Are Muscle Imbalances Important In Back Pain?
Is it possible that some forms of back pain can be caused or contributed to by other muscles in the body not being in balance? Back and sciatic pain can be a complex condition and the symptoms are many and varied. One possible cause is that the person may have developed muscle imbalances that lead to eventual back or sciatic pain.
Personally many things were explored to find the cause of my back and sciatic pain and it was not until muscle imbalances were highlighted, then addressed that I got any relief from the pain.
Of course not every back pain condition is caused by muscle imbalances but it may be useful for you to consider it along with the other possible reasons.
I hope you find this page useful and interesting. Please feel free to leave your comments and experinces of back and sciatic pain in the guestbook at the end of the page.
Gentle hugs
jasmine ann
I would also like to thank Steve Hefferon and Jesse Cannone from The healthy back Institute for helping me to understand muscle imbalances in general and my own specific back and sciatic issues in particular. For Steve also a Thankyou for mentoring me through my back pain into recovery. Along with my husband(for putting up with me!) you deserve a medal for all the questions you so patiently answered.
Introduction To Muscle Imbalances
When does a muscle imbalance occur?
It may not just be people displaying signs of back issues who have imbalances. To some degree everyone has muscle imbalances, regardless of age, sex, or level of fitness. It does not have to be a major muscle imbalance. Even the smallest muscle imbalance can over time pull the body out of balance and place uneven pressure and wear and tear particularly on the vertebrae, discs, spine and its supporting muscles.
If the core muscles are out of balance - from strength versus flexibility perspective - front to back or side to side, there will be at least one postural dysfunction and many people may have more than one. When the core muscles are out of balance the pelvis will be pulled out of its normal neutral position. As the pelvis is at the base of the spine and controls the position and curvature of the spine, the spine may then go into abnormal curvature.
The position and curvature of the spine is determined by the amount of balance in numerous muscle groups like the thighs, hips and torso. The skeleton may have mechanical problems and pressure points which then causes pain due to its root cause of muscle imbalances.
When muscle imbalances pull the spine and body out of alignment, the level of stress increases on certain muscles, bones and joints.
A muscle imbalance occurs when there is over developed and tight muscles in one area of the body while the opposing muscles are weak and stretched out of their normal position.
How Back Pain Develops-Muscle Imbalances Explained
Conditions Which May Result From Muscle Imbalances
* IT band syndrome
* SI joint syndrome
* Sciatica
* Frozen shoulder
* Knee pain
* Hip pain
* Back pain. Abnormal curvature of the spine is the root of much back pain - whether it's a pulled back muscle, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, SI joint syndrome or spondylilothesis to name some examples.
Back Pain Explained On Wikipedia
Back pain (also known "dorsalgia") is pain felt in the back that usually originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine.
The pain can often be divided into neck pain, upper back pain, lower back pain or tailbone pain. It may have a sudden onset or can be a chronic pain; it can be constant or intermittent, stay in one place or radiate to other areas. It may be a dull ache, or a sharp or piercing or burning sensation. The pain may be radiate into the arm and hand), in the upper back, or in the low back, (and might radiate into the leg or foot), and may include symptoms other than pain, such as weakness, numbness or tingling.
Back pain is one of humanity's most frequent complaints. In the U.S., acute low back pain (also called lumbago) is the fifth most common reason for physician visits. About nine out of ten adults experience back pain at some point in their life, and five out of ten working adults have back pain every year.A.T. Patel, A.A. Ogle. "Diagnosis and Management of Acute Low Back Pain". American Academy of Family Physicians. Retrieved March 12, 2007.
The spine is a complex interconnecting network of nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments, and all are capable of producing pain. Large nerves that originate in the spine and go to the legs and arms can make pain radiate to the extremities.
How Does Back Pain As A Result Of Muscle Imbalances Develop?
Several things can contribute to and create muscle imbalances:-
level of activity
activities undertaken on a regular basis
amount and type of exercise
how you sit, stand and walk
Especially activities undertaken on a daily basis are significant as they may over time contribute to muscle imbalances.
It is also significant what type of work you do whther it is sedentary or active and any repetitive movements.
It's very important to note that nearly everyone has muscle imbalances.
Whether you do a lot of exercise or you are more sedentary there is a risk of developing muscle imbalances. However you may not experience pain until some time after the imbalance has been created.
If there is constant repetitive actions in a sport or job or lifestyle habit where some muscle groups become stronger or tighter than others then muscle imbalances may be created.
