Why Disc Pain Recurs: The Law of 'Mobility' and 'Stability'

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Hello, this is Dr Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic.

When patients are diagnosed with a cervical (neck) or lumbar (back) disc herniation, they often ask: "Why did this happen to me?" Is it simply age? Or perhaps lifting something heavy? From a physiatry and biomechanical perspective, the answer is surprisingly simple: "The painful area has been overworked."

Today, I would like to introduce the concept of 'Compensatory Hypermobility' and our fundamental treatment strategy that views the spine as a single, organic chain.

1. The Real Culprits: The 'Stiff' and the 'Overactive'

In our spine, segments meant for mobility and segments meant for stability are arranged in an alternating pattern. However, problems arise when a specific area becomes stiff due to poor posture.

  • When the Upper Cervical (C1-2) and Upper Thoracic (Back) become "Stiff" (Hypomobile): They fail to assist when you turn or bend your head.

  • The Sacrifice of the Lower Cervical (C5-7): Consequently, the lower neck segments must move excessively to make up for the lack of movement above and below (Hypermobile).

  • The Result: Discs in these overactive segments cannot withstand the repetitive shear forces and eventually herniate. This is the essence of a cervical disc injury.

2. The Hidden Keys to Back Pain: 'Psoas' and 'Hip'

Lower back pain follows the same logic. The lumbar spine is naturally designed to be a stable zone. However, imbalances like these cause the back to scream in pain:

  • Shortening of the Psoas Muscle: Prolonged sitting causes the deep psoas muscle to shorten, pulling the lumbar vertebrae forward aggressively.

  • Reduced Hip Mobility: If the hip joint doesn't extend fully while walking, the body compensates by over-extending (arching) the lower back.

  • The Neck-Back Connection: Surprisingly, when neck alignment collapses, the pelvis tilts to maintain the center of gravity, increasing pressure on the lumbar spine. The upper and lower kinetic chains are inseparable.

3. Son’s Rehab 'Kinetic Chain Restoration' Solution

Our clinic goes beyond simply blocking pain. We implement a 3-step integrated treatment to correct the body's movement chain.

Step 1. Restoring Mobility

Through chiropractic adjustments and manual therapy, we revive movement in the stiff upper cervical spine, upper thoracic spine, and hip joints. We specifically release the shortened psoas muscle to relieve vertical pressure on the lower back.

Step 2. Deep Muscle Stabilization

To support the neck and back segments weakened by hypermobility, we strengthen the Deep Neck Flexors (DNF) and optimize Intra-Abdominal Pressure (IAP).

Step 3. Kinetic Chain Re-education

We prescribe exercises like the Bridge and Clamshell to prevent the psoas from shortening again and to stop lumbar compensation. The key is combining 'Chin-tuck' and 'Gluteal Activation' to relearn total body alignment.

"Pain is the result; the cause is Movement Imbalance."

The core of disc treatment is to let the painful areas (neck, back) rest while making the idle areas (mid-back, hips) work again.

If you are struggling with long-term pain, look for the root cause through the lens of the Kinetic Chain. Dr Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic is here to help you regain your healthy movement.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net


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