Low Back Pain
In Phoenix, AZ

Lower back pain isn’t just some random event—it’s a breakdown in the system. It happens because of one of two things:rn1.tTrauma – Think car accidents, falls, sports injuries—these events cause immediate damage to the structures of the low back.rn2.tDysfunction over time – This is the real silent killer. Poor stabilization strategies, compensatory movement patterns, and lack of true core strength cause progressive degradation of the spine, discs, and supporting muscles.rnMost chronic back pain is rooted in poor stabilization. The way we breathe, move, and load our body matters.

If you're looking for quick relief, you can ice, stretch, or pop a pill—but let’s be real, that’s just a band-aid. The real fix is about restoring function.rn•tRe-establish proper intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) – Breathing and bracing are everything. If you don’t control spinal pressure, your low back is going to pay for it.rn•tRe-train movement patterns – DNS principles help reprogram faulty mechanics so you move the way your body was designed to.rn•tStrengthen the right muscles – It’s not about doing endless planks. It’s about activating deep core stabilizers (diaphragm, pelvic floor, multifidus, transverse abdominis) in a functional way.rnPain relief is a byproduct of better movement and stability—so stop chasing symptoms and start fixing the problem at its root.

Most back pain sucks but isn’t life-threatening. However, red flags that require urgent attention include:rn•tLoss of bowel/bladder control – Could indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency.rn•tSevere pain that doesn’t improve with rest – Structural damage like a fracture or infection needs to be ruled out.rn•tPain radiating down both legs with weakness – Could signal spinal cord compression.rn•tUnexplained weight loss with back pain – May indicate cancer or systemic disease.rnIf none of these apply, your back pain is likely mechanical, meaning it’s a movement issue, not a “you’re broken” issue. Fix your breathing, bracing, and movement patterns, and you’ll be on your way to recovery.

A lot. Just because it feels like your low back doesn’t mean your low back is the real problem. Some common culprits include:rn•tHip dysfunction – Limited hip mobility (especially flexion or rotation issues) forces the lumbar spine to compensate.rn•tSI joint irritation – If pain is off to one side, it may not be the low back at all, but rather the sacroiliac joint.rn•tVisceral referral – Organs like the kidneys, pancreas, and intestines can refer pain to the lower back.rn•tThoracic dysfunction – Poor mobility in the mid-back can create excessive demand on the lumbar spine.rnThe key is identifying where the dysfunction starts, not just where the pain shows up. DNS teaches us that movement patterns—not just isolated muscles—are the real problem.

Not every disc herniation is a crisis, but here’s when to take it seriously:rn•tSharp, shooting pain down one or both legs (sciatica) – Indicates nerve compression.rn•tNumbness, tingling, or weakness – If your leg starts giving out, that’s a problem.rn•tPain that worsens with sitting or bending forward – Classic sign of disc involvement.rn•tLoss of bladder or bowel control – A medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.rnThat said, herniated discs alone don’t always equal pain—plenty of people have disc bulges on MRI with zero symptoms. The real question is: why did the disc herniate in the first place? Almost always, it’s due to poor stabilization and dysfunctional movement patterns over time.