How Does Core Strength Help Improve Lower Back Pain?
Identify the symptoms of lower back pain and learn how core strengthening at physical therapy can help
Are you experiencing consistent pain in the lower back? Wondering about how to prevent back injuries?
About 8 out of 10 people in the United States experience back problems at least once, and according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers typically take 12 days of sick leave to help them recover from back pain.
There’s a lot to understand about the core and how it relates to posture, back pain, and preventing injuries. If you’re experiencing lower back pain, have a condition that makes you prone to back pain, or are curious about the connection between core strength and the lower back, you can depend on our experienced physical therapists at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy in PA.
To schedule an appointment, call our office today!
Strong core muscles prevent back pain
Core strengthening isn’t just for muscle toning or getting a six-pack. Developing strong abdominal muscles can actually prevent back pain by making you less susceptible to back injuries and helping with spinal alignment.
Many people have experienced back pain—whether it’s temporary or chronic, long-term pain. No matter which type of back pain you suffer from, it could be caused by weak abdominal muscles. Your abs provide an immense amount of support for the spine, so if they are weak, then other structures surrounding your spine will have to compensate.
Strong core muscles maintain your balance, help you avoid bad posture, and prevent potentially damaging strains. If your core is strong, it allows your body to transfer pressure through your muscles rather than your spine, which largely reduces your chance of back pain.
Our back muscles are more vital than you may think, keeping vertebrae properly aligned and helping to balance spinal joints. Your core is the center of your abdomen, which maintains proper spine curvature and pelvic tilt. Everything that the core and back muscles do is important for preventing back pain.
Common conditions that cause lower back pain
Back pain is primarily caused by an injury to a muscle or ligament. Muscle strains and sprains can occur from both medical conditions and lifestyle factors. Poor posture and lack of regular exercise are two common reasons for back pain, both of which can be improved with core strengthening exercises.
Lots of people suffer from back pain because of serious injuries such as a herniated disk or osteoporosis. Age-related changes also heavily contribute to back pain.
Other possible causes include:
- Muscle strains
- Herniated disk
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy or post-partum
- Sacroiliitis (a condition that affects one or both sacroiliac joints and causes intense pain)
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spondylolisthesis (spinal disorder caused by bone shifting)
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Endometriosis
- Spinal cord tumor
- Fibromyalgia
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) and Kidney stones
- Osteomyelitis (a bone infection) or fractures
What you should know about exercising to strengthen your core
There are many core exercises that you can do at home, but your physical therapist will be the best person to recommend exercises that will help prevent back pain. The type of exercises that will be included in your treatment program depends on your individual health factors, current conditions, and any present symptoms.
Your PA physical therapist will design a program that will also achieve and maintain muscle balance by suggesting exercises that work each of your core muscles.
Physical therapy for core strength and back pain
Our physical therapists at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy will help strengthen your core and reduce back pain by:
- Teaching you exercises and effective stretches
- Recommending at-home exercises to keep up with physical therapy
- Suggesting lifestyle changes aid in recovery
As you advance in your recovery, your McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy physical therapist will intensify exercises and
Movement is one of the best medicines for your well-being. However, when suffering from back pain or an associated condition, you should rely on prescribed movement or direct supervision from your physical therapist.
Through individual, hands-on therapy and other rehabilitation techniques, our physical therapists will help you regain your strength.
Get rid of your back pain and start your journey through recovery today. Contact our physical therapists at McCabe and Brady Physical Therapy today!