Spinal stability is the basis for spine
movement. Spinal stability safeguards the structures of the
nervous system, the spinal cord, and spinal nerve
roots. Chiropractic Solutions evaluates spinal stability in all our San Jose
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 numerous parts of the spine contribute to spinal stability, even the slightest
spinal motion segment’s vertebra (the bony part of the spine). Ligaments, bones,
and discs in the spine supply
all sorts 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 damaged
or otherwise in peril – like a degenerated disc – spinal instability
is feasible. (1) That’s where your
San Jose chiropractor comes into play with
chiropractic spinal manipulation and a helpful treatment plan
including exercise.
BREATHING TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Chiropractic care at Chiropractic Solutions addresses spinal stability
with some usual exercise recommendations
and explores the use of innovative exercise methods
like breathing that appear promising. Maximal
abdominal contraction maneuver compared with maximal expiration exercise proved
itself better at increasing spinal stability. As
a breathing exercise to increase spinal joint stability, it had a
beneficial 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 enhanced trunk stability and
activities of daily living in chronic low back pain patients. (3)
San Jose 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 connected,
and both hold some hope in addressing spinal
stability issues. Chiropractic Solutions 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 altered
the thickness of active stabilizers - transversus abdominis, lumbar multifidus
muscle - in the lumbar spine. (5) Strong, thick spinal stabilizers are good
in combatting San Jose back pain.
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
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 realize back pain relief.
Schedule your San Jose
chiropractic appointment today.
Breathing and diaphragm training go a long way towards helping
keep the spine stable, reducing San Jose back
pain, and maintaining the foundation of spinal movement intact.