In Defense of the Lower Back

In Defense of the Lower Back

If ever presented with the chance to advocate for a body part in a legal setting, I would unequivocally choose to stand up for the lower back. In the realm of physical well-being, the lower back, or lumbar spine, often faces unjust criticism, with staggering statistics indicating that 80% of individuals encounter low back pain at some point in their lives. This condition incurs an estimated annual cost of $100 Billion, emphasizing the significance of addressing and defending the lumbar spine. 

Despite the disheartening prevalence of low back pain, I contend that the lumbar spine is not the culprit but, more often than not, a victim. The root cause of low back dysfunction typically lies in issues within the bio-mechanical chain that spans the body from top to bottom. 

The lumbar spine holds a pivotal position at "the crossroads of the body," where various movements occur within a limited range. While it can flex forward by 40 degrees, move side to side by 20 degrees, bend backward by 30 degrees, and rotate by only 5 degrees, problems arise when we push the lower back beyond its natural limits. Exceeding these limits compresses the joints, reducing the space for nerve exits and potentially causing sciatic pain. Additionally, there's a risk of herniation of the disc between vertebrae. It's evident that demanding excessive movement from the lower back leads to detrimental consequences. 

Fortunately, the low back is not alone in this struggle; it has "friends" in the form of the upper spine and hips, which possess greater rotation abilities. When these friends function properly, they alleviate pressure on the lower back, preventing it from straining or rotating beyond its capabilities. However, if the lower back is let down by its companions, it attempts to compensate by overexerting itself, leading to problems. 

Diagnosing and treating these issues would be straightforward if the hips and upper spine were the sole contributors to the low back's challenges. Unfortunately, any limitation in other bio-mechanical segments along the body's chain has the potential to transmit damaging forces to the low back. This is why we refer to the low back as the "crossroads." 

A skilled physical therapist, trained to identify and address problems in the body's bio-mechanical chain, can effectively treat deficiencies, promote healing in the low back, and restore pain-free movement. It's crucial that your lumbar spine is surrounded by supportive friends capable of exerting appropriate forces. If not, and you find yourself labeling it as "a bad back," be cautious – we might just team up in a defamation suit! 

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