NASA Neuroscience And Spine Associates, P. L

What is Med X? How does this work?

Poor muscle function is often cited as a risk factor for back and neck discomfort. It has been documented that up to 80% of all back and neck discomfort is caused by weak muscles and not structural lesions. How ever, patients with lower back or neck discomfort usually avoid activities that cause discomfort-resulting in disuse atrophy, increased weakness and consequent instability of the spinal column, this often leads to increased discomfort independent of the original discomfort stimuli.

Various treatment techniques have been utilized to improve function in the individuals who are plagued with chronic low back and neck discomfort. However, only one treatment has been branded as effective to treat chronic spine discomfort. That treatment is aggressive exercise targeting the lumbar and cervical extensor muscles. There is paucity of data to determine the long term effect of this treatment and what type of exercise will produce the highest decrease in discomfort while improving function with routine daily activities.

The effective assessment and training of the lumbar and cervical extensor muscles require stabilization of synergist muscles in order to isolate the fore mentioned. Through a series of restraints, lumbar and cervical extension machines minimize the contribution of the larger and stronger synergist muscles and site specifically targets the extensors. In addition, standardization of the testing and training position, Correction for the influence of gravitational forces (body weight) during testing and training, and full range of motion measurement are also required for accurate quantification of lumbar and cervical extension strength.