Role of Latissimus Dorsi in Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain Due to Thoraco-lumbar Dysfunction
Author(s): Dongre Alpana, Sharma Sanjeev
Vol. 2, No. 3 (2008-07 - 2008-09)
Dongre Alpana1, Sharma Sanjeev2
1Professor, 2Assistant Professor, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, DMIMS Sawangi Wardha India 442002
alpanapt(at)yahoo.co.in
Study Design: Randomized controlled single blinded
clinical trial.
Objective: To identify prevalence of thoraco-lumbar
dysfunction (TLD) and analyze the role of latissimus dorsi
in it.
Summary of background data: 30% of chronic mechanical
back pains are reported to be due to TLD. The thoracolumbar
muscles control the dynamic and postural stability
of the lower spine. Though core stabilization exercises are
widely recommended for low back pain, but no reports are
available for exercises specific to thoraco-lumbar
dysfunction.
Methods: 30 subjects in age group of 25 to 40 years with
non traumatic, chronic mechanical low back pain were
identified for study and randomly divided into two groups.
Group-A (n=15): only core stabilization exercises and
Group-B (n=15): latissimus dorsi strengthening and core
stabilization exercises. Primary outcome measure was pain
intensity (VAS score). Secondary outcome measures were
general health (SF-36) and back pain disability (Aberdeen
back pain disability score). Outcome measurement scores
were compared using unpaired student t-test.
Results: 42 % of all subjects had back pain of TLD origin.88
% of TLD subjects had latissimus dorsi strength < 4. Highly
significant improvement in general health (p <0.0001), and
significant improvement in disability score (p= 0.0017) was
observed in the Group-B subjects. Re-assessment after 3
and 6-months reflected better scores in Group-B subjects.
Conclusion: Identification of TLD as a cause of low back
pain is recommended in all non-traumatic, chronic,
mechanical low back pains. Strengthening of latissimus
dorsi relieves thoraco-lumbar related back pain.
Key words: low back pain, thoraco-lumbar dysfunction,
latissimus dorsi strengthening, dorso-lumbar fascia.
Key points: 42% of non-traumatic chronic low back pains
are due to thoraco-lumbar dysfunctions. Contractions of
latissimus dorsi with lumbar stabilizers act towards thoracolumbar
stabilization. It leads to early pain relief,
improvement in general health and reduction of back pain
disability.
Introduction
Back pain is a primary reason to seek medical advice.
Considering 80% of people suffering with back pain, we
can say it is a universal epidemic requiring attention.
Sources of back pain are numerous, usually sought in as
lesions of disc or facet joints at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels1.
Robert Maigne described thoraco-lumbar dysfunction (TLD)
as pain originating in thoraco-lumbar region, but reported
by patients in either the low back or upper buttocks. These
pains are mostly chronic in nature and constitute 30% of
all low back pains2,18.
Thoraco-lumbar fascia is used for load transfer3. The
superficial lamina gets tensed by contraction of various
muscles, such as the latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus
and erector muscle3.
Many rehabilitation techniques for LBP are proposed.
Several researchers have used different stabilizing exercise,
strengthening the muscles of the trunk and back
emphasizing the correct timing and co-contraction4-8. Their
aims are short time pain decrease, muscular strengthening,
and increased hip and lumbar spine mobility, increased
lumbar and pelvic proprioceptive sensibility9.
Core strengthening has become a major trend in
rehabilitation. It is in essence a description of the muscular
control required around the lumbar spine to maintain
functional stability10.
The core contraction alone is logically presumed ineffective
in producing required forces for the stabilization of thoracolumbar
junction. The extensive and thick attachments to
the superior part of thoraco-lumbar fascia have a definite
role to play in the stability of this junction. In our opinion,
circumstances where thoraco-lumbar dysfunction is found
to be the cause of low back pain, concentric strengthening
of latissimus dorsi with core stabilization exercises will
produce the required tensile forces at the thoraco-lumbar
region and contribute towards its functional stability.
The patients we cater in our physiotherapy clinic are from
rural area, where compliance to institution based treatment
by patients is poor. We wanted to design a home-based
self performed exercise program that can be reviewed
periodically.
