Low Back Pain

Cause

The most common pain the general population suffers from is low back. The majority of LBP does not have a clear cause but is believed to be the result of muscle or skeletal issues such as sprains or strains. These can be caused by any number of issues. The muscles and ligaments in the back can stretch or tear due to excess activity from 

working in the yard to tying one’s shoes causing a strain. Back pains can come about due to disc injuries that may have been caused due to an auto accident. There is also the possibility that someone may suffer from Sciatica which is the impingement of the Sciatic nerve which begins in the low back and ends at the bottom of the foot.

Effects

The effects of low back pain can differ from individual to individual. It can range from a minor nuisance to complete incapacitation. Those that may suffer from some minor back pain can weigh heavy on simple everyday life actives from throwing off one’s golf swing to inability to concentrate when in an important business meeting.

Treatment

Treatments for low back pains can vary in intensity and the length of time that someone has been suffering can play a huge factor in recovery as well. With addressing low back pains treatment would start with addressing the acute pain site with neuromuscular therapies as well as focusing above and below the affected area. 

After roughly 60 minutes of hands on therapy it is recommended to have an individual work on their own tissue with some self MFR (Myofascial Release) techniques with tools ranging from Regulators (lacrosse ball) and foam rollers. 

After an initial visit with a Structural Integration (SI) Practitioner that you would work roughly two minutes an area on your own to the affected site as well as above and below and the muscles on the opposing side.  

It is recommended to receive at a minimum of three 60-minute weekly session to really begin to affect the structure as whole to cause greater change and long-term relief. With an individual’s second session the areas of focused hands on therapy would still be the acute site but with much of the session focusing on opposing tissues. 

After the second session a set of exercises that consist of gentle stretches and rotations may be given to someone to aid in reeducation of some of the muscles in the affected areas. These exercises added with the self MFR techniques will greatly expedite an individual’s recovery. With the third session we would be focused on one individual muscle specifically. The Psoas or sometimes referred to as the Iliopsoas. This muscle is reported to be the cause in 70% of low back pains. With it being attached at the lumbar spine and being the only muscle that travels through the pelvis and attaching at the inside of the femur. It can be a very sensitive muscle on some people, so it should be built up to when addressing it. 

With a total of roughly 180 minutes of hands on therapy by a trained SI practitioner as well as individual involvement of self MFR techniques and added postural repatterning exercises the symptoms of low back pain should start to feel greatly reduced if not eliminated.