Conflicting advice re the knees to the chest move

Hello @marlenec. It sounds like you have done a lot of searching for ways to address your low back pain. These are the exercises that I was able to find on the Mayo Clinic website for low back pain.

- Healthy Lifestyle: Back exercises
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076265
Have you been doing that particular stretch with reduced pain or tightness and are now concerned after having read that book?

I do feel some relief but I do think it’s temporary relief. So now that I’ve read the book I really question whether it makes sense to do it.

I have advanced low back vertebral issues and am working with a McGill personal trainer. There are a couple of exercises that are no- nos. They are knees to chest exercises and spinal twists. I can attest to the pain that occurs when I twist my spine. The knees to chest excercise gives temporary relief.

Apart from taking medication, ( acetaminophen), learning how to align my spine in every day functions such as sitting, standing, squatting vacuuming, washing etc. is very helpful. Changing old everyday habits of movement functioning has been a challenge but worth it.

Hope this helps.

It totally does. Just the hip hinge that McGill describes has helped me already and that at least is consistent with my PT’s exercise recs. My first PT wanted me to do the torso rotation ( like windshield wipers) and I’m pretty sure that hurt more than helped.

And there is a McGill trained doc very close to me in Pasadena. I’d have to pay cash since they won’t even submit to Medicare which I’m on but it may be worth it.

Agreed. Hip hinge is helping me too! A lot.

Yes, my PT wanted me to do the torso rotation, which I did, and oh my goodness- later that afternoon, my back was spasming. Yikes! I do not do that movement. Many times we do not know what will set things off and then too late. Pain. Thanks for info.

We are all built differently and we each have our own story about how we got to where we are now physicality speaking. What exercise works for one person may not be a good fit for another. If you try one exercise and it works to help relieve pain great, but if it causes you pain I’d stop doing it. My numerous PT’s over the years have always cautioned if it hurts you your body is speaking to you so listen. As a Medicare beneficiary I use PT every chance I can to keep myself tuned up. As we age further we continue to break down and keeping on top of this is paramount in my mind and body.

The best advice is to listen to your body. I do knees to chest as part of my daily home therapy program. I find it helpful to maintain low back flexibility. I also do the child's pose from yoga. But I always follow these flexion stretches and end my routine with McKenzie extension exercises.