Lumbopelvic stability and it's potential role in low back pain.
In this podcast (Quicktime ipod compatible, 33MB; Google streaming flash video), Bud Gibson interviews me (Nancy Arnold) regarding a recent seminar I attended on Lumbo-Pelvic stability.
The seminar, held at MedSport in Ann Arbor, was quite informative and specific in regards to all facets of lumbopelvic stability. Bud and I touch on a few of the many contributors to lumbar stability. We talk about the transversus abdominus, iliopsoas major and minor, and the gluteus maximus and how their function (or lack thereof) can affect stability of the lumbar spine-specfically my lumbar spine
The transverse abdominus is a major stabilizer of the lumbar spine. In most individuals it fires well before any body movement in order to protect the lumbar spine. When it is weak it may fire late. This late firing can lead to an overload of another muscle group (that is not designed to handle the load) and most likely injury.
In my case this muscle is the iliopsoas. The iliopsoas is a strong hip flexor that originates on the lumbar spine. When it takes on extra load it will tighten and pull on the lumbar spine. This, in turn, may have major implications on low back stability.
Bud and I also talk about the fact that when there is a weak muscle and an overloaded muscle there is usually and inhibited muscle. In my case this is the gluteus maximus. The body tends to "shut off" a muscle or group of muscles when another is consistently overloaded. We both agree that this problem has had major implications on my squat weight.
We also discuss the fact that there are exercises that I can do to help strengthen the transverse ab, loosen the iliopsoas and therefore assist the gluteus maximus in firing again.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
- Find out more about the transverse ab, the iliopsoas, and the gluteus maximus.
- Here is a more detailed image of the iliopsoas muscle
- One doctor's view of low back pain and what to do about it.
