Question
Hello,

I have had minor lower back pain for many years.  I'm 20 years old right now and I want to make sure that I'm doing everything I can to make sure I won't run into problems in the future.  My back always cracks when I lean backwards or if I'm lying with my back on the floor and I lower my left foot, from a straight up position, my lower back will click twice on the left side.  With the right foot there is one click on the right side.  Is this something that I can remedy on my own?  Are there any lower back strengthening exercises I can/should do?  Thanks

Stuart

Answer
Hi Stuart,

Unless the "cracking" is accompanied by pain there should be nothing to worry about. Healthy joints cavitate "pop" with end range of motion movement. This is different from individual to individual. If the noise is a grinding repetitive sound in the same area happening with every movement, then it is an arthritic issue. More low backs are screwed up by wrong exercises than not exercising at all. If you are moderately active, don't be concerned with "strengthening" your low back. Countless injuries and disc herniations are caused weekly because many people are under the false impression their back is weak, unless you have been bed ridden for an extended period of time, exercising the low back is not necessary. Target exercising is valuable and indeed, necessary for lumbo-sacral angle problems and lumbar curve abnormalities. These can only be assessed with a lateral lumbar x-ray and the doctor will suggest a specific exercise to correct the problem. Just to go out and work the low back without knowing what needs work can cause a multitude of problems. I suggest you get a couple x-rays and see if there is an imbalance, then consider any exercise program.

Hope this helps,

Dr. Timothy Durnin
drs.chiroweb.com