As I see it, the biggest problem is that 99 percent of the time you want to do - or are told to do - a balanced workout. But if you are already overly strong in some muscle groups and continue to strengthen those same groups, you will only reinforce your imbalances. The same holds true for stretching: If you stretch a muscle group that does not need to be stretched, the imbalance is never going to be corrected.

I know it's frustrating to be told that your workouts have been making your back pain condition worse, or may even be partly responsible for the condition in the first place. And while it's true that Yoga and Pilates are all about balance, these programs are for those who do not have a problem. But for someone with back pain due to muscle imbalances, a general stretching and exercise program is the last thing you want to be doing.

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