Experiencing low back pain when reaching overhead is a common problem. Sometimes it can occur while you are reaching overhead and then quickly resolve. Other times it can cause a flare up that you have to manage for several days. This can be easy to relieve if you understand why it is happening.
As you reach overhead, your low back may bend backwards to allow you to reach as far as possible. This forces your lower back into extension, usually through the lower segments of the lumbar spine, L4-5, L5-S1. Unfortunately, these levels tend to be a problem area for many spines. Extension can be irritating to these segments if they are trying to heal from injury or are stiff.
Fortunately, there are 3 easy strategies for alleviating low back pain when reaching overhead. First, you can avoid this pain by avoiding activities that put you in this position. If you have pain reaching overhead then painting a ceiling, hanging drapes, or dusting your ceiling fan may not be a good idea until you master the next two strategies.
Second, roll your pelvis backwards and hold it there as you reach overhead. By holding this position, you prevent your lumbar spine from extending as you reach and therefore prevent pain. You can see a demonstration of this in the video above.
Finally, oftentimes you overextend through your low back when reaching as a compensation for tight shoulders or a stiff upper back. If you spend time stretching those areas so they move better, then the reach will come from these appropriate areas instead of being forced through our low back where it is painful. Here is a video to help you learn how to loosen your upper back for better reaching as referred to in the video above.
It can be challenging to learn how to roll your pelvis backwards while reaching overhead, especially if you are in pain. And applying appropriate stretching to your shoulders and upper back without aggravating your low back can be tricky. If you’d like help with this, please give me a call! I’d love to work with you!
This post is intended for education and demonstration only and is not meant to take the place of guidance from your Primary Care Provider (PCP). Don’t use this post to avoid going to your PCP or to replace the advice they give you. Get clearance from YOUR PCP before using the information in this post. Use at your own risk.