What's the difference between a hypermobile spine and a hypomobile spine? I've been told my upper back is hypermobile and my low back is hypomobile. What does this mean really?
"Hyper" means too much. For example we refer to a child who moves or talks too much as 'hyper.' Mobile refers to movement. Too much movement in the spine is called hypermobility. Not enough or too little motion is the opposite of hypermobility. This is referred to as hypomobility. It's not uncommon to have pain in one section of the spine from too much motion (hypermobility). The vertebrae slide or glide too far in one direction or another. This puts a pull or traction on the soft tissues and nerves in the area. Likewise, a stiff segment that's hypomobile doesn't move enough. Pain occurs when the spine tries to move beyond what the joint and soft tissue structures can or will allow. A problem in one part of the spine frequently causes problems elsewhere. It may be in another section of the spine or it may be in the hip or sacroiliac joint. The body above or below the problem area tries to adapt or adjust to make up the difference.
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