The optimal function of our spine is dependent on assistance from other key muscles groups. One, the gluteal muscles. The gluteal muscles stabilize your spine and support lower extremity function.
Glutes
The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and the gluteus minimums are the muscles that belong to the gluteal muscle group. These three muscles all play a role in balance or stabilization. Our glutes are responsible for function and movement of our hip and thigh. Think standing up from a seated position, climbing and pushing the body forward while also maintaining balance, glutes are responsible.
A sign you may have weak glutes might be back pain, difficulty standing on one foot at a time, knee pain, and abnormal gait. The American lifestyle has more and more people with weak glutes.
Strengthening Exercises
-Glute Bridges: Lie flat on back with arms besides you, palms down. Bend the knees and place your feet flat on the floor. Begin by tightening your core and raise buttocks up creating a line from top of knees to shoulders. Think of it as creating a bridge with your body. The goal of this exercise is to remain stable and strong without swaying or falling. Hold position for around 10 seconds and release.
-Hip Extensions: For this exercise you will need a chair. Stand behind it and make sure to have hips, knees and shoulders squared. You will want to be facing the back of the chair with a wall behind you. Start with using your left leg and bring it backwards to the wall and keep your leg and knee in line with your hip. Hold position for 10 seconds and return to the starting position. Repeat/switch legs as needed.
Chiropractic & Gluteal Muscles
All our cells, organs, and tissues receive information from the brain by our communication system called the nervous system. Glutes are no exception. Like any other structure, glutes can perform at top tier when communication to and from the brain is optimal. The nerves that correspond and innervate the glute muscles depart the spine at the lower part of the lumbar and upper sacral levels. If you feel your glutes are weak or not working at top function, getting regularly adjusted by a chiropractor can help. Having strong glutes can lower the chances of having hip and knee pain as well as low back pain. They aid in our stability and mobility to handle daily functions. Participating in a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the glutes and decrease proper activity. At Total Health Chiropractic our chiropractors will help you obtain a stronger spine through the fortitude of your glutes and furthermore improving your quality of life.