Here is a link to part of one of McGills books...talking about arm swing and back pain: http://books.google.com/books?id=j0R4-fzBwPIC&pg=PA83&lpg=PA83&dq=arm+swing+back+pain+mcgill&source=bl&ots=N8Ea3fgs71&sig=eLtoTLLUNI1dhMLiBpWL4pFT7As&hl=en&ei=06RxSpa_KMKLtgee6qGNBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1
Have you ever taken a walk carrying something/someone to your chest by which you have no arm swing? It kills my back. I remember going to a course and some of the PTs were talking about the importance of the reciprocality of the arm swing in reducing LBP. This also may explain why swimming is so good for your back as well. The shortening and lengthening that goes along with reciprocal arm swing is perfect for TMR thought process. I also have noticed that if a patient has one arm swinging and not the other, these patients report LBP with walking. I have never tried to accentuate it though as Tom would suggest in a TMR manner. Will have to try that.
