Specific deep stability exercises will help to reduce your pain, increase your function, and help prevent further injury. This makes your spine vulnerable to future episodes of back pain. They do not automatically regain their strength when the pain goes away. Research has shown that following an episode of lower back pain these muscles lose their efficiency at stabilising the back and pelvis. These muscles include your transversus abdominus (deep tummy muscle), diaphragm, pelvic floor and multifidus (deep back muscle). Your deep core stability muscles provide protection and stability for the spine. The superficial muscles allow and perform movement of the spine. The muscles of the spinal column have two main functions. They resist excessive movement, and therefore help to provide stability to the spinal column. There are numerous ligaments running between the vertebrae along the length of the spinal column. Healthy discs are elastic and springy.Įxcessive or abnormal loading of the spine can cause degeneration (wear and tear) or injury (e.g. Each disc has a soft centre (nucleus) surrounded by tough fibrous outer rings (annulus). The discs allow movement between the vertebrae, but also help to absorb load from activities such as bending and lifting. The spine does not run straight up and down, but has three natural curves to help spread the load.īetween each vertebra is a disc.
![spine2d frame by frame per limb spine2d frame by frame per limb](https://i2.wp.com/horsetalk.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/spine.jpg)
![spine2d frame by frame per limb spine2d frame by frame per limb](https://d194ip2226q57d.cloudfront.net/images/26574-IMG_8424_1.original.jpg)
The spinal column is made up of 33 individual vertebrae, which are divided into five areas: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccyx (tailbone). The spine is a complex structure consisting of bones (vertebrae), intervertebral discs, ligaments, nerves and muscles, which allow for both mobility (movement) and stability (protection).
![spine2d frame by frame per limb spine2d frame by frame per limb](https://www.bmj.com/content/bmj/360/bmj.k186/F1.large.jpg)
It may also be appropriate for non surgical back conditions. Although there is much reference to the lower back, maintaining these principals will also protect the upper back and neck. This brochure is relevant for all persons undergoing spinal surgery of any type.