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🔹 Understanding Core Muscles: The Foundation of Spinal Stability and Movement
When you hear the phrase “brace your core” in a fitness class, what exactly does that mean?
Most people associate the core with six-pack abs, but core muscles are far more complex and crucial than they’re given credit for. This intricate system of muscles works together to support your spine, maintain posture, and power nearly every movement you make—from walking to lifting to sitting at a desk.
As chiropractors, we see firsthand how core dysfunction can lead to pain, injury, and decreased mobility. At Aquarius Chiropractic, we take a holistic approach to spinal health by integrating chiropractic care with targeted core stabilization strategies. So, let’s break down what your core really is, why it matters, and how chiropractic care can help.
🧠 What Are Core Muscles?
Contrary to popular belief, your core is not a single muscle. It’s a network of deep and superficial muscles located in the abdomen, pelvis, spine, and hips. These muscles fall into two main categories:
🔍 Deep Stabilizing Core Muscles
These muscles lie close to the spine and are responsible for maintaining spinal stability and posture during both movement and rest.
Transverse Abdominis (TVA)
The deepest abdominal muscle, wrapping around the torso like a corset. It creates internal pressure to stabilize the spine. Hodges & Richardson, 1996Multifidus
Small muscles along the vertebrae that help align the spine and support posture. Atrophy of these muscles is common in people with low back pain. Hides et al., 2001Pelvic Floor Muscles
These form the base of your core and play a crucial role in supporting internal organs and stabilizing the spine.Diaphragm
Not just for breathing—this muscle works with the TVA and pelvic floor to manage intra-abdominal pressure and enhance spinal control. Kolar et al., 2012
💪 Global (Superficial) Core Muscles
These larger muscles are more visible and are responsible for generating movement. They work in tandem with the deep stabilizers for functional motion.
Rectus Abdominis
Commonly known as the “six-pack,” this muscle flexes the spine but isn’t a primary stabilizer.Internal & External Obliques
Allow for rotation and side-bending. Important for balance and dynamic movement.Latissimus Dorsi (Lats)
Located in the back, these assist with upper body strength and spinal support during pulling motions.Gluteal Muscles (Glutes)
Often forgotten in core training, your glutes help stabilize the pelvis and prevent lower back pain during movement.
🌀 Core Muscles & Chiropractic Care: Why It Matters
At Aquarius Chiropractic, we often treat patients whose discomfort stems from core instability—not just poor posture or injury. Chiropractic adjustments alone can relieve pain, but to maintain results, it’s vital to strengthen and coordinate the core muscles that support your spine.
Our chiropractic care for core-related issues includes:
Spinal adjustments to correct misalignments
Functional movement assessments to identify weaknesses
Core stabilization exercises tailored to your needs
Breathing techniques to activate deep stabilizers like the diaphragm and pelvic floor
This approach aligns with research highlighting that core stability is essential for efficient movement patterns and injury prevention. Kibler, Press & Sciascia, 2006
💡 Core Strength vs. Core Stability
These terms are often used interchangeably but mean different things:
Core Strength = Generating force (e.g., crunches, sit-ups)
Core Stability = Controlling force during movement (e.g., maintaining posture while lifting)
Without stability, strength is less effective—and more dangerous. That’s why our chiropractic approach focuses on stabilization first, so you can move confidently and pain-free.
🧍♀️ Who Benefits from Core Stabilization?
Everyone. Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or recovering from injury, core muscle function plays a huge role in daily life. Signs you might need to improve core stability include:
✅ Chronic lower back or pelvic pain
✅ Poor posture
✅ Balance issues
✅ Difficulty engaging your core during exercise
✅ Fatigue after prolonged sitting or standing
🗓 Ready to Strengthen Your Core Muscles?
At Aquarius Chiropractic, we combine modern chiropractic techniques with therapeutic exercise and core stabilization training to help your spine function at its best.
If you’re struggling with core weakness, pain, or postural challenges, we’re here to help.
📞 Book your appointment today
🌐 Visit Aquarius Chiropractic
📍 Serving the Vancouver area with personalized care
💬 Final Thoughts
True core muscle strength starts with stability. By working with your chiropractor to engage the deep core muscles, you lay the foundation for long-term spinal health, better movement, and injury prevention.
Stay strong. Stay aligned. Stay stable.
