AboutDr. Peter Carr Expertise I can answer spine related issues, as well as golf, running, and whiplash related issues. I run a very busy practice in Downtown Seattle, Dynamic Chiropractic Clinic, and sometimes do not get to answer questions every day, but when I do, I'll try my best to answer the question(s) you have.
Experience I have a doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic, and am a Certified Chiropractic Golf Practitioner. I am also a lecturer on whiplash injury, certified in the etiology and treatment of auto accident cases, and was a national-level mid distance runner.
Organizations American Chiropractic Association, Washington State Chiropractic Association, Whiplash Seattle Member and founder
Question Hello
I am a very fit healthy 42 year old female.
I practice Bikram Yoga (hot) everyday and have done so for 7 years. Needless to say I am very very flexible. Drs and Massage Therapists have told me that short of a Cirque Du Soliel acrobat, I am one of the most flexible people they have seen.
I am 5'6" 120 lbs, BMI 20-21.
From time to time I have lower back pain.
Its not the kind of pain where it keeps me from doing anything in my daily routine (including my yoga) but I do notice it.
I wouldnt even call it pain, its just a hinderance towards a certain way of moving.
It happens when I bend over forward as if I am touching my toes. About halfway down when my body would be at a 90 degree angle, it hurts. I can stand up straight fine, I can touch my toes fine, but that halfway point is what gets me, and it makes me want to bend my knees in order to get down to touch my toes.
I used to be able to bend straight over and touch my toes no problem. I can still do it, but I have to power thru the halfway point bc it hurts.
Also, when I do my daily Bikram Yoga there are times when it hurts my back to do sit ups too, but I just try to power thru them and do them even though they are def not 100%.
My Primary Care Dr says nothing to worry about.
I am 42 and these are the normal aches and pains that come with age.
I asked if I could have Arthritis and he said doubtful in that area at my age.
I used to see a chiropracter a couple of years ago regularly and it didnt really help much. About 2 years ago he took X Rays and didnt see anything.
I get weekly massages but thats more just bc I love massage then really it helping this particular problem.
It just seems as though there is not much I can do, so I live with it, and still do my yoga, but modify some of the forward bends when its acting up.
Do you think this is something I should investigate further, and if so, where?
Given that I already do daily aggressive and intense yoga, get weekly massages and live a healthy lifestyle, is there anything more I can really do?
Or do I just live with it and chalk it up to being 42, and thats the way it goes?
Please do not tell me to stop Bikram Yoga, this is my intense exercise and other than this minor problem, it rewards me with SO many benefits that I do not want to lose.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Tamara
Answer If I had to postulate about this, I'd say take a good look at the sacroiliac joint as the culprit. When you bend forward like you do, 90 degrees is about the point when the SI joint begins to move from extension to flexion, and it may simply need a little help... have your LMT work on your SI, and have them work on your hamstrings, too. Failing that, have a DC adjust it.. it feels good and may get you(pardon the pun) over the hump.
Failing that, follow up here. My office was flooded... it's a nightmare.
