Is Rounding Your Back Dangerous? w/ Dr. Sam Spinelli

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen are joined by the knowledgeable Dr. Sam Spinelli to discuss all things lumbar flexion!

Sam is a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), a certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS), co-founder of E3 Rehab, and co-founder of Citizen Athletics. He does a fantastic job bringing evidence-based education on the topics of rehab and exercise to the general public through his social media presence (especially on his E3 Rehab channel on YouTube), and he is very respected in the rehab community.

Points of discussion include:

• The basic anatomy and biomechanics of the low back region
• What are some common “pathologies” or changes that can take place in the lumbar spine region?
• Why it’s time to redefine what “normal” structure for the lumbar spine is
• What is a “neutral spine”?
• The backstory of Dr. Stuart McGill’s famous research on lumbar spine mechanics and disc herniations and how it has influenced the general public’s beliefs about protecting the low back
• Are forward folds in yoga a likely cause of low back injury?
• Even if we consciously try to maintain a neutral spine as we move into a deadlift, squat, and many other exercises, our lumbar spine will move into flexion
• Does current research support the longstanding advice that we should always “lift with our legs and not with our back”?
• What is the technical definition of “loaded lumbar flexion”?
• Is “buttwink” (the posterior tilt of the pelvis in the bottom position of a squat) a risky position for the low back?
• After a backbend in yoga, should we “neutralize the spine” before moving into a forward fold?
• Is lumbar flexion a dangerous position for people with osteopenia and osteoporosis?
• …And much more!

Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Follow and learn from Dr. Sam Spinelli: Instagram / E3 Rehab website / E3 Rehab YouTube

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

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