Back & sciatica

Why does my back keep hurting?

Most chronic back pain comes down to one or two things: too much or too little arch in your lower back, and an uneven pelvis and rib cage that pushes the pain to one side. The guide below shows you how to test for both.

Start here

The 60-second test that reveals why your back pain keeps coming back

Why core strengthening isn't the fix, the two tests that show which pattern is yours, and what to do about each one.

Read the guide  →

Inside: the extension or flexion test · the sidebending photo test · video demonstration · what to do for each pattern

Try this test
Lie on the floor for 60 seconds, legs straight and then knees bent, to find out whether your back wants less arch or more.

Explore more

Why sciatica returns after it feels better

The sidebending problem behind most one-sided sciatica: the photo test, the reaching-while-walking fix, and why it's often mistaken for a leg length difference.

Keeps coming back

If one of these patterns sounds familiar, 7 Days to a Better Back walks you through testing and correcting it at home, step by step.

Explore 7 Days to a Better Back

Book Pain Patterns


* indicates required

This will close in 0 seconds

Book Pregnancy Back Pain Popup


* indicates required

This will close in 0 seconds

Book Back Pain Popup


* indicates required

This will close in 0 seconds

Book Foot Ankle Popup


* indicates required

This will close in 0 seconds

Book Hip Knee Popup


* indicates required

This will close in 0 seconds

Book Neck Head Ache Popup


* indicates required

This will close in 0 seconds

Book Shoulder Elbow Popup


* indicates required

This will close in 0 seconds