The Critical Role of Development of the Transversus Abdominis in the Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain

Christine Lynders

doi:10.1007/s11420-019-09717-8

Abstract

The Critical Role of Development of the Transversus Abdominis in the Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain

Highlights

The rising incidence and prevalence of low back pain constitutes a major public health issue in our society today, with widespread economic, physiologic, and psychological costs
Many treatments are available to manage chronic low back pain, but nonpharmacologic methods such as exercise are strongly recommended as the initial approaches [21]
Mani et al reported that muscle injury or fatigue or spinal joint or disc degeneration can compromise the stabilizing effects of the structures in the spine, resulting in shearing forces that can cause pain [15]. They showed that activation of the deep core structures by the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) creates a co-contraction

Summary

Introduction

The rising incidence and prevalence of low back pain constitutes a major public health issue in our society today, with widespread economic, physiologic, and psychological costs. Mani et al reported that muscle injury or fatigue or spinal joint or disc degeneration can compromise the stabilizing effects of the structures in the spine, resulting in shearing forces that can cause pain [15]. They showed that activation of the deep core structures by the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) creates a co-contraction. Bhadauria et al found lumbar stabilization to be a more effective exercise than Pilates and dynamic strengthening for those with chronic low back pain because it improved transversus abdominis activation and addressed the multifidus [1]. A soccer player preparing to kick or a tennis player preparing to serve needs a well-functioning, anatomical girdle to avoid undue strain and injury

Training the Core

The Therapeutic Program

Findings

Compliance with Ethical Standards