My back is “out of alignment”

Well actually, no it's not. Sorry now, that seems harsh, but my answer is actually very much based on research.

When health professionals talk about "out of alignment ", they are talking about the Sacroiliac joint or SIJ in the pelvis. There is very strong evidence to show that the movement at this joint is very tiny. So small in fact that it is barely measurable with the best imaging techniques in the world. So someone being able to feel that degree of movement with their bare hands? A physical impossibility.

So what are health professionals actually feeling so? The most common reason for joints feeling different on both sides, or asymmetrical, is poor motor control. Sensitized structures are moving differently to non painful structures on the other side, so this is what's usually palpated, NOT a bone out of place.

So should we just "strengthen the core"?
Well surprisingly, no, not exactly. Recent high quality studies comparing stabilisation exercises to various other forms of exercise found all to bring benefits, but stabilisation exercises were not superior to the other types. It is also suggested in the literature that a lot of these improvements with exercise are due to a reduction in fear of movement, rather than actual even increased motor control. So basically, move, move, moveand dont be overly caught up in thinking about just strengthening your middle section!!

So in conclusion:

No, your back is NOT out of alignment

It's quite likely with ongoing back pain that your back actually isnt damaged, more just sensitized

A graded rehab exercise program could really work for you.

Now, I feel much better with all that off my chest!

#carlow #injurycarlow #charteredphysiocarlow #backpaincarlow