Low back pain (LBP) is a spinal condition that affects
millions of people globally, instigating
not only pain but also restricting activities
of daily living and quality of life. Chiropractic is often an effective stopping point for many sufferers in their quest
for effective management, and new
research sheds light on a possibly important
aspect of low back pain treatment and prevention - the part lower limb
proprioception plays in its
relationship with voluntary postural control.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LOWER LIMB PROPRIOCEPTION IN MANAGING
LOW BACK PAIN
Recent findings published in the Journal of Motor Behavior
explore this connection in depth. The study features significant
insights into how proprioception - the body's capacity to sense
its own position in space - may affect postural sway and
stability, especially in those who suffer with low back pain. (1)
For low back pain patients and their Manchester chiropractor
at Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries seeking effective ways to deal with and manage back pain, grasping the role
of lower limb proprioception can be a game-changer. Proprioception concerns
the sensory information that allows our body to sense its
position, making it essential for upholding
balance, coordinating movements, and ensuring
stability. Disruptions or impairments in proprioceptive feedback can contribute
to more postural sway, which could potentially worsen Manchester back pain.
The research stresses a significant
correlation between lower limb proprioception deficits and voluntary postural
control difficulties in low back pain patients. This suggests
that tackling proprioceptive impairments could be a crucial
component of comprehensive low back pain management strategies.
Through targeted interventions designed to improve
proprioceptive awareness and function in the lower limbs, it may be possible to
improve postural control, decrease postural sway,
and ultimately, alleviate pain and discomfort linked to LBP.
EXERCISES TO ENHANCE LOWER LIMB PROPRIOCEPTION
Using exercises (after a talk with your Manchester chiropractor!) designed to enhance
proprioception in the lower limbs can be beneficial for
individuals who have LBP. Here are
a few exercises that might help in boosting proprioceptive skills
and stimulating better postural control:
- Single-Leg Balance: Standing on one foot, try to keep
balance for 30 seconds. You can increase the challenge by closing your eyes
or standing on an unstable surface.
- Heel-to-Toe Walk: Slowly walk in a straight line, placing
the heel of one foot exactly in front of the toes of the
other foot to improve balance and
coordination.
- Squats on Unstable Surface: Performing squats on
a cushioned mat or balance board can help by involving
stabilizing muscles.
Keep in mind that while exercises focusing
on lower limb proprioception can be quite beneficial, they
are a part of an overall Manchester chiropractic
treatment plan to manage low back pain. Spinal alignment, muscle strength,
flexibility, and overall physical health, also play critical
roles in the successful treatment and prevention of LBP while gentle,
safe chiropractic spinal manipulation, particularly Cox®
Technic spinal manipulation, and nutrition are included. Recall the paper by Smith and Olding about the effectiveness of Cox® Technic spinal manipulation in improving mobility in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. (2)
CONTACT Manchester Chiropractic & Sports Injuries
Listen to this PODCAST
with Dr. Nate McKee on The Back
Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he shares
the effectiveness of The Cox® Technic System of
Spinal Pain Management in treating low back pain patients with
spinal stenosis.
Make your Manchester chiropractic
appointment soon. We look forward to helping you.