Question
Hello

I'm an amateur boxer from Belgium. After a training on the bags and some shadowboxing, I felt a sudden sharp pain in my lower back. The pain went away after a day, but now I still feel a light constant pain around my lower spine. The incident happened 4 weeks ago and I still have the same problem. I can still train without a problem, but afterwards, the light pain returns.

Q1 What do you think I should do?

Q2 I would like to continue general strength/power/condition training, which kind of muscles would I have to train to support my lower back?

Q3 What kind of excercices would help me most empowering my lower back?

Kind regards


Floris

Answer
Dear Floris,

Here are answers, in order.

1)  Embark on a program of conditioning that improves your ability to control (and to relax completely) your muscles.  I do mean relax.  The problem you are describing results from being musclebound.

2)  Change your thinking altogether from strength/power to control.  Your lower back doesn't get supported by muscles; it gets shaped by them; your low back muscles are too tight.

3)  Somatic exercises.  See the articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4.htm and follow the recommendations.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold