Position for Cat Stretch Exercise
Now that spring is here it is time to enjoy the out doors once again. Unfortunately, the exuberance of being free from winter’s grip can lead to lower back pain as we overextend our limitations.
Frank Jackson of Rockford, Il likes to keep a beautiful yard. “I can’t wait until the snow disappears to get out and clean up the mess left by winter,” Frank says. “But, when that first warm day comes I forget how long it’s been since I last did so much physical activity. It doesn’t take long for my muscles to remind me though,” he adds.
Many, like Frank, experience the subsequent aches and pains of overindulging in yard work. Raking, cleaning up debris, carrying away brush and removing dead plants can all lead to stress and strain causing low back pain.
Doctors have categorized simple back pain into three phases:
1. Acute Inflammation characterized by muscle spasm, stiffness, agonizing pain on movement.
2. Sub-acute inflammation showing improved movement with low back stiffness, a dull aching pain, with occasional sharp stabs on movement.
3. Resolution where pain has disappeared but there is still stiffness and some of the underlying restrictions which caused the problem remain.
