Should we avoid lumbar flexion? With Michael Mash

Lumbar flexion is presented as a normal, useful movement rather than something people should always avoid. The discussion explains that the spine is designed to bend, and for most daily activities, moving naturally and fluidly is preferable to staying stiff or constantly bracing. Many people with chronic low back pain may actually over-brace and avoid spinal movement out of fear, which can reinforce pain and limitation. The main exceptions are acute flare-ups, where flexion may need to be reduced temporarily, and heavy lifting in the gym, where a hip hinge and a more neutral spine are usually more efficient and appropriate. Even then, “neutral” does not mean perfectly motionless, since some lumbar flexion still occurs during lifting. Core stability exercises are also examined critically. They may help with pain, but not necessarily because the spine is unstable or weak. Instead, they may work by providing a non-threatening movement stimulus or temporary pain relief. A key message is that education matters: patients should understand that their spine is strong, resilient, and generally safe to move.