Full Metal Jacket

Up to 80% will, at one time or another, suffer from low back pain (LBP). As a matter of fact, there is about a one in three chance you are suffering from low back pain right now!

According to Dr. Manuel Duarte, up to 60% of people who are currently suffering from acute LBP will suffer an additional episode within a year.




Much of low back pain can be attributed to postural imbalances. Over the next few posts, we'll dissect various postural issues that can lead to low back pain and injury.

The famed "military posture" (seen above) is not, as widely believed, an example of "good" posture. It is, in fact, quite dysfunctional.

The head is typically slightly forward, the scapula tilted forward, and there is excessive lordosis. There is anterior pelvic tilt and hyperextended knees.

The result? The abs and hamstrings are lengthened and weakened, and the low back musculature and hip flexors are short and tight.

Have your fitness professional prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises if you have any of these postural issues.

Gunnery Sgt. Hartman: If you ladies leave my island, if you survive recruit training, you will be a weapon... But until that day you are pikes... The more you hate me, the more you will learn... Full Metal Jacket (1987)