Question:
I have
been recommended to make motor control exercise for my chronic back
pain.
Can you
show me pictures of this motor control exercise?
Are these
motor control exercises effective?
Andy
Answer:
Dear
Andy,
Motor
control exercise is a form of exercise for back pain that has gained
the attention of researchers and health practitioners over the past
decade.
The exercise
focuses on regaining control of the trunk muscles which support and
control the spine. Previous studies of patients with low back pain
have shown they are unable to properly control these muscles.
Through
motor control exercise, patients are taught how to isolate and "switch
on" these muscles and then incorporate these movements into their
normal activities.
There
is evidence that in some people with persistent back trouble, specific
muscles that help control the spine are not working properly, and
motor control exercise may address that underlying issue.
Until
now, there had been only limited evidence that the therapy was effective.
Exercise
that focuses on the specific muscles seems to be the key, rather than
general exercise such as walking.
Motor
control exercise and spinal manipulative therapy produce slightly
better short-term function and perceptions of effect than general
exercise, but not better medium or long-term effects, in patients
with chronic non-specific back pain.
General
exercise included strengthening, stretching and aerobic exercises.
Motor
control exercise develops specific muscles.
These
muscles include the lumbar multifidus and the transversus abdominus.
The lumbar
multifidi are the deepest layer of muscles of the back. They attach
from the vertebral arches to the spinous processes. Each multifidi
connects 1-3 vertebrae, (the vertebrae are the bones of the spine)
controlling movement between the vertebrae.
The transversus
abdominus is the most important abdominal muscle for lower back stability
and the prevention of lower back pain.
The following
are pictures of these motor control exercises to develop the lumbar
multifidi and the transversus abdominus.
