What Is Causing My Lower Back Pain?

When we develop lower back pain, it can be alarming. When it does not go away or worsens, it can become quite distressing. Chronic lower back pain can be not just annoying but also debilitating. Relying solely on medications to cope with pain often proves only temporarily effective. Eventually, a person might ponder, "What is actually causing my back pain?" Naturally, someone with persistent lower back pain will consult a medical professional. This can lead to a series of diagnostic tests.

Assumptions and Misdiagnoses

Before even reaching that point, various assumptions may emerge. People might suspect issues like a slipped disc, sciatica, spondylitis, arthritis, or bone spurs. Usually, doctors and their teams focus on the hurting region: the lumbar area. However, as a Rolfer, I often question these assumptions. A saying from the founder that comes to mind is, "Where you think it is, it ain't." (Ida Rolf)

Western Medicine Is Reductionist

Western medicine generally adopts a symptom-oriented approach. It often prioritizes pharmaceuticals and surgery over holistic methods. Physical therapists and chiropractors may have a broader perspective, but the overarching Western view tends to be reductionist. When someone presents with lower back pain, both the patient and medical professionals are likely to assume the issue lies in the lower back. This seems logical.

However, it is rare that anyone, outside of physical therapy, attributes the strain to the patient's posture and movement. Occasionally, chiropractors and massage therapists bring up these factors, but Rolfers recognize that pain might stem from strain patterns starting far from the painful area. These patterns can be influenced by multiple sources in the body.

"Where you think it is, it ain't." - Ida Rolf

It Could be the Hips

Among the terms doctors might use for lower back pain, such as slipped disc, arthritis, and spondylitis, is sciatica. Sciatica is often viewed as a less serious condition. True sciatica involves a frayed nerve emerging from the spine. More frequently, symptoms arise from the impingement of the sciatic nerve, typically at the posterior hip. This situation occurs when the nerve is compressed between the piriformis muscle and the bone, a condition known as piriformis syndrome.

Some doctors and physical therapists acknowledge this condition, and many massage therapists understand how to address it. It is commonly accepted that treating the posterior hips may provide relief. However, if the problem persists, further evaluation of the legs and feet is necessary. They might impose excessive strain on the lateral hip rotators during standing and walking. While working on the muscle can temporarily alleviate the pain, a Rolfer will usually focus on addressing the overall shape and function of the legs and how the feet interact with the ground.

The Sacrum - An Overlooked Factor

The way we walk undoubtedly impacts our back, especially the lower back. Any restriction in movement generates additional strain and shock throughout the body. Hips need to move freely in all directions, and the connection between the hips and the sacrum requires some level of independent movement. This independence occurs at the sacroiliac joint (S.I. Joint), where the hip bone (ilium) meets the sacrum.

Conventional anatomy often suggests these bones are fused, yet Rolfers and Osteopaths believe they must accommodate some movement. The S.I. joint is a synovial joint with a capsule filled with synovial fluid. The existence of this joint indicates it evolved for motion. When one joint becomes restricted, it can lead to lower back strain. When clients present with lower back pain, they often point directly to their S.I. joint rather than the lumbar region. Releasing the S.I. joint and the sacral restriction can restore normal movement and alleviate both lower back and hip pain.

Addressing Our Posture

Many individuals experience vertebral issues like herniated disks or pinched nerves, yet they cope reasonably well. Studies on high-performing athletes, including Olympians, revealed that many had conditions such as arthritis or herniated disks. Surprisingly, a significant number were not even aware of their issues until diagnostic imaging unveiled them.

A distinction exists between having a problem and enduring excessive strain in that region. Postural complications, such as anterior or posterior pelvic tilt and hip restrictions, can exacerbate strain on an area that would otherwise be fine in a neutral position. Just because someone has an issue doesn't necessarily translate to pain.

The role of a Rolfer encompasses facilitating a higher degree of organization in the body. This organization develops over time. While pain and injuries impact us, they aren't the primary focus of our work. Throughout our lives, our bodies strive to find balance and self-repair. However, there comes a time when we may need assistance in this self-repair process. Rolfing can be pivotal in re-establishing stability. It might even be more beneficial to begin this journey before serious issues arise.

The Importance of Prevention

Holistic approaches to health thrive on preventive measures rather than mere symptom treatment. By adopting a proactive mindset, we can safeguard our pelvic health and overall well-being. Why not embark on that journey today?

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