The study was designed to a) identify the cases of low back
pain with TLD, b) ascertain whether lumbo-pelvic
stabilization exercises are alone effective in low back pain
with TLD and c) analyze the association between latissimus
dorsi and low back pain due to TLD.
Material and Methods
The study was approved by the college ethical committee.
All subjects were informed of procedures and an informed
consent was obtained. Subjects who reported to
physiotherapy clinic with complaint of low back pain were
clinically assessed for signs of TLD. Patients with TLD were
identified by the:
1) positive ‘iliac crest point’ test,
2) positive skin roll test,
3)localized tenderness over spinous process at the thoraco-lumbar junction (T11 to L2), and
4) tenderness over involved apophyseal joint at the thoracolumbar
junction11.
Subjects with positive signs of TLD were
included in the study. Those with associated lumbar
radiculopathy, sacroilliac joint dysfunction or history of
trauma or surgery to lumbar spine were excluded.
Radiculopathy was clinically assessed by Lassegue’s test.
Sacroilliac joint dysfunction was confirmed by striding tests.
Latissimus dorsi muscle strength was tested using manual
muscle testing as described by Kendall and colleagues12.
All subjects identified for the study were also evaluated
using back pain disability score (Aberdeen low back pain
disability score) intensity of pain (visual analogue score)
and general health score (SF-36), 100 subjects in the age
group of 25 to 40 years with low back pain were assessed
for clinical signs of TLD. 18 (18%) subjects tested positive
for lumbar radiculopathy, and 10 (10%) subjects had
sacroilliac joint dysfunction (2 subjects had associated signs
of lumbar radiculopathy). Following the exclusion criteria,
72 (72%) subjects were then evaluated for TLD of which
30 (42%) tested positive.
These 30 subjects included 12 (40%) females and 18 (60%)
males. They were randomly assigned to two groups. Group
-A received only core muscle stabilization exercises in
supine and quadruped positions. Group-B received
latissimus dorsi muscle strengthening exercises using
theraband along with core muscle contractions. Subjects
with muscle spasm were given moist heat therapy before
exercises.
To ensure that the subjects do not go wrong with the
required muscle contractions, they were instructed to attend
hospital based treatment 1-week. Later, they continued the
exercises at home for 1-month. SF-36, Aberdeen low back
pain disability score and VAS score were then re-evaluated.
Follow-up assessment was done at a 3-month and 6-month
interval using all the three outcome measures.
Results
Mean age of Group-A subjects was 33.73 ± 12.6 and of
Group-B was 34.4 ± 7.058. . All subjects (100%) presented
with complaints of pain in anterior and lateral part of thigh.
56.6% (n=30) complained of pain in upper glutei and 86.6%
(n=30) reported lower lumbar pain. Only 46.6 % of all
subjects reported with pain in thoraco-lumbar region (Figure
1). Latissimus dorsi muscle strength was found to be < 4 in
88% (n=30) subjects (Figure 2).
The different outcome measures were analyzed using
unpaired student’s t-test. Following the 1-month exercises,
highly significant improvement in general health (t= 3.4695,
p<0.0001), very significant reduction in back pain related
disability (t=5.1999, p=0.0017) and significant reduction in
pain (t=2.1767, p=0.0381) was observed in subjects who
received latissimus dorsi strengthening along with core
stabilization exercises (Table 1).
Follow-up assessment at 3-month interval was witnessed
with no change in the scores of either SF-36, Back pain
disability or VAS. After 6-month interval, the average SF-
36 scores alone increased by 5% but individuals reported
better social and family relations and less frequency of
pains.
Discussion
Thoraco-lumbar dysfunction as a cause of back pain in 42%
of subjects with low back pain is suggestive of the need to
regularly check its presence in all cases of low back pains.
The patients may have radiological evidence of lumbar
pathology. Also the thoraco-lumbar junction may / may not
have radiological signs of involvement, but the importance
of clinical assessment of the thoraco-lumbar junction cannot
be under-estimated. Posterior layer of thoraco-lumbar
fascia has two laminae. The superficial lamina is formed
by the aponeurosis of latissimus dorsi13. Tensile
transmission across the thoraco-lumbar fascia (TLF) serves
as an important element for back stability14. The thoracolumbar
muscles control the dynamic and postural stability
of the lower spine13. Both superficial and deep laminae of
the posterior layer are more extensive superiorly.
