It Hurts When I Bend Forward
Just because it hurts when you bend forward doesn’t mean you should avoid bending. While bending does load the disc, most recover. Avoiding it can actually reduce lumbar mobility and make you more vulnerable.
Avoiding It Makes It Worse
Reduced lumbar mobility is more dangerous
Continuously avoiding bending reduces lumbar mobility. This concentrates loads on the disc even with small movements, making you more prone to injury.
Discs Do Recover
While bending does put pressure on the back of the disc, this is normal loading. Discs have recovery ability, and appropriate loading actually maintains disc health.
Fascial Tension May Be the Problem
If back fascia is stiff, bending causes pulling pain. In this case, fascial treatment is needed.
Hip Hinge Isn’t Always Necessary
Hip hinge (bending while pushing hips back) reduces back strain when lifting heavy objects. However, not all daily bending needs to be hip hinge.
When Hip Hinge Is Needed
Lifting heavy objects, deadlifts, and other high-load situations
When Natural Bending Is Fine
Washing face, picking up items from floor, and other daily movements
The Key Is Maintaining Mobility
Don’t avoid movement to protect your back. Circulation PT restores the ability to bend naturally and teaches situation-appropriate movement patterns.
Circulation Treatment Restores Back Mobility
- Circulation HD: Release stiff fascia, reduce pain
- Circulation PT: Restore lumbar mobility, teach situation-appropriate movement
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You Afraid or Does It Hurt to Bend Forward?
You can move comfortably by restoring mobility.
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