Today’s compilation of quotes is brought to us courtesy of the amazing Shirley Sahrmann.  If you’re in the industry and haven’t picked up her book, Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes, it should definitely be your next pick-up.  It’s a great resource.

As well, I should reference the StrengthCoach.com website as well, as that’s where this listed was originally posted.  There’s always a lot of respectful, well thought out discussion on that board, so definitely check it out.

Regardless, there’s ton of great info in here which has definitley helped firm up my position on back/core training in general.  Enjoy!

“Most spine dysfunctions occur because of excessive relative flexibility, particularly at specific segment, rather than at the segment of reduced flexibility.”

“In the presence of disk degeneration, the patient should be instructed to perform exercises that limit the motion of the spine, rather than promote increased movement. ”

“The thoracic spine, not the lumbar spine, should be the site of the greatest amount of rotation of the trunk.”

“When an individual practices rotational exercises, he or she should be directed to think about motion occurring in the area of the chest and not the waist.”

“Studies by Percy show that the greatest amount of rotation occurs when an individual is in a sitting position and the lumbar spine is flexed and the supporting tissues are relaxed. Rotational ranges of 3 ½ degrees have been shown to tear the annulus of the disk. ”

“A large percentage of low back problems occur because the abdominal muscles are not maintaining tight control over the rotation between the pelvis and the spine at the L5-S1 segment.”

“Rotation of the lumbar spine is more dangerous than beneficial, and rotation of the pelvis and lower extremities to one side while the trunk remains either stable or rotated to the opposite side is particularly dangerous.”

Stay strong

MR

BTW – If you’d like to learn more about thoracic spine rotation, definitely check out the Inside-Out DVD and manual that Bill and I created.  It’s a great resource.