Contractions of latissimus dorsi produce a superior and
laterally directed tension on the superior aspect of thoracolumbar
fascia. This is likely to have implications on the
stability of thoraco-lumbar junction. The thickness of the
superior attachments is also variable15. Functional instability
is defined as a relative increased range of the neutral zone16.
Active stability can be achieved through muscular cocontraction,
akin to tightening the guys of a tent to unload
the center pole16.
Table 1: Unpaired t-test analysis of the improvement of the different parameters between two groups
% of change in SF-36 scores
% of change in Aberdeen back pain
related disability score
Difference in VAS score
Group-A
Group-B
Group-A
Group-B
Group-A
Group-B
Mean and SD
42.5 ± 19.005
72.62 ± 27.74
65.52 ± 16.43
90.151 ± 8.156
56.16 ± 9.69
65.18 ± 11.90
t-value
3.4695
5.1999
2.2737
Df
28
28
28
p-value
<0.0001
=0.0017
=0.0309
Highly significant
Very significant
Significant
In one of the research studies, lumbo-pelvic stabilization
exercises were found to be non-effective in abdominal or
back muscle activity and pain or functional disability indices17. We feel that the subjects with latissimus dorsi
muscle weakness in the presence of thoraco-lumbar
dysfunction will not respond positively to lumbo-pelvic
stabilization exercises alone. The core stabilization exercise
increase tension in the thoraco-lumbar fascia, more in its
inferior part. If the subjects have latissimus dorsi muscle
weakness, then there will be slackness in the superior
portion of the fascia. This slackness is adjusted by thoracic
kyphosis and instability at the thoraco-lumbar junction. This
concept also seems to be the basis of resolving the
sacroilliac pain by fixation of thoraco-lumbar junction using
joint manipulations18.
Fig. 1: Graph showing the distribution of pain in 30 subjects with thoracolumbar dysfunction (TLD).

Fig. 2: Percentage of 30 subjects with thoraco-lumbar dysfunction and MMT grades of their latissimus dorsi muscle.

The posterior rami of the T-12 and L-1 nerve roots innervate
the superior gluteal regions and the inferior subcutaneous
tissues. The anterior rami innervate the inferior abdomen
and groin. A lateral cutaneous branch innervates the
trochanteric region. Our observation of 100% subjects
reporting with anterior/lateral thigh pain can be explained
well with this. Concentric contractions of the latissimus dorsi
and core stabilization exercises together will reduce the
compression forces over the facet joints of T10 to L1 levels.
This will reduce the irritation to the posterior, anterior and
lateral primary rami of the T12 and L1 nerve roots.
The importance of examining the thoraco-lumbar junction
even in the presence of clinically evident lumbar pathology
cannot be under-estimated. Core stabilization exercises
alone are ineffective in cases where low back pain is
associated with thoraco-lumbar dysfunction. Concentric
strengthening of latissimus dorsi and core stabilization
exercises together are very effective in relief of back pain.
Also, it produces an improvement of general health,
improved social and family relations. The effects were
lasting even after 6-months of supervised care.
References
- Schwarzer A et al. The relative contribution of the disc
and zygapophyseal joint in chronic low back pain.
Spine 1994; 19:801-06.
- Maigne R. (1980). Low Back Pain of thoracolumbar
Origin. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil.,61;389-95
- Vleeming A, Pool-Goudzwaard AL, Stoeckart R,et al.
The posterior layer of the thoraco-lumbar fascia, its
function in load transfer from spine to legs. Spine
1995; 20(7):753-58.
- Hides JA, CA Richardson and GA Jull. Multifidus
muscle recovery is not automatic after resolution of
acute, first-episode low back pain. Spine 1996; 21(23):
2763-69.
- O’Sullivan PB, et al. Evaluation of specific stabilizing
exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain
with radiologic diagnosis of spondylolysis or
spondylolisthesis. Spine 1997; 22(24): 2959-67.
