Low back pain is reportedly one of the most common ailments. In the United States, 39% of adults reported having had lower back pain within the past three months. [1] Worldwide, approximately 7.5% of the global population were estimated to have low back pain. [2] The causes of low back pain are complex as the majority of cases don’t have a clear physical cause. [3]
Because KAATSU is applied to the arms and legs, a lot of people might not understand that it can help alleviate lower back pain. In many cases, low back pain is a result of weak muscles in other parts of the body. Sitting, for example, can lead to weak glutes, tight quads, and weak abs. This combination can lead to an anterior tilt of the pelvis which compresses the lower spine and can contribute to pain.
KAATSU use can help in several ways.
- Increased circulation – KAATSU use improves circulation, and better circulation leads to more relaxed and elastic tissue, and increased range of motion [4]
- Strengthen Muscles – Use of KAATSU while exercising can help strengthen muscles, helping to relieve pressure on the lower back. For example, strengthening the glutes and abdominals will provide support and counterbalance to tight low back muscles.
KAATSU protocols for lower back pain are to use the KAATSU Cycle mode on both arms and legs, while doing gentle movement and stretching to help increase mobility and flexibility. it may not be an overnight fix, but that’s not unusual. Most people don’t develop lower back pain overnight, so it can take some persistence to help alleviate muscle imbalances and bring your body into better alignment.
Have you used KAATSU to help you reduce lower back pain? We’d love to hear your stories. Please feel free to share them below. Thank you!
Disclaimer: KAATSU protocols have not been evaluated by Health Canada. KAATSU is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and its use should be evaluated by your own physician before use.
[1] Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db415.htm
[2] Wu A, March L, Zheng X, Huang J, Wang X, Zhao J, Blyth FM, Smith E, Buchbinder R, Hoy D. Global low back pain prevalence and years lived with disability from 1990 to 2017: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Ann Trans Med 2020; 8(6): 299-313.
[3] Finucane LM, Downie A, Mercer C, Greenhalgh SM, Boissonnault WG, Pool-Goudzwaard AL, Beneciuk JM, Leech RL, Selfe J. International framework for red flags for potential serious spinal pathologies. J Orth Sports Phys Ther 2020; 50(7): 350-372.
[4] Source: https://www.hss.edu/newsroom_ways-to-ease-sore-muscles.asp