Could you imagine surviving this Canadian Spring weather of rain, snow and ice with BAD BALANCE?!
So many accidents happen every day, but nothing like a slip and fall on black ice. Consequences can be pretty bad.
That’s why, we are sharing a functional balance and lower leg stabilizing exercise, the Warrior II pose:
Warrior II
- Weight Transfer from front and back legs,
- Ankle stability required
- Engaging Postural awareness
- Glute Muscle Activation
If you have trouble with your balance, see a Physiotherapist to check what your weakest link is for balance – it could be your feet, ankles, knees, hips, core muscles and glute muscles. It could be so many different things. Even lower back problems can lead to loss of balance. You may be thinking ‘What does your back has to do with your balance” Read below for the quick explanation.
Disc issues like herniations and bulges impact nerve function and therefore lower leg muscles.
Why Back Problems can Lead to Poor Balance
80% of Back Pain is due to Disc problems at the L4 – L5 spinal segment
80% of back problems like back pain, sciatica and stenosis occurs due to the disc at L4-L5 being strained, fissured or simply compressed. When this happens pain is often felt in the lower back. As things worsen the pain can radiate or refer along the nerve that originates from L4-L5. Once the nerve is affected, the muscles that are innervated by that particular nerve and any nerve branches down stream of it will be affected and become weak. The muscle reflex also becomes weak.
If the legs are weak and reflexes are not as good or not there, you will not be as steady and reflexive on your feet. This can ultimately put you at risk for falls.