- O’Sullivan PB. Lumbar segmental ‘instability’: clinical
presentation and specific stabilizing exercise
management. Man Ther 2000; 5(1): 2-12.
- O’Sullivan PB, L Twomey and GT Allison’.Altered
abdominal muscle recruitment in patients with chronic
back pain following a specific exercise intervention. J
Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1998. 27(2):114-24.
- Poivaudeaus, Lefevre-Colau MM, Mayoux-Benhamou
MA, Revel M. Which rehabilitation for which back pain.
Rev Prat 2000 Oct 15;50(16):1779-83.
- Hides JA, GA and CA Richardson, Long-term effects
of specific stabilizing exercises for first-episode low
back pain. Spine 2001; 26(11): E243-48.
- Akuthota V, Nadler Sf. Core strengthening. Arch Phys
Med Rehabil 2004 March; 85(3 suppl):586-92.
- Maigne R. Diagnosis and treatment of pain of vertebral
origin. A manual medicine approach. Baltimore:
Williams & Wilkins, 1996:411-17.
- Kendall FP, Kendall-McCreary E, Provance P.
Muscles: Testing and Function, 4th ed. Lippincott
Williams & Williams, 1993.
- Bogduk N, Macintosh JE. The applied anatomy of the
thoracolumbar fascia. Spine 1984 Mar;9(2):164-70.
- Barker P J, Briggs C A, Bogeski G 2004 Tensile
transmission across the lumbar fascia in unembalmed
cadavers: effects of tension to various muscular
attachments. Spine 29(2): 129-138.
- Barker PJ, Briggs CA. Attachments of the posterior
layer of lumbar fascia. Spine 1999 Sep 1;24(17):1757-
64.
- Brukner and Khan. Core stability. In: 3ed. Clinical
sports medicine. Mcgraw-Hill Australia: 2006: 158-
159.
- Arokoski JP, Valta T, Kankaanpaa M, Airaksinen O.
Activation of lumbar paraspinal and abdominal
muscles during therapeutic exercises in chronic low
back pain patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004 May;
85(5):823-32.
- Joseph Kurnik. Thoracolumbar junction responsible
for 40% of low back pain. Dynamic Chiropractic, Dec
15, 2000; 18(26). Available at: website http://
www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/26/14.4html .
Accessed July 14, 2007.
Dongre Alpana1, Sharma Sanjeev2
1Professor, 2Assistant Professor, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, DMIMS Sawangi Wardha India 442002
alpanapt(at)yahoo.co.in
Study Design: Randomized controlled single blinded
clinical trial.
Objective: To identify prevalence of thoraco-lumbar
dysfunction (TLD) and analyze the role of latissimus dorsi
in it.
Summary of background data: 30% of chronic mechanical
back pains are reported to be due to TLD. The thoracolumbar
muscles control the dynamic and postural stability
of the lower spine. Though core stabilization exercises are
widely recommended for low back pain, but no reports are
available for exercises specific to thoraco-lumbar
dysfunction.
Methods: 30 subjects in age group of 25 to 40 years with
non traumatic, chronic mechanical low back pain were
identified for study and randomly divided into two groups.
Group-A (n=15): only core stabilization exercises and
Group-B (n=15): latissimus dorsi strengthening and core
stabilization exercises. Primary outcome measure was pain
intensity (VAS score). Secondary outcome measures were
general health (SF-36) and back pain disability (Aberdeen
back pain disability score). Outcome measurement scores
were compared using unpaired student t-test.
Results: 42 % of all subjects had back pain of TLD origin.88
% of TLD subjects had latissimus dorsi strength < 4. Highly
significant improvement in general health (p <0.0001), and
significant improvement in disability score (p= 0.0017) was
observed in the Group-B subjects. Re-assessment after 3
and 6-months reflected better scores in Group-B subjects.
Conclusion: Identification of TLD as a cause of low back
pain is recommended in all non-traumatic, chronic,
mechanical low back pains. Strengthening of latissimus
dorsi relieves thoraco-lumbar related back pain.
