Monday Morning Boost #015

November 11, 2024 · Shawn Sprague, PT, DPT, OCS · 1 min read

Back & neck

In this issue
  • How to loosen up your back in the morning
  • Why core exercises may help with low back pain
  • How common low back pain really is

News You Can Use

Does your back feel stiff when you wake up? Try spending more time on your feet first thing in the morning.

When we sleep, our spine is decompressed, and the intervertebral discs collect water. This process increases stiffness throughout the spine.

Standing upright reduces the amount of water in the intervertebral discs and decreases spine stiffness, allowing us to move more freely.

Try this simple fix if you wake up with a stiff back and let us know what you think!


Article We Like

Core exercises certainly help with low back pain, but why? This article from the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy blog provides a possible explanation:

The Myth of Core Strengthening


Quote We Like

“Today, as it has been throughout all of history, back pain is extremely widespread. It is the second most common reason people go to the doctor after the common cold, and is even referred to as the "common cold of the muscle-joint system."

-Dr. Adriaan Louw


Learn More From Us!

  • Have questions? We're happy to help! Shoot us an email at ptprogressionma@gmail.com
  • Rather call? We're happy to chat over the phone at (508) 650-1984
This is an archived newsletter issue, published as originally sent. Information here is general and isn't medical advice for your particular situation. If something hurts, come and talk to us. Book a free fit call.