The role of Lumbopelvic Motor Control in Chronic Low Back Pain
Adam Turnbull, Physiotherapist
Chronic low back pain is complex and can be influenced by several different factors. Pain can come from irritated or overloaded tissues such as muscles, joints, or ligaments and this is known as nociceptive pain. Neuropathic pain occurs when a nerve itself becomes irritated or compressed, while nociplastic pain arises from changes in how the nervous system processes pain. For many people with chronic low back pain, irritation of the spinal tissues or nerves plays a significant role in their symptoms. In these cases, improving how the muscles and joints of the lower back and pelvis work together, known as lumbopelvic motor control, can be an important step in improving pain, restoring confidence with movement and supporting recovery.
The lower back and pelvis work together as the body’s foundation for movement. When there is restricted or poorly controlled movement in the lumbopelvic region, it can place extra stress on tissues of the spine. People with chronic low back pain often have changes in muscle activation patterns, where some muscles may work too hard and others do not activate enough to support movement. There can also be significant changes to posture and movement patterns that also place additional load on the spine. By improving how the back and pelvis move together, and by retraining muscle activation patterns, the strain on the irritated tissues can be reduced and support the body’s natural healing process.
Treatment of chronic low back pain using a motor control approach
Effective treatment of chronic low back pain using a motor control approach starts with a comprehensive assessment completed by an experienced physiotherapist. During the assessment the physiotherapist will identify the factors contributing to your low back pain and will assess muscle activation patterns, postural alignment, and movement control during functional tasks that are relevant or challenging.
Treatment is highly individualised depending on the findings of the assessment but in many cases focusses on:
Specific muscle activation: Helping you recognise which muscles are overworking and which need more activation
Improving posture and alignment: Finding comfortable, balanced positions that reduce unnecessary load on sensitive areas
Practising optimal movement patterns: Relearning efficient movement strategies during everyday activities such as getting out of a chair, lifting, or walking
Building lasting habits: Integrating these new movement patterns into daily life so improvements continue beyond the clinic
Motor control retraining is most effective when it is part of a broader, whole-person approach. This means addressing not only how your body moves, but also other factors that influence recovery such as general fitness, emotional wellbeing, sleep, and stress.
Lumbar motor control research at Advance Healthcare
Our physiotherapy and research teams are currently completing a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of lumbar motor control interventions for people with chronic low back pain as part of a comprehensive pain management program. This research is being conducted in collaboration with Professor Paul Hodges (University of Queensland), a leading expert in spinal motor control, who has provided specialised training to our practitioners in the assessment and treatment of patients using this approach. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and the findings will help contribute to evidence-based strategies for improving outcomes in chronic low back pain internationally.
Treatment for low back pain at Advance Healthcare
At Advance Healthcare our experienced practitioners provide individualised, evidence-based care for low back pain using a lumbar motor control approach. By understanding the specific factors contributing to your pain, we deliver targeted treatment that reduces symptoms, improves function, and supports durable long-term recovery.
Adam has led a number of rehabilitation and pain management services at hospitals across Melbourne over the last two decades and has a strong interest in chronic pain conditions of the hip, back, neck and shoulder. In additional Adam has extensive experience working with hypermobility disorders such as Ehler’s Danlos syndrome along with complex hip conditions.