Spinal stability is the base for spine
movement. Spinal stability protects the structures of the
nervous system, the spinal cord, and spinal nerve
roots. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa assesses spinal stability in all our West Des Moines
back pain patients as part of our chiropractic service. Spinal stability relies on strong, stable
musculature to perform its job. New research is indicating that the
role of the diaphragm and breathing is to support spinal stability.
SPINAL STABILITY
All the numerous parts of the spine play
a part in spinal stability, even the smallest
spinal motion segment’s vertebra (the bony part of the spine). Bones, discs, and ligaments in the spine supply
all types of coupled motions of the spine and conduct
proprioceptive impulses to the central nervous system which coordinates
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 is where your
West Des Moines chiropractor comes into play with
chiropractic spinal manipulation and a helpful treatment plan
incorporating exercise.
BREATHING TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Chiropractic care at Executive Chiropractic of Iowa addresses spinal stability
with some usual exercise suggestions
and explores the use of newer exercise methods
like breathing that are showing some promise. 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 improving 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 patients. (3)
West Des Moines back pain patients will value how something
they do every day – performed with just a little more intention
- 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 addressing spinal
stability issues. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa came across some new studies on
how diaphragm training manages 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 decreased 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 combatting West Des Moines back pain.
CONTACT Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
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 West Des Moines
chiropractic appointment now.
Breathing and diaphragm training go a long way in helping
keep the spine stable, easing West Des Moines back
pain, and maintaining the foundation of spinal movement intact.