Q. Can you explain what ’core strength’ means in respect of the back ?
There is unequivocal research proof that a single episode of low back pain can become repeated or episodic back pain if not correctly rehabilitated mechanically and in terms of spinal muscle.
Accurate rehabilitation of these muscles is now well understood. Several different exercise regimes have shown success, but ‘core’ strength or ‘core stability’ is widely used by Chartered Physiotherapists as the efficacy of this principle is based on strong research findings. Often this concept is progressed in Pilates format classes.
Core strength refers to muscle control of the middle trunk area between the end of the ribcage and the pelvis, designated ‘the core’. It can be visualised as a muscular cube with six sides.
The top of the cube is the diaphragm (which always remains strong, as it is a major breathing muscle). The base of the cube is the pelvic floor. As many women know, the muscles of the pelvic floor are susceptible to trauma and can become weakened by pregnancy and childbirth, giving rise to urinary incontinence. The rear face of the cube are the muscles immediately either side of the spine, which are known to be inhibited by back pain, as discussed last week.
The other three faces, or one half of the cube, are the abdominal muscles. Comprising several layers of muscles that work in co-ordination depending on the direction of motion of the spine and muscle strength required during any task. The abdominals require much more specific rehabilitation than the old notion of sit-ups for strength.
When contracting correctly and in co-ordination, all sides of the cube act on the low back or lumbar spine to stabilise the bones and joints, allowing safe back movement in any and every direction necessary.
Core strength or stability as a term was coined in the late 1990’s from research at The University of Queensland, Australia. Essentially, core strength is about addressing any deficits in this vital muscle region after back pain. From the research laboratory to clinical back rehabilitation, core strength and Pilates, its ultimate progression, has become buzz phrases in the professional sport world as performance has been shown to improve with enhanced core strength. |
