Lateral Symmetry

Moto: 500 years ago Leonardo da Vinci studied body symmetry. Today we can measure it with the precision of a few percent.

In addition to functional symmetry, lateral symmetry (the symmetry between the left and right side of the body) is also very important.

This symmetry is especially important at lower back muscles (erector spinae), where asymmetry can influence muscles and joints of lower extremities. We have also found out that the back muscles follow asymmetric movement and adapt to it very quickly.


Based on our experience we can claim that, in most cases, lower back pain originates from erector spinae lateral asymmetry. Pathologic changes in muscles usually show in higher muscle tonus, which causes a change in the activation level of one or both sides of erector spinae. TMG is the only known method which enables us separate measurements of the left and right side of erector spinae. All other known methods can measure just the ratio between back muscles and abdominal muscles.

What can cause asymmetry?

Asymmetry can be caused by past injuries, improper training or the nature of the sport (where one side of the body is constantly more active: golf, tennis). What is even more interesting is the fact that the high percentage of asymmetry found in the average population originates from their work place conditions or from improper body posture.



Asymmetry in every day life

A professional sports photographer was measured and his graph shows substantial lateral asymmetry of erector spinae. He travels a lot and he always carries a heavy bag with photographic equipment on his right shoulder. The erector spinae on the left side becomes more endurable and slower because of compensation for the heavy load. Over a period of time this asymmetry becomes significant and can develop into chronic lower back pain.