Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal conditions in the United States, particularly among Veterans. The physical demands of military service, combined with the long-term effects of repetitive strain, injury, and aging, make Veterans especially vulnerable to chronic back issues. Yet, new evidence highlights a promising pathway for prevention and management: strengthening the body’s core through chiropractic-guided rehabilitation.
Exploring the Research
A recent study conducted at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System examined the relationship between low back pain (LBP) and trunk endurance (TE) among adults aged 18–89 years who sought chiropractic care for nonsurgical back pain. Using data from electronic health records (spanning January to December 2019), researchers analyzed how core strength and endurance related to pain intensity and functional disability.
The study evaluated 85 patients with a mean age of 53.6 years, controlling for factors such as age, sex, and body composition. Results were clear: individuals with greater trunk endurance, measured through a prone bridge (plank) test, experienced lower levels of back pain and functional disability. Specifically, statistical analysis revealed significant negative associations between trunk endurance and both pain severity (β: -0.042, P < .001) and disability scores (β: -0.334, P < .001). Interestingly, body mass index (BMI) did not significantly affect these outcomes, underscoring the unique role of muscular endurance rather than body size in spinal health.
Why This Matters for Chiropractic Care
These findings reinforce what chiropractors have long observed in clinical practice: a strong, stable core is foundational to spinal health. Chiropractic care emphasizes not just pain relief but also restoring function and resilience through movement-based therapies and personalized exercise programs. By improving trunk endurance, chiropractors help patients reduce the risk of recurrent pain and regain confidence in their physical abilities.
For Veterans, many of whom live with chronic pain from years of physical service, chiropractic interventions offer a nonpharmacological, evidence-informed solution. The integration of core strengthening, spinal adjustments, and lifestyle counseling aligns with the broader goals of Veteran healthcare: improving function, reducing dependence on medication, and enhancing quality of life.
Looking Ahead: The Power of Prevention
The implications of this study extend beyond Veterans. Low back pain affects millions of Americans, and the research supports a simple but powerful message: by promoting endurance, balance, and strength through chiropractic-guided care, patients can prevent pain before it starts and maintain long-term spinal health.
In the era of whole-person care, this study provides scientific backing for what chiropractors have practiced for decades, building strength from the core outward is key to relieving pain, restoring function, and empowering healthier lives.