Physical factors in back pain

One of the primary contributory factors in back pain is short tight hip flexor muscles. This leads to capsular restriction in the hip joint, leading to an anteriorisation of the ilium on the motor dominant side.

Torsion of the pelvis causes a dysfunctional shift in the Sacrum. This can lead to one of two different torsion patterns, either a Sacral Torsion or a Backward Sacral Torsion.

In Sacral torsion the sacrum rotates along an oblique access, causing the top of the sacrum to tip forward (into flexion) and turns (rotates), resulting in a lower corner (ILA) of the sacrum to become more prominent (posterised).

In Backward Sacral torsion the sacrum again rotates along an oblique access, but goes in the opposite direction, timing backwards (into extension) causing an UPPER corner of the sacrum to become prominent.

Emotional and energetic factors in back pain

There is often an emotional component to back pain. Emotional states are interpreted in terms of valence and arousal.

Valence is the degree to which we feel good/positive or bad/negative

Arousal in this case means the degree to which we feel calm or excited.

For example while we may experience the basic emotion of anger this could range from mild irritation or frustration all the way to blind rage. So each emotion has a spectrum and a range of intensity. In general, emotions are shorter lived than feelings and moods.

Emotions can be related to the subtle energy in the body found in the energy centres or ‘chakras’. Each energy centre is associated with the expression of particular emotions.

The first energy centre at the base of the spine, called the base or Root chakra and is associated with survival and security. It is described as:

Earth energy and deals with survival in the physical world, material wealth, ambition, drive and creative energy for procreation.
Imbalance in this energy centre we will feel ungrounded, unfocused and unable to achieve our goals.
We may try to control, manoeuvre or dominate people to meet our needs.
The emotional imbalance associated with this energy centre is fear.
This fear can come from concerns that our physical needs will not be meet or that we are not safe.

The second energy centre is the Sacral chakra and it is associated with issues pertaining to emotional stability, the ability to cope with stress, desires and empathy. If there is an imbalance in this energy centre we can feel overly sensitive or bury our emotions. The emotional imbalance associated with this energy centre is guilt.

Questions to ask yourself:

ROOT

Do I feel safe, secure and protected?
Do I feel safe balanced, centred, grounded, blessed and protected?
How can I meet my needs for Safety and Security?
Do you skip meals?
Do you have difficulty managing money?
It is hard for you to settle or feel at ease?

Suggested solution: Grounding

- Do some gardening, wear red, walk in the countryside.

SACRAL

Do I feel good about myself?
Do I feel I have a right to express my needs?
It is difficult to find time for yourself?
Do you find it hard to express yourself?

Suggested solution: Water immersion

Swim/sail/windsurf.

Wear orange for joy.