How Weak Core Muscles Contribute to Lower Back Pain

Can a Weak Core Cause Lower Back Pain?

Yes, a weak core is one of the leading causes of lower back pain. At Victory Performance and Physical Therapy in Culver City, we frequently treat patients whose back pain stems from poor core stability. The abdominal muscles are not just about aesthetics—they are essential for spinal support, posture, and movement control.

When the deep core muscles are weak, the lower back compensates, leading to increased strain, instability, and chronic pain. Strengthening the core through targeted physical therapy is a proven way to reduce back pain and restore proper movement mechanics.

Why Is Core Strength So Important for a Healthy Spine?

Your core is more than just your abs—it includes a complex system of muscles that stabilize your spine and prevent excessive movement that leads to pain. Strong core muscles:

• Provide spinal stability – Protecting the lower back during movement

• Distribute loads evenly – Reducing pressure on the lumbar spine

• Prevent excessive arching or rounding – Maintaining proper spinal alignment

• Enhance movement efficiency – Making daily activities pain-free

When these muscles are weak, your lower back is forced to overwork, leading to tightness, muscle fatigue, and long-term discomfort.

How a Weak Core Leads to Back Pain

At Victory Performance and Physical Therapy, we help patients strengthen their core to eliminate compensatory patterns that cause pain. Here’s how core weakness affects the lower back:

1. Lack of Spinal Stability
   The deep core muscles, including the transverse abdominis and multifidus, act as a natural brace for the spine. When they are weak, the lower back absorbs excessive force, leading to pain and injury risk.

2. Excessive Arching or Rounding of the Spine
   Without a strong core, postural imbalances develop, causing an exaggerated lower back arch (hyperlordosis) or a slouched posture (kyphosis). Both contribute to lumbar disc pressure and muscle fatigue.

3. Overactive Lower Back Muscles
   When the core isn’t providing adequate support, the lower back muscles take over, resulting in chronic tension, tightness, and discomfort.

4. Increased Risk of Injury During Movement
   Core weakness makes everyday activities—lifting, bending, walking—more stressful on the spine, increasing the likelihood of injury.

Don’t Let Core Weakness Lead to Chronic Pain

If you’re struggling with lower back pain, Victory Performance and Physical Therapy in Culver City can help. Our team specializes in core stabilization therapy to reduce pain and improve function.

📞 Call us today at 424-543-4336 to schedule an evaluation and start strengthening your core!

What the Research Says About Core Strength & Back Pain

Studies show a strong correlation between core strength and lower back pain relief:

• Core Strength & Lumbar Stability: A study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that patients with chronic lower back pain had significantly weaker core muscles compared to those without pain. Strengthening the core improved pain levels and spinal stability.

• Transverse Abdominis & Lower Back Pain: Research published in Spine Journal found that individuals with lower back pain had delayed activation of the transverse abdominis, leading to spinal instability. Training this muscle reduced pain and improved function.

• Pilates & Core Strength for Back Pain: A study in Clinical Rehabilitation showed that core-strengthening exercises, like Pilates, significantly reduced lower back pain and improved mobility.

These studies confirm what we see in our clinic daily—a strong core is essential for back pain relief and long-term spinal health.

How Physical Therapy Strengthens the Core for Back Pain Relief

At Victory Performance and Physical Therapy, we create customized treatment plans to strengthen the deep core muscles, ensuring lasting pain relief and better movement control.

1. Targeted Core Activation
   Many patients have core muscles that are weak and inactive due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, or past injuries. We use specific techniques to re-engage the deep core muscles that support the spine.

2. Functional Core Strengthening
   LRather than generic ab workouts, our therapists focus on functional core training that improves stability, mobility, and spinal alignment.

When to Seek Professional Help for Back Pain

If you’re experiencing chronic lower back pain, weak core muscles may be the root cause. Working with a physical therapist ensures that you:

✔ Identify muscle imbalances

✔ Correct postural dysfunctions

✔ Implement effective exercises for long-term relief

At Victory Performance and Physical Therapy, our team specializes in core stabilization training to restore function, eliminate pain, and help you move freely.

Why Strengthening the Core is Key for Long-Term Back Pain Relief

Unlike short-term solutions, building deep core strength leads to:

✔ Reduced pain frequency and intensity

✔ Lower risk of back injuries

✔ Improved posture, movement control, and overall function

Take Control of Your Back Pain Today

If lower back pain is limiting your life, our Culver City physical therapy team can help. Strengthen your core and protect your spine—start your recovery today.

📞 Call us now at 424-543-4336 or Book Your Appointment Now