June 2005

I have had back pain off and on for many years which limits my ability to exercise and perform the activities that I like to do.  Why do I continue to have problems?  Do you think I need to be seen for this, even if the pain isn’t always there?

Back injuries are among the most common disabling ailments treated in a physical therapy setting.  To help prevent back injuries and simultaneously improve athletic performance, specific training of “the core” is a necessity.  The core is made up of those muscles that help stabilize and coordinate movement by providing a powerful link between lower and upper body strength.  These muscles include all of the abdominal muscles, back muscles and even the glutes, hamstrings, and hip rotators.  The core can be easily challenged and worked without the need for any fancy equipment.  To correctly and safely work these muscles, one must first learn how to activate the abdominals and identify a “neutral spine” (a position that maintains the natural curves of the spine without flattening or exaggerating them).  Then while maintaining this neutral spine, incorporate movement of the upper and lower limbs to force the stabilizers to kick in and support the spine.  To increase the challenge, add a stability ball to the workout regimen.  This unstable surface will increase the demand of work needed by the core to stabilize the spine.  From reducing injuries to improving and enhancing athletic performance - the value of the core cannot be underestimated.

Jessica King, PT