Question
I posted earlier in the week regarding my MRI results:

IMPRESSION:
1. Broad-based central disk protrusion at L4-5 and L5-S1 with effacement of the thecal sac.

2. The disk bulging is slightly accentuated to the right at L4-5 with nerve root displacement. Similar accentuation is seen towards the left at L5-S1.

3. Extensive facet degenerative changes with possible pars interarticularis defects at L5 bilaterally. CT or oblique radiographs of the spine would better characterize this.

You had mentioned that this was due to my muscles being too tight, could there be any other reason for this? I workout or at least did prior to the back pain becoming soo severe...and would stretch before and after my workouts as well as do pilates and yoga regularly. therefore, it seems bazaar to me that my back muscles would be causing such pain. Please advise me if there could be another reason for the MRI results. Thank you and I greatly appreciate your time and replies.  

Answer
Dear Kim,

It's always possible that something other than muscular tension is involved, but unlikely.

Yoga, Pilates and stretching are no guarantee of relaxed muscles.  Many of my clients are engaged in those practices.

Lie on your belly and reach back; touch your back muscles, if they're not soft, they're tight.  Simple.

Somatic training is very different than those other approaches.  See somatics.com/back_pain.htm.

with regard,
Lawrence Gold