Back Pain out of Equilibrium
Everyone, regardless of age or gender, has suffered from discomfort, weakness or discomfort in this area. It is one of the most common presenting problems in general practice too. I experienced neck tension and pain too, after the birth of my child.
In search for relief, I tried NHS investigations, medication, massage, chiropractic care and it all helped for a while. but the problem never disappeared completely.
The important question is why is this so common and what is the real cause?
Today we will focus your attention on one of the most overseen but important causes of lower back pain. This blog is inspired by my colleague, physiotherapist Gancho Stoyanov.
Many scientists date this far back in time. Man is one of the few animals that moves on two legs. The dynamic tension of gravity, and body weight affects our spine, the main framework of the body. This force pushes the fluids between the vertebrae and leads to wearing off and squishing of the intervertebral disks. Their cushioning role is compromised over time.
This causes the muscles around the spine to tighten for protective purposes, which if it becomes chronic causes weakness and pain. Modern life forces us to sit for prolonged periods of time: sit in the office, sit in the car, rest in a sitting or lying position. The sitting posture is contrary to what our ancestors were doing.
When we sit, the gluteus or the muscles of the buttocks are stretched and inactive.
The musculoskeletal structure of a person is a lever system, the balance between the chains in the body (the organization of agonists-antagonists), provides a state of activity and rest. When we are in the office for 6-8 hours the back chain does not work. The back muscles lose their strength, but also reduces the ability of our nervous system to activate them adequately when needed.
When the back of the body is weak (gluteus) and the front is dominantly strong (quadriceps), an imbalance is created at the muscular level and it affects all the weight bearing joints.
The usual advice is to take pain-killers and rest but this doesn’t solve the underlying problem, but might make it worse over time.
So what can we do? What did I do?
Strength training! Especially focused on thigh muscles, glutes and back muscles. I prioritised the muscular groups that are neglected due to our modern lifestyle. The results are amazing!
I feel stronger, more active and have been pain-free!
Squats, deadlifts, and back extensions will bring new life to those forgotten back muscles.
Would you like to find out more about the Lantern Clinic? You can book a FREE discovery call with Dr Margarita below.
