What Does Your Neck Have to do With A Flat Lower Back?
The spine is an amazing device. With so many moving parts, all supported by muscles and input by nerves that send and receive messages to and from the brain. What a cool thing.
Have you ever noticed something…the spine is not a straight structure? It has multiple curves to it.
Well, there is a good reason for this. Without getting too technical on this topic, each spinal segment correlates to another on the opposite end. This is needed for counter movements, such as when you walk, your opposite arm and leg swing. Think about it. If you were to swing your left arm forward, your upper body would want to turn to your right. The counter motion, the right leg coming forward, keeps your body movement going straight.
Your arm muscles attach to your shoulders, and your shoulder muscles attach to your shoulder blades, and your shoulder blades attach to the spine through muscles. The same goes for your legs.
So, in the case of having a flat lumbar curve (lower back), the corresponding spinal segments in the neck will exert the same qualities. So if your lower back is flat, your neck curve will usually be reduced, straight, or in some cases, reversed!
So, what does this have to do with lower back pain?
If you have a flattened curve in your lower back, then there will be excessive pressure through the discs in your spine, which can make you MUCH more prone to disc bulging, and herniations. Those can obviously cause pain if they put pressure on a spinal nerve. The same thing can happen to your neck as a result of this.
The problem exists that sometimes, you need to correct both the neck and the lower back in order to alleviate the pressure and thus pain. However, most people tend to only focus on the area that hurts.
When is is really important to look at the neck?
- If there has been a past trauma to the head, such as a fall, car accident, whip lash, or sports injury
- If your body looks “twisted”, meaning one shoulder sits farther in front of the other, or if you stand with one foot forward, and one slightly back. (you may not even notice this!)
- If there is any problems with tilting your head back and experiencing dizziness, such as looking up in the cupboards, or up at a plane in the sky. (Be sure to have an expert evaluate you in this situation!)
- Any time someone has been experiencing unresolved lower back pain, even when all muscle imbalances in the pelvis and lower back have been addressed.
–Sam Visnic
Welcome back!
-
"Having someone like Sam to refer my patients to who is as comprehensive, brilliant and caring as he is makes my job so much easier!! I feel assured that my patients are in good hands and are going to get the results they so desperately want. I highly recommend Sam to anyone who is looking to resolve their back pain easily and effectively!”
-Dr. Holly Lucille N.D., R.N. -
“I've used Sam on more than one occasion to help me with back pain issues. As a full time web designer I often spent too many hours sitting behind the pc which led to chronic back pain. I started working with Sam a few years ago and his knowledge and insight helped me to alleviate my back pain issues and even improve my posture. Whenever I start to have back pain issues I just re-implement the tools and techniques he showed to me and in no time my back pain goes away. He really is the back pain specialist!”
-Jimmy Powell
Owner, Stellar Media Group -
“Sam is an excellent mind/body fitness coach & trainer. When it comes to eliminating complex back problems, Sam's your man. He is passionate about his work and dedicated to healing his clients. I highly recommend his services.”
-Michelle Armstrong
Author, "Manage Your Mind, Master Your Life" -
“In my experience it is rare to find a health practitioner who consistently cures the underlying issues, and successfully drives to total wellness. Sam has become our trusted family 'health support system' because he is one of those rare people. He has successfully helped my mother in law, sister, wife, daughter, and myself cure what western medicine has been unable to. We highly recommend Sam ... plus he's a cool guy !”
-Tim Parsey
Microsoft Partner, Dir UX -
“I was so impressed when working with Sam, from his detailed and thorough evaluation, to the great workouts and home exercises prescribed. I've referred a number of people to Sam and in the past we've used his DVD for gifts to patients for home care. I strongly recommend Sam's services and hope to be working with him personally at some time in the near future.
-Dr. Matt Costantino
HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab