Chronic Pain & mobility challenges: Back pain and poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances, strained muscles, and reduced flexibility. Over time, this can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and an increased risk of injuries.
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Poor posture can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction by placing excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and structures. When we slouch or hunch over, it can disrupt the alignment of the pelvis, leading to increased tension or weakness in the pelvic floor
Spinal & Core Health: Poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over, can place excessive stress on the spine. This may lead to misalignments, such as kyphosis (rounded upper back) or lordosis (exaggerated inward curve of the lower back), which can cause pain and discomfort. This can also lead to core issues
Respiratory Function: Slouching or having a rounded upper back can compress the chest cavity, limiting the space available for the lungs to expand.
Digestive System: Sitting or standing with poor posture can compress the abdominal organs and affect digestion. It may lead to issues like acid reflux, constipation, and reduced bowel movements.
Mood and Mental Well-being: Chronic back pain and poor posture can be physically and emotionally draining. Persistent pain can lead to frustration, irritability, and even depression or anxiety. Additionally, studies have shown a connection between posture and mood, with good posture associated with increased self-confidence and positive emotions.
Energy Levels and Fatigue: Constantly battling back pain or maintaining poor posture can be physically exhausting, leading to decreased energy levels and increased fatigue throughout the day.
Sleep Quality: Back pain can make it challenging to find a comfortable sleeping position and may disturb sleep. Poor sleep quality can further contribute to fatigue, mood disturbances, and impaired cognitive function.
Common Symptoms of Back & Posture issues
refer to the misalignment or malalignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structures, resulting in deviations from the optimal posture. ability to maintain an upright and stable posture while standing, walking, or performing other movements. postural imbalance characterized by specific muscle imbalances and altered movement patterns in the upper body. biomechanical issues and irregularities in the way a person’s feet function during walking, running, or standing. mobility refers to the ability of a joint or a series of joints to move freely and efficiently through their full range of motion. medical condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, causing it to bend sideways. chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints (the joints connecting the lower back and pelvis). prevalent and often uncomfortable condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the area below the ribcage and above the hips. congenital condition that occurs during early fetal development when the neural tube, which forms the baby’s brain and spinal cord, doesn’t close properly. refers to a more severe form of spina bifida, specifically, myelomeningocele, in which the spinal cord and nerves protrude through the opening in the spine. Refers to an increased range of motion in one or more joints beyond what is considered normal for that particular joint. is a heritable connective tissue disorder that causes generalized joint hypermobility, joint instability, and chronic pain. hEDS is also associated with a variety of other symptoms and related conditions that affect many different areas of the body. is a genetic connective tissue disorder that causes severe skin hyperextensibility, skin fragility, and atrophic scarring. cEDS also causes joint hypermobility and joint instability. postural imbalance that affects the muscles of the lower back, pelvis, and hips. It is often associated with prolonged sitting and poor posture, which can lead to muscle imbalances and altered movement patterns.
What do these symptoms feel like?
Pain both near your back and in adjoining areas
Stiffness that limits your range of motion
Muscle spasms causing tight contractions
Bowel or bladder function changes
Heaviness in your pelvic floor
Weakened core
Lack of balance or feel like losing “step” often
What causes symptoms of back and posture issues?
Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged periods of sitting, especially with poor ergonomics, insufficient physical activity and lack of core strength can contribute to poor posture and back issues.
Pregnancy and ligament laxity: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can cause the ligaments in the body to become more relaxed and flexible. While this is necessary to accommodate the growing baby, it can also lead to increased joint instability, including in the spine. This can result in changes in posture and increased susceptibility to back pain or discomfort.
Menopause: Particularly a decrease in estrogen levels during menopause, can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened and brittle bones. Weakened bones in the spine can lead to compression fractures or vertebral collapse, altering the alignment of the spine and affecting posture
Auto-immune disorders: Some hormonal conditions, such as thyroid disorders or certain autoimmune diseases, can cause joint pain and inflammation. This can affect the spine and lead to changes in posture and back discomfort.
Muscle Weakness and Imbalances: Weak muscles, particularly in the core, back, and hip areas, can contribute to poor posture. Imbalances between muscle groups, such as tight chest muscles and weak upper back muscles, can lead to rounded shoulders and a forward head posture.
Incorrect Lifting Techniques: Lifting heavy objects with improper form or using the back instead of the legs can put excessive stress on the spine and lead to back injuries and postural issues.
Excessive Weight: Carrying excess body weight can put additional strain on the back and contribute to poor posture. The spine may have to compensate for the added weight, leading to misalignments and discomfort.
Stress and Emotional Factors: Psychological stress and emotional factors can affect posture. When stressed or anxious, individuals may adopt a slouched or hunched posture, which can contribute to muscle tension and poor alignment.
