The basic articulations:
There are five vertebrae in the lumbar spine (low back). These joints need to be articulated like every other joint in the body. If an individual maintains a “neutral” spine, avoids “rounding” or is constantly trying to sit up straight (extension), the lumbar region does not get the flexion it needs. This can be correlated to low back pain in general.
Lumbar Segmentation (controlled articular rotation):
- Begin in quadruped
- Starting from the sacrum, take the lowest vertebra into flexion
- Moving segmentally, take each subsequent vertebra into flexion until spine is fully flexed
- Starting again at the sacrum, take the lowest vertebra into extension
- Moving segmentally, take each subsequent vertebra into extension until spine is fully extended
- Always express current end ranges
- Repeat again and in the opposite direction as desired
- Avoid scapular protraction and retraction
