Do you have low back pain when performing squats?
It occurs so frequently that many consider low back pain to be a “normal” part of their life. Most often I hear, “well, I only have low back pain when I am squatting or deadlifting so that’s expected.” I am here to tell you that pain is not normal or to be expected in many cases. Low back pain is a warning sign even if it is only occurring during exercise movements. If left untreated, low back pain can lead to more severe complications such as sciatica.
At Norwood Chiropractic, we have had tremendous success treating patients dealing with low back pain and sciatica during or following these common lower body exercises. We offer a complete orthopedic examination and movement assessment to identify the pain generator which ultimately guides our treatment.
What can lead to low back pain?
- Muscular imbalances: If one muscle/muscle group is under-active or inhibited then another muscle/muscle group must be overworked to complete the movement.
- Joint restrictions: Joints require a certain amount of motion for movements to occur smoothly and adjustments can restore the motion and proper positioning of the joints throughout the body.
- Soft tissue restrictions: Damaged muscular tissue occurs for a variety of reasons. Over time, damaged muscular tissue has produced scar tissue which can lead to a feeling of muscular tightness and pain which ultimately affects movement during a squat.
How do you fix it?
We correct imbalances by offering specific corrective exercises which will activate muscle groups required for stabilization of the low back and hips. Stability during movement will reduce the risk of low back pain and sciatica as well as many other common injuries. In many cases, an individual can have great stability and strength yet experiences pain in certain positions. If a restriction occurs at a joint, we use chiropractic adjustments to free up the motion allowing you to move at your full potential. When it comes to the soft tissue, many resort to constant stretching and foam rolling with no relief. Our doctors specialize in Active Release Technique, which can reduce scar tissue and improve flexibility of the tissue.
