The human spine forms the axis of the skeletal system and protects the spinal cord, making it one of the most important and most complex anatomical structures in our bodies. Resting atop a triangular base, it is made up of a complex framework of bones and cartilage and houses a bundle of nerves that in turn control the functions of the rest of the body.
Another reason that gives the spine its importance is the fact that this important scaffolding structure makes up for 35% of our height. Although we are all genetically programmed to attain a certain height, maintaining the right posture of the spine will help add those extra few inches. Years of investigation have shown that too much pressure on the spinal discs can inhibit a person’s growth by decreasing fluid capacity between vertebrae. Common sense also says that if one stoops, it makes one appear shorter. The key to maintaining a right posture is to strengthen all those back, neck and other spinal muscles that support the spine and therefore effortlessly stay erect and resist the natural tendency to slouch.
Muscle Strengthening Exercises- The Best Recommendation For a Strong Spine
Muscle-strengthening exercises improve posture and help increase height. Any form of surgery or medication in this area is avoided, as there is a risk of damaging the spinal cord and crippling an individual for life.
Yoga is an ancient science and it offers many exercises that relieve stress off your spine, thereby correcting muscle imbalances and aligning spinal muscles and ligaments, as they should be. Practicing yoga on a daily basis is advised to see results.
Apart from yogic exercises, there are a few work-bench exercises designed to combat the lack of time faced by office goers and can be performed at their desks.
A full back massage using special oils and with emphasis on strained spinal muscles is often beneficial to relieve stress build up and needs to be done at least once a month. An ayurvedic massage for the back is one option.
Swimming is strongly advised to help build posture as it involves strong arm and leg strokes. Moreover, water carries the entire weight of the body, thereby reducing the pressure on the spine. Breast stroke is known to increase height.
While exercise as a treatment recommendation bears no cost if practised at home, massages and swimming would have costs differing from place to place.
When Does One See Results?
Practicing any or all of the above recommendations will result in an improved posture and height gain in about 8-12 weeks. However, this is possible only if one follows an exercise regime religiously.
Treatment Benefits
Research has proven that strong spinal muscles help in holding space between vertebrae, thus allowing individuals to hold themselves up properly. It has also been proven that yoga encourages the body to stretch and lengthen. Regular practice of a few postures helps to strengthen and tone muscles and therefore lead to decompression of the spine, all of which put together, adds those extra inches.
A massage therapy ensures a proper blood flow throughout the body, thus distributing nutrients and growth enhancers across tissues. Applying pressure on spinal muscles relieves tension and makes them capable of holding the spine erect.
Additionally, exercise and massage is also known to stimulate production of growth hormone, which in turns helps in height increase.
Not having an ideal height can be daunting. Our genes predetermine the height we gain in our lifetime. However, maintaining the right spinal posture, exercising religiously and finally being confident with what you have can make a difference!
Snigdha Taduri - I’m a medical biochemist by qualification. As a graduate student, research was my primary focus and it led me and my team mates ...
