Did you know that having a stiff thoracic (mid back) can cause knee, hip, neck & shoulder pain? Having restricted movement through an area (such as your thoracic which requires a lot of mobility) has its effects on other parts of the body. Here are three reasons to move more!
Lighten up!
By mobilising your thoracic through stretching, using a foam roller or manual soft tissue treatment, you are indirectly treating the nervous system. When the tissue is mobilised, the main nerves that run through your spine are also lightly 'flossed' meaning they can move freer through the body. This is what can have a positive effect on your mood! By putting your nervous system into a sympathetic state you become more relaxed and calm. Perfectly necessary for the end of school holidays... or the start!
Hunch back anyone?
We all know what it looks like to have a hunch back, and we all certainly do not wish to have one! Having a stiff thoracic causes your body to recruit other stabilises and lays down thick connective tissue to do so. Once this tissue is layed down over a period of time it becomes nearly impossible to release and break through, hence getting that hunched look.
Lower back pain (LBP)
I've spoken about LBP before and how it generally comes from other areas of the body (tight/ weak glutes, repetitive movements) and now I'll explain how it can come from the thoracic. Your thoracic is where the majority of rotation (twisting) should come from. If your thoracic is tight or stiff, the movement is compensated to the next segment which is the lumbar (lower back). Increased load = pain!
The health of your thoracic is crucial to the body for movement and control. Regularly mobilising by using any tool such as a foam roller or seeing your health practitioner for soft tissue and joint mobilisation will benefit you now and forever. Be responsible for YOUR body!
PS. Move more, move better
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