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Move Your Back Better: Easy Relief for Lower Back Pain
Rating: 4.5 out of 5(8 ratings)
64 students

Move Your Back Better: Easy Relief for Lower Back Pain

Bounce back faster from back pain and prevent (or minimize) future flare-ups | pelvic stability, core strength, mobility
Created byGary Berglund
Last updated 5/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • Understand root causes of back pain
  • Learn how the back works
  • Learn the right stretches and exercises for your back
  • Understand how to progress your program as you heal
  • Prevent injuries with "prehab" exercises and mobility work

Course content

4 sections28 lectures2h 2m total length
  • Introduction3:13

    Welcome! This course is about tackling a common challenge that many of us face: back pain. Whether it's a dull ache after a long day of work or a recurring discomfort that affects your daily life, dealing with back pain can be frustrating and debilitating. In this course, we'll delve into the causes of back pain, dispel some myths, and most importantly, equip you with practical insights and exercises to help alleviate and prevent back pain. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and with the right knowledge, you can take steps towards a healthier, pain-free back. Let's dive in!

  • How The Back Works2:54

    The spine is a remarkable structure that offers us a wide range of movement, facilitated by its ability to bend and flex in various directions. These movements can be classified into three main categories: rotation, lateral bending, and flexion/extension.

    1. Rotation: This movement involves turning the spine around its axis, allowing you to look over your shoulder or turn your torso. While some level of rotation is essential for daily activities, such as driving or looking around, excessive or incorrect twisting can strain the spine's supporting structures. In the context of recovery, gentle twisting exercises can help improve the flexibility of the spine and the surrounding muscles without causing undue stress.

    2. Lateral Bending: Lateral bending refers to the side-to-side movement of the spine. This motion allows you to bend to the left or right, reaching for objects or performing activities that require a bit of lateral movement. When dealing with back pain, it's important to approach lateral bending exercises with caution, ensuring that you stay within your comfortable range of motion. Gradually working on lateral flexibility can aid in reducing stiffness and improving overall mobility.

    3. Flexion & Extension: Flexion involves bending the spine forward, as you might do when picking something up from the ground. Extension, on the other hand, entails leaning back, which is important for activities like arching your back when stretching. Balancing flexion and extension exercises is crucial for spine health. It's important to note that individuals with specific back conditions should be particularly mindful of their form during these movements to avoid exacerbating their discomfort.

    When addressing back pain, understanding these movements is only the first step. The key to recovery lies in carefully working within the limitations of your body while gradually improving the range of motion. Throughout this lecture, we will explore gentle exercises designed to target each of these movement types. Remember, the aim is to alleviate discomfort, strengthen supportive muscles, and promote a healthier, more flexible spine. So, let's dive into the details of gentle twisting, lateral bending, and spinal flexion & extension exercises to guide you on your journey to a more comfortable and active life.

  • Problem Areas: What to Address and Why1:57

    When it comes to understanding and addressing back pain, it's important to recognize that various interconnected factors contribute to the discomfort many people experience. Among these factors, the state of your hips, abdominal muscles, and deep core play a pivotal role. Often, it's the intricate balance between these muscle groups that determines the health of your spine and overall back well-being.

    1. Hamstrings: These muscles, located on the back of your thighs, are often overlooked but play a crucial role in supporting your lower back. Tight hamstrings can lead to a posterior pelvic tilt, causing strain on the lower back muscles. Conversely, weak hamstrings can lead to an increased load on the spine, resulting in discomfort. Balancing flexibility and strength in your hamstrings can significantly contribute to a more stable and pain-free back.

    2. Hip Flexors: The hip flexor muscles, situated at the front of your hips, are responsible for lifting your legs and bending your hips. Prolonged periods of sitting can cause these muscles to become chronically tight, potentially pulling your pelvis forward and stressing the lower back. Incorporating stretches and exercises to maintain the flexibility and length of your hip flexors can alleviate strain on your back.

