How to Decompress Your Spine

By: Niki Johnson, MS, ACSM Exercise Physiologist

Do you have constant stiffness or mild pain in your back or hips? Does sitting for an extended period of time for work or in your favorite recliner at home cause you to feel discomfort in your upper or lower back?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, learning how to decompress your spine may help!

Next, you may be thinking, ‘So, how do I decompress my spine?’ This article will teach you how to take the weight of supporting your body off of your joints and instead place the work on your muscles.

We’ll show you how to isometrically contract, or tense up, your muscles in certain positions without moving. No special equipment is needed.

Begin by sitting in a chair at home or at work.

  1. In a seated position, move yourself to the front edge of the chair and get your hips underneath you. (This is not how we want to sit all the time, but it is good to give our spine a break from being compressed when we sit in a more relaxed position.)
  2. Sit up very tall. Imagine a string is pulling the crown of your head toward the ceiling. Then, lift your chest up. The goal is to create a lot of space between your hips and the top of your head.
  3. Now, keeping your upper body tall, set your legs and feet fairly close together, but not touching.  Keep your feet flat on the floor with your heels directly under your knees. 
  4. Next, place the back of your hands on the inside of your knees. You want to apply some outward pressure with your hands and some inward pressure with your knees. 
  5. Lastly, take a few deep breaths making sure to fill the back of your ribs/your upper back area with air. This will bring a natural shape or rounding of the upper spine.
  6. Hold this position—pressing the knees inward, driving the hands outward, and breathing deep in the back of the rib cage—for 30 seconds, then relax.
  7. Return to your normal sitting position and try again later in the day when your spine needs another break.

This may feel awkward and challenge you; however, you are going to feel leg muscles working, abdominal muscles contracting, back and neck muscles stretching, and your spine will thank you for it.

If you need assistance developing an exercise program to further strengthen your muscles, click here to learn more about Sheltering Arms’ Adaptive Exercise Program, or call (804) 764-5275.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Weight-Bearing Interventions In Stroke Recovery

Experiencing a stroke can lead to motor impairments, including hemiparesis, which is a weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. These impairments can often impact an individual’s ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, driving, walking, and using the restroom. Traditionally, physical and occupational therapy focus on helping people adapt to these changes; however, research is now recommending methods that help recover function. Weight-bearing, or putting weight on an individual’s affected arm or leg, supports stroke recovery by helping the brain and body work better together to improve balance, coordination, and strength.

Making Your Bathroom Safer

The bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in the house, but it’s often the most hazardous—especially for those with mobility challenges, balance issues, or those recovering from injury or surgery. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can significantly improve the safety of your bathroom and make your daily routines more comfortable and confident. Here are some practical tips to help you create a safer, smarter space.

Simple Stroke Recovery Exercises & Therapy You Can Do At Home

Are you recovering from a stroke at home? Staying home doesn’t have to mean a standstill in your rehabilitation progress! There are plenty of activities you can do in your home to maintain and continue your recovery after inpatient stroke rehabilitation care.

Top 3 Exercises for Parkinson’s Disease

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are looking to start a new exercise program? Research has indicated that exercise can help reduce the progression of Parkinson’s Disease and can provide relief from motor symptoms, stiffness, or mood changes that can be associated with the diagnosis. It’s recommended to see a physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with Parkinson’s Disease to identify specific areas of improvement and to assist you in establishing a safe, customized exercise program. Learn exercises to address different elements of physical exercise and wellness.

Avocado toast with turkey bacon and tomato

5 No-Egg Healthy Breakfast Ideas​

As many of you may know, there’s been an ongoing egg shortage due to the bird flu, which has significantly impacted egg prices — up by more than 50% from last year. While this may have made your usual breakfast routine a bit more challenging, fear not! There are plenty of other protein-rich options to fuel your day.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.