I recently heard about the MECA back wedge, an exercise device designed to reverse spinal damage due to sitting, by bending the spine back into its natural shape. By following their "Back Protocol", users of the wedge "will prevent degenerative breakdown of joints and discs and help to maintain a healthy, functional spine." The concept sounds amazing, as I for one have occasional back pain due to sitting for hours upon hours in a supposedly ergonomic Herman Miller chair.
With 85% of the population experiencing back pain at some point in their lives, it's important for us to be aware of the problem and way to prevent it. Stretching, whether by yoga, on a rack, or with a foam roller, it quite important, but sometimes it isn't enough. We need to strengthen our back muscles, as well as the opposing muscles, the abdominals. This back wedge ensures that we do the exercises in a safe way, so that we don't accidentally injure ourselves while we're trying to to heal ourselves.
The quick slideshow on the website explain that chairs and a sedentary lifestyle are the primary causes of back pain, as they cause "creep." Creep is the elongation of tissue beyond its intrinsic extensibility resulting from a constant load over time. Creeping gradually lengthens and weakens the spinal soft tissues, which are the ligaments, disc, tendon, fascia, and muscle. Our lumbar curve flattens over time, leading to stiffness, disc herniation, arthritis, and other problems. The MECA back wedge helps increase elasticity in the hips, passively extends the spine, and strengthens the core.
While I am intrigued by the device and the logic behind it, I don't think it's worth the price tag of $65.99. I'm going to try to experiment at the gym with a free alternative, and be sure to let you know what works and what does not. If any of you decide to buy one, please let me know what you think and if it helps to alleviate your pain.
With 85% of the population experiencing back pain at some point in their lives, it's important for us to be aware of the problem and way to prevent it. Stretching, whether by yoga, on a rack, or with a foam roller, it quite important, but sometimes it isn't enough. We need to strengthen our back muscles, as well as the opposing muscles, the abdominals. This back wedge ensures that we do the exercises in a safe way, so that we don't accidentally injure ourselves while we're trying to to heal ourselves.
The quick slideshow on the website explain that chairs and a sedentary lifestyle are the primary causes of back pain, as they cause "creep." Creep is the elongation of tissue beyond its intrinsic extensibility resulting from a constant load over time. Creeping gradually lengthens and weakens the spinal soft tissues, which are the ligaments, disc, tendon, fascia, and muscle. Our lumbar curve flattens over time, leading to stiffness, disc herniation, arthritis, and other problems. The MECA back wedge helps increase elasticity in the hips, passively extends the spine, and strengthens the core.
While I am intrigued by the device and the logic behind it, I don't think it's worth the price tag of $65.99. I'm going to try to experiment at the gym with a free alternative, and be sure to let you know what works and what does not. If any of you decide to buy one, please let me know what you think and if it helps to alleviate your pain.
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