Ball as Back-saver?
Can a Big Ball save your Back?
People using conventional office chairs and computer furniture often suffer from pain in their lower and/or upper back, due to a lack of movement and a high-compression load on their spine. Compression results from performing repetitive, harmful activities like bending, lifting or twisting.
Even prolonged sitting can create abnormally high levels of disc compression. This leads to decreased hydration when more fluid is pushed out of the disc, rather than pulled in. This creates a deflated or dehydrated disc, leading to a degenerative disc disease with possible fatal consequences.
Cellular Biology
Research in cellular biology shows that the cartilage cells of our inter-vertebral discs receive nourishment from movement rather than from regular blood supply. Normally, discs are nourished and oxygenated by the constant recycling of the disc fluid that occurs with normal spinal joint movement. This joint motion sucks this fluid in and pumps the waste fluid out.
If this movement is insufficient, the spinal discs will gradually lose their elasticity. Cartilage cells die off starting from the center and then outwards. A ‘slipped disc’ and spinal misalignment can be the result, causing severe back pains.
Exercise for Health
Inactivity physiology is a scientific discipline that observes the effects of immobility. Researchers found that not contracting your big leg muscles for several hours, causes physiological changes that exercise may not undo.
Science showed very clearly that you don’t have to be involved in a sport or own equipment in order to feel better.
Not moving is very unnatural. To be healthier and prolong your life span, go for a walk, a swim, or practice yoga.
Your body is an excellent coach. If it starts to hurt, back off. It should feel good. Just bouncing a bit can change your life!
