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If you bend backward and to the right at the same time. the vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar spine tur^-(rotate) to the left (Fig 4).

Fig 4. Movement pattern when bcnding backward

These normal movement patterns can be used lo protect those parts of the back which must not move durirr a stretching exercise. The cxcrcise called Upper Back 4 (page 210) is an example (Fig5): The lower (lumbar spine is hent forwani, and the cushion under the left buttock kceps il hent to the left. This means that the lumbar vertebrae are titrned (rotated) to the left, too. If you bend and lurn your upper (thoracic) spine to the right while sitting in this position, the lumbar vertebrae don't follow the thoracic ones; the shape of the vertebrae won't let them. The lower back is protected.

Fig 5.

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