Why is important to choose the right type of exercises when you want to achieve better mobility, strength and resolve stubborn aches and pains?
Many people unknowingly have movement and posture patterns that actually worsen their capacity to break the flare-up cycles and restore full functional capacity.
Unfortunately they seek for exercise advice online without any idea how the particular exercise affects their condition.
Some people will improve but many continue to have persistent problems.
This is because they are following a program that doesn’t fit their dysfunctional movement pattern and either makes it worse or doesn’t contribute to getting better.
The problem is not all functional back problems are the same or has the same cause, but no one talks about it.
Dysfunctional movement patterns vary by name depending on the school of thought regarding the low back. Each movement pattern requires a different approach to correct and train.
Here are two common dysfunctional movement patterns:
1. Flexion Intolerant Dysfunctional Pattern
With flexion intolerant pattern, the motions and activities that produce, worsen or lessen the pain are fairly consistent.
This is the most common low back dysfunctional pattern after an injury, flare-up or ‘tweak’ to the low back.
They have trouble standing up straight after sitting plus:
Pattern is usually worsened or provoked by these activities or positions:
Bending once or repetitively
Stooping for prolonged periods
Leaning over the sink or counter
Sitting the toilet
Pattern is usually improved or terminated by these activities or positions:
Standing upright versus stooped
Sitting upright versus slouched
Straight spine when leaning over the counter or sink
Laying flat
Walking
Back is straight when bending down (using hips instead)
There can some be variability with person to person. In general, the pattern is consistent and predictable.
Here are some examples of a Flexion Intolerant Dysfunctional Pattern:
[graphic – makes it worse]
[graphic makes it better]
The images above provide a general idea of the pattern but is not limited to those.
If you follow this pattern somewhat, then you probably have Flexion Intolerant Dysfunctional Pattern.
Our Broken Down to Better Built and Herniated Disc Courses address Flexion Intolerant Dysfunctional Pattern.
2. Flexion Intolerant Dysfunctional Pattern with Sciatic Nerve Mobility Dysfunction
Sciatic Nerve Mobility Dysfunction can follow the same pattern as the Flexion Intolerant Dysfunctional Pattern . Why is that?
A disc that has become herniated or has significant bulging occupies the space where the nerve root exits the spine.
[sciatica graphic]
As mentioned before, motions and activities that cause or worsen a dysfunctional back are often the exact same motions and activities that provoke or worsen a sciatic nerve related mobility issue as you can can from this visual below. The sciatic nerve has impaired movement due to being compressed.
[slouched sitting and disc protrusion graphic]
conclusion