Lumbar stabilization is an active form of exercise used in physical therapy. It is designed to strengthen muscles to support the spine and help prevent lower back pain. Through a regimen of exercises, and with the initial help of an experienced physical therapist, the patient is trained to find and maintain her/his “neutral spine” position. The back muscles are then exercised to teach the spine how to stay in this position.
This exercise technique relies on proprioception, or the awareness of where ones joints are positioned. Performed on an ongoing basis, these exercises can help keep the back strong and well positioned.
Lumbar stabilization is a multi-component program and involves education/training, strength, flexibility and endurance. It is generally used during all phases of a back pain episode and may be prescribed after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s specific condition.
The goals of lumbar stabilization exercises include:
Prior to starting a lumbar stabilization exercise program, the patient should first be evaluated by his or her primary care physician or by a spine specialist (such as a physiatrist).
Each patient will present different problems, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” in lumbar stabilization exercise. The physical therapist will then work with the referring physician and the patient to develop a therapy plan. This begins with helping the patient find her/his neutral spine through positioning, discussion and feedback.
During exercise training, the therapist will carefully observe and provide correction to ensure the patient develops proper technique that then can be used at home, office or recreation.
The first step in the lumbar stabilization exercise process is to find the position of the spine considered neutral. While not necessarily pain-free, it is the least painful yet biomechanically sound posture for the lower back:
Once learned, the lumbar stabilization exercise program is designed to train the muscles to maintain this neutral spine position subconsciously, quickly and automatically.
