Have Back Problems?

earthpanther started this discussion · 7/18/2011

Hello All, I have had a couple of students tell me that pole dancing has helped back issues that they have. I told a physician about his and she encouraged me to delve into the phenomenon more deeply. So if anyone out there is willing to tell me their story, I would love to hear; What back issues were/are you having? How long have you been doing pole & how often? Has pole helped? If yes, how so? (ex. less pain, greater range of movement, etc.) Thanks for any input you all can give me on this matter.

7 replies

litlbit · 7/18/2011
Hi earthpanther! I suffered with chronic back pain for years....since I was 16. I was diagnosed with left sided lower Lordosis. I was in to a chiropractor 3 times a week every week for 18 years! I started poling and about two months into it noticed my pain was less and my need for an adjustment became less. I finally had no need to see my chiro!! I have been pain free for just over 4 years now! For me I believe pole strengthened my core when the exercises the chiro or physical therapists gave me didn't help or work. The muscles in my back that hold my spine are now strong and my vertebrae do not slip out of place anymore!! I have students that have also gotten relief from back pain due to poling! I'm a retired nurse and I know for me this was like a CURE!!! I still have no pain, I will be 56 in Dec. and it's awesome to be pain free in my later years!!!
Maria-Elena Kadala · 7/18/2011
I think Bel Jeremiah has the right idea --- inversion is the fountain of youth. I have chronic tightness is shoulders, neck, and inversion helps to release it, and I think the traction does as well. Especially for us older women , gravity has been working against us for a long time, and inversion really helps, because it allows gravity to work in the other direction --- same principle as inversion boots. PLUS it's a great core workout!
litlbit · 7/18/2011
OOPS!! I've been poling four just over 4 years now, I pole daily now because I teach. I have greater ROM than when I was younger, and my back is more flexible as well. :)
reenie aka Mysfit · 7/18/2011
My situation is a little different.....I have seen improvement in some areas, none in others. Overall core strength---Yes. Tons. I still have back issues though. I have had so many compression injuries over the years from being an ex gymnast to car accidents. Unfortunately, we can change/alter and strengthen the muscular structure, but little can be done about the soft tissue stuff. Well---Unless I want to opt for surgery and I don't. It is debilitating so I don't see any need to volunteer myself..... However overall muscular structure through out the deep core---yep. Stability in the spine and overall body----yep.
reenie aka Mysfit · 7/18/2011
That should read---It isn't debilating.....ack~~
solsticedark · 7/18/2011
What back issues were/are you having? I was born with a bad back (spin curves wrong) and becuase of that had to be on pain meds, muscle relaxes, ect most of my life. There were days where I couldnt move and would just sit crying in one spot not being able to move it hurt so bad. My muscles would littlerly freeze up. How long have you been doing pole & how often? About 5 years now, 5 or more days a week Has pole helped? Yes, very much so. If yes, how so? (ex. less pain, greater range of movement, etc.) Sense I started poling, I tend to forget about my past back issues sense they have for the most part have vanished. I know if I say off the pole for more then a couple days becuase the pain starts coming back, and every now and then I will throw my back out but its very uncommon now. (think the last time was around this time last year). I can honestly say that poling saved my back, and lets me live a normal life without pain or discomfort.
earthpanther · 7/18/2011
Thanks for all the input so far. Keep it coming. I am finding al this informative and interesting.