The Role of the Diaphragm in Spinal Stability and Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain is associated with dysfunction in posture and movement strategies. However, current treatment often takes an overly simplistic approach by compartmentalizing individuals into either a biomechanical or psychosocial category. While both categories need to be addressed in most patients, there is increasing evidence that suboptimal breathing habits are one of the underappreciated and overlooked aspects to successfully addressing chronic spinal issues and low back pain. This workshop will discuss the role of breathing in posture, movement and performance. Additionally, participants will discover how to integrate breathing into an overall approach in both treating the patient with chronic low back pain and enhancing spinal stability and performance.

Key Objectives:

· Consider the link between breathing, posture and movement.

· Review the components of breathing and its contribution to posture, spinal stability and movement.

· Discuss the link between suboptimal breathing strategies and chronic low back pain.

· Present a biomechanical and motor control approach that integrates training the respirator and postural system.

· Develop clinical skills in evaluating suboptimal breathing patterns and incorporate strategies for optimizing the respiratory system.

· Integrate breathing into an overall treatment and/or training program for improved clinical outcomes.