The benefits of the Bambach for Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

When sitting on the Bambach Saddle Seat

  • The hips are at an angle of 45-degree flexion in external rotation and abduction. This allows the pelvis to be positioned in its neutral upright position. Conventional seating will result in the pelvis rocking backwards into posterior tilt due to 90 degree flexion at the hips and tight hamstrings.
  • By providing a secure neutral pelvic position the natural lumbar-pelvic rhythm will in turn ensure that the spine is positioned in its neutral upright 'S' shaped position. This reduces the risk of the development of posture related LBP.
  • When sitting on the saddle seat, the centre of gravity is over the supporting base (the ischial tuberosities), just as in standing. On a flat seat the supporting base is behind the upper body perpetuating the slumped 'C' shaped spinal posture
  • In the Bambach the anti gravity muscles are at their neutral balanced position which means that muscle fatigue due to bad posture is minimised.
  • Sitting on the Bambach reduces inter-vertebral disc pressure between vertebrae which minimises their degeneration and reduces the risk of herniation. Pain from trauma to the lumbar spine is also minimized. The Bambach position shifts axial stress of the disc and shares it with the posterior structures (the facet joints).
  • A healthy upright spinal posture optimizes the inter-vertebral spaces and reduces the risk of nerve root compression or pinching.
  • A clear midline assists maintenance of balance and symmetry. This assists in activating the muscles of postural control in a balanced way which allows the development of a symmetrical posture reducing the risk of spinal deformity and further musculoskeletal problems.
  • Facilitation of independence in sitting and other motor activities. When using the Bambach, tolerance for seated work can increase from zero to normal for an individual suffering from LBP.
  • Thoracic, abdominal and pelvic spaces are maximized resulting in improved lung and internal organ function and circulation.
  • Sitting on the Bambach encourages postural correctness; sitting on a flat seat encourages postural collapse.

What is lower back Pain?

Lower back pain (LBP) is an extremely common symptom affecting up to 85% of people at some time in their lives. LBP is also the most common cause of disability and absence from work in those under the age of 45.

LBP is sometimes used as a diagnosis however it is actually symptom and often it is very difficult to make a precise clinical diagnosis as to the source of the problem. LBP most often occurs through soft tissue strains (muscles, ligaments etc.) which can be caused by improper heavy lifting, sudden awkward movements and poor working postures. LBP can also result from muscle spasm however it is often a case of accumulation of stress which leads to one particular event triggering the episode.

The following specific conditions can also cause back pain.

  • Disc Herniation - sometimes called a slipped disc this involves discal material bulging out of the intervertebral disc.
  • Spondylosis - known as 'wear and tear' this involves the loss of water and degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
  • Spinal stenosis - Narrowing of the spinal canal due to arthritis and bone overgrowth
  • Spondylolisthesis - This condition occurs when one vertebra in the spinal column slips forward over another.

These conditions can also lead to a compression or pinching of a nerve root.  This results in a sharp shooting pain radiating down one leg in a narrow band.  Sensory symptoms or muscle weakness are also present.

Often affected is the sciatic nerve which leads pain radiating down the buttock and back of the leg. This is commonly referred to as Sciatica