Does strength increase correlate with pain decrease?

Yes, it appears to. Although more studies are required to establish the precise nature of the link studies show that there is a good association between improved strength and function and reduced pain.

A study by Risch looked at the effects of exercise for isolated lumbar extensor muscles in 54 chronic low back pain patients. Results showed a significant increase in isometric lumbar extension strength for the treatment group and a significant reduction in reported pain compared with the control group (wait listed).

Risch et al., SPINE 1993 - COPY AVAILABLE

A study by Nelson that looked at outcomes for 627 chronic low back pain patients who completed a programme whose primary treatment was intensive, specific exercise using firm pelvic stabilization to isolate and rehabilitate the lumbar spine musculature found that 76% of patients experienced "both substantial pain relief and substantial improvement in strength" compared to a control group of 107 patients that were not treated.

Nelson et al. ORTHOPEDICS, Oct 1995 - CLICK TO READ

A prospective, controlled study by Manniche found that a course of high intensity lumbar extension exercise produced a 70% decrease in reported subjective pain for chronic low back patients.

Manniche et al. PAIN 1991

[back to Information for Medical Practitioners]