When leaning over how much pressure is put on the spine?

Answer 1

The spine is magnificently designed and capable of astouding things. How much pressure is created when a person leans over in one direction or another is an individual thing. Depending on what kind of physical condition a person is the amount of pressure could vary from a little to too much. For instance, a well trained gymnast contorts their body in all sorts of ways and reach very high levels of fitness. In the case of a gymnast I believe they would perceive very little pressure from leaning over.

However, if an overwieght, 50 year old man who has not exercised in 10 or more years were to lean over the same amount he might find it a painful experience.

A good way to deal with the pressure is to consult a physician to make sure you can begin an exercise program and then enroll in a yoga or perhaps a Pilates course where flexibility is an important aspect of the training along with core strength. The movements are geared towards your personal level of fitness and you progress at your own pace. The most important benefit may very well be that with a reduction in weight and increased overall flexibility the pressure you feel should begin to decrease or even disappear altogether.

Yoga is another approach, but depending on your present level of fitness it may prove less enjoyable. At least until you reach a point where you can handle the stretching and various body positions. It is an excellent way to achieve a whole new level of existence for people who have never been athleticly inclined.

There are other options such as a modified fitness regimen that includes resistence exercises and stretching in a local gym and under the direction of a personal trainer. The kind of results you receive will be directly related to the level of knowledge of the trainer and the quality of the instruction you receive.