Chicken and the egg…?
Structure and function…?
It seems fairly intuitive that they are connected.

Now it seems we may know a little more. At least with regards to low back function.

This study looked at the structure of the spine in patients diagnosed with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis – a common condition, and a leading cause of pain, disability and loss of independence in older adults. 

The study also looked at a phenomenon called  ‘fatty infiltration’ in the multifidus muscle – an accumulation of fat deposits, thought to be related to deconditioning,  in an important muscle of the back.

Turns out, a disc bulge at the stenosis segment and lumbar lordosis reduction may be correlated with fatty infiltration in the multifidus muscles at L5-S1 in patients with L4-5 single-segment DLSS.

Now correlation does not always mean cause and effect. Just like which came first… the chicken or the egg… But exercise and manual therapy to reduce spine stiffness are cornerstones of the multi-modal approach we use with so many of our patients. To find out what you can do to keep your back functioning, avoid deconditioning and stiffness, or for more information about multi-modal care, click here, or contact us at 416-635-1818.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0303846719304251?via%3Dihub&fbclid=IwAR2vHQy0jneJRAtWzyqFt-e8HIi9QeBc8JQaBnXRDlif2r-P9NKFJhtvAHI

https://d712085c-5183-4da7-9342-effc90d39eb3.filesusr.com/ugd/b62c57_d9b9133a5d8c49f09188afb3ffcdd43b.pdf

Dr. Joel Weisberg

Dr. Joel Weisberg is the Clinic Director and Principal Doctor at Downsview Chiropractic The difference it makes to a patient when they learn, receive appropriate care, feel cared for, and are empowered to self-manage, is often bigger than the relief they were seeking. Dr. Weisberg is driven to make that difference to people in their pursuit of a life lived well™.