A New Approach to Treating Low Back Pain and Stress-Induced Problems by Addressing Individual Stress Causes

1.Definition

Pelvic torsion (PT) refers to the twisting or counter-rotation of the two halves of the pelvis, the ilia, against each other. This typically leads to irritation or blockages in the pelvic joints, particularly the pubic symphysis and the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). It can also result in a twisting of the spine and entire body, reducing the load-bearing capacity and predisposing individuals to spine-related complaints. Conventionally, the origins of PT are often sought in spinal blockages or leg asymmetries and treated on this level.

In Integral Orthopaedics, however, PT is viewed as a symptom of autonomic regulatory rigidity, where the body is stuck in a defense mode. This is accompanied by asymmetric fascial contractions and regulatory imbalances that not only impact the locomotor system (especially the spine) but also the psyche, internal organs, and immune system.

2.Summary

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) loses its ability to transition smoothly between defense mode (sympathetic tone) and relaxation/regeneration mode(parasympathetic/vagotonic tone).
Overloading the body with stress or trauma initially leads to a fixation in tension mode (sympathetic dominance), followed by an inability to achieve relaxation and regeneration (insufficient vagotonic activity).

As a result:

•The body and psyche cannot properly relax, regulate, or regenerate.

•Conventional treatments (e.g. physiotherapy, osteopathy, breathing exercises, yoga or sports) provide only little or temporary relief.

•Even minor physical or psychological stress can overwhelm the system.

The fascial system (FS), which is closely linked to the ANS, responds with asymmetrical tension throughout the body. This manifests as pelvic torsion:

•Anterior rotation of the ilium corresponds with contraction of the hip flexors.

•Posterior rotation of the ilium involves tension in the hip adductors and quadratus lumborum.

PT is further exacerbated by both external and internal stress factors:

•Internal stress factors: Scars, injuries, overburdened regions (e.g., neck, flanks), strained joints (e.g., SIJ, jaw), or stressed organs (e.g., intestines, liver).

•External stress factors: Physical overwork, incorrect posture, emotional stress (personal or from others), and lack of movement.

During self-examination with the Integral Stress Test, PT temporarily resolves when the navel or internal stress points (e.g., scars, neck or traumatised key joints) are touched. However, sustained improvement requires identifying and treating all internal stressors. PT that persists while touching internal causes may is mostly due to energetic overload or stagnation in the body’s external energy field (as understood in Traditional Chinese Medicine). Once this energetic stress is resolved, the ANS and FS regain functionality, and PT can be addressed.

Therapeutic Approach

Integration techniques focus on supporting the regulatory functions of the ANS and FS, as well as enhancing immune resilience.

Treatment requires:

1.One or several basic treatments of all stress sources

2. Daily practise of the  basic exercises: aura releif and navel integration (several times a day during stress).

3. Ortho-bionomic or other physiotherapeutical exercises, tailored to individual tension patterns, to gradually release chronic fascial tension.

3.Foreword

From the perspective of Integral Orthopaedics, pelvic torsion (PT) is the primary and most common functional response of the musculoskeletal system to stress. Most of my patients present with PT and experience both its causes and its wide-ranging effects.

PT results from stress-induced, asymmetrical fascial tension, which I believe is a root cause of most chronic, recurrent back pain and spine-related complaints. Furthermore, PT reflects a dysfunctional autonomic nervous system (ANS), locked in a state of defence  mode, with impaired relaxation and regeneration.

This compromises:

•Self-healing capacities (e.g., immune function).

•Physical and psychological resilience.

Consequently, complaints accumulate, and stress tolerance decreases, rendering many otherwise effective treatments insufficient for long-term relief.

The following explanations outline:

1.The physiological and anatomical links between the ANS and FS underlying PT.

2.How you can identify individual stressors using the Integral Stress Test.

3.How to treat PT with Fascial Integration Therapy.

Because the ANS—and therefore PT—can reappear under excessive stress or in response to external influences, regular integration techniques are essential. These techniques enhance the body’s self-regulatory capacity, promoting:

•Greater physical resilience.

•Improved organ function.

•Stronger immunity.

•Better emotional balance.

The insights shared here are based on over 30 years of experience as an orthopaedist, sports physician, osteopath, and ortho-bionomy practitioner, as well as over a decade of research into integration techniques. These methods are reproducible when applied correctly.

For patients, therapists, and colleagues interested in adopting this approach, the findings are presented in detail to support a sustainable, causal treatment of the ANS. This method offers a practical, integrative way to address stress-induced complaints and illnesses, including chronic back and joint pain.

I freely share these findings and am available to present them at clinics or training centers. If you incorporate these ideas into your work, please provide appropriate credit.

Further information, videos, and my book Fascial Integration Therapy – A New Chance Against Pain can be found on my website: www.dr-kermani.de. An English edition of the book and videos is forthcoming.