WATCH: An SFU researcher feels the root of many of our back problems can be explained by looking at chimpanzees.
A SFU researcher has unearthed what may be the first measurable evidence of a relationship between walking upright and back pain.
Biological anthropologist Kimberly Plomp says the cause of back pain may have something to do with evolution.
“Evolution isn’t perfect and everybody’s spine is not adapted for bipedalism,” said Plomp. “It’s just that there might be small shape differences that are better able to withstand the pressure than others.”
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Plomp has been using geometrical analysis to find these subtle differences, which make some human vertebrae closer in shape to that of chimpanzees.
Those small shape variations in these segments of the lower spine could explain why walking on two feet may be a pain in the back for some people.
“As we stand on two feet, we put more pressure on our spine,”said Plomp. “We believe that the shape that we identified might be better for a quadrupedal locomotion where there isn’t as much pressure.”
That doesn’t mean those of us with back pain should walk on all fours, even if we are evolutionarily challenged.
For now, rehab experts say the best way to deal with back pain is to keep moving on two feet.
“Moving in an ideal way, maintaining proper posture and curvature of the spine is what’s going to help your body be healthy and happy,” says physiotherapist Heather Vint.
-with files from Elaine Yong
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