Spinal stability is the foundation for spine
movement. Spinal stability protects the nervous system structures, the spinal cord, and spinal nerve
roots. Satterwhite Chiropractic assesses spinal stability in all our Oxford
back pain patients as part of our chiropractic service. Spinal stability relies on strong, stable
musculature to do 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 contribute to 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 transmit
proprioceptive impulses to the central nervous system which aligns
muscle tone, movement, and reflexes. If any of the spinal structures are injured
or otherwise at risk – like a degenerated disc – spinal instability
is feasible. (1) That’s where your
Oxford chiropractor comes onto the scene with
chiropractic spinal manipulation and a helpful treatment plan
incorporating exercise.
BREATHING TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Chiropractic care at Satterwhite Chiropractic addresses spinal stability
with some usual exercise suggestions
and looks at the use of innovative exercise approaches
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 increasing co-contraction
and spine stability as shown by significantly larger
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 sufferers. (3)
Oxford back pain patients will value how something
they do every day – done with just a little more intention
- may ease their back pain!
DIAPHRAGM TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Certainly, breathing and the diaphragm are intimately intertwined,
and both offer some hope in addressing spinal
stability issues. Satterwhite Chiropractic found some new studies on
how diaphragm training addresses spinal stability. In a study of rehabilitating 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 affected
the thickness of active stabilizers - transversus abdominis, lumbar multifidus
muscle - in the lumbar spine. (5) Strong, thick spinal stabilizers are helpful
in managing Oxford back pain.
CONTACT Satterwhite 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 share their combined treatment approach
of breathing training and the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management helped
a patient realize back pain relief.
Schedule your Oxford
chiropractic appointment today.
Breathing and diaphragm training go a long way in helping
keep the spine stable, easing Oxford back
pain, and keeping the foundation of spinal movement intact.