As a PT, one of the most common niggles people will openly admit to having when they first meet me (before being honest about their other niggles sometimes a few sessions in) is lower back pain. It’s a pretty safe one to admit to as it’s so common (and a sub 2 on the embarrassing scale). For some it’s a badge of honour, earned from their hectic non-stop pre-rona lifestyle.
If you were as busy as them, well of course you’d have back pain too! If you’ve experienced back pain and you didn’t want to see a PT, you may have sought out a phsyio, osteo, chiropractor, GP, naturopath, energy healer, your nan. Everyone is an expert when it comes to back pain. Now while I am certain your nan is wonderful, I am here to put the brakes on the deception train. It’s time to set the record straight on the spine.
Depending on how much you’ve stuffed it, there is often an extensive set of measures that must be taken in recovery and true healing can take years, maybe even 10. Relax, this doesn’t mean another ten potential years of pain, it means you need to pay attention when you’re picking something heavy off the ground.
Research shows that in most cases, tight hammies are a related symptom of back issues RATHER than a cause. Interestingly, hamstrings often loosen as back pain subsides. That being said, when one hamstring is tighter than the other (pretty much anyone with two thumbs) the asymmetry has had mild influences on back pain, especially in performance as good old research shows. Stop blaming your hamstrings and try moving better.
Yes, movement IS medicine. Provided it’s the RIGHT movement. Hate to toot our own horns here guys but if let this be your friendly (and it’s very friendly as it’s Canadian) warning that if you plan to jump into an instagram live session, or pre-recorded YouTube HIIT sesh, these have not usually been designed with back pain in mind. Find a coached session with a way of showing feedback to your trainer (keep it light and send them a video), and let the coach know before starting your programme about any issues so they can keep an eye on you and give you alternatives if needed.
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