Spinal stability is the basis for spine
movement. Spinal stability protects the structures of the
nervous system, the spinal cord, and spinal nerve
roots. Johnson Chiropractic evaluates spinal stability in all our Richmond
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 various parts of the spine figure into spinal stability, even the smallest
spinal motion segment’s vertebra (the bony part of the spine). Bones, discs, and ligaments in the spine provide
all sorts of coupled motions of the spine and transfer
proprioceptive impulses to the central nervous system which aligns
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 is where your
Richmond chiropractor comes into play with
chiropractic spinal manipulation and a helpful treatment plan
incorporating exercise.
BREATHING TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Chiropractic care at Johnson Chiropractic addresses spinal stability
with some common exercise suggestions
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 enhance spinal joint stability, it had a
positive effect on increasing co-contraction
and spine stability as demonstrated by significantly greater
muscle thickness of the transverse abdominis and rectus abdominis. (2) Forced
breathing exercise therapy enhanced trunk stability and
activities of daily living in chronic low back pain sufferers. (3)
Richmond back pain patients will value how something
they do every day – done with just a bit more purpose
- may help them with their back pain!
DIAPHRAGM TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Certainly, breathing and the diaphragm are intimately intertwined,
and both offer some hope in tackling spinal
stability issues. Johnson Chiropractic came across some new studies on
how diaphragm training manages spinal stability. In a study of the
rehabilitation of athletes with nonspecific low back pain, adding
diaphragm training (breathing) to electrical stimulation therapy was helped improve function, stability, pain, and balance. (4) Diaphragm
training significantly reduced the severity of pain and also altered
the thickness of active stabilizers - transversus abdominis, lumbar multifidus
muscle - in the lumbar spine. (5) Strong, thick spinal stabilizers are helpful
in tackling Richmond back pain.
CONTACT Johnson Chiropractic
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.
Make your Richmond
chiropractic appointment today.
Breathing and diaphragm training go a long way in helping
keep the spine stable, easing Richmond back
pain, and keeping the foundation of spinal movement well
conditioned.