Core muscles are the underlying muscles of your trunk or torso. It is important
to have strength in this area for many reasons. Core strength can help
reduce pain in your back (both now and in the future) by improving your
posture. Strong core muscles help keep the spine in
alignment and decrease strain on the lower back, preventing future injuries such
as disc herniation or vertebral (bone) degeneration. Core strength can
also help improve balance and increase your stability. This will make
performing everyday activities easier such as carrying groceries, carrying
children, walking on icy/snow covered ground, vacuuming, recreational
sports activities, or work duties. There are many exercises you can perform
for core strengthening. Please ask your provider for a hand out/instructions
on how to do these.
Remember. These exercises are important not only to perform, but they must be done
daily in order to see and feel the difference. Change takes time. 30 days of
practice with exercise will turn it into a habit.
Erin K. Skelly, PA-C
It is very important for all of us to have strong cores. However, this
is especially important for those with back pain. The stronger the core
the less strain the back will experience. Picture the core as an apple
core. You do not focus on just the abdominal muscles but the back as well.
Using an exercise ball is an excellent way to engage these muscles. We
do have handouts here for core strengthening.
Jill C. Malinowski, RN, FNP-BC