QUESTION: My back hurts when I surf. What can I do to loosen it up?
Beth, I have spondotheosis, or some scar tissue between my discs that is causing one to push out a bit. It’s a chronic condition, meaning I have had it all my life. Surfing seems to aggravate it. I was wondering what I could do to loosen it up. My glutes overcompensate and the hip flexors, as well. The whole lower back is a knot. Please help.
Michael S., San Francisco (7/12/01)
ANSWER:
Hey, Michael. Since this has been a chronic condition, I am sure you have tried many avenues of rehab, so I apologize if I am repeating what others have told you. When you say push out, do you mean bulging disc? You and I may need to email each other back and forth a few times to figure this one out. What else causes pain? Have you tried strengthening your lower abdominal region? Have you tried yoga or some sort of stretching method or does that cause pain?
Prolonged stretching may be key to aid in the breaking up of scar tissue but you need to be careful as to not over-stretch or aggravate the area. Have you tried massage or body work? I have a great guy here in Mill Valley who is amazing and has done some serious work on my shoulders which have bothered me since I was a competitive swimmer. Let me know if you want his name.
So basically, email me back with the answers to these questions and we can go from there. I definitely need to know what you have tried and what the doctors have told you to do.
Have a great weekend.
Beth
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