Why You're Caught In A Back Pain Loop

For SFitnessPlans

A study in 2016 found that almost half of the adult population of the the United Kingdom where living with chronic back pain.

Back pain is considered by many as inevitable or a sign that their body isn't as forgiving as it once was. However, in reality in many cases it can be debilitating and increasingly linked with mental health issues.

Here is the good news:

It doesn't have to be that way. Have you ever heard the phrase "strength is the basis of all fitness"? Well if you have it's for a good reason. Broadly speaking it's a solid truth.

So why when we think of back rehab, especially for the lower back, do we have images of stretching classes at the gym, hot water bottles, deep tissue massage and many other activities focusing on mobility and range of motion, instead of strength?

The problem arises when the pain disappears:

Man gets back pain - Man refers himself to a physiotherapist, who does an amazing job of alleviating symptoms and increasing his range of motion - Man feels better and goes about his life - Man gets back pain --- and so the loop begins.

Over the last 5 years I have heard the same story repeat itself again and again and about 4 years ago I started to try and break the loop.

Here's how

If you want to know how to kick a football you ask a footballer, if you want to build muscle you ask a body builder so logic dictates if you want to strengthen a back you ask the guys with the strongest backs.. Spoiler-alert, they're called power lifters.

Now don't get me wrong a lot of these guys are physical wrecks but that's because many of them ignore the principle of moderation. And so forms the misconception that lifting anything is bad for you.

So is the key power-lifting?

Sort of. More specifically dead lifting and all the training that goes into being able to do it perfectly. There are a few key teaching points that make a good deadlift. [1] Being able to stabilise naturally weaker structures, such as the deep muscles in the lower back and [2] being able to contract the prime movers in that (posterior) chain correctly.

The main muscle in that chain? Your Glutes

Over the last 4 years it has become clear to me that glute activation is the main key to curing back pain. Clients time and time again are finding confidence in their new found strength.

If you want guidance with the issues mentioned in this article or any other fitness goals visit SFitnessPlans.com and book a consultation using the email contact@sfitnessplans.com

Its important to remember that therapeutic techniques are great at clearing up the initial pain and reducing inflammation.

But if you want to close the back pain loop for good you need to get over a bar and start opening up those hips.

Disclaimer: We are not doctors, so please consult one before participating in any of the exercises in this article. The purpose of this blog is to share our considerable experience in fitness. When it comes to your health and fitness, make sure you do your research. Visit sfitnessplans.com for more information specifically our "terms and conditions".