The National Academy of Sports Medicine reports that 80% of adults will experience Low Back Pain at some point in their lives. This is highly likely considering the anatomical design of the Human Skeleton. There is a lack of structural support connecting the upper body to the lower body, and the Lumbar Spine is the only bony structure bridging the two halves of the body together

All the compensation patterns previously mentioned, as well as the ones still to come, negatively impact the biomechanical integrity of the Lumbar Spine (Low Back), especially in regards to alignment and stability.

To reduce, eliminate, or prevent Low Back Pain, an individual’s alignment and stability of the Lumbar Spine must be addressed and integrated into a training program.

RX: Practice a combination of soft tissue therapy and effective stretching techniques on all of the muscles that connect to both the Spine and the Pelvis, as well as for the muscles that operate within the Foot/Ankle and Shoulder/Neck Complexes. This ultimately means the entire body needs to be treated with soft tissue therapy and effective stretching techniques.

Next, practice Activation exercises to strengthen and facilitate proper firing sequences to as many muscle groups as possible in the entire body, especially the muscle groups that connect to the Spine and Pelvis as well as muscles that run through the Foot and Ankle complex.

Finally, practice a variety of exercises that use the major joint structures (i.e. Foot/Ankle, Hip, Spine and Shoulders) in smooth and controlled movements. Smooth movements must be accomplished before practicing larger Movement Patterns, such as squatting, lunging/step-ups, jumping, and running. Once movement is completed in a controlled and stable fashion, then challenge stability, coordination, and balance with single-leg and/or Change of Direction (C.O.D.) exercises.