A Client's Journey to Overcoming Years of Back Pain

For years, one of my clients in Liverpool had been struggling with persistent low back pain. He had tried everything - from visiting the NHS, to seeking help from private physiotherapists, acupuncturists, osteopath in liverpool and chiropractors.

Despite all these efforts, the pain never seemed to go away until we consulted with a GP. 

It wasn't until we started working on improving his rib cage mobility and incorporating targeted breathwork exercises that his back pain finally began to subside.

This client's story is a testament to the often overlooked, yet crucial connection between the rib cage and back pain.

The Overlooked Link Between Rib Cage Mobility and Back Pain

Many people don't realize that restricted rib cage mobility can be a major contributor to back pain. When the ribs are not moving freely, it can lead to a host of issues, including:

• Decreased lung capacity and inefficient breathing

• Muscle imbalances and tension in the back, shoulders, and neck can lead to issues like sciatica.

• Altered spinal mechanics and increased stress on the vertebrae can contribute to disc problems.

By addressing the root cause of the problem - the rib cage - we were able to help this client find lasting relief from his back pain. 

Restoring Rib Cage Mobility: The Key to Relieving Back Pain Liverpool.

1. Targeted Mobility Exercises

We incorporated a variety of exercises to target the rib cage, such as:

• Rib cage rotations

• Thoracic spine mobilisations

• Chest expansion exercises

These exercises helped to restore proper movement and flexibility in the rib cage, reducing the strain on the lower back.

1. Sidelying Block Decompression:

   • Purpose: Expands the ribcage front-to-back by compressing the sides.

   • Steps: Lie on your side with a block or mat placed under your ribcage and pelvis. Reach your top arm toward the ceiling with a bent elbow. Breathe in slowly through your nose for five counts, then exhale softly through your mouth for five counts. Hold this position for 2–5 minutes, focusing on slow, controlled breaths

Prone Breathing with Pads:

• Purpose: Aligns the lower ribcage and reduces rib flare.

• Steps: Lie on your stomach with a pad or firm pillow under your lower ribs and pubic bone. Rest your arms overhead with your elbows and wrists pressing lightly into the ground. Focus on keeping your lower ribs in contact with the pad. Inhale slowly for five counts through your nose, and exhale softly through your mouth. Repeat for 3–4 sets of 60 seconds.

Supine Frog Breathing with Reach:

• Purpose: Engages the abdominals to shift weight and align the ribcage.

• Steps: Lie on your back with your hips and knees bent at 90 degrees, feet together. Place your hands on a ball between your knees and press down gently. As you inhale, let your belly rise. Exhale while maintaining gentle pressure on the ball. Hold this position for 60 seconds, focusing on breathing slowly and deeply

Bar Hang:

• Purpose: Enhances shoulder and ribcage decompression.

• Steps: Grip a bar with your feet supported, letting your body sag downward. Keep your chest relaxed and arms extended. Hold for 60 seconds, performing 3-4 sets. Maintain slow nasal breathing throughout, inhaling for five counts and exhaling for five counts.

These exercises target different aspects of the ribcage, such as expansion, alignment, and decompression, to help improve mobility, posture, and reduce back pain. The contexts provide step-by-step instructions and explanations for each exercise.

2. Breathwork Techniques

Proper breathing patterns are essential for maintaining rib cage mobility and preventing conditions like sciatica. We worked on techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and rib cage expansion exercises to help my client breathe more efficiently and reduce muscle tension.

3. Postural Awareness and Correction

Paying attention to posture and making adjustments to improve rib cage positioning was also crucial. We focused on exercises and cues to help my client maintain a more upright, open rib cage throughout the day, which is essential for preventing lower back pain. The Remarkable Results: From Years of Liverpool back pain to a Pain-Free Life.

After consistently implementing these rib cage-focused strategies, my client in Liverpool began to experience a significant reduction in his back pain. What had once been a debilitating issue that he had struggled with for years, was now a thing of the past after visiting our sports injury clinic.

By addressing the underlying mobility restrictions in the rib cage, we were able to address the root cause of his lower back pain and help him regain his quality of life. This client's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of taking a holistic approach to back pain management, with a focus on the often overlooked rib cage.

If you or someone you know in the Liverpool area is struggling with persistent back pain, I encourage you to consider the role of rib cage mobility. By addressing this crucial, yet often neglected, aspect of the body, you may just unlock the key to lasting relief from lower back pain.

If you are struggling with. chronic back pain and you need someone to take a different approach, come and see our amazing team at FM Physio. We’re happy to jump on a free call to discuss what you want to achieve further or if you’re ready to pull the trigger, get a full assessment booked in at our Baltic Triangle clinic.