Low back pain is extremely common and will affect at least 80% of us at least once during our lifetime. Many people experience recurring or prolonged chronic episodes. Chiropractors, like Dr. Woodward, often utilize manual therapies to manage low back pain. He may also recommend spinal stabilization exercises as part of the treatment process.
Studies have shown that patients with low back pain often have weakness in their core muscles. Certain important deep involuntary muscles like the lumbar multifidus can become deactivated and out of sync with other core muscles. The transverse abdominus and gluteus maximus are core muscles that alter normal movement patterns. The loss of lumbar support increases stress and load on the spine. This can lead to injury and/or poor treatment responses.
Low Back Pain Exercises
Core stabilization exercises are intended to help reactivate normal muscle function. They increase spinal stability, promote neuromotor control in the lumbopelvic region, and induce inter-segmental stiffness to prevent shear forces that lead to injury and/or poor recovery and chronic low back pain.
A few examples of core stabilization exercises include planking variations, the bird dog, and the bridge. You can also do movements that incorporate a stability ball. Based on your particular case, Dr. Woodward can provide recommendations on which exercises to focus on.
So, just how good are core stabilization exercises in the management of chronic low back pain? A 2021 systematic review found that core stabilization exercises benefit patients with short-term and long-term low back pain more than other exercise approaches. These exercises include general strength training and stretching, walking on a treadmill, and the use of other training devices. Additionally, core stabilization exercises work even better to reduce pain and disability. It also improves the strength and function of the core muscles when combined with other treatment approaches. Chiropractors use techniques like spinal manipulation, mobilization, and myofascial release technique.
