What About Non_Mechanical Causes Of LBP?
In the West, we tend to see pain as the problem and simply treat the site of pain.
“Pain never precedes dysfunction.” _ Stanley Paris
If your back hurts something is already wrong.
Additionally, as Westerners, we tend to think mechanically, not holistically. But everything isn’t as simple as it seems. The body is a synergistic system of systems. Meaning everything is connected. When I say everything I mean everything.! What you eat and how you think can also affect how you feel and function!
Constipation
If you don’t have 3 or more bowel movements a day you’re constipated.
Well, guess where that SHIT SITS.
Yeah, right in front of your lumbar spine.
The lumbar spine is on the same neurological loop as the organs that lie in that region of the body. Since the body will always prioritize organs over muscles, if your intestines are inflamed that is shutting down the muscles of the inner unit which are there to stabilize your lumbar spine!
Stress
I’ve seen it again and again over the years. Clients that exhibit no symptoms of LBP will suddenly experience a flare-up. We can try to analyze what they may or may not have done mechanically to bring on this pain, but it’s also important to look at lifestyle.
If you eat or drink things that are irritants to the intestinal wall it can cause referred pain to the low back. Known irritants to the intestinal wall are:
- alcohol
- processed foods
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
Emotions-Stinkin’ Thinkin’
The low back is the Root chakra in Eastern medicine. The Root chakra is located at the base of the spine, the pelvic floor, and the first three vertebrae, which are connected to your sense of safety and security.
The root chakra is comprised of whatever grounds you or gives you stability in your life. This includes your basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and safety, as well as your more emotional needs such as letting go of fear. When these needs are met, you feel grounded and safe, when they’re not it can affect you physically as well as emotionally.
So What About The Rocks Already….
In his book, Muscles, and Meridians, by Philip Beach, DO states: “The lower lumbar and first sacral nerves innervate the skin of the sole of the foot. Nerves that innervate the foot are the same nerves that innervate the deep muscles of the pelvic floor and lower back.“
Basically, this means that the more time you spend barefoot, the better your low back will feel.
Brett’s Bottom Line:
It’s strange to think about, but we were designed to be naked and walk this earth on sand, grass, and rocks without shoes on. Beach referred to shoes as, “sensory deprivation chambers for the feet.”
Of course, walking around barefoot in today’s world isn’t very practical. So what can you do?
Well, aside from being barefoot at home as much as possible, using the small spiky ball I’ve taught many of you to use is a start. Spend a few minutes a day rolling the feet to stimulate this connection.
But if you’d actually like to try walking on rocks at home you can do that too. Simply put in the term: Rock Mat on Amazon and there you have it!
