Back pain is a very common complaint that assumes downright epidemic proportions according to the latest statistical surveys. Nearly 80 per cent of all adults are affected. 70 per cent of the pain occurs in the lumbar region. Nearly two-thirds of all the costs of chronic illness are incurred as a result of back pain. This equates to around 2 million francs in Switzerland. The condition is therefore the most expensive non-fatal illness. Lumbago and herniated discs are common even in young people.

Many different therapy options are available for back pain. Rest, immobilisation or even operations are often recommended. kybun pursues a different philosophy: differentiated, subtle and targeted exercise as self-therapy.

Back pain refers to all degrees of pain in the area of the back, entirely independent of the cause. In technical terms one speaks of dorsalgia and low back pain(lumbalgia/lumbago; pain in the area of the lumbar spine) to further define the localisation.

• Acute back pain: less than 6 weeks
• Subacute back pain: 6 to 12 weeks
• Chronic back pain: more than 12 weeks

Lumbago also refers to sudden, stabbing pain in the back that is triggered by an irritation of the sensitive spinal column innervation, i.e. the nerves that supply the spinal column itself. Low back pain is often acute, initially segmental, usually stabbing, frequently associated with a feeling of paralysis, constrained posture, inability to move, persistent muscle tension, spinal process pressure pain etc. After an interval with minimal pain, a transition to a chronic form may occur. It is not always possible to distinguish from nerve root irritations such as sciatica. Doctors sometimes speak of ‘pseudoradicular syndrome’ when the painful area radiates but does not coincide with the dermatome of a spinal nerve.

• Poor, one-sided body posture (e.g. computer work).
  This leads to muscle tension and shortening, affecting the hip flexor in particular (M. Iliopsoas). As a result, the spinal column, beginning with the lumbar spine, is drawn into a hunched posture, which is unnatural and damages the spine (especially the intervertebral discs).
• Weakened back musculature due to an everyday relieving posture (a lot of sitting or standing in one place, little day-to-day activity or no sports to balance)
• One-sided excessive muscle strain during physical labour (e.g. construction work)
  
  Secondary and other causes:
  
  
• Blockages (e.g. of the iliosacral joint)
• Vertebral fracture
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis
• Sliding vertebra
• Degenerative diseases (osteochondrosis)
• Inflammatory illnesses (Scheuermann’s disease, Bechterew’s disease)
• Tumour
• Internal illnesses (Head’s zones)
• Psychosomatic problems

One-sided or unfavourable body posture leads to excessive back strain. When excessive strain is placed on the back, it responds over time with pain or blockages that can later lead to chronic pain, wear (e.g. herniated discs) or problems in other body regions.

• Analgesics (painkillers)
• Physiotherapy
• Rest/immobilisation
• Operation

Muscle strengthening and stretching in the kyBoot
The kyBoot has a soft, elastic sole that does not limit foot mobility but provides full freedom for unrestricted movement in all directions. Standing on the soft, elastic surface with the associated instability in the kyBoot trains the muscular system and straightens the body. A one-sided relieving posture is prevented. The load on both sides of the body is even, which counteracts tension. The foot can move freely while walking the way nature intended. By eliminating the heel, the foot sinks deep into the sole even on hard, flat surfaces. This stretches and relaxes the musculature.

Upright posture on the kyBounder
Sitting for long periods of time, especially with poor posture, puts one-sided strain on the muscles and spinal column. Underused muscles get weaker and shorten over time. On the other hand, muscles under excessive one-sided strain respond by tensing up. This leads to neck, hip and back pain, and subsequently to further malpositions.

The muscles are stretched, relaxed and trained on the soft, elastic mat of the kyBounder, which brings the body into a natural, upright posture. This releases tension and imbalances. The standing and posture muscles are strengthened in a targeted manner. Back pain can be relieved by switching between tensing and relaxing the muscles.

If you experience back pain in the kyBoot or on the kyBounder, or if your familiar back pain gets worse, this may have several reasons (e.g. tense muscles, unfamiliar movements for the back).

We advise you to perform the kybun exercises regularly every now and again. They loosen your musculature and you are less likely to assume a passive posture, which puts strain on the back.

Choose a kyBoot shoe with the slightly wider second generation sole. It provides you with greater midfoot stability. Ask your kybun dealer to show you the various models.

If you experience severe fatigue even with the kybun exercises, feel pain or in case of lateral/medial rolling on the kyBoot sole, we advise taking a short kyBoot/kyBounder break until the symptoms go away.

Maintain an upright body posture, do not make your steps too long and keep your gaze forward (do not look at the ground). You should walk straight on the kyBoot sole and correct any lateral/medial rolling of the ankle joint!

Should your back pain continue even though you are following the application tips, please seek advice from your kybun dealer.