Why Does It Work?

[lynbrown]

Dear all, for almost a year now I have had a sore achey lower back pain. The GP says I' ve arthritic hips. I do exercices and walk every day. After about 5 mins walking, I start to get a localised stronger ache -painful at times- in the small of my back. I must sit down for a few mins. Recently, Ive noticed that when I clasp my hands behind my back, the pain is not as severe, so of course I always walk like that. My clasped hands lean against my sore back. One physio thought I may be opening up my chest and taking in more oxygen.  She was guessing, I think.  What do others think?

[barry1010]

That alters your balance and gait so the stress and pressure moves to other places.

[rowanwitch]

I suspect the unnatural hand position affects which nerves are triggered,  the signals from your arms are overriding the signals from your lower back.   If this is the case you might benefit from exercises designed to stretch out your spine, they would reduce pressure on the nerves.   Worth a visit to an osteopath to see if they can offer any treatment/advice..

[jourdain2]

I'd agree with rowanwitch.  I have dislodged lumbar vertebrae and get the same problem.  Currently struggling also with muscle problems in the area due to scar tissue after a hip repair. 

I am fortunate in having a good osteopath, who also does acupuncture (which works for me) and slowly, very slowly my walking is improving.