Core Weakness refers to poor strength, power generation or muscular endurance of one or more of the muscles that comprise the Core Muscles. The Core Muscles include the abdominals, the obliques, the transversus muscles, as well as the muscles of the diaphragm and those muscles that make up the Pelvic Floor. Weakness of the Core Muscles can lead to poor posture when in static or moving positions, can lead to increased discomfort in the lower and midback, can lead to increased stiffness of muscles around the core, and can increase the risk of irritation and injury of those structures.
Core Weakness comes about through many different means, and because the core is made up of many different muscles, the experience of core weakness and the consequences thereof can be different from person to person. A cross‑sectional study of college‑aged adults found that 42% demonstrated measurable core muscle weakness (Kadiervel et al., 2023). Another study reported that over one‑third of young adults experience core fatigue during routine daily activities, highlighting how early these deficits can emerge (Ahmad, 2025). Typically, core weakness occurs due to gradual deconditioning of the muscles of the abdomen and the lower back. This gradual weakening is usually not pathological, but a consequence of sustained sedentary postures throughout the day, where sedentary postures have been shown to reduce trunk muscle endurance by up to 27% over time (Rakholiya et al., 2021). Jobs and occupations that require sustained sitting in supported and unsupported postures and which require sustained standing are risk factors for core weakness. Additionally, even occupations that require standing and movement can impose stress on the core that uses some muscles but not others, leading to weakness of some but not all muscles of the core.
Weakness of the Core Muscles, poor posture, and poor muscular endurance are risk factors for developing back pain, and are often the first things addressed in the management of that condition, where core weakness has been found to be present in 58% of individuals reporting nonspecific low back pain (Kadiervel et al., 2023).. However, Core Weakness can have other effects too. A weak Core makes it more difficult to lift, move, and push objects as well as increasing the risk of injury from recreational exercises like running, weightlifting, and cycling, as well as awkward movements like those needed around the house. In severe cases, postural effects from Core Weakness can lead to irritation and discomfort in the lower back, the shoulders, the neck and the hips. The Core Muscles are those that provide stability to the abdomen and lower back, and therefore their conditioning is an important consideration in general health.
Core Weakness is managed firstly by ensuring that the muscles, joints, and segments of the lower back, ribcage and pelvis can all move in a painfree and easy manner. Following this, conditioning of the Core Muscles requires a specific program, which can involve exercises like reformer or mat pilates, yoga, tai chi, or basic isometric or repetitive exercises. Finally, Core Muscle reconditioning requires use of the core in a vigorous sport- or exercise-based context, such as in recreational physical activity on a pitch or in the gym. Regardless of the severity, timecourse and overall plan, your physiotherapist is the best person to consult regarding weakness of the core muscles.
Managing discomfort depends on several factors: its cause, how it changes during the day, what eases or worsens it, and how long you’ve had the pain. These are reviewed in your initial consultation, the first step toward reducing and managing discomfort. From there, your treatment plan is tailored to your needs, focusing on minimising pain, restoring pain‑free movement, and preventing future flare‑ups.
At Atlas Physio, we provide clear education, structured care, and ongoing support both in‑clinic and at home. To keep care accessible, we’re open seven days a week, offer evening appointments, bulk bill eligible clients, and charge no gap for WorkCover or TAC clients. Contact us today to start living more comfortably, safely, and well, with care that’s reliable, straightforward, and effective.
REFERENCES
Ahmad, G., & Shahzad, A. (2025). The Prevalence of Core Muscles Weakness and Fatigue in 18-to 25-Year-Old Medical College Students: Prevalence of Core Muscles Weakness and Fatigue. THE THERAPIST (Journal of Therapies & Rehabilitation Sciences), 06-12.
Kadiervel, K., Muralisankar, K. S. I., Mohanraj, G., & Thamburaj, A. S. (2024). Prevalence of core muscle weakness in 18-25 years college going students-A cross-sectional study. African Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(6), 5764–5783
Rakholiya, P., Mistry, I., Patel, R., Tank, P., & Sonpal, D. (2021). Prevalence core muscle weakness in 18–25 years old females. International Journal of Applied Research, 7(9), 37-40.