The Core! Not just a six pack!

Common thought is if you have a six pack of abs you have a strong core. It is surprising to some that this may not always be a true statement! The core consists of more than just the abdominal muscles, the core is comprised of the following muscles: abdominals, obliques, lower back and gluteus muscles.

Weak core muscles and tight hamstrings are two of the most common musculoskeletal problems that cause low back pain. Common symptoms of a weak core are: back pain, poor posture, inability to sit or stand for long periods of time without pain, overall weakness and a history of frequent exercise/sports related injuries. Other symptoms of a weak core can present throughout the body and may result in hunched forward and tight shoulders, neck pain and even headaches as the body is compensating for a weak core. If you have any of these symptoms, don’t blame them on genetics or stress, look to your core first as the possible cause of your pain and dysfunction.

Evaluation by a physical medicine practitioner like a physical therapist, chiropractor or orthopedist can help determine if your core is weak and if it is causing the pain and/or poor posture that you have. There are many ways to improve core musculature even if you have existing back pain without doing painful sit ups at the gym or risk hurting yourself further. Our trained team of physicians and health care providers can provide steps to getting a stronger core and correcting the reason why you have pain, poor posture and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Call our office today for an evaluation and take charge of your health!