Do you have lower back pain?
Lower back pain is extremely common, and has major economic significance in industrial societies. It is reported to occur in 26% of the working population each year.
The problem occurs most frequently between the ages of twenty and forty and can be more severe in older people. Lower back pain can be classified as to the quality, location and radiation of pain, and also any exacerbating or relieving factors or activities.
Lower back pain can arise from a wide range of causes, ranging from a simple muscle strain to degeneration of the pelvis. Lower back pain is one of the most common pains/injuries that our clients report, especially women. This can be prevented by strengthening the muscles and tissues around the lower back by working on core and glute strength. Lower back pain isn’t necessarily the back’s fault. We tend to look at the symptomatic tissue (where the pain is coming from), and not focus on the causes of the pain. It is important we look above and below the point of where the pain is coming from, as the body moves as a kinematic chain (a unit).
There are three common causes of lower back pain. The first is a lack of thoracic extension (mid back movement). If the thoracic is not getting enough extension or range of movement, then all the compensation will come from the lumbar spine (lower back), putting more stress on the lower back.
The second is inhibited transversus abdominis (TVA). This is a deep lying muscle which forms part of the abdomen muscles. It is a stability muscle and if the TVA muscle is inhibited, then this will cause lower back pain, as it stabilises not only the lumbar spine but also the pelvis.
Finally, inhibited glutes are a third common cause. As with the transversus abdominis muscle, the glutes, especially gluteus medius, (one of three glute muscles) acts as a stability muscle.
As you will already know, we have a selection of hand picked specialists that can help you understand and treat your pain. Whether lower back pain is a new thing for you or it has been building up for a while, don´t hesitate to come and talk to one of us to seek advice about how to improve your core strength and we will be able to tailor your personalised programme to get rid of the pain for good.
We look forward to seeing you around the gym,
Tilly Kyle & Richard Osei
