How Can I Stop Lower Back Pain?

Chronic Lower Back Pain

Statistics show that 9 in 10 Americans will have back pain at some point in their lives. And people are getting back pain at much younger ages than ever before. Why? Well, instead of moving more and more, we are sitting more and more. And we do not exercise very much, let alone stretch. So, over the years, our bodies start to develop some very strange habits and postural distortions. While most people cannot see them, when they are pointed out, they stick out like a sore thumb. And it is these muscle imbalances and postural distortions that lead directly to chronic lower back pain.

Your Posture is destroying your Lower Back

Okay, so we all know how often mom said to stand up straight. Well, sorry to say it, but she was right. If you take a look at yourself in the mirror, you will notice that you do not stand up straight. And if you try and force yourself to for more than 1 minute, your lower back will probably start to ache. Why?

Well, your muscles have gotten so used to bad posture that now they are stuck in that habitual pattern. And when you try and force them into a more healthy and natural posture, they get stretched and moved around in a way that won't feel very good in the beginning. It was like telling people that the world wasn't flat. In the beginning, they sure didn't want to hear that. Anytime change is introduced after a long period of stagnation, things can be a little bumpy at first.

So, how do I fix it?

Okay, so the first thing to do is figure out what kind of posture you have and how it is throwing out your lower back. The first kind is known as lordotic posture. That would mean your hips and pelvis are tilted forward and there is a big curve in your lower back. The second kind of posture is called kyphotic. That would be the opposite- your butt will be tucked under your hips and pelvis and your hips will be tilted backward. Very few people actually stand up straight, but that would technically be the third main type of posture.

Okay, so go into the bathroom and take off your shirt. Now take your pants off so you can get a good look at yourself from the side. Is your butt sticking out behind you with hips pointed down and forward (lordotic) or is your butt tucked under you creating a very flat lower back (kyphotic)?

Once you know what kind of posture you have, you are ready for the next step. You will want to start doing a regimen of stretches and exercises to fix this postural distortion. There are some excellent physical rehab specialists out there that can help.

How Will Good Posture Eliminate my Low Back Pain

Okay, so why is fixing your posture so important? Well, in a nut shell, bad posture means that some muscles are working too hard and some aren't working at all. So, some muscles get too strong and tight while others get too stretched out and weak. That creates what we call muscle imbalances that throw your hips and back out of whack. And since your back is no longer properly supported by the hips and pelvis below it, it gets twisted and torqued all over the place. The discs in the lower back can get shoved together and push on sensitive nerves. You can easily throw out the back, because it is not strong enough to resist many of the motions of everyday life, etc...

So, step one is figure out what kind of posture you have. then, get into a good and safe rehab program for your back to start the healing process. You should notice changes very quickly. And of course, it is not just about getting out of chronic pain. It is also about improving your ability to move more naturally and freely and lower your risk of future injury. And that is what this is all about!