Spinal stability is the foundation for spine
movement. Spinal stability protects the nervous system structures, the spinal cord, and spinal nerve
roots. Back And Neck Care Center evaluates spinal stability in all our Severna Park
back pain patients as part of our chiropractic service. Spinal stability relies on strong, stable
musculature to perform its job. New research is pointing to the role of the diaphragm
and breathing in supporting spinal stability.
SPINAL STABILITY
All the numerous parts of the spine play
a role in spinal stability, even the smallest
spinal motion segment’s vertebra (the bony part of the spine). Ligaments, bones,
and discs in the spine contribute to
all types of coupled motions of the spine and transfer
proprioceptive impulses to the central nervous system which manages
muscle tone, movement, and reflexes. If any of the spinal structures are hurt
or otherwise in peril – like a degenerated disc – spinal instability
is possible. (1) That’s where your
Severna Park chiropractor comes into play with
chiropractic spinal manipulation and an effective treatment plan
incorporating exercise.
BREATHING TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Chiropractic care at Back And Neck Care Center addresses spinal stability
with some usual exercise recommendations
and explores the use of newer exercise methods
like breathing that appear promising. Maximal
abdominal contraction maneuver compared with maximal expiration exercise resulted in better increased spinal stability. As
a breathing exercise to increase spinal joint stability, it had a
positive effect on improving co-contraction
and spine stability as shown by significantly greater
muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis and rectus abdominis. (2) Forced
breathing exercise therapy improved trunk stability and
activities of daily living in chronic low back pain patients. (3)
Severna Park back pain patients will appreciate how something
they do every day – performed with just a bit more intention
- may ease their back pain!
DIAPHRAGM TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Certainly, breathing and the diaphragm are intimately intertwined,
and both hold some hope in addressing spinal
stability issues. Back And Neck Care Center came across some new studies on
how diaphragm training addresses spinal stability. In a study of rehabilitating athletes with nonspecific low back pain, inserting
diaphragm training (breathing) to electrical stimulation therapy was beneficial
in improving function, stability, pain, and balance. (4) Diaphragm
training significantly decreased the severity of pain and also influenced
the thickness of active stabilizers - transversus abdominis, lumbar multifidus
muscle - in the lumbar spine. (5) Strong, thick spinal stabilizers are good
in combatting Severna Park back pain.
CONTACT Back And Neck Care Center
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Lee Hazen and Cheri Hazen RN, ICHC, FNLP, LE, on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr.
Michael Johnson as they describe their combined treatment approach
of breathing training and the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management helped
a patient find back pain relief.
Set up your Severna Park
chiropractic appointment soon.
Breathing and diaphragm training go a long way in helping
keep the spine stable, easing Severna Park back
pain, and keeping the foundation of spinal movement well
conditioned.