Except for when you might have an accident, the majority of back pain happens as a process and relieving it and addressing the underlying cause may also take some time.
What is A Muscle Imbalance?
One Reason You Get Muscle Pain...
It is not usually until your body is in significant pain or you have clear posture problems that most people go to seek help. It may be at this point that muscle imbalances may be considered.
While it does take time for muscle imbalances to cause enough pain for us to take any action, the first signs of trouble are often there in our poor posture.
Postural problems can be seen in the abnormal awkward position of the pelvis, head, neck, shoulder and even in the curvature of the spine. Pain may be felt anywhere and not always related to the particular muscles which are out of balance. I had a severe lordodis of the spine which was excessive curvature or "swayback" which it turned out was a significant cause of my pain.
Many people live with ccompletely unrecognized muscular imbalances often without too much pain, or at least not enough to go to a doctor. However, once a postural problem has developed, the body cannot continue for long this way before problems and pain are experienced. Although it is often the case we may mask the pain with painkillers or ignore the problem if it is mild, it is important to seek treatment and diagnosis. The earlier the issue is identified the easier it is to correct.
4 Things Cause Sciatica
Back And Sciatic Pain Relief Guides
Informative and educative guides on Back Pain
They are written by the Healthy Back Institute who are committed to helping people get rid of back pain and sciatica.
- BACK PAIN RELIEF GUIDES
- If you have any sort of back or sciatic pain or herniated disc, these guides are a great point to start.
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Back Pain Relief Guide
Get the latest, cutting-edge information about back pain, what causes it and how to get lasting relief. Millions of people suffer from back pain unnecessarily - don't continue to be one of them.
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Sciatica Gone in Just Days
Most cases of sciatica can be wiped out in just days and often with just a handful of simple exercises and stretches... but you have to know which exact ones YOU need to do. Learn about the 4 primary causes of sciatica, how to find out which is causing your pain and which treatments will work for your specific situation.
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Herniated Disc Healing Miracles
Diagnosed with a herniated disc? Been told by your doctor that surgery is the only option? Then you'll definitely want to read this guide because you'll learn about the real cause of herniated discs and how to heal them and get lasting relief without dangerous medications or risky surgery.
Seeking Back Pain And Sciatica Treatments
What to look for in back pain treatments.
Pain may be addressed with pain killers or injections or other treatments to relieve it. However, without thorough assessment and educating the person about how to address any muscle imbalances they may have, the pain will only be masked and the imbalances may increase which may lead to more serious conditions.
If pain is as a result of muscle imbalances, the muscle imbalances must be addressed to reduce and eliminate the pain otherwise the pain is likely to continue or become worse over time
Any treatment program must address the symptoms, often in the form of pain and the root cause of the pain, which may be muscle imbalances, to be most effective and long lasting.
It is also important that you engage in the process of looking after your back and conducting the necessary exercises or treatment regime and learning to look after your back for a healthy life.
In order for this to occur you must be informed about and have an understanding of your condition and root cause and how the treatment will support your back to a healthy state.
7 Back Pain Mistakes
Low Back Pain And Muscles
- Back Muscles and Low back pain
- From the page
Soft tissues around the spine also play a key role in low back pain. There is a large and complex group of muscles that work together to support the spine, help hold the body upright and allow the trunk of the body to move, twist and bend in many directions.
Any treatment program must address the symptoms, (often pain) and the root cause of the pain, (which may be muscle imbalances), to be most effective and long lasting.
Explaining Muscle Balance Therapy
Muscle Balance Therapy is an approach to eliminating back pain. It starts with a careful yet simple assessment of all the muscles that affect the stability of the hips, pelvis, and spine and considers them from the perspective of strength and flexibility.
It is most effective when specific physical and visual assessments are done to ensure an accurate confirmation of any dysfunctions. The physical should confirm the visual, and the visual should confirm the physical.
Without proper assessments, any generic stretching and strengthening exercises given are at risk of stretching or strengthening the wrong muscles, which can make the condition worse. This happened in my case where the generic stretches I was given to do not only did not help me, but my sciatica moved from being only in one leg to being in both from my hips to my toes and I was in a lot of pain.
How Muscle Balance Therapy works
Muscle Balance Therapy is effectively a very "unbalanced workout" to get the body back into proper balance. Once muscles are more balanced and pain eases, normal activities should be resumed. It is useful however to review the body every 6 months for any emerging muscle imbalances.
