Interventional Study of Effects on Spine Height With Two Unloading Positions

The purpose of this study is to test a physical therapy intervention for reducing pain in the low back and into the legs. With individuals over the age of 40 years, this pain may be associated to changes in back height from aging of the cushions between the back bones. When pain is caused from this, completion of different positions and rest periods have been shown to help reduce the pain, at least temporarily. This study will compare two such positions; 1)floating in deep warm water with weights attached to the ankles, to take the load off of the spine, 2)lying on their back with hip and knees flexed to a 90 degree angle. The height of each person will be measured before and after completion of each intervention using a specially designed measuring tool. Experimental hypothesis: 1. Subjects with low back and leg pain suggestive of nerve root compression syndrome will experience increase in spinal height when completing aquatic vertical suspension and/or land-based supine flexion. 2. Subjects with low back and leg pain suggestive of nerve root compression syndrome will experience greater increase in height, greater reduction of pain intensity and location when completing underwater vertical suspension as compared to supine land based flexion.