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Back pain, particularly lower back pain, affects one in every three adults at some point in the lifetimes; a chilling statistic when viewed in the light of the devastation that back pain can cause. When we take a cursory glance at the human skeletal system, we soon discover that the thickness of each vertebrae decreases as the spine descends.

The spine must be maintained in quality condition for it to not only survive but to perform effectively, and given that the major load-bearing spinal region extends from below the ribcage to the pelvic crest, it is also responsible for the throughput of every nerve message that is conveyed to and from the buttocks, legs and feet. Once we embrace the enormity of the numerous tasks the lumbar spine must repeatedly perform, we begin to also embrace why effective maintenance is essential.

In order for any lower back pain regime to be effective at reducing lower back pain, it must achieve spinal de-compression, as well as addressing another three vital elements necessary for recovery. Also lower back pain is so often accompanied by spinal degeneration, whereby the individual vertebra and the intervertebral discs become significantly compressed.

The three vital elements are, in no particular order; 1) restoration of symmetry within the body, 2) restoration of elasticity within the soft tissue surrounding and supporting the spine, and 3) restoration of specific spinal support strength.

Apart from the questionable practice of masking pain by dependency upon potent medication, it is important to recognise that the potential to recover from the lower back pain remains extremely limited when the lower back structure remains compressed by virtue of various repetitive weight-bearing activities.

The human spine possesses an impressive capacity to recover in an environment of consistent de-compression, as well as its ability to perform functions effectively, even when the effects of spinal compression have had irreversible consequences, provided de-compression is being routinely and systematically performed.

Sufferers so often refrain from at least one of the 3 movement functions; lateral rotation, lateral flexion, and mid-line flexion/extension due to painful experiences in attempting the function/s, however within an appropriate regime, the essential movement functions can significantly and necessarily be restored. All are significantly impaired by lumbar spine compression, and it is important to know that effective restoration of these three movement functions is pivotal to the sufferer’s recovery.

Back pain relief can be achieved, on average, in 15 minutes per day, much of which is necessarily done prior to the spine becoming weight-bearing for the day, however it is vital to embrace the fact that this can only be achieved via a protocol that respects the inherent spinal complexities, yet done so in a simple and workable way within the lifestyle and timeframe of the sufferer. We should always remember that there are enormous benefits to be gained by de-compressing the spine each day before weight is applied to the lower back.

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