The Pickering Chiropractor to see - Chiropractor Pickering

Ask a Weightlifter...

Backaches and sciatica image.

What do you think a weightlifter can teach you about your low back? In a word - plenty!

Weight or strength training is a popular addition to aerobic exercise in many gyms and home exercise programs. Weightlifters have known about the benefits of properly executed resistance training for years, despite age-old myths that weightlifting can cause serious injury and lower back pain.

For example, did you know that:

  • In one study, weightlifters actually experienced less back pain than a control group of men who didn't lift weights? (23% of weightlifter group experienced low back pain compared to 31% of normal active men)
  • Weightlifting is the safest form of resistance training?
  • Weightlifting is safer than other sports, such as soccer and football?
  • Weightlifting is a great way to build lean muscle weight and lower fat weight, helping you to tone and stay in shape?
  • Weightlifting helps to prevent osteoporosis because it encourages strong bones that aren't as prone to fractures?

In terms of weight training, a research study conducted by the University of Alberta concluded that those who add weight training to their exercise regime actually experience less back pain than those who only engage in one type of exercise. There was a 60% improvement rate in pain for those participants in the resistance training group, compared to only a 12% improvement in the aerobic training group.

Aerobic activity doesn't have any real effect on pain according to this study. In addition, the whole-body approach used in resistance training helps to strengthen the body, decrease fatigue and increase performance in everyday activities.

If you suffer from low back pain, you just might need to add some weight training to your aerobic routine. That, along with your regular chiropractic adjustments, can help to reduce pain and keep your nervous system functioning at peak levels.

If you have any questions about weight or resistance training, please be sure to ask when you are in for your next visit!

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Your Chiropractor Asks some important questions of interest to Pickering residents - Chiropractor Pickering Your Chiropractor Asks...

How long does it take to form a bone spur?
Many who begin chiropractic care think their problem happened "last week when you bent over funny." But pictures of the spine tell a different story. Chiropractors know it can take your body years to deposit the calcium necessary to form a bone spur. It's your body's response to stress due to gravity or joint malfunction. And chiropractic care can help.
Can a chiropractor heal?
There's never been a case in which a doctor (chiropractor or otherwise) has formed scar tissue, mended a broken bone or cured a headache. Only you can do that. Turns out you're the doctor! All I do is help remove interferences to your body's healing ability. Ready to get started? Call our office today.