Why is back bending after sitting bad?

Hi, 

I just have joined the forum.

I have read on multiple replies from @Alessandro Mainente that back bending the spine after sitting is the WORST idea and should be avoided.

But from what I have learned and experience, controlled back bending releases the pressure and unnecessary tension on the spine.

Physiotherapists such as McKenzie advocates for it. And elite coaches such as Pavel Tsatsouline proposes for example to lie on the stomach for resting (short period) during his seminars and workout.

Can someone explain with technical terms (and in plain english for other viewers if possible) why should we never bend our spine backward after sitting?

What's the difference with doing sets of Thoracic Bridges/ Jefferson curl in the same workout?

Thank you !

Seongjun

Hi Seongjun,

I'll let @Alessandro Mainente explain his thoughts on the back bending after sitting. 

I have spoken with my physio about extending the spine after a period of flexion and he says that it can actually eliminate, or at least mitigate, the negative effects of chronic flexion, especially when it comes to lower back pain/injuries. I'm also curious to hear what Alex has to say on the topic. 

When talking about that we need to be extremely accurate on understanding the concept, the problem it is not the bending backward BUT the intensity you use on the back bend immediately after the forward flexion of the spine. What I said the post mentioned above it is what really happens in the reality. The nucleus in between the 2 edges of the vertebrae needs a minimum of time to move back in the 'center' of the vertebrae. Immediately bend backward will results in the pinch on the nucleus.

18 hours ago, Everett Carroll said:

Hi Seongjun,

I'll let @Alessandro Mainente explain his thoughts on the back bending after sitting. 

I have spoken with my physio about extending the spine after a period of flexion and he says that it can actually eliminate, or at least mitigate, the negative effects of chronic flexion, especially when it comes to lower back pain/injuries. I'm also curious to hear what Alex has to say on the topic. 

Hi Everett, thanks for your insight !

2 hours ago, Alessandro Mainente said:

When talking about that we need to be extremely accurate on understanding the concept, the problem it is not the bending backward BUT the intensity you use on the back bend immediately after the forward flexion of the spine. What I said the post mentioned above it is what really happens in the reality. The nucleus in between the 2 edges of the vertebrae needs a minimum of time to move back in the 'center' of the vertebrae. Immediately bend backward will results in the pinch on the nucleus.

Hi Alessandro!

So do you think controlled back extension without pushing oneself at all is actually better after long period of sitting?

What do you think about Bridges/ Jefferson curls in an alternate sets?

Thank you !

Seongjun

Hi Seondjun, after a long period of sitting the best thing to do it is to stretch first the muscles which begin to be short after long sitting and only after performing a slow backbend.