ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2008; 25 (3): 165-170

Review article

SPINAL SEGMENTAL STABILIZATION EXERCISES COMBINED WITH TRADITIONAL STRENGTHENING EXERCISE PROGRAM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN

Anita Stankovic
Milica Lazovic
Mirjana Kocic
Dragan Zlatanovic


Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with Prosthetics, Clinical Centre Nis

  SUMMARY

Low back pain which lasts for more than 12 weeks is considered chronic lumbar pain. It is the most common diagnosis in physiatry. Numerous highly controlled randomized studies have proved a beneficial effect of the exercises on all symptoms of chronic low back pain. Classic kinesytherapy program does not include strengthening of the deep layer of abdominal and paravertebral musculature which is a part of the so-called inner unit. The strengthening of the stabilizer muscles provides stability of the lumbar region of the spine through coordinated activities of its dynamic segments. The effectiveness of the spinal segmental stabilization exercises was being proved for years in numerous studies, which gained significance and objectivity by introducing contemporary diagnostic methods.
This study aims at pointing out the positive effects of the stabilization exercises which were added to traditional program of building the strength and mobility of the spinal column. It also wants to emphasize the need for introducing the spinal segmental stabilization program into everyday clinical practice.

Key words: stabilization exercises, chronic low back pain