Low back pain, and how to avoid it.

I get asked ALL the time for low back stretches/strengthening drills. These messages mostly come from people saying that their low back is the tightest part of their backbend because they feel their backbend there the most intensely. So let’s talk about this…

Low back pain is a sign that something is not working properly. It does NOT mean you need to stretch your low back MORE.  There are many reasons your low back could hurt- It could be that your hips and/or upper back are tight, forcing your low back to take all the load in your backbend. Or maybe your core is too weak to support the bending that you’re doing. Or maybe your glutes aren’t firing properly/enough in your backbends. Whatever the cause, your low back pain will not go away if you try to stretch or strengthen your low back more.

Everything should be working together, and when one area is too weak/tight the other parts need to take over, resulting in a really intense, possibly painful sensation in only one spot. So if you’re feeling all the feelings in your low back, take a look at the other parts of your backbend! And I HIGHLY recommend incorporating my Contortion Strong programs to ensure you’re getting all the right muscles active before your backbending, and that you’re building enough core strength to support your bendy body!

DISCLAIMER: If you have constant or worsening back pain, go see a doctor! It might be lack of strength/flexibility causing the pain, but it could be something worse, especially if it doesn't improve from using the Post-Backbending Contortion Strong program.