Personalized Healing for your lumbar Spine

The lumbar spine frequently has a preferred movement direction, particularly if you've sustained a back injury or experience intermittent back pain. During a Physio Assessment and Clinical Pilates class, you can determine if your back prefers certain movement directions; then, during an episode of back pain or soreness, you can tailor your exercises to the direction preference of the spine to help it feel better and recover from the episode. Obviously, the ideal scenario is to have optimal mobility in all directions, with movement evenly distributed along the spine. If you can learn to move your spine with good central alignment during side bending, flexion, extension, and rotation, each segment of your spine will contribute to movement without exceeding its structural limitations. During a flare-up or injury, however, knowing your back's preferred position helps the body repair and cure the strain or damage.

Where is the Lumbar Spine?

The lumbar spine refers to the lower part of the vertebral column, consisting of five individual vertebrae labelled L1 to L5. The lumbar spine is located in the lower back region and plays a crucial role in supporting the upper body and providing flexibility for various movements.

The lumbar spine is capable of several types of movements, which include:

1.     Flexion: Flexion refers to the forward bending of the lumbar spine. In this movement, the angle between the front of the body and the thighs decreases, and the spine curves forward. Activities like bending forward to touch the toes or sitting down involve flexion of the lumbar spine.

2.     Extension: Extension is the opposite of flexion and involves the backward bending of the lumbar spine. In extension, the angle between the front of the body and the thighs increases, and the spine arches backward. Activities such as leaning backward or standing up straight from a forward bend utilize lumbar spine extension.

3.     Lateral Flexion: Lateral flexion refers to the sideways bending of the lumbar spine. This movement allows the spine to bend towards either side, creating a C-shaped curve. Lateral flexion is involved in movements like bending sideways or performing side stretches.

4.     Rotation: Rotation involves the twisting or turning of the lumbar spine. It allows the spine to rotate to the left or right, enabling activities like twisting the torso or rotating the body during sports movements.

It's important to note that while the lumbar spine is capable of these movements, the range and extent of motion can vary between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as muscle strength, flexibility, and structural variations in the spine.