[Azhia]

I had same issues with lower back pain. I had bilateral spyndomyelosthesis or some such thing (a/k/a "Gymnast's Back"). Any time the back is in extension you compress that tissue b/t your vertebrae in your (chiropractors/PT's help me out here!) L[fill in the blank with appropriate number].

Engaging lower abdominals helped me tremendously (+ SS Format). I'd taken all kinds of dance forms, including West African and flamenco. Nothing had damaged my back more than inappropriately executed Oriental dance!

Now I don't experience lower back pain at all due to developed strength in the lower abs. I could even study aerial arts with all kinds of back extension type contortions on the corde lisse or trapeze and I wouldn't be in pain.

I couldn't do that move comfortably either. Hurt me just looking at it.