How can a weak core lead to back pain?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Even if you're skinnier than a chopstick, you can still have back problems - especially if you have a weak set of muscles in your core, the area that includes your hips, abdominals, and lower back. That core tissue - made of muscles, ligaments, and tendons - acts as your own natural back brace. Have a tight anatomical back brace, and you'll absorb shock and provide a strong foundation for all the different kinds of movement you do throughout the day. But if you have a brace that's loose, weak, and about as supportive as a size-XXL jacket on a size-S body, then even reaching around to hand your kid a bottle in the back of the car (don't try it now) could result in your writhing in kill-me-now pain.
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Even if you're skinnier than a chopstick, you can still have back problems - especially if you have a weak set of muscles in your core, the area that includes your hips, abdominals, and lower back. That core tissue - made of muscles, ligaments, and... More -
Brian Yee answered:According to Panjabi's model, we can view spinal stabiilty based on 3 key elements:
1. Passive Structures: The spinal column itself and the ligaments, fascia and other static tissues that hold it together.
2. Active Structures: The muscles that surround the trunk and pelvis 'actively' contract to provide muscle support.
3. Cognitive / Motor Control: The brain has a way to coordinate how muscles will be used to anticipate how the spine is used with functional activities.
The passive structures and the spine itself is limited in its ability to stabilize the spine, especially in dynamic function or prolonged positions such as standing or sitting. The brain thus needs to coordinate the proper timing of muscle contractions and muscle forces to hold the spine together. Without proper muscle control and force the vertebrae of the spine will have increased shearing, torque or compression eventually leading to such things as vertebral degeneration, herniated discs, or other structural issues that may lead to back pain.
The notion of the 'stronger you are - the better you'll be' needs to be carefully considered as it is more important to develop stability in the core that is efficient and properly coordinates with proper movements in your upper and lower body. There are many disciplines out there that teach movement patterning and stabilization, this can include pilates, yoga, functional movement training, feldenkrais, janda approach, and more. Each discipline has their specific methods, while there are also similarities. Please consult a qualified physical therapist or other health practitioner to learn more about proper movement training to stabilize your core.
According to Panjabi's model, we can view spinal stabiilty based on 3 key elements:1. Passive Structures: The spinal column itself and the ligaments, fascia and other static tissues that hold it together. 2. Active Structures: The muscles that... More -
Dr. Dionne Casthely of Baptist Health South Florida answered:A weak set of stomach muscles can contribute to back problems. Weak abdominal muscles can cause lower back pain by encouraging a forward-leaning posture and less stability when doing spinal motions. Since abdominals work in conjunction with back muscles when bending, straightening or lifting, you could be more prone to back pain with a weak core.
However, you can protect back muscles by strengthening your abdominals through regular exercise. An abdominal routine could be part of prescribed physical therapy for chronic back pain.
There are many exercise routines that improve overall health and also help you strengthen your abdominal muscles, such as swimming, bike riding, jogging and yoga.
A weak set of stomach muscles can contribute to back problems. Weak abdominal muscles can cause lower back pain by encouraging a forward-leaning posture and less stability when doing spinal motions. Since abdominals work in conjunction with back... More
