Toronto Low Back Pain Helped by Exercise that Helps Lower Limb Proprioception and Balance

May 15, 2024

Low back pain (LBP) is a spinal condition that affects millions of people globally, triggering not only discomfort but also restricting daily activities and quality of life. Chiropractic is often an effective stop for many sufferers in their quest for effective management, and new research sheds light on a potentially important aspect of low back pain treatment and prevention - the part lower limb proprioception plays in its relationship with voluntary postural control.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LOWER LIMB PROPRIOCEPTION IN MANAGING LOW BACK PAIN

Recent findings published in the Journal of Motor Behavior explore this connection in depth. The study highlights valuable insights into how proprioception - the body's ability to sense its own position in space - may affect postural sway and stability, particularly in individuals suffering from low back pain. (1)

For low back pain patients and their Toronto chiropractor at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre seeking effective strategies for back pain relief and management, grasping the role of lower limb proprioception can be a game-changer. Proprioception concerns the sensory information that permits our body to sense its position, making it indispensable for keeping balance, coordinating movements, and safeguarding stability. Disruptions or impairments in proprioceptive feedback can contribute to greater postural sway, which could potentially worsen low back pain.

The research highlights a significant correlation between lower limb proprioception deficits and voluntary postural control difficulties in low back pain patients. This hints that addressing proprioceptive impairments could be a crucial component of comprehensive low back pain management strategies. Through targeted interventions aimed at improving proprioceptive awareness and function in the lower limbs, it may be possible to enhance postural control, decrease postural sway, and ultimately, alleviate pain and discomfort associated with low back pain.

EXERCISES TO ENHANCE LOWER LIMB PROPRIOCEPTION

Implementing exercises (after a talk with your Toronto chiropractor!) designed to enhance proprioception in the lower limbs can be helpful for individuals who have low back pain. Here are a few exercises that might help in enhancing proprioceptive capabilities and promoting better postural control:

 

  • Single-Leg Balance: Standing on one foot, try to maintain balance for 30 seconds. You can increase the challenge by closing your eyes or standing on an unstable surface.
  • Heel-to-Toe Walk: Slowly walk in a straight line, placing the heel of one foot exactly in front of the toes of the other foot. This helps improve balance and coordination.
  • Squats on Unstable Surface: Performing squats on a cushioned mat or balance board can help by engaging stabilizing muscles.

 

Keep in mind that while exercises focusing on lower limb proprioception can offer benefits, they are a part of an effective Toronto chiropractic treatment plan to manage low back pain. Spinal alignment, muscle strength, flexibility, and overall physical health, also play critical roles in the successful treatment and prevention of LBP while gentle, safe chiropractic spinal manipulation, particularly Cox® Technic spinal manipulation, and nutrition are incorporated. Remember the paper by Smith and Olding about the effectiveness of Cox® Technic spinal manipulation in improving mobility in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. (2)

CONTACT Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Nate McKee on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the effective use of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management in treating low back pain patients with spinal stenosis.

Schedule your Toronto chiropractic appointment soon. We look forward to helping you.

Toronto balance exercises for back pain