Role of the Trunk in Stability of the Spine

Bone-Marrow Pressure and Bone Strength

“…Therefore, it is possible that these two stresses may have a cumulative effect on the pressure changes of spinal marrow. Davis (1956 and1959), Bartelink (1957), and Morris et al (1961), suggested that a raised intra-abdominal pressure produced by a contraction of the abdominal wall musdes helps to relieve compression forces on the lumbar vertebra. A rise in intra-abdominal pressure would tend to reduce venous outflow from the vertebral bodies; further reduction in outflow is likely when the overlying psoas muscles are in a stage of contraction.…”

“…Virgin (1951), Hirsch (1951), Brown et al (1957), Hardy et al (1958), Roaf (1960), Eie (1966), and Smith (1969) have shown that lumbar vertebral bodies and end plates fail during in vitro experiments when pressures lower than those calculated by Bradford & Spurling (1949, Bartelink (1957, and Morris et al (1961) for in vivo situations are applied. Frost (1964) and McPherson & Juhasz (1965) have suggested that bones may be considerably strengthened hydraulically by the intra-medullary fluid pressure.…”

Microscopic lumbar discectomy results for 60 cases in professional and Olympic athletes

“…If the gluteal muscles, erector spinae, the abdominal oblique, the rectus abdominis, and all the associated muscles of the trunk can fire together, then the spine can move in a coordinated, muscle-controlled manner. 17 Discrepancies in one muscle group may lead to over-compensation of another, hence the importance that all associated muscle groups be trained together to prevent injury. Movements executed from this neutral position should, theoretically, reduce or alleviate pain during movement and possibly prevent an injury from occurring.…”

“…Though only limited research has been conducted on specific training regimens, evidence suggests that specific training of trunk muscles to react synergistically may increase strength and reduce stress on the spine. 17,18,19 We feel the postoperative rehabilitation program carried out with these athletes was a vital part of their safe return to their sport. It required not only the full participation of the athletes themselves but also the cooperative efforts of team trainers and team therapists skilled in trunk stabilization and rehabilitation of athletes.…”

Muscle study in experimental scoliosis in rabbits with costotransversectomy: evidence of ischemic process

“…This deformity is caused by force alterations, which permit abnormal backbone equilibrium, unusual movements and deformities. This process involves ligaments, articulations, paravertebral structures, skeleton muscles and central nervous system influence [1,33,35,38,41].…”