Key words: low back pain, thoraco-lumbar dysfunction,
latissimus dorsi strengthening, dorso-lumbar fascia.
Key points: 42% of non-traumatic chronic low back pains
are due to thoraco-lumbar dysfunctions. Contractions of
latissimus dorsi with lumbar stabilizers act towards thoracolumbar
stabilization. It leads to early pain relief,
improvement in general health and reduction of back pain
disability.
Introduction
Back pain is a primary reason to seek medical advice. Considering 80% of people suffering with back pain, we can say it is a universal epidemic requiring attention. Sources of back pain are numerous, usually sought in as lesions of disc or facet joints at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels1.
Robert Maigne described thoraco-lumbar dysfunction (TLD) as pain originating in thoraco-lumbar region, but reported by patients in either the low back or upper buttocks. These pains are mostly chronic in nature and constitute 30% of all low back pains2,18.
Thoraco-lumbar fascia is used for load transfer3. The superficial lamina gets tensed by contraction of various muscles, such as the latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus and erector muscle3.
Many rehabilitation techniques for LBP are proposed. Several researchers have used different stabilizing exercise, strengthening the muscles of the trunk and back emphasizing the correct timing and co-contraction4-8. Their aims are short time pain decrease, muscular strengthening, and increased hip and lumbar spine mobility, increased lumbar and pelvic proprioceptive sensibility9.
Core strengthening has become a major trend in rehabilitation. It is in essence a description of the muscular control required around the lumbar spine to maintain functional stability10.
The core contraction alone is logically presumed ineffective in producing required forces for the stabilization of thoracolumbar junction. The extensive and thick attachments to the superior part of thoraco-lumbar fascia have a definite role to play in the stability of this junction. In our opinion, circumstances where thoraco-lumbar dysfunction is found to be the cause of low back pain, concentric strengthening of latissimus dorsi with core stabilization exercises will produce the required tensile forces at the thoraco-lumbar region and contribute towards its functional stability.
The patients we cater in our physiotherapy clinic are from rural area, where compliance to institution based treatment by patients is poor. We wanted to design a home-based self performed exercise program that can be reviewed periodically.
The study was designed to a) identify the cases of low back pain with TLD, b) ascertain whether lumbo-pelvic stabilization exercises are alone effective in low back pain with TLD and c) analyze the association between latissimus dorsi and low back pain due to TLD.
Material and Methods
The study was approved by the college ethical committee. All subjects were informed of procedures and an informed consent was obtained. Subjects who reported to physiotherapy clinic with complaint of low back pain were clinically assessed for signs of TLD. Patients with TLD were identified by the:
1) positive ‘iliac crest point’ test,
2) positive skin roll test,
3)localized tenderness over spinous process at the thoraco-lumbar junction (T11 to L2), and
4) tenderness over involved apophyseal joint at the thoracolumbar
junction11.
Subjects with positive signs of TLD were included in the study. Those with associated lumbar radiculopathy, sacroilliac joint dysfunction or history of trauma or surgery to lumbar spine were excluded. Radiculopathy was clinically assessed by Lassegue’s test. Sacroilliac joint dysfunction was confirmed by striding tests. Latissimus dorsi muscle strength was tested using manual muscle testing as described by Kendall and colleagues12. All subjects identified for the study were also evaluated using back pain disability score (Aberdeen low back pain disability score) intensity of pain (visual analogue score) and general health score (SF-36), 100 subjects in the age group of 25 to 40 years with low back pain were assessed for clinical signs of TLD. 18 (18%) subjects tested positive for lumbar radiculopathy, and 10 (10%) subjects had sacroilliac joint dysfunction (2 subjects had associated signs of lumbar radiculopathy). Following the exclusion criteria, 72 (72%) subjects were then evaluated for TLD of which 30 (42%) tested positive.
These 30 subjects included 12 (40%) females and 18 (60%) males. They were randomly assigned to two groups. Group -A received only core muscle stabilization exercises in supine and quadruped positions. Group-B received latissimus dorsi muscle strengthening exercises using theraband along with core muscle contractions. Subjects with muscle spasm were given moist heat therapy before exercises.