    3. Quadriceps: These muscles on the front of your thighs also have an impact on your back health. Imbalances between the quadriceps and hamstrings can affect the alignment of the pelvis, leading to issues like an anterior pelvic tilt, which can cause discomfort. Strengthening and stretching your quadriceps as part of a balanced lower body routine can contribute to a healthier back posture.

    4. Glutes: Your gluteal muscles are not just for aesthetics; they are crucial for providing stability to your pelvis and lower back. Weak glutes can lead to improper pelvic alignment, potentially causing back pain. Engaging in glute-strengthening exercises can help maintain proper pelvic positioning and reduce stress on your lower back.

    5. Abdominals and Deep Core: Your core muscles, including the abs, pelvic floor, and diaphragm, provide vital support for your spine. Weakness in these areas can lead to poor spinal stability, increasing the risk of back pain.

    In this video, we're going to offer a concise yet comprehensive overview of these critical areas and how they influence your back health. By gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between your hips, core, and surrounding muscles, you'll be better equipped to address the root causes of your back pain. Through targeted exercises and stretches, we'll guide you on a journey toward greater comfort, improved posture, and a stronger, healthier back. So, let's jump into the exploration of hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps, glutes, abdominals, and deep core muscles to empower you on your path to a pain-free back.

  • Tips to Help Your Healing8:31

    When your back hurts, nothing else matters. Here are some things you can do. Think of them as band-aids to ease your suffering while you work toward getting better.

    • Ice – Cool temperatures restrict blood flow and reduce inflammation, plus reduce the sensation of pain. The conventional wisdom is to ice fresh injuries and during the healing process to manage pain.

    • Heat – Heat increases blood flow to damaged tissues and promotes the healing process. According to conventional wisdom, heat is not to be applied during the first 24 hours after injury. Some people find it helpful right away for pulled muscles. Let your body tell you if it feels right. If it hurts, don’t do it.

    • OTC Anti-inflammatories – over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and inflammation following an injury. They do have side effects, so be sure to follow the directions and monitor how you are feeling. Digestive discomfort is a common side effect.

    • Supplements – using supplements to tamp down inflammation and support the healing process is a game changer. Many of these have been used in folk medicine for centuries.

      • Fish oil – Omega-3 fatty acids support the healing process by improving blood flow and helping your body manage inflammation.

      • Curcumin – the active ingredient in the anti-inflammatory spice turmeric helps the body decrease pain signals to the brain, promotes blood flow, and decreases inflammation.

      • Glucosamine & chondroitin – studies show that Glucosamine appears to decrease the sensation of pain in people with joint problems.

      • Collagen peptides – Protein helps rebuild structures in the body, so having plenty of protein is key to recovery. Collagen peptides are made from beef gristle and help to support joint health.

    • Traction – A little gentle traction on your back can help open up space for pinched nerves to "breathe" and help to realign your spine.

      • Inversion table – an inversion table or other traction device can be very helpful, as long as it does not cause excessive pain. The idea is that hanging upside down helps gently pull the vertebrae in your back away from each other, opening up space in the discs and helping the spine regain its natural length and shape.

      • McKenzie press-ups – This supported backbend popularized by legendary physical therapist Robin McKenzie can take tension off the spine and require no equipment. Please see the video in the resources section to learn more.

    • Back braces – think of a back brace as an extra set of abdominal muscles. The objective is to keep the lower back as supported and still as possible to decrease the possibility of flaring up an injury. While wearing a back brace every day throughout your life is not a great idea, using one to recover from an injury or during heavy lifting once fully recovered can be a wise choice.

    • Sleeping position – Many people find relief by modifying their sleeping position using pillows.

      • For side sleepers, a pillow between the knees allows overstretched hip muscles to rest during your sleep.

      • Side sleepers can also try a pillow under the side of their belly. This prevents the spine from sagging under the weight of the body and opens up space between the vertebrae,

      • A pillow under the knees when sleeping on your back can alleviate tension in tight hamstrings and allow a more comfortable rest.

