EFFECTS OF THE PILATES METHOD IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN - A REVIEW

Abstract

Low back pain is commonly defined as pain or discomfort located in the area of the posterior aspect of the body, from the lower margin of the twelfth rib to the lower gluteal folds, with or without referred pain in one or both lower limbs. Chronic low back pain is characterized as a clinical condition of pain that persists for a period longer than three months. The Pilates Method presents itself as a clinical treatment that involves a physical and mental training program, which considers the body and the mind as a unit, thus being able to bring an overall improvement in the quality of life of individuals who present with chronic low back pain. Through a study of bibliographic revision it is intended to understand the method, as well as to inform about the efficiency of the treatment in people who suffer with chronic low back pain since Pilates demonstrates providing flexibility and stability in the spine musculature, leading to a significant improvement in low back pain, and consequently, in improving the quality of life.