Low back pain: Metamedicine and messages from the soul

Low back pain: Metamedicine and messages from the soul

ABCs of Lumbar Vertebrae

Introduction
We start with a simplified ABC of the anatomy of the lumbar vertebrae and then explore the deep meaning that low back pain carries, namely the messages that help us understand and resolve inner conflicts. As always, watch out for key words.

Anatomy of the Lumbar Vertebrae
The lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5) are located in the lower part of the spine, between the thoracic area and the sacrum. Their function is fundamental: they must support much of the body weight, provide movement and protection, and allow good mobility.

1. Body weight support
   The lumbar vertebrae are the largest and strongest in the spine because they must support much of the body’s weight, particularly when we are standing or walking. Their structure allows the load to be distributed toward the pelvis and legs.
2. Movement and flexibility
   The lumbar vertebrae allow a good range of motion:

• Flexion (bending forward)
• Extension (arching back)
• Lateral tilt (bending to the side)
  Although rotation is limited with respect to the thoracic vertebrae, they provide the stability needed for movement.

1. Spinal cord protection
   Although the spinal cord terminates above the lumbar vertebrae (between L1 and L2), spinal nerves continue their course through the spinal canal as the cauda equina, a bundle of nerves that control the legs, feet and some pelvic functions.
2. Shock absorption
   Between the lumbar vertebrae are intervertebral discs, which act as “shock absorbers.” These discs reduce stress from impact and movement, protecting both vertebrae and nerves.
3. Connection with the pelvis
   The lumbar vertebrae articulate with the sacrum, forming a bridge between the spine and the pelvis. This is crucial for transferring weight from the trunk to the legs.

In a nutshell, to be clear about the ABCs we will need to associate with the keys to Metamedicine
The lumbar vertebrae allow us to:

• Supporting the weight of the body
• Ensuring flexibility and movement
• Protect vital nerves for legs, feet and pelvic area
• Absorb shocks and distribute the load
• Transfer weight from upper body to legs

So the lumbar vertebrae are the pillars of the spine, providing strength, stability and movement while protecting key nerve structures.

Low back pain and Metamedicine: messages and opportunities

We therefore enter into the reading of low back pain according to the keys of Metamedicine and a number of personal insights that come from my own research, exploration, and coding in the field, gained after working with dozens and dozens of people with low back pain.

The first clue that Metamedicine offers us is this:

1. Fear related to material security
   The lower back is symbolically associated with financial support and basic needs. Pain in this area may reflect fears regarding financial stability, work, or the material future. Warning: this pain may awaken at specific times in life, when financial or material difficulties arise, or it may be a “feeling” introjected as children (or even before) that coexists with us.
   The theme of material security goes far beyond what we possess or the economic stability we may have…
   For example, if I grew up in a family where everything was based on “procuring material security,” I might have a compromised view of reality. So even if I don’t in fact lack anything, this part of the back might activate when I feel “fear,” when I work less, activating that memory of “lack of security” or the fear of losing stability. There may also be cases when the low back activates when there is an “objective” fear of lacking material security, when a balance changes: think of a rent increase, a reduction in income, a sudden expense. The first useful questions for getting in touch with this pain and understanding it (taking it with us rather than fighting it or doing things to make it go away) are:

• “Do I feel secure on the material plane?”
• “Am I afraid of losing something or someone that gives me stability?”

A second clue is related to the sense of responsibility, understood as weight.
We have seen that the lumbar vertebrae support the weight of the body.

2. Sense of responsibility and weight of responsibilities
   Lower back pain may indicate that the person feels crushed by the weight of responsibilities or is taking on too many burdens, perhaps even those that belong to others.
   Our bodies are perfect; they are built to function at their best. The lumbars are built to support the weight of our body–but not that of others. Useful questions:

• “Am I carrying too much weight?”
• “Am I taking on responsibilities that do not belong to me?” If the answer is yes, I invite you to delve deeper by asking yourself, “Why am I doing this?” and not to stop at the classic “If I don’t do it, no one else will.”…
  If you want to delve deeper, you will find lots of useful videos on this channel or I’ll be waiting for you in 1:1 sessions or at MDCs.

Staying on the topic of support, we can charge one:

3. Lack of support (always in a material sense)
   It could represent a feeling of not having enough support from others or an inability to ask for help.
   Helpful questions:

• “Do I feel supported by others?”
• “Do I ask for help when I need it or do I try to do everything myself?” Again, if the answer is “I try to do everything on my own,” the next question is “Why?”
  I invite you to listen to the installments devoted to AUTONOMY and“GROWING TOO HARD (and then falling apart).”

That’s all I’m going to add for today.
I wanted to offer you a concentration of insights to help you get in touch with your lower back and what it wants to communicate to you when it gets inflamed or hurts.
The channel is full YouTube and podcasts of free related and in-depth content, and gradually the blog in English Italian and Spanish is getting richer as well. Stay tuned!

Enjoy your exploration!