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The Sixth Sense of Back Pain
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Posted on: 11/30/1999
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Low back pain that lasts long after an injury is a mystery to researchers. A key to speeding recovery is to find out how the nerves and muscles work together to hold the spine steady and move the spine. If muscle control is changed by the injury, then perhaps it can be returned to normal. The right kind of exercise program may be the answer.
Many studies are being done to measure muscle activity with motion. Adults without back pain are compared to adults with back pain. How and when the muscles fire is measured during different movements. The most commonly studied muscles are the abdominal muscles and the spine muscles that extend the back (the erector spinae).
An important part of these studies is understanding proprioception. This is the special type of sensation that tells the joints where they are and how they are moving. The skin, muscles, and tendons also have this sense of position.
Proprioception may be changed in people with low back pain, causing the muscles to activate abnormally. Normal muscle activity is needed to keep the spine stable and to prevent injury. If muscles are not activated during certain movements, stress on the back could cause injury and painful symptoms.
It is clear that the deep abdominal muscles and the back muscles are delayed in firing with some back motions. This delayed activation may be from damaged proprioception. Scientists have found which muscles are involved but not necessarily the cause of the problem. More studies are being done to answer this question. This information will help direct treatment programs using exercise.
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References:
Karen L. Newcomer, MD, et al. Muscle Activation Patterns in Subjects With and Without Low Back Pain. In Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. June 2002. Vol. 83. No. 6. Pp. 816-821.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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