"the reward is a stronger, more resilient back that allows you to get back to loving life."

Struggling with low back pain?

It's a guaranteed way to make life harder than it needs to be. But what's behind it?

Broadly speaking, three main culprits lurk: poor posture, dodgy movement patterns, and a mismatch in what your back can handle versus what you're asking of it.

Our bodies are remarkable at self-repair. So, it's frustrating when low back pain is stubborn to disappear. (This is where a thorough assessment shines, uncovering the root causes of your discomfort)

Let's dive into the usual suspects:

1. Posture: Our daily habits—how we sit, stand, and move—are often on autopilot. "It's just how I've always done it," you might think. Yet, if you're consistently slouching or leaning, it's no wonder your back starts signalling distress. Flipping the script can be enlightening. Try adopting the opposite stance: sitting up tall with proper back and arm support. Can you notice a difference? If so, you've stumbled upon a simple yet effective pain relief strategy.

2. Movement: Aching backs often signal a fundamental flaw in how we move. Using your back instead of your hips for basic actions like standing from a seated position or turning over in bed can aggravate your spine over time. Knowing what movements protect your spine, allowing it to recover, is key. These simple spine-sparing changes can ensure you maintain a natural posture, shifting the workload to your hips and shoulders, which can bring immediate relief.

3. Tolerance: It's not just about the sheer physical load but about what your back can tolerate. Both sudden, heavy exertions and the cumulative effect of smaller, repetitive tasks can surpass your back's recovery capacity, leading to discomfort. The crucial step is pinpointing the specific activities that trigger your pain, then adjusting or eliminating them to give your back the rest it needs. Sometimes it's better to discover what you can stop doing instead of adding more tasks to a low back that's already tired.

Hope is on the horizon. Back pain doesn't have to be a chain weighing you down. By identifying and modifying the key factors—problematic postures, movements, and understanding your back's tolerance—you set the stage for healing. It's a process that demands patience and discipline, but the reward is a stronger, more resilient back capable of supporting you through life's demands.

Embarking on this journey towards a pain-free back requires careful steps, but rest assured, the effort is worthwhile. Here's to empowering your path back to health and vitality!

In your corner

Thomas Bisson

"The Back Pain Guy"