Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 8/23/2008

Question
Victor
Not sure it this is a chiro question hope you can help.
I am in pretty good shape and only a bit overweight.
Problem is my lower back pushes in somewhat but worse is my abdomen sticks way out. Its not fat,in fact you can see the outline of my six pack under the skin.I can barely pinch an inch of fat.
I tried doing crunches,every kind of core exercise. These made me stronger and firmer but thats it.
A massage therapist said I should put a ball on the floor and lay on it with my belly over it,as the structural integrity of my intestines was weak? That hurt the first few times and has only helped a bit.
Any thoughts?

Answer
Low Back , Belly , abdomen , structural integrity intestines ,

Hello Bud,

Congratulations on working out, being healthy and fit.

Hmmmmmmm, your belly seems to stick out?, be more prominent then you would like?

Perhaps you are to self critical ?,  is the 'belly' really prominent in fact,,, or do you look at yourself too critically ?
You work out, you are interested in health, fitness, appearance; you are concerned with your body-- but do not be too critical of yourself.  Maybe you feel it is prominent, and it may not be as bad as you think.

That being said,,,
What is your height / weight ?, what is your body fat percent?, What is your body build?, and How is your posture ??

Do you have spinal curve alteration that increases your belly prominence?

You do seem to imply that your back bends in at the back of your waist, which pushes your belly out.  Have your posture checked by a local Doctor of Chiropractic.  Perhaps even STANDING X-rays taken to evaluate the curves of your spine.  IF there are curve alterations, the doctor will be able to treat your with chiropractic, exercise, postural recommendations if appropriate.  Structural changes usually take time to develop and time to repair.  IF something spinal, or muscular, I would recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic with additional credentials.  For instance, this Staten Island Chiropractor (me) has a diplomat from the American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians
( I hold a DACBSP  from the ACBSP  see http://www.ACBSP.com).
Besides the sports injury/ fitness Chiropractor, I would recommend a DC with orthopedic, rehabilitation, or neurology credential.

As to intestinal structural integrity weakness, I am really not familiar with this term.  If your LMT (licensed massage therapist) gives this as an evaluation, it may well be; but ask then how to treat it.

You are concerned.  First, be realistic and not too tough on yourself.  If you are being realistic and still have a concern; I recommend a visit to the local Doctor of Chiropractic.

I hope this helps.  I wish you good luck and Good Health Naturally!

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com    (email newsletter)
http://www.DocDolan.net
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info