Sometimes patients experiencing a low back pain episode may require a lateral shift correction procedure. Have you ever felt like you stand crooked when you have back pain? The lateral shift correction is a way to get patients back to standing straight without shifting to the left or the right. Correction of the shift is a very important step in the resolution of the back pain.
How to perform:
- Start by standing next to a wall with the side your body is shifted towards on the same side (the picture shows if you are shifted to the left)
- Stand a couple of feet away from the wall
- Put the elbow and forearm of the side closest to the wall on the wall as seen in the picture
- Put your opposite hand on the hip/pelvis of the side not facing the wall
- Put your feet together
- Use the hand on your pelvis to push your hips towards the wall (which will start to move your low back)
- Aim to be able to correct the shift and cross past midline to the other side
- Perform 5-6 sets of 20 reps or more as needed to correct the shift
- Discontinue if it worsens symptoms afterwards
- Discontinue if you are unable to cross midline after trying to perform the exercise for 1-2 sets
Lateral shift correction using a wall can be very helpful to correct a crooked back in spasm. Sometimes, the procedure will require help from a clinician to provide more overpressure.
We always recommend making an appointment for any new onset spinal or extremity pain as well as for re-aggravations of previous symptoms to properly diagnose the underlying cause and to determine the most appropriate treatment.
To make an appointment, click on the following link: https://ledermanchiropractic.janeapp.com/
Yours in health,
