The #1 MOST Common Issue In Back Pain Sufferers
Recently, I ran a survey amongst back pain sufferers from my email list, and an interesting question was posed to me. The question was:
“What is the ONE thing that is common in most back pain sufferers – meaning – what can the majority of us do that would make the greatest difference?”
Frankly, the majority of back pain cases have the same thing in common:
MUSCLE IMBALANCES
However…what is CAUSING those muscle imbalances is the real difference. You see, as I address clearly in my DVD set “End Your Back Pain Now!”, over 90% of individuals have an excessive anterior pelvic tilt. The common characteristics include:
Tight-Facilitated Muscles:
Psoas-Iliacus
Quadriceps
Adductors-Medial Hip Rotators
Lumbar extensors
Weak-Inhibited Muscles:
Abdominal wall (rectus abdominus, external obliques, internal obliques, transverse abdominus)
Hamstrings
Glutes
External Hip Rotators such as Piriformis
Now, keep in mind these are general. Some of those muscles are tight, some being weak. Many times not all of them, and some may be tight on one side, with an opposing pattern on the other. Many combinations can exist.
Correction of these imbalances must follow a logical outline. In my DVDs, I discuss how to stretch the tight muscles, and strengthen the weak muscles. This is the most logical place to start. I believe in assuming that the simplest approach will work. 99% of the time, this relieves pain relatively quickly, usually as soon as the back pain sufferer learns to perform the motions correctly. If the pattern keeps coming back, even as the routines are performed, then a deeper root cause should be assumed.
Too many times therapists and doctors assume the most DIFFICULT scenario. Such as some major joint malfunction, subluxation, etc. While these things may be present, addressing them may not actually be the best approach. For example; if a disc bulge is found on an MRI, most doctors assume the pain is coming from the disc, even if the symptoms don’t line up with a disc bulge. The next recommendation is usually a surgical consult.
To me, that jumps just a little to far too soon. There are many non-surgical approaches to disc bulge rehabiliation, such as the methods described by Robin Mckenzie, a well-known physical therapist from New Zealand who has an excellent approach.
This even assumes that the pain is from the disc. I have found many occasions in which a patient comes in and says they have a disc bulge, but when I have them perform movements that would normally make them HURT BAD if they had a disc bulge, interestingly they report no pain.
Don’t know how I got this far from the original intention of the question, but I do that from time to time!
Anyway, the most common issue with back pain sufferers is muscle imbalances. The FIRST step is to address them directly with stretching and strengthening movements, then go from there!
Check out my DVD for an EXACT program on how to do this:
–Sam Visnic
Sciatica Pain Relief-Made Simple!
Sciatic pain can really put someone on their ass—Literally! This pain originates from the trapping of the sciatic nerve as it leaves the spine, and passes through the butt muscles (glutes) on its way down the leg.
Sciatica can be caused by a disc herniation (also called disc bulge), or MORE frequently, by one of the most powerful external hip rotators, called the piriformis. In most individuals, the nerve passes around this muscle, but in a small, unfortunate group of people, it passes right through it, which leaves them more prone to experiencing sciatica.
I have found that a simple stretch can help give some quick relief from sciatic pain. Its called the 90 degree Hip/Glute Stretch.
Check it out and pass it on to anyone you know who may need it!
Sam Visnic–
Testimonials
"If you've endured back pain issues, the helplessness, the frustration, the trips to the chiropractor, the osteopath, the recommendations for MRIs, the counter non-recommendations for the MRIs, the $1K+ bills, etc., etc. etc., If you're like me and you reached a point in your life where you declared, "there's got to be a better way!" then get Sam's educational DVDs and go the DIY route to taking control of your back issues. Thanks Sam." --Chris Wilson
“Sam, I just wanted to tell you how impressed I am with your knowledge and ability as a healer. You are the only person I have seen who been able to get my back out of pain and keep it out of pain. After 28 years of practicing dentistry I thought that I would have to suffer the rest of my life with moderate to severe back pain. I came to you years ago in terrible back pain you relieved that and with regular preventive visits have kept me out of pain. I am also thankful for your nutritional knowledge. After suffering from terrible intestinal pain and all the tests you fixed it by a simple dietary supplement. “Doctor” refers to a healer and even though you don’t have the title you are one in my book. Many, Many Thanks!” --John Shafer, DDS
"Having someone like Sam to refer my patients to who is as comprehensive, brilliant and caring as he is makes my job so much easier!! I feel assured that my patients are in good hands and are going to get the results they so desperately want. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who is looking to resolve their back pain easily and effectively!” -Dr. Holly Lucille N.D., R.N.