During the aging process, degenerative deformity can lead to sagittal imbalances of the spine. This is especially true for people with degenerative spinal kyphosis.
The stabilizing muscles of the spine have a critical role in maintaining a balanced posture. Dysfunction of the paraspinal muscles can result in instability or sagittal imbalances. While the erector spinae has a more significant role in spinal movement, the multifidus is primarily responsible for stabilizing the spine and maintaining the lumbar curve.
When the head anteverts, the multifidus is placed under increased stress to maintain the lumbar lordosis. For patients with previously existing challenges such as kyphosis or chronic pain, the increased stress may not be tolerated due to fat infiltration, which causes a further cascade of pain.
Our practice is focused on helping our patients find a balance between strength and flexibility with evidence-informed, movement-based care.
“The atrophy of extensor muscles is correlated to a progressive kyphosis of the lumbar spine with theirs to progressively develop a global sagittal imbalance. Furthermore, the atrophy of back muscles has been considered to be significantly correlated with low back pain.”
“…position of the head is critically correlated with certain spinal-pelvic parameters and the muscularity of multifidus at L3/L4 was found to be significantly positively correlated with the anteversion of the head.”
“The compensatory mechanisms indicated in head-spine-pelvis axis system should play an important part in maintaining the human body global balance.”
We believe patients have better outcomes when their
health professionals work together.
