Back extensions are often discussed online as if they are a solution for lower back pain, so I wanted to look at their value from the perspective of a well-renowned coach: Charles Poliquin.

Poliquin was a well-known strength coach who worked with elite and Olympic-level athletes, which is why he is frequently referenced by online influencers and fitness professionals.

Interestingly Poliquin didn’t view back extensions as a miracle exercise and he didn’t present them as a guaranteed fix for lower back problems – unlike some of those quoting him. Instead he viewed back extensions primarily as a strength training tool.

This distinction is important because exercises are often taken out of context online. An exercise that has a place in strength training does not automatically mean it is the best choice for managing pain or rehabilitation. And in fact, it is just one tool among many.

What does a back extension involve?

The type of back extension discussed by Poliquin is typically per...

Finding a back pain treatment that works for you is the biggest part of your rehabilitation. Many therapists and coaches like to talk about how specific your rehabilitation needs to be. This has a lot of truth but I’ve found there are also common threads in back pain treatment.

Since 2008 I’ve been working with people with low back pain and the more people I worked with the more these common threads came up. They have become the foundation of my rehabilitation method. But first...

Do you need surgery?

If you've been told you need surgery don’t dismiss it straightaway just put it to one side for the time being. Surgery has its place in back pain treatment but I find it’s for the very few. Take yourself through this rehabilitation method and see if it makes you better. If it does put the idea of surgery at the back of your mind.

My rehabilitation method

• Rest
• Move
• Pain triggers
• Massage
• Stretch
• Exercise

At first you'll work through these one at a time but as you work through...