How can you use the Functional Movement Screen to assess lower back pain?

2 Why use the FMS for lower back pain?

Lower back pain can have many causes, such as muscle strain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or arthritis. However, one of the most common factors that contributes to lower back pain is poor movement quality. Poor movement quality can result from lack of mobility, stability, or coordination in your joints and muscles. This can lead to compensations, dysfunctions, and inefficiencies in your movement patterns, which can put excessive stress on your lower back and other areas of your body.

The FMS can help you identify and correct these issues, by providing you with a comprehensive assessment of your movement quality and efficiency. The FMS can also help you prevent lower back pain, by detecting any potential problems before they become serious. By improving your movement quality and efficiency, you can reduce your pain, enhance your performance, and increase your functional capacity.

3 How to perform the FMS for lower back pain?

The FMS is a screening tool, baseline measurement, or progress indicator that is performed by a certified professional, such as a physical therapist, personal trainer, or coach. It requires minimal equipment, such as a measuring stick, hurdle, and dowel and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. It can be done in any setting, such as a gym, clinic, or home. To perform the FMS for lower back pain, you should warm up for 5 to 10 minutes with light cardio and dynamic stretches. Then you should complete each of the seven tests in the order listed in the FMS manual or app. Record your score for each test and note any pain, compensation, or asymmetry. Calculate your total score and compare it to the FMS norms and standards. Identify your lowest score and most significant asymmetry as these are your priority areas for improvement. Lastly, follow the corrective exercise program recommended for your score and asymmetry and perform it regularly as part of your functional training.

4 What are the benefits of the FMS for lower back pain?

The FMS can offer you considerable advantages for lower back pain, such as pinpointing the source of your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms. It can also give you personalized and objective feedback on your movement quality and efficiency, while helping you improve your mobility, stability, and movement patterns. Furthermore, the FMS can enhance your functional training by focusing on your specific needs and goals. Moreover, it can increase your awareness and self-assurance in your movement abilities, thus improving your quality of life.