Spinal stability is the basis for spine
movement. Spinal stability protects the structures of the
nervous system, the spinal cord, and spinal nerve
roots. Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre assesses spinal stability in all our Toronto
back pain patients as part of our chiropractic service. Spinal stability depends 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 various 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 sorts of coupled motions of the spine and transfer
proprioceptive impulses to the central nervous system which manages
muscle tone, movement, and reflexes. If any of the spinal structures are damaged
or otherwise in peril – like a degenerated disc – spinal instability
is possible. (1) That’s where your
Toronto chiropractor comes into play with
chiropractic spinal manipulation and a helpful treatment plan
incorporating exercise.
BREATHING TRAINING IN SPINAL STABILITY
Chiropractic care at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre addresses spinal stability
with some common exercise suggestions
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 enhance spinal joint stability, it had a
beneficial effect on increasing co-contraction
and spine stability as demonstrated 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 sufferers. (3)
Toronto back pain patients will value how something
they do every day – done 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. Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre came across some new studies on
how diaphragm training manages spinal stability. In a study of rehabilitating athletes with nonspecific low back pain, inserting
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 good
in tackling Toronto back pain.
CONTACT Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
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.
Make your Toronto
chiropractic appointment now.
Breathing and diaphragm training go a long way in keeping the spine stable, easing Toronto back
pain, and keeping the foundation of spinal movement intact.