Dr David McGrath

Dr David McGrath

Dr David McGrath

Spine Physician

MB BS (Hons) FAFOM, RACP, FAFMM
Master of Pain Medicine


Muscle Imbalance is often quoted, as the cause, of all spinal problems. Other structures (eg spine), in this causal model,are subsequantly put under excessive stress and strain,leading ultimately, to spinal arthritis.
In this theory, correction of the imbalance, leads to cure.
This line of thinking, leads to a set of corrective exercises, often starting with a selection of stretches, to be followed by, strenghening. As with all treatments, there is a percentage of patients who respond positively.
The theory is worth looking at, more closely.
1. Each individual muscle has a resting length and a dynamic range.
2. Mucles are quiet, unless activated by the nervous system
3. The resting length of muscles, about a joint, will co-determine the resting position of joints
4. Lack of equilibrium between the muscles and joint, will lead to nervous system disturbance.
5. Complications, such as, entrapment of nerves, or ischemic problems, increase the disorder.

In other words, muscles are like every other component in the body. They have inputs, and they create outputs. We are not in a sound position to blame muscles, as the cause of anything. (other than identified pathology )
We are entitled, to make observations about,
1. A bent spine, or
2 Increased muscular activity, or
3. Small dynamic joint range
4. Nerve symptoms and other complications

Of these observations, only the increased, muscular activity, is likely to be directly relevent to cause and pain, as it is a sign of instability. Again, we must be careful about deductions. Muscles may be irritable because of a joint instability, or other input,such as a tumour. Removing the muscular tension (If possible), has the potential, to make matters worse, as it could leave an injured joint unprotected.
A safer strategy, than stretching muscles, it to explore an area of dysfunction, allowing the nervous system and muscles to make appropriate adjustments, towards equilibrium, and no pain.
The "muscle imbalance" theory is no more than an ad hoc description of some clinical observations, designed to justify some form of muscle intervention.

©Copyright 2007 Dr David McGrath. All rights reserved