Lumbo-Sacral Pain (Lower back pain)
Definition:
Muscular tightness in the lumbo-sacral region, causing pain.
Symptoms:
The patient will complain of a dull ache and stiffness in the lumbar region. Standing for long periods or sitting in the same position may worsen the pain.
Biomechanical etiology:
Bilateral excess subtalar joint pronation internally rotates the tibial and femoral shafts which can lead to anterior tilt of the pelvis and a forward shift of the body's center of gravity, resulting in increased lordotic curvature and compensatory muscular tightness of the lumbo-sacral region. The upper body (Thoracic Region) commonly develops a secondary kyphotic curvature. Unilateral excess subtalar joint pronation lowers the vertical distance of the foot to the ground, therefore creating a functional short leg, causing hip mal-alignment.
Treatment:
By reducing excess pronation orthotics control internal rotation of the tibial and femoral shafts, thereby limiting anterior pelvic tilt and secondary muscular tightness of the lumbo-sacral region.
Additional treatment:
Improve body posture: stand and walk up straight. For people in office jobs: sit with back straight and head up. Spinal adjustment and soft tissue therapy by a qualified Practitioner.
Exercises:
- Strengthening of the abdominal muscles - 'safe' sit-ups (lift head and shoulders off the ground whilst keeping the neck straight and eyes focused on ceiling)
- Press-ups: like push-ups, however the legs and pelvis stay flat on the ground
- Hamstring and lumbo-sacral stretches
Summary
Lumbo-Sacral Pain:
Muscular tightness in the lumbo-sacral region caused by anterior pelvis tilt, associated with internal tibial rotation and excessive pronation.
Treatment:
Pre-molded orthotic or custom orthotic.
Other:
exercises