Low Back Pain is often overlooked as a symptom of stress, but it is, in fact, the leading cause of disability globally. This debilitating condition is primarily triggered by stressors that stimulate our sympathetic nervous system – our “fight or flight” mechanism. But how does this relate to back pain? The connection lies in the Psoas muscle, the most potent muscle in our body, which is the primary culprit for Low Back Pain.
The Role of the Psoas Muscle
The Psoas muscle, also known as the hip flexor muscle or deep abdominal flexor, plays a crucial role in our body’s response to stress. When our sympathetic nervous system is activated by physical, chemical, and emotional stressors, our Psoas muscle prepares us for the fight or flight mechanism. This muscle allows us to step forward by flexing the femur for each step we take. It’s the densest and most potent muscle in the human body. The Psoas muscle originates on both sides of each of our five lumbar vertebrae and then inserts into the lesser trochanter of our femur. Research indicates that the Psoas is the primary cause of Low back pain, herniated discs, bulging discs, disc degeneration, stenosis in the lumbar spine, hip pain, and knee pain.
The Stress Factor
When we are stressed, our body’s response is to tighten the psoas as a protective guarding mechanism. However, the contemporary lifestyle, characterized by high stress and sedentary habits, promotes a state of constant tension (hypertonus) in our psoas muscles. This continuous tension leads to the compression of our lumbar spines and culminates in various spinal issues. It’s also the reason why we tend to get shorter as we age!
Living in a Constant State of Stress
Unfortunately, this is “The Human Condition”. Our world is riddled with constant stress, and we spend a significant portion of our lives seated. This lifestyle makes the psoas muscle tight, making it challenging to stand upright from a seated position. Essentially, the psoas is being misused as a lumbar spinal stabilizer instead of a hip flexor. Consequently, the actual lumbar spine stabilizers, the multifidis and transverse abdominis, become atrophied and weaker.
Reversing the Effects of Stress and Low Back Pain
So, how do we reverse this process and combat the effects of Stress and Low Back Pain? The solution lies in disengaging the psoas muscle through Advanced Spinal Decompression Therapy and Disc Rehydration. This therapy uses technology to reverse the effects of gravity, reducing the pressure on the lumbar discs, S-I joints, hips, and knees. Once the protective guarding mechanism of the PSOAS is turned off, we can then train the proper musculature to stabilize the spine. An interesting example of this process is demonstrated by astronauts who return from the space station a couple of inches taller due to prolonged exposure to zero gravity!
Conclusion
If you’re interested in learning more about how to alleviate Low Back Pain caused by stress, reach out to us using the contact information below. Remember, Low Back Pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence; with the right approach, you can lead a pain-free life.
For more information visit: www.cenkihsc.com
Or call us at: (412) 967-9767