Back Pain Be Gone!
Hey there! My name is Laura, and today we are talking about how to “End Back Pain Forever.”
We all want to have some semblance of control in our lives–work, family, health–to be empowered to choose where we want to be.
I don’t have to tell you that pain can be draining and debilitating, especially when you don’t have the time or energy to deal with it, let alone the money for medical bills or the costs of missing work to seek medical attention.
Think of your body as a living, breathing, high-performance vehicle, driving down the “Highway of Life.” Whether it’s zipping in and out of the fast lane or cruising in your neighborhood, you want to be confident that you won’t find yourself stuck in the emergency lane with your flashers on!
Just as a high performance machine requires a balanced frame and friction-free moving parts to run with optimum efficiency, so does your body.
Your spine is your frame. The muscles that attach to your spine affect its movement just like tires on a car affect its performance. Each tire must be balanced and rolling smoothly to maintain performance. Your arms and your legs are attached to your spine; if they are out of balance – one side tighter than the other side–they will pull on the spine, creating friction and causing pain and problems.
Just like a red light flashing on the dashboard says it’s time for a tune up, pain is your body’s way of telling you the same thing…”I need a spine tune up now or I’m going to wear out and BREAK!”
Even a BMW needs a tune up now and then. AND, the older the Beemer, the more frequently you need a tune up–especially if you are still driving it like it’s brand new!
Airplanes, automobiles and human bodies ALL answer to the same laws of physics; Equal and opposite forces must be present to enable friction-free movement. When you’re hurting, fix the physics and you’ll eliminate the source of your symptoms. Once the source is addressed, the symptoms go away. It’s that freakin’ simple.
Be your own body mechanic. Do a diagnostic on yourself to find out which side is tighter than the other. Then, fix it by doing the spine tune up maneuvers until BOTH sides are equal. If you allow one side to stay tighter than the other, you will continue to have pain. Hold any exercise you do on the tighter side of your body for a MINIMUM of 30 seconds. This allows the muscle and collagen fibers to lengthen until they match your stronger side. The sooner you balance your frame, the faster you will eliminate your pain.
So, here is your mantra:
Make your FRAME the SAME. Get rid of the PAIN. Get back in the GAME!
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Comments on Back Pain Be Gone!
I saw your website after injuring my ankle last new years eve, thanks for the great information. I still use the band to strengthen my ankle at times. I have now injured my back (lifted heavy object awkwardly). The Chiro is happy with my progress, says I have saved my disc but has advised I strengthen my core. I know crunches are a good way to strengthen the abs, but I always seem to strain my neck and so I stop. Can you make a video (or direct me to one if you already have it) on strengthening the core using a Dyna (resistance) Band or any other suggestion. My masseur suggested an Ab Coaster, but I’m not fond of that idea because of space and cost, although at 54 both my husband and I are desperate to get stronger as we are both slim and are afraid of what is to come if we don’t. BTW I have Osteoporosis, so even more reason to be stronger. Thanks in advance.
Hi Leigh,
It’s easier than you think to accomplish the goal of core strengthening. In fact, any time you challenge your balance (in a safe and controlled manner), you are activating your core. Think of it this way; anything you can do on two feet, try it STANDING ON ONE FOOT and you will automatically engage your core musculature. Standing free weights, cable resistance, even theraband exercises can be done as a single leg stance and you will strengthen your core.
Try this: 1) Take the band that you use for your ankle work out. Bring the band up around both legs just above your shoes. 2) Stand up, but be careful as your legs are “tied” together now! 3) Now, while standing tall, keeping knee straight, bring one leg out to the side and then back together using slow and controlled movements. Repeat 8-10x. 4) Change legs and repeat.
The goal is to develop equal balance on both sides so that you can do it without holding onto something. That way, you have maximized the efficiency of your core as well as balanced your leg, hip, abdominal and low back musculature.
BTW – This is GREAT workout for people with Osteoporosis – increases density to the bone!
Thank you so much for your question and I’m so happy the website is working for you!
Dr. Laura Fields
Doctor of Physical Therapy