With the Muscle Balance Therapy you must be engaged in the process and willing to devote some time and effort as you will need to commit to undertaking the exercises on a regular basis. In this sense it is a very active treatment, unlike some of the more passive treatments for back pain which require the back pain sufferer to do very little.
Back pain can be somewhat masked with pain killing drugs and some other treatments temporarily but the underlying cause must be addressed.
Failure to address the back pain situation when it is minor may result in a higher level of pain and having to work much harder and longer to get back to a pain-free state.
Free trial Of Lose The Back Pain
Muscle Balance Therapy
- FREE TRIAL OF LOSE THE BACK PAIN
- Try the lose the back pain system free to see if you like it. Embodies the principles and practice of Muscle Balance Therapy.
Taking Back Pain Seriously
These include and are not limited to:_
Loss of bowel or bladder function
Paralysis or persistent numbness of any part of the body and/or pain in the arms and chest.
Back pain that is constant and getting progressively worse
Back pain and you have, (or have had cancer in the past).
Back pain after an accident /injury e.g. been in a road traffic accident needs investigation.
Also if back pain is accompanied by any of the following it needs urgent medical attention:-
Fever
Feeling very unwell
Urinary tract infection
Progressive motor weakness
Unexplained weight loss and back pain
Back pain becomes apparent after a transplant operation
Even minor back pain, should be taken very seriously. The body is indicating something is wrong.
If there is a failure to address the back pain situation when it is minor it may result in a higher level of pain and you having to work much harder and longer to get back to a pain-free state.
Welcome!
Love to hear from you if you found this interesting, useful or you wish to share.
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Disclaimer
The information here is no substitute for medical diagnosis and guidance. Consult a physician in all matters relating to health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. Never disregard medical advice, or delay or change treatment because of something you have read here. For assistance with back pain, or any other medical condition, always consult a qualified healthcare professional. You health is your responsibility.
Life With My Pet Back Blog
All about life with my "pet" back, including information from my first hand experiences and from professionals in the field, inspiration,useful products and support.
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- Sciatica Sleep Solutions
- Website to help peple coping or recovering from back and sciatica issues to get a better more restful sleep.
- My Pet Back
- Website all about coping with and living with back and sciatic pain. Information, inspiration and suggestions of things to help you.
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About Jasmine Ann
Lensmaster jasmineann has been a member since April 18 2007, has rated 592 lenses, favorited 381, and has created 32 lenses from scratch. Jasmine Ann S donates their royalties to Squidoo Charity Fund. This member's top-ranked page is "Sleep Tips For Sciatic And Back Pain". See all my lenses
My Bio
Jasmine ann started writing as a recovering backpain sufferer. Here you will find an electic mix of lenses reflecting her life, interests and her love of animals/nature and of helping people. Some of her lenses are very personal, some are to inform and some are just for fun!
All her sites donate some money to charity and she donates to a local hospice to help people and sponsors a little dog at DOGS TRUST the UK charity which never puts a healthy dog down and does great work in rescue and rehabilitation.
She also runs a blog
Life With My Pet Back Blog
and websites
My Pet Back
Sciatica Sleep Solutions
It is her passion to help people to get information and inspiration and to be empowered. She loves to see people overcome a challenge and turn a negative into a postive. She is fascinated by the power of our minds and our ability to help ourselves live a better life.
She works with young people who have physical and emotional challenges, has studied Reiki to second degree and is learning massage therapy.
I hope you find my sites useful. I love your feedback so if you feel like dropping me a line that would be lovely :)
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28.7.09 UPDATE
Just to let you know that I will be away for a little while , I am having a minor operation (no its not my back), that will take a little recovery time.So please know that if you leave a comment or contact me I am not ignoring you and I will respond as soon as I am better :) (hopefully in a couple of weeks)In the meantime....
Take good care of YOU.Gentle hugs
______________________________________________
Thank You From My Heart
Lens Of The Day Tribute To Goldie.
On October 28th 2008 Goldies Lens was given the honour of being chosed Lens of the Day!
I am excited, surprised and deeply touched by this. I am overwhelmed by the sincere and heartfelt messages that poured in to my inbox and onto this lens and I want everyone to know how much I appreciate you taking the time and in many cases sharing your experiences.
I feel for each and every one of you who is going through losing a much loved pet at this time and thank you for sharing with me and I am glad for those of you that reading this lens helped a little.
Sincerley THANK YOU.
Wishing you peace, health and happiness. Namaste.
jasmine ann
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