What's the Difference Between Flexion and Extension?
Flexion and extension are two important motions that allow us to coordinate our body movements. We all perform them in our day-to-day life without thinking about them too much.
We might extend our elbow to grab a glass from the cupboard, then flex it or bend it back to bring the water glass to our lips for a sip.
These are typical activities that require our body to bend or stretch the joints.
Read on to learn more about flexion and extension, and how flexion or extension exercises could be beneficial for health and lower back pain.
What's the difference between flexion and extension?
When we flex or bend our joints, we reduce the angle between the body parts, which brings them closer together. Extension is the opposite movement, when we increase the distance between two body parts by stretching or straightening the joint.
Flexing brings the body parts closer, while extending moves them further away from each other.
Body parts that flex and extend include:
elbow
arm
fingers
hips
toes
neck
spine
When do we perform flexion or extension?
Some examples of flexion include bending or flexing:
the elbow to bring a glass to your lips
your fingers to grab a pen or pencil
your neck to look down at something at our feet
the spine to slouch in your seat
your knees when you sit down
Extension is the opposite action. Examples of extension include extending or straightening:
the elbow to place something on the top shelf
your palm and fingers forward to feel drops of rain
the neck to look up at the sky
your back when sitting at your desk so that you won't slouch
your knees when you stand up
Can flexion and extension exercises have health benefits?
Performing exercises that include flexion or extension could have certain health benefits. A 2023 study concluded that trunk flexion and extension exercises that required control of the spine improved spinal mobility and reduced muscle tension in the participants.
Another 2024 study compared the effectiveness of flexion and extension lumbar exercises in people diagnosed with chronic lower back pain.
The researchers followed up with the participants after 1 year and concluded that the group who performed extension back exercises experienced less pain than the group who performed flexion exercises.
Here are a few examples of exercises that include flexion of your joints:
What are extension-type exercises?
These are some examples of exercises that involve extending your joints:
upward neck extensions
bed hangs
glute bridges
hip thrusts
stepups
quadruped kickbacks
standing kickbacks
upright hip thrusts
Takeaway
Flexion and extension are motions that everyone performs in their day-to-day lives. Flexing or bending your joints means bringing your body parts close together, while extending or straightening them means putting more distance between them.
Flexion and extension exercises can help relieve pain and muscle tension, so it can be worthwhile to include them in your routine.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Individuals Who Were Labeled 'Dramatic' as Kids Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say
Individuals Who Were Labeled 'Dramatic' as Kids Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. The effects of childhood don't bow out the moment we turn 18. In fact, psychologists note that roles cast for us in childhood can follow us to adulthood, especially for individuals labeled "dramatic" as children."When children are given labels like 'dramatic,' they are receiving a powerful message that can stick with them for a long time," says Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C, psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health. "They hear that their feelings are too much or wrong."She shares that understanding how your childhood is affecting you today lets you move from a place of self-blame to compassion, explaining, "This understanding is the first step toward healing and creating new, healthier patterns."Psychologists reveal 12 common traits and behaviors that people labeled "dramatic" as children often display as adults, along with ways to start Individuals smacked with a "dramatic" tag in childhood may become "versatile" role players as adults. While this behavior may bode well for a career on Broadway, it doesn't help you—or those around you—if it manifests as people-pleasing behavior in real life."Children who were called 'dramatic' may respond by being as agreeable with others as possible," Dr. Guarnotta says. "They might try to keep others happy and comfortable, even when it's at their own expense. This pattern can continue well into adulthood." Related: One psychologist notes that people-pleasing tendencies can morph into what she calls "Jell-O" boundaries."People who were told they were dramatic second-guess themselves and the boundaries they need to have in order to thrive because they received the messaging that their needs and boundaries were selfish or unreasonable," warns Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. People tapped as "dramatic" kids can turn into adults who can launch into a monologue to explain simple decisions or constantly recite the line, "I'm sorry.""Being called 'dramatic' as a child can lead to internalized guilt about having needs or taking up space," says Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. "Adults might feel the need to justify every feeling or action to avoid being misunderstood."Related: Dr. Lira de la Rosa warns that some people who were labeled "dramatic" in childhood were punished or dismissed for their emotions, which can have long-term consequences for how we relate to others."Adults may fear that sharing their true selves will lead to disconnection," he points out. "This can lead to people-pleasing or over-attachment in relationships."Related: Critics may have a kryptonite-like effect on these individuals, who may also be on a relentless quest for the spotlight and standing ovations. "They may display a heightened sensitivity to criticism, reacting strongly to perceived slights due to a deep need for validation and connection," shares Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Duality Psychological Services. "A desire for attention is often present, not out of vanity, but because they thrive on acknowledgment and being seen by others."Dr. Guarnotta echoes these sentiments, pointing out that the need for external validation is understandable."If your emotions were consistently invalidated as a child, you may find yourself seeking validation that your feelings are valid as an adult," she It might sound like a plot