Loudoun County, Va. — Poor posture from core weakness contributes to neck, back, shoulder or hip pain which can then contribute to issues and pain further down the upper or lower extremities. This can make such things as bending over to tie your shoes, sitting while driving, and simply getting dressed in the morning quite difficult. A strong core means a healthy back.
When most people think of the core, they think of the abdominals and doing sit-ups and generally know that one needs to have good core strength. Beyond that, most people don’t know much else about the core. Having weak core muscles means that your arms and legs have to work harder to move on the unsteady base that is created by the weak core. This increased workload can lead to excess joint movements throughout the body. It can increase pressure and strain on the discs and ligaments of the spine. Essentially, a weak core can contribute to any number of issues from head to toe with low back pain being the most common issue.
It is important to address these issues as soon as possible to avoid continued restrictions and worsening of pain from getting dressed, taking a shower, sitting, driving, or enjoying you sports activities. Physical therapy can help you obtain a strong core and healthy back to avoid pain and discomfort. It can get you back to the things you enjoy doing without delay. Strong core means healthy back.
What are the core muscles?
The core muscles consist of the muscles surrounding and providing stability and postural control to the torso, abdomen, and pelvis. These are:
- Abdominal muscles (rectus abdominals) — this muscle runs from the sternum (breast bone) to the pubic bone and the internal and external obliques
- Quadratus lumborum — the deepest abdominal muscle, located in the lower back beginning at your lowest rib and ending at the top of your pelvis
- Pelvic floor muscles
- Gluteal muscles — group of three muscles which make up the buttocks
- Iliopsoas — inner hip muscle
- Latissimus dorsi — located in the middle of the back and runs along the back bone; it is one of the largest muscles in the back
What do they do?
These muscles help provide for a stable foundation on which the arms and legs can move and transfer forces.
NOTE FROM OUR SPONSOR: CALL Loudoun Sports Therapy Center TODAY at 703-450-4300. Our physical therapists can help you prevent any discomfort or tightness from becoming painful. Remember: strong core means healthy back. They will assess the strength, endurance and stability of your core muscles and will teach you ways to use and strengthen these muscles and get you back to your daily work and sporting activities safely and without pain. Let us help to get to the CORE of your issues.