    • Medical interventions – Sometimes medical interventions are helpful, but should be approached with caution, as there are more expenses and risks involved. All of these can be the right option or the wrong one, depending on the severity of the injury.

      • Prescription pain relievers – Although they may decrease pain levels, many pain medications are habit-forming and can cause physical dependence if used for more than a few weeks.

      • Steroids – Steroids work to calm down the inflammation and restore a workable range of motion.

      • Muscle relaxers – prevent muscle spasms and can be very helpful during acute stages of back pain.

      • Stem cell injections – some of your body’s cells are injected into the injured area, speeding up the healing process. Many pro athletes do these treatments to recover faster. These procedures are expensive and often painful but generally are considered helpful and safe.

      • Nerve blocks – These don’t always work and often need to be done repeatedly. The procedure is painful, but when they work, people get some relief from the pain. Nerve blocks address the symptoms, but not the root cause of the pain, making it likely to return.

      • Back surgery – This should be seen as a last resort since it is usually a major surgery and involves taking time off to recover. There are several types of procedures, from laminectomies (where a “fin” on the vertebra is removed to relieve pressure on a nerve) to spinal fusions, where parts of the spine are fused together. Consulting with a back surgeon can be tricky since they are more likely to recommend the surgery as a first option while ignoring less invasive options. You may want to start with an orthopedist who specializes in sports medicine and go from there.

    Be sure to listen to your body and respect its boundaries.

  • Knowledge Check

Requirements

  • No experience needed

Description

Course Description:

Are you tired of living with chronic lower back pain? This course is a comprehensive self-paced program that empowers you to take control of your spinal health. Lower back pain is a common issue that affects millions worldwide. In this course, you will discover effective, evidence-based strategies to relieve discomfort, strengthen your back, and prevent future pain using natural methods. Learn to bounce back faster from back pain and minimize future flare-ups by focusing on pelvic stability, core strength, and mobility.

Course Duration: Self-paced

Course Format: Video lectures, downloadable resources, links to additional videos

Target Audience: This self-paced course is designed for individuals of all ages who suffer from lower back pain and seek natural, holistic solutions for relief and prevention.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this self-paced course, you will:

  1. Understand the root causes of lower back pain and how to identify them.

  2. Develop a personalized plan for pain relief and prevention.

  3. Access three template back care programs designed to address different needs.

  4. Learn how to customize your back care program tailored to your unique requirements, focusing on pelvic stability, core strength, and mobility.

  5. Gain insights into ergonomic adjustments and lifestyle changes that support a healthy back and improved mobility.

  6. Explore mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques for managing pain and improving overall well-being.

Prerequisites: None. This self-paced course is open to individuals of all fitness and experience levels.

Instructional Methods:

  • Engaging video lectures and demonstrations.

  • Interactive group discussions and Q&A sessions (available for online discussion boards).

  • Hands-on exercises and practice routines.

  • Access to template back care programs for customization.

Assessment and Evaluation: Participants are encouraged to complete assignments and customize their back care program. Progress is self-assessed, with opportunities to ask questions and seek guidance through online discussion boards.

Required Materials or Resources:

  • Access to a computer or mobile device with an internet connection.

  • Comfortable clothing for exercise.

  • A yoga mat or soft surface for floor exercises (optional).

  • A stretching strap or belt for some of the exercises.

Instructor's Qualifications: Your instructor, Gary Berglund, CPT, CES, RYT-200, is a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, and yoga instructor with over 15 years of experience helping clients overcome lower back pain. He specializes in creating exercise programs for "tough cases" and is dedicated to helping individuals lead pain-free lives.

Course Schedule: This is a self-paced course, allowing participants to progress at their own speed. The content is accessible from the moment of enrollment.

Upon completion, you'll have the tools and knowledge to effectively manage and prevent lower back pain naturally, with the flexibility to customize your back care program to suit your specific needs, using a stretching strap or belt for some of the exercises.

If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask. Good luck with your course!


Who this course is for:

  • People experiencing lower back pain
  • People looking to protect their back from future injuries
  • People who want mobility and a strong core