twist, but Dr. Guarnotta clarifies that people often treat others the way they were treated (instead of how they want to be treated)."Sometimes, we project our own experiences onto others," she reports. "A person who was always called 'dramatic' as a child might become an adult who puts labels on their own children. This is often done unconsciously or outside of one's awareness."In fact, Dr. Guarnotta notes that people labeled "dramatic" as kids may call the children in their lives "dramatic" as Second-guessing and emotional invalidation are common threads in the lives (and behaviors) of people who were told they were "over-dramatic" as children."People who were chastised or shamed for being 'dramatic' as a kid now question if they are displaying the 'right' amount or type of emotion," Dr. MacBride explains. "You often hear them as, 'Am I making a big deal out of nothing?'" Fans of the Disney's Frozen likely remember this line from the movie (Elsa's father encouraged her to "conceal, don't feel" to avoid accidentally using her ice-making powers, which were uncontrollable when she was emotional). Dr. MacBride says "dramatic" labels in childhood can have an "Elsa effect" that lasts into adulthood (as it did for the Disney heroine). "People who were told they were too much or dramatic have received the message loud and clear that they need to appear 'cool, calm and collected,'" she says. "They have learned that emotions are unhelpful or even dangerous." Yet, you—like Elsa—may have simply needed love and to love. It can be hard to follow advice to "treat yourself like you'd treat a friend" if you learned to loathe yourself in childhood."A pattern I see often is someone who can deeply care for friends, family, or even strangers but struggles to offer that same kindness to themselves," Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. "They may have learned to prioritize others' feelings as a survival skill."Related: This behavior offers a silver lining."The same traits that were dismissed as 'dramatic' in childhood often turn into powerful tools in adulthood," Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. "Clients who were expressive kids are often great at using metaphor, humor or creative language to communicate in therapy. When these traits are supported rather than criticized, they can be empowering."Dr. Frank agrees, noting that people who receive the "dramatic" label in childhood often pursue creative hobbies and careers, such as art, writing or performance. While some people who grew up getting called "dramatic" may second-guess everything, others may not think twice before taking action."Impulsivity can also be a characteristic, as they may act or speak without much forethought, driven by their emotions in the moment, which can lead to misunderstandings or perceptions of unpredictability," Dr. Frank says. Gauging others' emotions is essential for connection and empathy. However, it's possible to go overboard."Growing up in an environment where your emotions are policed is stressful and can cause you to be constantly on guard," Dr. Guarnotta warns. "As an adult, this can manifest as chronic anxiety, tensions or hypervigilance. A person might find themselves constantly watching their partner to see signs of disapproval or walking on eggshells to prevent anger or criticism."Dr. MacBride agrees, likening this hypervigilance to an "emotional radar.""Children who were criticized for being too much often develop a keen radar or awareness of the emotional states of those around them," she Dr. MacBride has a key directive for you, which she delivers with compassion: "Stop gaslighting yourself and believing that having emotions is being 'too much,'" she truth? They are not "too much" but vital data."Emotions serve a function, and they often tell you something valuable about yourself or the situation that you are in," she You may have felt ashamed for having needs as a child, but Dr. MacBride says it's essential to flip that script."Pick someone safe and practice with them," she suggests. "Start small, ask for support, don't over-explain or justify the need for that support. This will help you learn to develop and strengthen this 'muscle.'"Related: Dr. Frank says that healing is hard and can require a lot of energy. Be sure to recharge. "Self-care typically plays a vital role in replenishing your physical, emotional and mental resources," he explains. "Activities like regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient rest and engaging in fulfilling hobbies enhance overall well-being and reaffirm your inherent value." Getting called "dramatic" as a kid probably hurt, but you deserve support."Engage with individuals who provide empathy, understanding and encouragement," Dr. Frank points out. "Healing is often facilitated through connection, and a reliable support system can offer comfort, perspective and a sense of belonging during challenging periods." Personal connections are important, but you may benefit from professional support."If you have a background of being invalidated as a child, therapy can provide a safe space to unpack early childhood wounds and heal from them," Dr. Guarnotta says. "A good therapist offers a safe space that is free of judgment. Therapy can also provide a corrective emotional experience, where you can experience what it's like to have another person accept and validate your feelings, rather than labeling you or shaming you for them." In turn, you might find you make deeper personal connections outside the therapy room. Up Next:Dr. Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., PMH-C, psychologist and founder of Phoenix Health Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist with Duality Psychological Services Individuals Who Were Labeled 'Dramatic' as Kids Often Develop These 12 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jul 13, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Medicare data breach exposes 100,000 Americans' info
