I recently accepted a challenge to get into better shape with one of my closest friends. About a week into our new workout routine, she snapped a picture of me doing a cable face pull exercise. Honestly, I didn’t feel very strong that day. But when I saw the image, one word stood out immediately: strength.

As a chiropractor, I couldn’t help but notice something else, the activation of my back muscles, specifically the extensor muscles that support posture and spinal health. In today’s world of desk jobs, phones, and constant screen time, these muscles are often weak and underused. So seeing them engaged was a small but meaningful win.

Pro tip: Exercises like rows and face pulls are excellent for improving posture, strengthening your back, and supporting chiropractic care.

Why Strength Matters for Spinal Health

When most people think of strength, they think of lifting weights or building muscle. But from a chiropractic perspective, strength is also about stability, alignment, and proper muscle function.

Strong back and core muscles:

Support proper posture
Reduce strain on the spine
Help prevent injuries
Improve overall mobility and function

If you’re dealing with back pain, neck tension, or poor posture, improving muscular strength, especially in the posterior chain, can make a significant difference.

What Is Strength, Really?

Strength isn’t just physical.

According to Webster’s dictionary, strength can refer to:

Physical power
Mental resilience
Emotional endurance
The ability to withstand stress

And in real life, strength often shows up outside the gym.

Everyday Examples of Strength

Some of the strongest moments in life look like:

Making difficult decisions
Asking questions when you feel unsure
Having uncomfortable conversations
Trying something new
Facing fears
Staying steady during uncertain seasons

Through all of these experiences, I’ve realized something important:

True strength doesn’t come from us alone.

Finding Strength in Weakness

It’s easy to feel strong when everything is going well. But real growth happens when we’re stretched beyond our comfort zone.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9–10, we’re reminded:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness… for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

This is where strength takes on a deeper meaning.

It becomes less about control and more about trust, humility, and growth.

How to Build Strength in Your Daily Life

If you want to improve your strength in a well-rounded way, physically and mentally, start with small, consistent steps:

Incorporate strength training into your routine
Focus on posture and spinal alignment
Add pulling exercises like rows and face pulls
Stay consistent, even when motivation is low
Step outside your comfort zone regularly
Address discomfort instead of avoiding it

If needed, working with a chiropractor can also help identify muscle imbalances and support your overall movement and recovery.

A New Perspective on Strength

Strength isn’t just about how much you can lift.

It’s about:

Showing up when things feel hard
Taking care of your body
Being willing to grow
Trusting the process

Whether you’re working on your fitness, improving your posture, or navigating life’s challenges, strength is built in those moments where you choose to keep going.

Final Thoughts

My hope for you is that this season challenges you in the best way.

Try the workout.
Start the conversation.
Take the trip.
Do the thing that feels uncomfortable.

Because that’s where growth happens.
That’s where strength is built.

And that’s where transformation begins.

Looking to improve your posture or relieve back pain? Schedule an appointment with our chiropractic team at Renew & Restore Wellness today.

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What Is Strength? A Chiropractor’s Perspective on Health