Let’s treat your low back

Can you say that you have a plan when your back hurt? After today, you will know exactly what to try to get some relief!

Do you understand low back pain?

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, low back pain is often attributed to a deficiency or blockage of Kidney Qi. The cold and damp nature of winter can exacerbate this, as cold is believed to constrict and slow the flow of Qi and blood. The lower back is considered an area where Qi tends to accumulate, and when it becomes stagnant, it can manifest as pain and discomfort.

Neurologically, this explanation echoes into the consideration that things are piling up and there’s a ‘block’ in how your brain is receiving input from this area. How you move, digest, breathe, sit/stand, your thoughts, emotions and feelings all are to be considered. The low back has LESS mechanoreceptors (movement messengers) than it does nociceptors (threat messengers) so we have to override noxious input with other stimuli.

Finding what’s right for you

I want to run through a list of considerations that are often overlooked. Most low back pain will be treated with direct exercises & treatment but I want to show you how to move around the issue as low back pain isn’t always about a local issue.

First, assess your movement and ability. Pain is a hard ‘marker’ though you could use this as a reassessment tool.
Next, review you life to see if there’s any major changes/stressor that have been introduced to your life.
Third. play with the following treatment considerations one at a time and always reassess to see your brain and nervous system’s reponse to gauge whether this is right for you, right now.

Belly Breathing with towel
Ribcage breathing (3D banded)
Thoracic mobility (prime the pump)
Pelvic floor engagement (4 point contractions)
Hydrate & chew slowly
Follow a strict anti-inflammatory diet for 30-90 days
Go for a daily walk for 15 minutes outside (forest bathing)
Do Winter Qigong to the best of your ability
Try putting moxa on your belly & low back (moxa box)
Set a more conservative sleep schedule
Massage acupoints - ST 25, CV 6, BL 23/47, LI4, GB 37 + 38