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Why can weak trunk muscles contribute to low back pain?

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A man in athletic clothing jogs along a paved path beside a black metal fence, with trees and another person in the background. — exercise Jogging.

Weak trunk muscles can contribute to low back pain because the muscles of the trunk, including the erector spinae, are essential for maintaining an upright posture and stabilizing the vertebral column.12

In an upright posture, the body relies on muscular compression of the abdomen and thorax to assist the spine in supporting the body's weight and providing a firm base for movement. Anteroposterior stability is achieved by balancing the force of gravity against the back muscles that extend the spine. When these muscles are weak, they cannot effectively counteract gravitational forces or provide the necessary support for the spine, which places increased stress on the bony structures and intervertebral disks of the lower lumbar region. Consequently, this lack of stability and support often manifests as low back pain.21