Strange Back Question

[sarahbl]

Can having low body weight cause lower back pain? There is not much cushion back there. I tend to gain weight in the stomach area first then everywhere else. Also, hurts to sit for any length of time.
Thanks!!!!

 

[kathryn]

I would say it's probably more lack of muscle tone and core strength than low body weight per se (low body weight can indicate a lower percentage of muscle because muscle is dense/heavy). Or bad postural habits.

 

[JodelleFitzh20]

tight hips and glutes

Tightness in the hips and glutes is also a big factor. I see this all the time in my yoga classes. My students who have tight hips and glutes tend to have limited flexibility in the low back and lots of back strain and pain. Try some glute stretches like figure 4 stretch:
Lay on the floor on your back, and cross the right ankle over the left knee, then grab behind the left thigh and pull the knee towards you, holding for 3-5 breaths. Then switch legs. Also try knee down twist pose: Laying on your back, pull the right knee into the chest and hug it in while the other leg is long and rest straight out on the floor. Then using your left hand pull the knee across the extended leg, stretching your right arm out the side and keeping your right shoulder on the floor. Enjoy a wonderful hip and glute and low back stretch. Hold 3-5 breaths and then switch.

I also agree it could be lack of core strength and also internally rotated shoulders that pulls the body forward and puts strain on the low back. Consider a gentle yoga class to or check out my free videos on my website: www.getfitwithjodelle.com and look under the "Sweat Evidence" page.
Hope that helps!