Mar 20
Sciatica is a term used to describe pain, tingling, or numbness that travels from the lower back down through the hip and into the leg due to irritation of the sciatic nerve. It forms from several nerve roots in the lumbar and sacral spine and travels through the pelvis, deep in the hip, down the …
Mar 19
“Drop Neck” is a condition where the neck muscles are too weak to hold the head upright. It is also known as Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS). This causes the head to tilt forward and downward. “Drop Neck” is caused by weakness in the neck extensor muscles. This can result from sedentary lifestyle habits, overuse or …
Mar 09
“Engage your core” is a term we often hear to avoid back injury during strenuous activity. It should go without saying that bracing one’s core is beneficial when lifting a wine box off the ground, carrying it thirty meters, rotating it to place it on a shelf, and lifting it to a shelf of varying …
Feb 17
In one of my undergrad classes at Sacramento State University, which emphasized injury prevention, our professor said something that has always stuck with me: glutes & hamstrings. He emphasized that strengthening these two muscle groups is critical to maintaining a strong, pain-free body and reducing the risk of injury. A simple yet effective bodyweight exercise …
Feb 12
Consistency can be defined as “the way in which a substance holds together” or “conformity in the application of something, typically that which is necessary for the sake of logic, accuracy, or fairness.” Adhering to specific actions that reinforce health and well-being supports goals for a fulfilling and enjoyable livelihood. Daily actions such as setting …
Jan 30
Exercise journeys can be challenging, depending on a person’s circumstances and physical condition. The demands of time spent at our jobs, household chores, and family obligations can make it difficult to find time for exercise. Previous or current injuries and health conditions can create a daunting experience when starting or re-entering a fitness routine, as …
Jan 23
Sometimes, the gold standard of “a strong core” can be visualized as a picture of Brad Pitt’s abs in his appearance in the classic movie Thelma and Louise. After taking his shirt off in a display that swooned viewers who were observing a specimen with the muscular body, structure, and proportions of a Greek god, …
Jan 15
The skeletal framework of bones beneath skeletal muscle is an important component for everyday functionality. The brain acts as the central command center, sending signals down the spinal cord to the extremities, instructing them to move in a specific manner. Muscular strength and neuromuscular coordination are essential for this process to occur efficiently and safely. …
Jan 02
“I took a spill the other day,” commented my friend Marion. After a look of concern hovered over my face, Marion continued to say, “Not really sure what happened. I was taking my usual morning walk after I read the newspaper and, the next thing you know, I’m on the ground.” He pointed to his …
Dec 18
The knee joint is comprised of connections between the femur, patella, tibia, and fibula. These bones have various muscle, tendon, and ligament attachments that create a hinge joint allowing for knee extension and flexion. The thigh bone is commonly understood as the femur, and the shin bone consists of the tibia and its partner, the …