Structural Abnormalities or Injuries: Certain structural abnormalities, such as scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine) or herniated discs, can predispose individuals to poor posture and back problems. Previous injuries or trauma to the back can also contribute to postural issues.
Lack of Awareness and Education: Many people are not aware of proper posture or the importance of maintaining it. Without this knowledge, they may unknowingly adopt poor posture habits that can strain the muscles and structures of the back.
Are you confused about all the contradictory pieces of information out there?
Bed Rest vs. Physical Activity: Bed rest can be commonly prescribed for back pain. However, there is research that suggests prolonged bed rest can actually be detrimental and delay recovery.
Posture Correction: While some experts advocate for specific exercises and stretches to improve posture, others argue that the focus should be on movement variability and avoiding prolonged static positions.
Stretching for Back Pain: Stretching is often recommended as a way to alleviate back pain. However, conflicting information exists regarding the types of stretches and their effectiveness.
Use of Back Supports: The use of back supports, such as belts or braces, is a topic of debate. While they can provide temporary relief and support during certain activities, there is concern that relying too heavily on back supports may weaken the core muscles and potentially lead to dependency or further injury.
Our suggestion: The secret is in your breath, alignment and fascia activation
A combination of breathing techniques, alignment and activation of your fascia (the largest organ in your body that runs from head to toe) is the secret to start to reverse back and posture issues.
You get all this by doing Hypopressives for 10 minutes/day.
Let’s break this down:
Align: By practising the Hypopressives lateral breath, you start to expand your ribs, you start to create more space in your body. This not only reduces stress but also promotes alignment of the ribs and spine. This leads to an elongated back and spine creating a better posture.
Reduce pressure: Hypopressives engage your core muscles by removing intra-abdominal pressure that helps remove the strain of your spine and strengthen the outer and deep core muscles instead.
Fascial decompression: By activating your myofascial slings that runs through your body, Hypopressives helps in decompressing your spine, pelvic floor and abdominal muscles leading to more vitality and flow.
In short, by doing the breath work with hypopressives, you can start to strengthen your core and abdominal muscles, elongate your spine that leads to improved posture and reduction in back strain.
10 minutes per day for 12-weeks is all you need to start seeing results.
Click the button below to get started.
Reverse symptoms of back and posture with Hypopressives
10 minutes/day is all you need to get started from home
Hypopressives Training Course
With the Hypopressives breath-hold, get back to doing things you love with no limitations.
- 10 mins/day videos to follow-along
- 1:1 support from a hypopressives instructor to ensure you are doing the technique right
- Live Weekly Zoom classes
Why our programs work?
1:1 Support personalized to your needs
LIVE weekly classes and group calls
Continuous updates of content and new therapies
On-demand video library, any time, any device
Knowledgeable innovative committed leaders in prolapse recovery/ healing. Slow enough you don’t get discouraged and the focus is recovery not a face paced exercise class. Thank you all I’ll let you know when I’m a miracle like many of you
Karen
Really enjoying my daily practice, it starts my day beautifully and calmly, ready for anything! It's still early days for me but I feel stronger in my core and better in myself. Tutors are so warm dedicated and professional.
Judy Connor
Both Abby and Filippa are very professional and nice instructors. The Hypopressives exercises takes a while to learn but after 4 weeks I'm getting better and also stronger in my core. I'm happy to have found Moonrise!
Ann Malmberg
Sooooo much brilliant information on everything you need to know about the menopause and women’s health in general. Tips on diet, the right exercises and mental health are excellent. The check ins with Filippa are lovely and nurturing too. It’s a really well run program and I can’t praise it enough.
Caroline
Here are answers to questions you might have
As you can imagine, the answer is very individual.
Some women notice a change after 3-6 months. Some after 3-6 weeks. We know you are eager to reach better health, yet we see the best results in women not expecting to see results, but who keep doing the work no matter what.
Yes, by learning the right posture and breathing techniques, you can indeed start to see better health outcomes years after. Our oldest member is 93 years old!
Yes, you can indeed work with Hypopressives to see improvement not only with your posture or back challenge but your overall quality of life. Hypopressives has tons of modifications and have very little contraindications (see next question)
Hypopressives are not for you if you have any of the following contraindications:
- Any transplant surgery
- Any heart surgery
- Any surgery on the internal organs (not including a hysterectomy)
- Ehlers–Danlos syndrome – vascular
Pregnant women are not advised to do the apnea holds while lateral breath & alignment can be beneficial.
Yes, hypopressives will be very useful for you.
Yes indeed. Hypopressives can help.
Please write to support@moonrise.health with more information for us to guide you.
Yes indeed. You will find relief with 10 minutes of Hypopressives everyday.
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10 minutes/day of Hypopressives is all you need to reclaim your health
With the Hypopressives breath-hold, get back to doing things you love with no limitations.
- 10 mins/day videos to follow-along
- 1:1 support from a hypopressives instructor to ensure you are doing the technique right
- Live Weekly Zoom classes