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Finding relief from chronic low back pain can be a challenge! While many patients
can be treated non-operatively, some patients undergo spine surgery. What if
it was possible to prevent some types of low back pain? Undoubtedly, if you
could prevent low back pain, you would!
Preventing low back pain is something doctors and researchers have been exploring.
One study, published in the American College of Sports Medicine's journal, Medicine
and Science in Sports and Exercise, explains how a lumbar extension exercise
program is effective in preventing low back pain.
Back Rehab History
From the 19th century up to today, the goal has remained the same; return the
patient to a normal functional level. Strengthening exercise may have been part
of physical therapy, but not in general conditioning. Soon the idea of exercising
an isolated muscle group against a resistive force was developed. In the 1940's,
PRE or Progressive Resistance Exercise was introduced. The principles of PRE
treated back pain, weak muscles, degenerative joint disease, and low back strains.
Further developments progressed including creating equipment and machines to
build strength, endurance and flexibility.
Pelvic stabilization was recognized as important to accurately measure the
strength of the lumbar extensor muscles. These muscles attach to the back of
the spine to keep the body upright and assist in movement such as when standing
or lifting. The problem was that exercise equipment and machines designed to
strengthen these muscles were ineffective in keeping the pelvis stable (fixed).
The MedX Lumbar Extension machine is different as it effectively stabilizes
the pelvis and isolates the lumbar muscles.
Spinal Rehab Today
Some spine rehabilitation programs use the MedX machines to help patients return
to a normal functional level. Research shows how lumbar extension exercise using
progressive resistance increases strength and reduces low back pain. The benefits
are long-lasting and include greater muscle strength, increased bone density,
endurance, and flexibility. Studies reveal that patients who strengthen their
low back muscles "show promise" to reduce future back injuries.
Featured Journal Article
Carpenter DM, Nelson BW. Low
Back Strengthening for the Prevention and Treatment of Low Back Pain. Medicine
and Science in Sports and Exercise. Vol. 31, No. 1, 1999.
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