TREATMENTS
What is Core Strength?
Core strength will make a significant difference to your posture, athletic performance as well as eliminating or reducing postural and back aches & pains.
Having a strong core is much more than having great looking abs. The core muscles lie below the superficial abdominal muscles, deep within the torso. They attach to the spine, pelvis and shoulder blades. They are often forgotten because we can't see them, but these muscles create a solid foundation of support for the body.
They stabilise these areas to create a firm foundation for co-ordinated movement of the legs and arms.
Two muscles in particular have been shown to be weak in those who have or have had low back pain:
- The transverse abdominus -The deepest of the abdominal muscles, this lies under the obliques (muscles of your waist). It acts like a weight belt, wrapping around your spine for protection and stability.
- The multifidus muscles are small muscles close in to the spine. You can't contract these muscles directly, they respond to movement and action of the Transvers Abdominus. They also atrophy in a first episode of back pain.
When the abdominal core muscles are strong the act like a corset, taking the pressure off the back and pulling all the other abdominal muscles into place.
The importance of Core Strength in eliminating back or postural aches and pains and in preventing injury.