The Lower Back
The lower back forms the foundation and key structural area that supports the rest of the body’s weight and movement. Everyone suffers from lower back pain at some point in their lives. If the body has not been able to deal with the original site of irritation, then this lower back pain is likely to be constant or recur at regular intervals. This area also encompasses the pelvis, whose structure and strength are key to good lower back health.
At its lowest point the coccyx and just above it the sacrum form the central portion of the whole pelvis. The coccyx is particularly prone to mechanical stress from injury or falls. The sacrum is mainly fused after birth but continues to further fuse up until the age of 35 years. This makes the sacrum prone to injury and stress during the younger and developmental years, through school and university. On either side of the sacrum the Sacro-Iliac or SI Joints are tightly bound to form the whole pelvis region. They are also notorious for having SI joint pains.
In years gone by humans were much more active and with movement came a good core strength and well developed gluteal (or glute) muscles, which comprise three sets of muscles in the buttocks. It is in this region, also, where the piriformis muscles link the sacrum and the top of the legs and lay very close to the sciatic nerve. Any stored or locked-in tension in this area may be the root cause of leg pain or sciatic pains.
Lower back pain
It is stated that more workdays are lost due to lower back pain than any other reason and it costs the world millions in lost work time. As the lower back muscles tighten over time, lower back pain may not be the only effect. Frequently the nerves that exit the lower back could get irritated, contributing to effects like sciatica and groin pain. Lower back pain is unlikely to settle until the origin of the problem is addressed and this involves the easing of the protective muscle action around the lumbar spine with the help of a Body Stress Release Practitioner.
Lower back stiffness
Although lower back stiffness may be caused by arthritis in older people, many suffer lower back stiffness and reduced mobility as a result of body stress. Exercise is key to mobility in the lower back and extended periods of sitting or reduced movement can allow tension to arise and be stored in the lower back muscles. Additionally weak core muscles or tension in the psoas muscles may also cause lower back stiffness.
The Sacro-Iliac or SI Joint
Stored tension or locked-in stress in the SI joints may result in glute muscle stiffness, lower back pain or radiated pain down one or both legs. Often the SI joint pain is linked to lower back pain and due to its importance for the whole body, a BSR Practitioner usually starts to release stress in this part of the body first. Often this has a ripple effect up the spine, causing other linked tension to also start to release. The whole-body nature of BSR is key to its success. The large and strong nature of the pelvis and SI joints often requires a few sessions to fully release, as the body often holds on to locked-in tension for a long time
The Sacrum
Similarly, the sacrum, the large upside-down triangular bone between the two hip bones, is prone to damage from trauma or over-use and under-use. There are also openings in the sacrum through which sacral nerves emerge to control critical motor functions in the pelvic region, buttocks, groin, and lower limbs, including the bladder, bowel, and sexual functions. It is the focal point of where the spine joins to the pelvic base and as such is the key area which requires strength and to be stress free. BSR practitioners always test the sacrum for locked-in stress.
The Glute muscles
The much maligned and observed bottom, buttocks or glute muscles, suffer many of the same mechanical stress abuses in this region of the body, from too much sitting, over exercising and falls. These larger and outer muscles provide much of the strength and power we need to exercise in sports, such as running and cycling, but are often underdeveloped due to a general sedentary lifestyle. Stress in the glute muscles, whilst in a protective action, may then cause stress and pain in the sacrum, SI joints, hip joints, and hip muscles.
The Coccyx
The coccyx or tailbone is the fusion of the final three vertebrae and is completely fused by the age of 30 years. While the coccyx is particularly vulnerable to damage from falls, it is also prone to load bearing during sitting. Thus, prolonged sitting, or poor sitting posture up to the age of 30 years may well cause discomfort issues. BSR Practitioners see many clients still suffering from coccyx pain from falls occurring many years ago and strive to release stress and in that way help the body to be restored to its natural pain-free state.
Piriformis muscle
The Piriformis muscle sits directly under the glutes and, if inflamed or stressed, is infamous for causing the symptoms associated with sciatica or sciatic pain. Often this muscle is stressed by overuse, through activities such as running, walking and climbing stairs, in sharp contrast to sitting for long periods. It is also susceptible to mechanical stress from trauma, from a fall or car accident. BSR Practitioners are able to test this muscle for locked-in stress and perform a release, possibly allowing the body to naturally re-set and alleviate leg pains and sciatic issues.
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