To ensure that the subjects do not go wrong with the required muscle contractions, they were instructed to attend hospital based treatment 1-week. Later, they continued the exercises at home for 1-month. SF-36, Aberdeen low back pain disability score and VAS score were then re-evaluated. Follow-up assessment was done at a 3-month and 6-month interval using all the three outcome measures.
Results
Mean age of Group-A subjects was 33.73 ± 12.6 and of Group-B was 34.4 ± 7.058. . All subjects (100%) presented with complaints of pain in anterior and lateral part of thigh. 56.6% (n=30) complained of pain in upper glutei and 86.6% (n=30) reported lower lumbar pain. Only 46.6 % of all subjects reported with pain in thoraco-lumbar region (Figure 1). Latissimus dorsi muscle strength was found to be < 4 in 88% (n=30) subjects (Figure 2).
The different outcome measures were analyzed using unpaired student’s t-test. Following the 1-month exercises, highly significant improvement in general health (t= 3.4695, p<0.0001), very significant reduction in back pain related disability (t=5.1999, p=0.0017) and significant reduction in pain (t=2.1767, p=0.0381) was observed in subjects who received latissimus dorsi strengthening along with core stabilization exercises (Table 1).
Follow-up assessment at 3-month interval was witnessed with no change in the scores of either SF-36, Back pain disability or VAS. After 6-month interval, the average SF- 36 scores alone increased by 5% but individuals reported better social and family relations and less frequency of pains.
Discussion
Thoraco-lumbar dysfunction as a cause of back pain in 42% of subjects with low back pain is suggestive of the need to regularly check its presence in all cases of low back pains. The patients may have radiological evidence of lumbar pathology. Also the thoraco-lumbar junction may / may not have radiological signs of involvement, but the importance of clinical assessment of the thoraco-lumbar junction cannot be under-estimated. Posterior layer of thoraco-lumbar fascia has two laminae. The superficial lamina is formed by the aponeurosis of latissimus dorsi13. Tensile transmission across the thoraco-lumbar fascia (TLF) serves as an important element for back stability14. The thoracolumbar muscles control the dynamic and postural stability of the lower spine13. Both superficial and deep laminae of the posterior layer are more extensive superiorly. Contractions of latissimus dorsi produce a superior and laterally directed tension on the superior aspect of thoracolumbar fascia. This is likely to have implications on the stability of thoraco-lumbar junction. The thickness of the superior attachments is also variable15. Functional instability is defined as a relative increased range of the neutral zone16. Active stability can be achieved through muscular cocontraction, akin to tightening the guys of a tent to unload the center pole16.
Table 1: Unpaired t-test analysis of the improvement of the different parameters between two groups
% of change in SF-36 scores | % of change in Aberdeen back pain related disability score |
Difference in VAS score | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Group-A | Group-B | Group-A | Group-B | Group-A | Group-B | |
Mean and SD | 42.5 ± 19.005 | 72.62 ± 27.74 | 65.52 ± 16.43 | 90.151 ± 8.156 | 56.16 ± 9.69 | 65.18 ± 11.90 |
t-value | 3.4695 | 5.1999 | 2.2737 | |||
Df | 28 | 28 | 28 | |||
p-value | <0.0001 | =0.0017 | =0.0309 | |||
Highly significant | Very significant | Significant |
In one of the research studies, lumbo-pelvic stabilization exercises were found to be non-effective in abdominal or back muscle activity and pain or functional disability indices17. We feel that the subjects with latissimus dorsi muscle weakness in the presence of thoraco-lumbar dysfunction will not respond positively to lumbo-pelvic stabilization exercises alone. The core stabilization exercise increase tension in the thoraco-lumbar fascia, more in its inferior part. If the subjects have latissimus dorsi muscle weakness, then there will be slackness in the superior portion of the fascia. This slackness is adjusted by thoracic kyphosis and instability at the thoraco-lumbar junction. This concept also seems to be the basis of resolving the sacroilliac pain by fixation of thoraco-lumbar junction using joint manipulations18.
Fig. 1: Graph showing the distribution of pain in 30 subjects with thoracolumbar dysfunction (TLD).
