The Common Core

Core strength is critical for everyday activities such as placing heavy grocery bags into the trunk of your automobile, carrying a gallon jug of milk from the refrigerator to the dining room table, and even walking to the mailbox. When your core strength is diminished, even bending over to pick up a pencil may result in a serious spinal injury. Weakened core musculature causes simple, daily physical activities to be problematic. When standing up from a seated position or getting into a car causes you to experience twinges in your back, you may be sure your core muscles are not working in the manner for which they were designed.

Your core muscles consist of the four abdominal muscles – the transversus abdominis, internal obliques, external obliques, and rectus abdominis – and back muscles such as the erector spinae, longissimus thoracis, and multifidi. The most important core muscle may be the transversus abdominis, a sheet of horizontally oriented muscle that lies underneath the other abdominal muscles and provides deep mechanical support to the low back and pelvis. Similarly important are the multifidi, a group of small, powerful, deep spinal muscles that interconnect pairs and series of vertebras.

In times past, when the concept of work meant actual physical labor, there was no need to pay attention to training the core. In those days, your core muscles were being trained all day long by lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling loads with heavy resistances and/or bending, digging, hoeing, planting, and raking. Working on a farm or in a factory provided more than sufficient exercise for the core. But in today's developed world, farming and manufacturing jobs have been greatly reduced and the large majority of work is done in the so-called service sector. In the 21st century, people living in developed nations spend the largest portion of their day sitting at a desk. In such circumstances the core musculature will weaken drastically, unless specific attention is paid to training these muscles.1,2

The good news is that a wide variety of exercises are available for training the core. Most of them require no equipment. Many of them may be done at home and do not even require a gym membership. For example, yoga provides thorough and complete exercise for core muscles. Self-motivated persons might only need a yoga DVD and a yoga mat, minimizing financial cost and doing their yoga training at home. For others, taking yoga classes at a gym or yoga center might be more appropriate. But yoga is only one possible solution. Numerous highly efficient core exercises may be done on a physioball. Dynamic exercises such as the plank provide substantial core benefit and the only equipment requirement is a mat. Other dynamic exercises include squats, gluteus bridge, lunges, jumping jacks, and the grapevine.

When you spend the time to make sure your core musculature is strong, daily physical activities begin to be done with ease and grace. Back pain and other mechanical aches and injuries fade into memory.3 The overall result is a body that works efficiently and optimally. Thus, a strong core helps provide for a lifetime of health and well-being.


1Kumar T, et al: Efficacy of core muscle strengthening exercise in chronic low back pain patients. J Back Musculoskel Rehabil 2014 Dec 2. [Epub ahead of print]
2Granacher U, et al: Effects of core instability strength training on trunk muscle strength, spinal mobility, dynamic balance and functional mobility in older adults. Gerontology 59(2):105-113, 2013
3Huxel Bliven KC, Anderson BE: Core stability training for injury prevention. Sports Health 5(6):514-522, 2013

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

1:00 pm-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

10:00 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-7:00 pm

Friday:

10:00 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday:

10:00 am-12:30 pm

BY APPOINTMENT

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonial

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Dr. Anna is an absolute health care professional"
    NC
  • "I had the most debilitating headaches. I would get the migraines with auras, nausea and vomiting. Nothing seemed to help. My sister suggested I give Dr. Anna a try. I can't believe how incredible I feel. I would recommend her magic hands to anyone"
    CM
  • "My second pregnancy and delivery was exponentially better than my first. Thanks to Dr. Anna and chiropractic care."
    KSM
  • "I had severe low back pain after an auto accident. Dr. Anna relieved with my pain and made sure all my paperwork was properly provided to my attorney. I didn't have to worry about anything, just healing and the home exercises she demonstrated to me."
    MH
  • "I have been treating with Dr. Anna due to mid back and jaw pain. She gives such helpful advice and the office is very clean. She wipes everything down between patients."
    MH
  • ""Dr. Anna is the best chiropractor in Wakulla! She also performs the right adjustments for my back.""
    Tanya W.
  • ""Dr. Anna cares about her clients and it shows in her work.""
    Collin C.
  • ""Dr. Anna made me feel comfortable and at ease during my treatments. After a few appointments my pain was gone. She is the only chiropractor for me."
    Shannon K
  • ""Dr. Anna was very friendly and I felt comfortable in her care. She had me moving and pain free in just a few visits. She is my chiropractor for life!"
    John K
  • ""Dr. Lange is outstanding! She has done wonders helping me with my neck issues.She is very friendly, professional and goes above and beyond to make your visit pleasurable! A+++++"
    Ken P.
  • ""I followed Dr. Anna down to Crawfordville because she is the best around! I only trust her with my family and myself.""
    Joanna S.
  • "I've been so impressed with Dr. Anna. She is very knowledgeable, professional and takes the time to listen and address specific needs. I would recommend Dr. Anna for corrective care or symptomatic relief; whichever is a better fit for you. She is wonderful! Thank you for taking care of our community!"
    Kate D
  • "I have benefited tremendously from the chiropractic care I received from Crawfordville Chiropractic Clinic."
    John D - Crawfordville, FL