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![]() Have you ever diligently stretched and exercised, hoping to ease your back or rib discomfort, only to find little or no relief? You’re not alone—and here’s a biomechanical reason for that. Let’s talk about something I like to call the “locking nut” effect—a concept that can explain why some restrictions in your spine or ribs just don’t budge, no matter how committed you are to stretching or moving. What Is the Locking Nut Effect? Imagine trying to unscrew a tight bolt that's held in place by two locking nuts—one tightening from above, and one from below. No matter how hard you twist from one end, the other nut keeps everything fixed in place. Now apply that idea to your spine and ribs. In some people, spinal joints become restricted at different levels but in opposite directions. Or perhaps a rib joint moves one way while the spine it attaches to is restricted the other way. The result? A system of forces working against each other. Trying to stretch or mobilize one restriction ends up tightening the opposing one—like trying to loosen one nut while the other just digs in tighter. Why Stretching and Exercise Might Not HelpStretching is often helpful for general mobility. But when your body is caught in a locking nut pattern:
How Osteopaths Can Help This is where osteopathic treatment can make the difference. Osteopaths are trained to palpate (feel) and identify these opposing restrictions. More importantly, we can use precise manual techniques and biomechanical leverage to:
In SummaryI f you’ve been stuck in a cycle of persistent tension or pain despite your best stretching efforts, it may be time to look beyond exercise. The “locking nut” effect is a classic example of how mechanical restrictions can block progress—and how osteopathic treatment can unlock what stretching can’t. Want to know if this applies to you? Reach out to an osteopath near you—we're here to help you move freely again.
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June 2025
AuthorDamian is the principal osteopath at Vauxhall Village Osteopathy and Oval Osteopathy Categories
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