By taking even a cursory glance at the human skeletal system, we quickly notice that the thickness of each vertebra decreases as the spine descends. This is significant in that back pain, particularly lower back pain, affects one in every three adults at some point in the lifetimes, a chilling statistic when seen in the light of the devastation that pain can cause.



Once we embrace the enormity of the numerous tasks the lumbar spine must repeatedly perform during a lifetime, we begin to also embrace why the spine, particularly the lower spine, must be maintained in a quality condition if it is to not only survive but perform effectively. The major load-bearing spinal region extends from below the ribcage to the pelvic crest, and is also responsible for the transmission of every nerve signal that is conveyed to and from the buttocks, legs and feet.

Lower back pain is so often accompanied by spinal degeneration, where the individual vertebra and intervertebral discs become significantly compressed. For any lower back pain regime to possibly be effective at reducing lower back pain, the regime must achieve spinal de-compression as well as addressing another three vital elements necessary for recovery.

Living with reduced pain demands that three vital elements be present; 1) restoration of symmetry within the body, 2) restoration of elasticity within the soft tissue surrounding and supporting the spine, and 3) restoration of specific spinal support strength.

It is important to recognise that the potential to recover from lower back pain remains extremely limited, except of course within the dubious philosophy of masking the pain by means of potent medication, if the lower back structure remains compressed due to various on-going weight-bearing activities.

Even when the effects of spinal compression have had irreversible consequences, the human spine possesses an impressive capacity to recover in an environment of consistent de-compression, as well as its ability to perform effectively provided the de-compression is routinely and systematically performed.

Sufferers so often refrain from at least one of the 3 movement functions; lateral rotation, lateral flexion, and mid-line flexion/extension due to painful experiences in attempting the function/s, however within an appropriate regime, the essential movement functions can significantly and necessarily be restored. All are significantly impaired by lumbar spine compression, and it is important to know that effective restoration of these three movement functions is pivotal to the sufferer's recovery.

Back pain relief can be achieved, on average, in 15 minutes per day, much of which is necessarily done prior to the spine becoming weight-bearing for the day, however it is vital to embrace the fact that this can only be achieved via a protocol that respects the inherent spinal complexities, yet done so in a simple and workable way within the lifestyle and timeframe of the sufferer. We should always remember that there are enormous benefits to be gained by de-compressing the spine each day before weight is applied to the lower back.