Stabilizing the Lumbar Spine During Common Low Back Exercises

Stabilizing the Lumbar Spine During Common Low Back Exercises

 

During a recent treatment of a patient recovering from lower back strain, she began the Straight Leg Raise exercise for hip strength and spinal stability.  The patient had been previously educated on core recruitment during activities.  However, during the Straight Leg Raise, she complained of difficulty controlling her lower back from moving.  She stated "It feels like my lower back is moving and unstable."  Even after providing manual cues to engage the core, she still had difficulty maintaining spinal stability.  That's when we incorporated shoulder isometrics during the Straight Leg Raise.  Here's what I had her do:

Initial performance without shoulder isometric

Straight Leg Raise with shoulder isometric

 

Having one knee flexed while raising the other leg helps to prevent flattening the lower back into the floor - This maintains more of a neutral spine position.  Prior to lifting the leg, press your hands into the medicine balls.  You will feel your trunk muscles 'engage.'  Follow this with the Straight Leg Raise.  This will help maintain spinal stability, and many times decreases lower back pain.  For a full rehab protocol on lower back pain, check out www.lowbackpainvideos.com