Functional pain of the lower back usually refers to lumbar muscle strain, often occurring in the middle-aged and elderly. It is characterized by chronic dull pain or soreness aggravated by fatigue. It can be treated with physical therapy. "Back-moving" is one of the effective physical therapies for exercising lumbodorsal muscles. It originated from the successive back-moving steps in taiji, a kind of Chinese shadowboxing.

The lower back pain in lumbar muscle strain is chiefly caused by insufficient strength of the lumbar muscles and ligaments and instability of the spinal column. Exercising the lumbodorsal muscles by "back- moving" can increase the strength of the lumbar muscles and the stability and flexibility of the spinal column. Furthermore, the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the lumbodorsal muscles can improve the blood circulation and tissue metabolism in the lumbar regions. Massage Shenshu (B 23) (which is on the lower back, 1.5 cun laterals to the midpoint between the spinous processes of the second and third lumbar vertebrae) with the thumbs to notify the kidneys, strengthen the waist and alleviate lower back pain (see Fig. 1). Its satisfactory effect has been proven by practice.

The "back-moving" exercise is simple and suitable for any age. Its frequency and intensity should depend on the individual's age and constitution, and any fatigue felt after the exercise should quickly disappear. The exercise is generally performed twice a day, about 20 minutes each time. If there is severe pain in the lower back, immediate practice of "back-moving" may have a soothing analgesic effect.

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