Fig. 2: Percentage of 30 subjects with thoraco-lumbar dysfunction and MMT grades of their latissimus dorsi muscle.
The posterior rami of the T-12 and L-1 nerve roots innervate the superior gluteal regions and the inferior subcutaneous tissues. The anterior rami innervate the inferior abdomen and groin. A lateral cutaneous branch innervates the trochanteric region. Our observation of 100% subjects reporting with anterior/lateral thigh pain can be explained well with this. Concentric contractions of the latissimus dorsi and core stabilization exercises together will reduce the compression forces over the facet joints of T10 to L1 levels. This will reduce the irritation to the posterior, anterior and lateral primary rami of the T12 and L1 nerve roots.
The importance of examining the thoraco-lumbar junction even in the presence of clinically evident lumbar pathology cannot be under-estimated. Core stabilization exercises alone are ineffective in cases where low back pain is associated with thoraco-lumbar dysfunction. Concentric strengthening of latissimus dorsi and core stabilization exercises together are very effective in relief of back pain. Also, it produces an improvement of general health, improved social and family relations. The effects were lasting even after 6-months of supervised care.
References
- Schwarzer A et al. The relative contribution of the disc and zygapophyseal joint in chronic low back pain. Spine 1994; 19:801-06.
- Maigne R. (1980). Low Back Pain of thoracolumbar Origin. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil.,61;389-95
- Vleeming A, Pool-Goudzwaard AL, Stoeckart R,et al. The posterior layer of the thoraco-lumbar fascia, its function in load transfer from spine to legs. Spine 1995; 20(7):753-58.
- Hides JA, CA Richardson and GA Jull. Multifidus muscle recovery is not automatic after resolution of acute, first-episode low back pain. Spine 1996; 21(23): 2763-69.
- O’Sullivan PB, et al. Evaluation of specific stabilizing exercise in the treatment of chronic low back pain with radiologic diagnosis of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis. Spine 1997; 22(24): 2959-67.
- O’Sullivan PB. Lumbar segmental ‘instability’: clinical presentation and specific stabilizing exercise management. Man Ther 2000; 5(1): 2-12.
- O’Sullivan PB, L Twomey and GT Allison’.Altered abdominal muscle recruitment in patients with chronic back pain following a specific exercise intervention. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1998. 27(2):114-24.
- Poivaudeaus, Lefevre-Colau MM, Mayoux-Benhamou MA, Revel M. Which rehabilitation for which back pain. Rev Prat 2000 Oct 15;50(16):1779-83.
- Hides JA, GA and CA Richardson, Long-term effects of specific stabilizing exercises for first-episode low back pain. Spine 2001; 26(11): E243-48.
- Akuthota V, Nadler Sf. Core strengthening. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004 March; 85(3 suppl):586-92.
- Maigne R. Diagnosis and treatment of pain of vertebral origin. A manual medicine approach. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1996:411-17.
- Kendall FP, Kendall-McCreary E, Provance P. Muscles: Testing and Function, 4th ed. Lippincott Williams & Williams, 1993.
- Bogduk N, Macintosh JE. The applied anatomy of the thoracolumbar fascia. Spine 1984 Mar;9(2):164-70.
- Barker P J, Briggs C A, Bogeski G 2004 Tensile transmission across the lumbar fascia in unembalmed cadavers: effects of tension to various muscular attachments. Spine 29(2): 129-138.
- Barker PJ, Briggs CA. Attachments of the posterior layer of lumbar fascia. Spine 1999 Sep 1;24(17):1757- 64.
- Brukner and Khan. Core stability. In: 3ed. Clinical sports medicine. Mcgraw-Hill Australia: 2006: 158- 159.
- Arokoski JP, Valta T, Kankaanpaa M, Airaksinen O. Activation of lumbar paraspinal and abdominal muscles during therapeutic exercises in chronic low back pain patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004 May; 85(5):823-32.
- Joseph Kurnik. Thoracolumbar junction responsible for 40% of low back pain. Dynamic Chiropractic, Dec 15, 2000; 18(26). Available at: website http:// www.chiroweb.com/archives/18/26/14.4html . Accessed July 14, 2007.