Healthcare data continues to be a top target for cybercriminals. In June alone, two major breaches compromised over 13 million patient records. Now, a newly confirmed Medicare data breach has affected more than 100,000 Americans. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent letters this week to those affected, confirming that hackers accessed sensitive data linked to accounts. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Over 8M Patient Records Leaked In Healthcare Data Breach The breach traces back to suspicious activity starting in late 2023. According to CMS, cybercriminals used stolen personal data from external sources to fraudulently create accounts. That information included: Read On The Fox News App Full names Dates of birth ZIP codes Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) Medicare coverage details CMS began receiving alerts in May 2025 when people reported receiving account confirmation letters for accounts they had not created. This triggered an internal investigation. Hackers not only created unauthorized accounts but, in some cases, accessed additional sensitive data such as: Home addresses Provider and diagnosis codes Services received Plan premium details CMS has deactivated all affected accounts and is mailing new Medicare cards to the estimated 103,000 individuals affected. The agency says no confirmed identity theft cases have been reported yet. CMS stressed the action is being taken out of "an abundance of caution," but the breach raises questions about federal cybersecurity safeguards. If you're one of the people affected by the Medicare data breach: Watch your mailbox for a replacement Medicare card Monitor your account for suspicious activity Report unauthorized services or charges immediately CMS is still investigating how the attackers obtained such accurate personal data and whether more individuals may be at risk. What Is Artificial Intelligence (Ai)? So far, CMS has not identified the attackers. However, the use of valid personal information suggests that the hackers may have obtained data from prior breaches or leaks on other platforms. This breach reveals a troubling vulnerability in the federal healthcare system, where hackers can exploit existing data to create legitimate-looking accounts and access deeply personal medical information. Here are five important steps you can take right now to protect your Medicare information and reduce your risk of identity theft after the breach. Regularly check your Medicare and healthcare accounts for changes you did not make. Be cautious of unfamiliar services, charges or communications from providers you don't recognize. In light of the Medicare data breach, where bad actors used valid personal details to create fake accounts, enrolling in a trusted identity theft protection service can offer an extra layer of defense. These services monitor your Social Security number, email, phone number and other sensitive data to alert you if it's being sold on the dark web or used to open fraudulent accounts. Many top-rated services also help you freeze your credit and bank accounts and offer expert support if your identity is compromised. My top pick includes up to $1 million in identity theft insurance to cover stolen funds and legal fees, plus access to a U.S.-based fraud resolution team that helps you recover faster. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Never share your Medicare number or card details with anyone over the phone or email, unless you initiated the contact and trust the source. Treat it like a credit card. If you believe your information is being misused, remove it from the internet. A personal data removal service can help you remove all this personal information from the internet. It has a very clean interface and will scan 195 websites for your information and remove it and keep it removed. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: If you notice suspicious activity, report it directly by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report Medicare fraud. Also, file a report at to create a recovery plan with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This not only helps you recover faster but also contributes to broader investigations that protect others. This Medicare breach may not have resulted in confirmed cases of identity theft so far, but that does not mean the situation should be taken lightly or dismissed as low risk. It took malicious actors less than two years to create over 100,000 fake Medicare accounts using valid personal information, which suggests a significant weakness in how sensitive data is being protected and monitored at the federal level. Do you think healthcare organizations are doing enough to protect your data? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights article source: Medicare data breach exposes 100,000 Americans' info
Fox News
an hour ago
- Fox News
Your late-night TV binge could sabotage your brain health, doctor warns
Staying awake to watch "just one more episode" is a classic excuse for delaying bedtime. And with popular shows like Peacock's "Love Island" airing almost every night as the drama unfolds live, there's more pressure to finish the latest episode and to engage in conversation with others the next day. In addition to making us sleepier in the morning, staying awake to watch TV is not good for the brain, according to Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, brain imaging doctor and founder of Amen Clinics in California. "'I just have to watch the last episode' of whatever show you're watching, and you end up cutting out half an hour or an hour of sleep," he said in an interview with Fox News Digital. In this case, the doctor advised, "Don't make important decisions the next day, because your brain has not been properly 'washed.' And you're just more likely to make a bad decision." Amen stressed that prioritizing sleep is "absolutely essential," because when you sleep, your brain "cleans and washes itself." Getting an adequate night's sleep helps improve memory the next day, as well as energy, focus and blood flow, the doctor said. "If you want your memory better tomorrow, go to bed half an hour early tonight," he suggested. "Given that, we can record [shows] or we can always watch them the next day." "If you want your memory better tomorrow, go to bed half an hour early tonight." "How much do you love yourself?" Amen questioned. "Because doing the right thing is never about deprivation." The doctor encourages adopting the following mindset. "I want energy. I want memory. I want focus. I want passion. I want purpose. I want blood flow. I never want to do anything that hurts [the brain]." "It's about the abundance of what I want rather than what I can't have," Amen added. "You're going to get serious about brain health." Exposure to screens and blue light before bed also decreases the production of melatonin, leaving you less sleepy, Amen cautioned. "Mindlessly scrolling – you're going to have the fear of missing out almost immediately, which also increases stress," he added. For more Health articles, visit The expert recommended adding blue-light blockers to all devices that turn on when the sun goes down to help ease into a restful night's sleep.
