Back Pain and the Myth of a “Weak Core”

The idea that back pain stems from a weak or inactive core persists despite decades of contradictory medical research evidence. Research consistently shows that people with back pain often have more muscle activity, not less.

The spine is not fragile. It is a column designed to transfer load. Problems arise not because it lacks strength, but because movement becomes guarded, rigid, and fearful.

Stability whilst useful for force transfer when squatting or deadliftling, is not about bracing constantly. Excessive stiffness can increase spinal compression and fatigue. Healthy movement requires variability, sometimes stiff, sometimes relaxed depending on the task at hand.

Physiotherapy for back pain focuses on restoring confidence across multiple movement patterns: bending, lifting, rotating, and carrying. These are not dangerous actions; they are fundamental human tasks.

Inside a gym setting, we can load these patterns progressively. A goblet squat teaches spinal control under load. A hip hinge retrains bending without fear. Carries build trunk endurance in a functional way.

The core does not need isolation. It needs integration.