By Dr Danica Newbold, B.HSci (Chiro), M.ClinChiro, Ad.Dip Myo. Certified Cox® Technic Chiropractor and Myotherapist.
Low Back Pain (LBP) is one of the most common spinal complaints presented to Chiropractors and the costliest musculoskeletal condition in our society. Almost everyone will experience LBP at some point. While it can present in many forms, chronic LBP patients often experience pain, decreased movement/ flexibility, poor balance, diminished muscle control; it is a burden to daily routines. The latest research reinforces that, with appropriate interventions, patients can manage their pain and lead a healthy and active lifestyle.
For decades research has continually promoted the implementation of targeted core and trunk stabilisation exercises to improve chronic LBP outcomes and the patient’s response when combined with effective spinal mobilisation/ manipulation, as performed by spinal professionals, such as Cox® Certified Chiropractors. A recent article published by the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (JCCA) identified implementing a neuromuscular exercise program over eight weeks for military personnel with chronic LBP. Participants in the study were given specific exercises testing spinal strength, coordination and balance as well as continuing their regular activities of daily living (ADLs). The outcome showed a significant decrease in pain intensity and improved functionality, including balance and muscular control (1).
Furthermore, a systematic review of exercise therapy for chronic LBP patients assessed the impact of exercise treatment on pain and functional limitations in adults with chronic non‐specific low back pain compared to no treatment, usual care, placebo and other conservative treatments. It demonstrated moderate certainty that the implementation of exercise therapy was adequate for treating chronic low back pain compared to no treatment, usual care, or placebo for pain (2).
The Chiropractors at Malvern Chiropractic Clinic and Melbourne Spine Clinic are well informed in administering appropriate exercises to suit your LBP condition. When combining conservative spinal treatment such as Cox® Flexion-Distraction and Spinal Decompression Therapy with targeted exercise and rehabilitation programs at suitable times in your treatment plan, we can say with evidence that your chronic LBP conditions can be effectively managed and can achieve successful outcomes. Speak to your Practitioner at your next appointment to discuss your rehabilitation and which exercises suit your condition. Participating in a Stretch class with Dr Danica Newbold is also a great way to learn new exercises to help your condition in a safe setting.
REFERENCES:
- Ehsan Alvani, Hossein Shirvani, Alireza Shamsoddini: Neuromuscular Exercises On Pain Intensity, Functional Disability, Proprioception, And Balance Of Military Personnel With Chronic Low Back Pain. J Can Chiropr Assoc 2021;65(2):193‐206
- ill A Hayden, Jenna Ellis, Rachel Ogilvie, Antti Malmivaara, Maurits W van Tulder: Exercise Therapy For Chronic Low Back Pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021;9:CD009790