LOW BACK PAIN OVERVIEW
The low back supports the weight of the upper body and provides mobility. For example, muscles in the low back are responsible for flexing and rotating the hips while walking, as well as supporting the spinal column. Nerves in the low back supply sensation and power the muscles in the pelvis, legs, and feet. Up to 90% of people will experience low back pain in their lifetime.
Pain in the low back is usually a result of conditions affecting the bones of the lumbar spine (vertebrae), discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, and muscles of the low back.
The bony lumbar spine is designed so that vertebrae “stacked” together can provide a movable support structure while also protecting the spinal cord from injury.
The discs are pads that serve as “cushions” between the individual vertebral bodies. They help to minimize the impact of stress forces on the spinal column. Each disc is designed like a jelly donut with a central, softer component (nucleus pulposus) and a surrounding, firm outer ring (annulus fibrosus).
We have found that most low back pain is usually caused by postural distortions and muscle imbalances which put pressure on the discs and nerves in the spine. Essentially, muscle imbalances force the spine into unnatural positions, which can reduce the space in vertebrae and put pressure on the discs and nerves.
SYMPTOMS
Low back pain occurs posteriorly, between the lower rib margin and the proximal thighs and can also include the legs. Low back pain typically causes weakness, stiffness, inflammation, muscle spasms and general discomfort. The pain can be dull or burning and may run down the back of the thigh into the lower leg and feet, causing tingling or numbness (sciatica). Low back pain can make it difficult to standing up straight, sit comfortable or walk.
TREATMENT
Many people opt for anti-inflammatory medications and epidural injections to reduce inflammation in the low back and help relieve pain. While these can be helpful in the short term, they do not address the structural issues and muscle imbalances that caused the low back pain in the first place. Therefore, they are basically a short term fix and do not provide long term effectiveness.
Some people choose surgery (in some cases it is necessary), which can include fusing the vertebrae together, but many people report significantly reduced mobility and still experience pain after these procedures, so if it is possible, it is best to exhaust other options first.
A great deal of research has shown that rehab is the most effective way to heal a low back injury and eliminate chronic pain. A high quality rehab program fixes the muscle imbalances and postural distortions that cause low back pain and dramatically improve core strength, stability and healthy range of motion, which significantly reduces the risk of re-injury. (American Journal of Physiology, Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, Journal of Athletic Training, etc.)
The MALIN METHOD is an easy way to naturally eliminate low back pain at home, in 3 easy steps, guaranteed. It is an advanced rehab system that is easy to follow in 3 simple steps at home and you don’t need any equipment. If you’d like to learn more about it, please click The Low Back System.
