Training A Client Who Complains Of Low Back Pain

When working with a client, proper exercise technique is vital in their progress, injury prevention or rehabilitation.  In my experience, many clients will attempt a functional activity such as a lift from floor to waist (deadlift), and lower back pain will result.  If this occurs, I have two choices.  I can completely stop the activity and move onto something else. Or I can ensure that my client has made an effort to engage his/her core prior to and throughout the activity in order to protect their lower back.  I usually choose the second option.  Check out this video to learn how to assist your client in core recruitment.  90% of the time, after engaging the core, the pain is minimized or completely eliminated.  That is a great lesson for your client to learn, and hopefully they will incorporate this technique whenever they attempt a lift.  The more frequently you educate them on core recruitment, the more likely they will make it a new habit, and the less often they will feel lower back pain upon functional activities. 
Engage Your Core

Protect Your Lower Back By Engaging Your Core

Check out this quick video on how to engage your core during exercise.  Learn to use a feedback technique (your own hands) to make sure your core is contracted properly.  Now, it is your job to make sure you maintain this contraction throughout the entire workout.  No need to focus so much on timing your breathing during the positive/negative portion of the contraction (I'm sure you have all heard "exhale upon exertion") for spinal stability when you use this technique.  Mastering this skill will greatly reduce your chances of injuring your lower back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGT8ckhUrE8