
Spine Disorders
TERMINOLOGY
INTRODUCTION The phrases lumbopelvic deconditioning and core
deconditioning are somewhat synonymous. The terms lumbopelvic and core refer to
the same bodily region, the lower torso, low back (lumbar spine) and pelvic
regions of the body. The term deconditioning refers to a loss of physical
capabilities due to disuse and weakening of tissues. It is most often applied
to muscle and is characterized by diminished muscular strength, muscular
endurance and muscular coordination. When it involves the lumbar and pelvic
regions it is associated with abnormal postures and adherent movement between
segments of the spine vertebrae and joints. Tissue such as muscle remodels and
adapts in response to the stresses placed upon them. The core region of the body is
essentially the center of bodily movement and therefore strongly influences the
spine, extremities and waling (gait).
Core muscles
refer to those muscles which provide stability and movement of the lower torso,
low back and pelvis. Core muscle groups are responsible for maintaining
stabilility of the spine and pelvis while standing and during movement. The
"core" is of the most influential parts of the musculoskeletal system.
Conditioned or “trained� core muscles provide stability, a term that refers to the
capacity of the body to maintain and/or return to a state of equilibrium. Core
stability is required to prevent injury to the spine, especially the low back. PREVALENCE Most Americans will experience a
significant episode of low back pain during their lifetime. Many of them are
predisposed because of lumbopelvic “core� muscle deconditioning. Most
individual’s who are overweight and/or sedentary have some degree of
lumbopelvic deconditioning. |