May 19

Exercise for Core Stabilization

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT? It matters!

Chiropractic patients have pretty clear expectations of their chiropractic spinal care provider – a thorough examination, a clear diagnosis of the cause of pain, specific information and instructions on how to deal with it, and pain relief – one who listens well, confirms the realness of their pain, and includes them in the treatment plan. (1) Sound familiar? We bet it does! Our patients want the same! Athletes and “geri-active” patients mix it up a bit. ATHLETES: Athletes expected musculoskeletal assessment and treatment at and beyond the site of injury, symptom improvement, good communication, and expertise from their chiropractor as well as reassurance, positive impact on their athletic performance, and injury prevention input. (2) “GERI-ACTIVEs”: Older back pain sufferers want much the same, too: guidance through the healthcare system as necessary (important!), communicate clearly, develop an interpersonal relationship, have a passion for patient care (as well as comforting patience with the patient!), and possess clinical and diagnostic skill. They also expressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and their preference for hands-on treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. (3) Chiropractic patients want their chiropractors to be healthcare team players, amazing hands-on musculoskeletal treatment providers, and great listeners! Your chiropractor is all that…and more! 

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Nate McKee on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he meets patient expectations by clearly defining the problem – spinal stenosis and balance – and its treatment plan via the Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management which includes patient education, spinal manipulation, nutrition, and exercise.  

TIP OF THE MONTH:  Exercise for Core Stabilization

Exercise isn’t just for the athlete! Back pain sufferers benefit from core stabilization to reduce chronic low back pain. A study in fighter pilots showed significantly less chronic low back pain and less experience of neck pain after core stabilization exercise. (4) Older folks benefit, too, as those who suffer with low back pain often have poor postural control which leads to poor balance and a higher risk of falls. Core stability training in older women improved many outcome scores for them: VAS visual analog scale, Oswestry disability, timed-up-and-go test, 10-minute walking, and four-square step test. (5) Athlete or non-athlete, young or old, exercise works! Let’s talk about what would work for you.

Thank you for trusting us with your spinal health. We’re right by your side, listening, coaching, and cheering you on!

References for HEALTHY NEWS – May 2022

  1. Verbeek J, Sengers MJ, Riemens L, Haafkens J. Patient expectations of treatment for back pain: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative studies. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2004 Oct 15;29(20):2309-18. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000142007.38256.7f. PMID: 15480147.
  2. Eindhoven E, Lee A, Stilwell P, Mior S. I expected to be pain free: a qualitative study exploring athletes’ expectations and experiences of care received by sports chiropractors. Chiropr Man Therap. 2022 May 2;30(1):21. doi: 10.1186/s12998-022-00426-4. PMID: 35501876; PMCID: PMC9059405.
  3. Wells BM, Salsbury SA, Nightingale LM, Derby DC, Lawrence DJ, Goertz CM. Improper Communication Makes for Squat: A Qualitative Study of the Health-Care Processes Experienced By Older Adults in a Clinical Trial for Back Pain. J Patient Exp. 2020 Aug;7(4):507-515. doi: 10.1177/2374373519860347. Epub 2019 Jul 8. PMID: 33062871; PMCID: PMC7534140.
  4. Mendes PRF, Gomes SRA, Costa LDO, Liguori ADAL, Bulhões LCC, Brasileiro JS. Core stabilisation exercises reduce chronic low back pain in Air Force fighter pilots: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Mil Health. 2022 Apr 25:e002005. doi: 10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-002005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35470256.
  5. Ge L, Huang H, Yu Q, Li Y, Li X, Li Z, Chen X, Li L, Wang C. Effects of core stability training on older women with low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Eur Rev Aging Phys Act. 2022 Apr 15;19(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s11556-022-00289-x. PMID: 35428169; PMCID: PMC9011968.