Back Pain Evaluation Area

Take Action on these 10 questions and immediately get your Free In-depth Back Pain Evaluation handout to better understand your back pain and how to begin steps to overcoming it. You will discover unknown truths about various back pain treatments, and how to avoid becoming another statistic. Invest 3 minutes in yourself and answer these questions and I will send you a Free In-depth Action Evaluation with Valuable Strategies for preventing and/or eliminating your back pain once and for all!

1. What best describes the treatments you have previously tried for low back pain?

I've tried massage creams, balms, lotions, and potions and do occasional stretches my friend at work recommended, because they worked great for his wife's cousin.

I've tried the usual round of pain medications, chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and physical therapy.

I've committed myself to a daily routine with stretches and core stability exercises designed to decrease pressure on my back.

I've tried a precise system that provides documented benefits of decreasing and/or eliminating back pain. It uses a holistic and customized approach including flexibility exercises and core strengthening exercises to decrease my back pain. I also use stress relief tactics, proper movement patterns throughout all my daily activities and proper ergonomics to treat my back pain.

2. It is estimated that an astonishing 85% of the population has low back pain at some point during their life. What steps do you take on a daily basis to ensure you don't become a statistic?

What, me...get off the couch and get moving?

I take pain meds or do occasional stretches if I feel the pain coming on.

I perform a daily exercise routine.

I use a system that was created specifically to eliminate my back pain. I commit to regular exercise, movement retraining, and working in proper postures on a daily basis.

3. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor, second only to the common cold. How would you describe your back pain?

Back pain kicks my butt. I'm frustrated and can't find anything to help me overcome it. I have it daily in some form or fashion.

My back pain comes and goes. I usually experience it on a weekly basis. I get temporary relief from time to time, but it always seems to come back.

My back doesn't bother me much. I go for several months at a time without pain, but it always seems to come back.

Back pain? What back pain? I follow an individualized plan designed with my specific problems and goals in mind, which keeps me from having pain for a period of years to decades.

4. Most of you have probably been hounded about sitting up straight from the time you were little. I know I have. But, did you know that there is a lot of wisdom behind your mother's advice? Though she may not have realized it, poor posture directly correlates to back pain. Choose the answer that best describes your sitting posture.

My posture is terrible! I seldom pay attention to how I am sitting. I wasn't aware my sitting posture had that much effect on my lower back pain.

I try to sit up straight from time to time, but usually catch myself sitting in slumped position with my shoulders rounded and my chin jutting forward.

I sit up and stand up straight almost all the time. I consciously work on my sitting and standing postures throughout the day.

My posture is fantastic. I work on it frequently throughout the day and am constantly aware of holding an ideal posture throughout all my daily activities, whether I'm sitting, standing, bending, lifting, running, or mowing the yard.

5. The American Heritage Dictionary defines ergonomics as the applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. In other words, you set your workstation up to fit you, instead of adapting yourself to fit your workstation. Did you know that poor workstation setup not only decreases your productivity, but it can also be a primary cause of pain, and even lead to disability over time? Which statement best describes my work station set up?

I'm not one of those 'sit behind a desk people'. I work wherever...on the couch, sitting on my bed, or sitting at the kitchen table.

I usually work at a desk, I have a good chair and I think I have a pretty good set up overall.

I have a great desk set up that includes an ergonomic chair, keyboard, and mouse pad. I think I am set!

I have an ergonomic chair, keyboard, and desk that are set up for my individual needs. My computer monitor is positioned at the exact height and location it needs to be in. My chair is positioned at the right height to decrease strain on my back, and my arm rests are positioned to eliminate stress on my upper back and neck. Additionally, I use the proper phone and accessory equipment for eliminating extra stress on my spine.

6. How do you feel about the care you've received for back pain in the past?

I am fed up! I've tried everything and have not found a miracle cream that works yet! I believe I just have to learn to live with the pain.

I've tried so many things and met a lot of practitioners with good intentions, but to be honest...nothing has truly worked to eliminate my back pain. It just keeps coming back. I don't know if there is anything that really works permanently.

I've been very pleased with the overall care I've received for back pain. I think I know what I should do when my pain starts to come back.

I have been given guidance on a comprehensive, cutting edge system that addresses the true cause of my back pain...not just the symptoms. I know exactly what to do to keep my pain from coming back, rather than just how to treat it when it does come back.

7. Of all the traditional treatment approaches available for treating back pain, exercise has shown to be one of the most effective. Which sentence correctly describes your current exercise routine?

Yea...I keep meaning to start an exercise program, but for now the most exercise I get is walking around to find the remote. I don't currently exercise regularly.

I try to exercise when I can. I take the stairs instead of the elevator and try to park far away from a store. I get the extra exercise and usually exercise less than 3 times a week.

I exercise 4-5 times a week. My routine includes aerobic and weight lifting exercises along with some periodic stretching.

I exercise religiously 5-6 times a week. I have a systematic program designed specifically for me that includes stretching , strengthening, and aerobic exercise. Additionally, I perform regular abdominal exercises and use proper breathing to engage my abs to help me de-stress. I also ensure that all my exercises are done with my spine in neutral and are the appropriate exercises to ensure I am not making my back pain worse.

8. Did you know that the National Institutes of Health (the NIH) says the definition of obesity (not just being overweight) is a BMI of 30 and above? (A BMI of 30 is about 30 pounds overweight.) Forgive me for being personal. I certainly wouldn't ask if it weren't a vital part of overcoming low back pain. But I need to ask in confidence...how would you describe your body weight? (Your answer is completely private and confidential and will be treated as such).

Oh, man...that is a little personal. Rather than provide a number, I'll just say it's a challenge to see my toes when standing up straight.

I could definitely afford to lose some weight, but who couldn't right? I just view it as there is a little more of me to love rather than being overweight.

I am a few (about 5-10 pounds) over my ideal body weight, and I catch myself having to go on periodic diets to get back to where I should be.

I maintain my ideal body weight all of the time. My weight doesn't fluctuate, and I know the exact diet and exercise routines to keep my ideal body weight.

9. It has been estimated that the cause of low back pain is not determined in approximately 85% of people. Yet, understanding the causes of low back pain is crucial for knowing how to eliminate it. Which of the following best describes your knowledge as to what is causing your back pain?

I wasn't aware there were multiple causes of low back pain...I just thought it was part of getting older.

I thought my back was not in proper alignment or something, causing stress on the discs, muscles, and ligaments of the low back.

I've had a medical professional review the anatomy of the spine with me and help me to understand what is causing my back pain.

I have had a trusted professional do an in-depth review of the anatomy of the spine and work with me on understanding the true cause of my back pain. That person has also used the anatomy to explain why I need to follow a particular, individualized regiment and to show me why I need to avoid certain activities.

10. One of the biggest contributors to back pain is people functioning outside of their neutral spine in almost all of their daily activities. Did you realize that moving outside of your neutral spine not only decreases your body's efficiency during movement, but it also puts increased stress on the ligaments and discs of your spine? How would you describe your awareness of moving with your spine in its neutral position?

I'm not sure what a neutral spine is, but I guess that's better than one stuck in reverse.

I've heard the term neutral spine but am not completely sure how to make sure I'm applying it to all my daily activities.

I am well aware of how to find my neutral spine and how to maintain it during most of my daily activities.

I not only know how to find my neutral spine, but I can also maintain it throughout all my daily activities. Additionally, I perform routine exercises to help my body improve its ability to hold 'neutral'. Additionally, I am knowledgeable on how I can continue to progress my stabilization exercises (which will help me to hold my neutral posture throughout all my daily activities) for years into the future.