Fortunately, exercise remains the primary intervention in the treatment of low back pain. This includes specific programs for strength training, improving range of motion, and aerobic exercise. As physical therapists, exercise prescription is our bread and butter, and a combination of all of the above is often used when treating people with nonspecific low back pain. So start with deadlifts, planks, bird dogs, and pelvic floor exercises. Wait… PELVIC FLOOR EXERCISES? You bet.

How exactly is the pelvic floor directly related to lower back pain? You’re about to find out! Let’s discuss what the pelvic floor is, how this muscle group plays a role in nonspecific lower back pain, and how YOU can target your pelvic floor through exercise.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located inside the pelvis. This group of muscles originates at the front of the pelvic bone and attaches to the tailbone, creating a hammock-like structure to support the organs of urination, defecation, and sexual function.

Los músculos del suelo pélvico desempeñan un papel crucial en la función de la vejiga, la intimidad, las deposiciones e incluso en actividades como levantar objetos, saltar, correr, caminar y respirar. Sí, escuchaste eso correctamente. El suelo pélvico trabaja directamente con el diafragma para controlar los cambios en la presión intraabdominal. Y por si fuera poco, los músculos del suelo pélvico también trabajan para estabilizar las articulaciones de la pelvis y la espalda baja. En coordinación con el diafragma, los músculos centrales y los estabilizadores profundos de la espalda, el suelo pélvico ayuda a proporcionar estabilidad a la región lumbopélvica.

Like any other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor muscles can become weak and tight, injured and strained, or lose neuromuscular control. As an integral contributor to lumbopelvic stability, addressing dysfunction within the pelvic floor muscles can help improve the overall structural integrity of the lumbopelvic region.