Daily - Spinal Hygiene Exercises:
Use them to “wake up” your nerves first thing out of bed each morning.
1. Throwing Water - Feet in one place while you turn your entire spine back & forth completely including your head. Make sure to go as far as you can to the point of pain or complete range of motion. Rotate 3-6 times in each direction.
2. Cervical Stretches - the best recommendation is to do this in the shower with hot water running on the side being stretched. Simply, rest your arm over the head, not pulling down, but gently & consistently tractioning in each direction. 8 directions total
3. Arm Stretches - 2 for each arm, first pull each arm across the chest, holding it against the chest with the other arm & second, pull each elbow back over the head holding the elbow with the opposite hand. Hold for 10 seconds each. 4 arm stretches total
4. The Leaning Banana - stand on the toes as best you can without falling over & stretch with arms way above your head, then over to one side (all while being on your toes) then the other. Repeat 2 times.
5. Mad Cat - kneel down on your hands and knees, look up & stretch your spine down, then look down and arch your spine up. Repeat 4 times.
6. Superman - on a hard surface, lay flat face down, at one time lift your arms & legs off the floor. Repeat 3 times.
7. Salutation - Yoga Position #1 is also good to do. Again kneeling, rest your buttocks on your feet, then stretch your hands forward down to the floor as far as your can & hold. Hold for min. 10 seconds.
8. Low Back Rock - On your bed, lay on your back, pull your knees in & hold them from underneath. Rock to open up the joints. Rock a few times & hold for a few seconds. Get up slowly. |