Hello again. Dr. Chris Tomshack here with the last of our HealthSource Back-Pain-Relief Series—and hopefully the last of your back pain.
 And this is a great letter, because about 90% of the people who stretch their hamstrings do it WRONG—which can actually make your back WORSE!
 Where are your “hamstrings”? They’re the big strong muscles that make up the back of your thigh.
 Your hamstrings are important because they hook onto the bottom of your pelvis and are involved with every little movement of your spine—every bend and twist, and especially HEAVY LIFTING!!
 Many people injure their backs because their hamstrings are too tight. So instead of the hamstrings doing the heavy lifting, your back muscles have to pitch in and help—and they’re not nearly as strong.
 By the way, the reason these muscles are called the “hamstrings” has to do with pigs. In the old days, when a pig was butchered, the tendons at the knee were tied together to hang up the pork for curing. The tendons are cords that look like “string”. Thus, they were called the “ham-strings.”
 And it’s simple to stretch them—but if no one has told you this one little thing, instead of making you feel better, doing this stretch can cause back pain.
 That’s why the best way to get help is to have HANDS-ON treatment with HANDS-ON, IN-PERSON instruction for your home exercises, stretches and strengthening exercises—like we provide in the office.
 So what IS the right way to stretch your hamstrings? Well, it’s very easy.
 Just sit on a chair with another chair in front of you. Then rest the leg you’re going to stretch on the chair in front.
 All you’re going to do is lean forward over the outstretched leg, with the knee straight, until you feel a nice pull in the back of your thigh…but…(and this is important)…
 Keep your BACK STRAIGHT and let all the bending happen at your HIP!!
Otherwise, if you’re bending your back, you’re pulling the back muscles which may not be ready for this. Since I haven’t examined your sacroiliac joint, your trigger points, your super-important LUMBAR SPINE, and 5 more important structures—I don’t want you to risk hurting yourself. So stick with just the hamstring for now.
 Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds, then gradually ease off and walk around for a minute or so. Then repeat the stretch on the other side and do each side 3 times. You can do this set of stretches 2 or 3 times a day—but carefully and gently—especially at first.
 We’ve got some great techniques at HealthSource to make this work even better, but I don’t have enough room here. Besides, when you’re good and ready to come in to see us, you’ll know. There’s no pressure—just an invitation—just like our complimentary, 17-point Community Service Screening. You’ll find out a TON about your back, without spending a dime, but no one will use those annoying “used-car-salesman” tactics to get you to do anything.
 If our 5 strategies in these letters have helped you, terrific! Send these e-letters to a friend. If you’re still sore, there’s more going on than we can correct in these letters. So why not at least check us out, since there’s nothing to lose but your pain. But no matter what you decide, we wish you abundant health.
 My best to you, Dr. Chris Tomshack for HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive RehabTM
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