Diaphragm Position and Abdominal Pressure Increase Lumbar Spine Stability

Written By Louis Ellery

Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16023475/

This study demonstrated that intra-abdominal pressure and diaphragm function play a central role in stabilising the spine. When the diaphragm is well-positioned and the ribcage is aligned with the pelvis, the body can generate pressure that stiffens the lumbar spine and distributes load more evenly.

If the ribcage flares or collapses, the diaphragm loses mechanical leverage, leading to reduced spinal stability. The body compensates with excessive back extensor activity, neck tension, pelvic tilt changes, and inefficient gait mechanics.

This paper shows that stability is not created by bracing the core or performing isolated abdominal exercises. Stability emerges from breath-driven, 360-degree pressure and harmonious rib-pelvis alignment — concepts central to FP methodology.

How this connects to FP Brisbane:
FP training devotes significant attention to breathing mechanics, decompression, rib positioning, and integrated trunk rotation. These principles directly influence load tolerance. We place breathing and ribcage mechanics at the centre of movement rehabilitation because they dictate how the entire system manages force.

Key takeaways:

  • The diaphragm is a core stabiliser, not just a breathing muscle

  • Ribcage–pelvis alignment drives spinal mechanics

  • Stability comes from pressure, not bracing

  • FP breathing work directly reflects these findings

Louis Ellery

Just a man trying to make the world more functional and less painful.

https://www.functionalpatternsbrisbane.com
Previous

Movement-Based Approaches Outperform Standard Exercise + Education for Chronic Low Back Pain
Next

Gait Retraining Reduces Knee Pain by Changing Hip & Pelvic Mechanics