Why We Usually Get Back Pain In A Few Specific Spots:
From a structural perspective, the job of the spine can be thought of as transmitting load energy up and down its length. Particularly in movement, the spine has to deal with both compressive and tensile loads. (More information on this type of structural dynamic) This means that any point in the spine is constantly and sometimes very quickly moving forward or away from some other point on the spine. In other words, the spine is vibrating at a low frequency, which is usually from .5 to 4 cycles per second. As these vibrations move up and down the spine, they reach several points where the resonant frequency and density change. These are points where problems evolve and their consequences are experienced.
These points are:
- The base of the skull (Occiput / C1)
- Top of the rib cage (C7 / T1)
- Bottom of the rib cage (T12/ L1)
- Base of the spine (L5 / S1)
- Sacro-Illiac Joints (Sacrum/pelvis)
When a vibration reaches a point in a structure where the resonant frequency changes, some of the energy passes through, but some is reflected. Consequently, they become places where a lot of energy needs to dissipate and are therefore most vulnerable to stress.
Symptoms:
When you have spinal joint compression you may experience it in a variety of symptoms. These symptoms are usually related to nerve compression due to misalignment and compression of the vertebrae. The symptoms can be experienced numbness, tingling, weakness, and/or pain. They can be experienced near the involved joints, in the extremities of the limbs, or anywhere in between. Organ function can also be compromised. What these symptoms have in common is that when the nerve impingement is removed they usually rapidly dissipate.
What to Do to Help Your Spine:
1) Drink Lots of Water: Joints rely heavily on us staying hydrated and are some of the first tissues to dry out when we need water. As they dry out they lose most of their capacity to absorb and distribute energy and are much easier to damage. Lots of water means enough so that it passes through you quickly.
2) Stretch and Yoga: Any activity that stretches muscles back out to their full length takes pressure off of joints. The child’s pose may be a good general stretch for the spine. If you try it and feel any symptoms, stop, and consult a postural specialist.
I recommend this book for a set of exercises that strengthen the back and facilitate healing:
TREAT YOUR OWN BACK, Robin McKenzie
3) Posture: Keeping your spine positioned efficiently about your center of gravity greatly enhances its ability to distribute energy. Structural Bodywork, CranioSacral Therapy, and Reflex Integration are excellent therapies for making adjustments to posture. Also, a video assessment of your posture and movements can provide powerful feedback for making conscious and non-conscious corrections to your postural dynamics.
4) Foot Arch: The foot arch is designed to absorb a great deal of energy in walking. If they are not structurally sound, this energy is passed up through the body and can be absorbed by the knees and hips as well as the spine. Structural Bodywork and Reflex Integration are excellent therapies for making adjustments to the foot arch. For certain arch dynamics, an arch support may immediately improve spinal load-bearing dynamics.
5) Movement: Our bodies are for moving. They are designed for symmetrical movement. These are exercises like running and swimming. Asymmetrical exercises like golf and tennis are hard on the body and should be associated with stretching and symmetrical exercise (less time on the driving range and more on the course). Exercise is not only good for our organs but also our joints and muscles. Wearing high heels can be particularly disruptive of load distribution mechanics and should be tempered with wearing more supportive footwear.
6) Gravity Swing: Hanging by the feet has many health benefits. In the context of this discussion, it removes compressive loads from the spine which can allow joints to rehydrate and heal. There are many product options based on the concept in this example from Amazon.com. I do not currently have a product recommendation.