Did you know that the taller you are, the more likely you are to suffer from back pain? Ouch! It’s no wonder, living in a world that was made for people quite shorter than yourself. Many tall people will find themselves almost daily ducking through doorways, leaning over to hear a shorter friend talk, slumping in class or the theater because of those behind them. All this can lead to a life of slouching. Your mother was right when she told you to stand up straight when you were younger. Slouching can cause the overstretching of back ligaments, which leads to aches and pains.
What is a tall guy or gal to do?
The answer is strengthening your core, back and shoulder muscles, which will help with posture. There are many yoga positions that can do just that. The tree pose, the cobra pose, and the downward facing dog pose are just a few positions that can help improve your posture. Here are full instructions on these poses and more that will specifically help with back pain and posture: https://yoga.com/article/yoga-poses-to-fix-your-posture.
If yoga doesn’t appeal to you, there are other exercises you can try that can easily be done in your home. The plank is a great exercise for strengthening your core and lower back muscles. The side plank will strengthen your lower back and oblique muscles. Lying on the floor and doing simple hip lifts can strengthen your lower back, core, and buttocks. Here are full instructions for these and a few other low impact exercises that can do a world of good for your back and core: http://www.apmhealth.com/education/healthy-living/stretching—strengthening-tips/5-moves-to-strengthen-your-back-and-core
Do yourself and your back a favor and give it the attention it deserves. A few stretches and exercises can go a long way in combatting the slumping and ducking demands that come with being tall.
