November 2024 Healthy News from Executive Chiropractic of Iowa Degenerated Discs and Multifidus Muscles Find Help Here

COMBATING CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: A Beneficial Approach to Multifidus Muscle Health

Low back pain is a common health issue, particularly in the elderly population in West Des Moines, and can be attributed to multifidus muscle degeneration. Research has shown that chronic low back pain is associated with disc degeneration and fatty infiltration of the multifidus muscle, a key stabilizing force in the spine. Studies by Balevi and Gu H. et al., have further investigated this connection and emphasized the significant impact it can have on spinal health and function. Balevi expounds on the complex relationship between low back pain and the degeneration of the multifidus muscle. The study underscores that multifidus muscle health is crucial for spinal stability and draws attention to the fact that degeneration, including fatty infiltration, undermines this stability, aggravating back pain. Balevi's research emphasizes the success of targeted rehabilitation exercises in reversing muscle degeneration, thereby improving spinal health. (1) Relatedly, Gu H. et al.'s research highlights the benefits of specific exercises targeting multifidus muscle function in reducing low back pain and improving spinal health. The authors conclude that targeted exercises can enhance muscle strength and endurance, ultimately reversing fatty degeneration and increasing spinal stability. (2) By incorporating these exercises into a broader chiropractic treatment plan encompassing gentle, safe chiropractic adjustments with Cox® Technic, chronic low back pain sufferers - even those who are a bit older - may feel a significant decrease in pain and increase in their quality of life, as shown in these studies. Count on Executive Chiropractic of Iowa to design just the right exercise plan to help you!

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Tony Barton on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson  about the use of gentle, safe treatment  protocols of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management to ease West Des Moines chronic back pain.

TIP OF THE MONTH: Strengthen Multifidus Muscles!

Compared with general exercise, motor control exercise with isolated lumbar extension exercise showed greater improvement in multifidus muscle size, composition and function with noticeable increased thickness of the multifidus plus improvement in pain, function and quality of life for participating back pain sufferers. (3) One easy exercise for the multifidus is simply standing at a counter, everting your foot, and raising your leg straight back. Easy! Mix exercise with spinal manipulation like Cox® Technic, and your weak multifidus muscles (and that pain in your back) will thank you!

We are grateful for you and your trust in our chiropractic care. Make your West Des Moines chiropractic appointment today! Enjoy this November!