DESCRIPTION
Low back pain is pain that occurs in the lumbo-sacral spine. The lumbar spine
consists of five bones, called the lumbar vertebrae. Between adjacent vertebrae
there is a disc, filled with jelly like material. The vertebrae, discs and
associated muscles and ligaments are supplied with nerves. Disease or injury to
these structures may cause low back pain.
CAUSES
- Back strain or sprains
- Ruptured discs
- Tension and emotional problems
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylosis (immobility of joint)
- Spondylolisthesis (sliding of one vertebra over the other)
- Miscellaneous: birth defects, scoliosis, prostate disease or kidney
disease
PAIN MANAGEMENT
First, stop whatever you were doing to cause the pain and rest.
Lie down as soon as you can. Wrap ice in a towel and hold it on the sore area
for 20 to 30 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. The best position for relief
of pain is to lie on your back on the floor with pillows under your knees, with
your hips and knees bent and your feet on a chair. Stay in this position for
five to 20 minutes at a time.
Moist heat (heating pad) therapy is generally more comfortable after first 24
hours and helps bring more blood to injured area.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen may help.
Take these medications with food and as directed on the label. If you have any
questions or concerns, check with your health care professional.
A brace or corset protects the spine by adding the needed support and by
restricting movement.
Manipulation refers to someone working with his or her hands on your back. It
involves twisting, stretching and subtle movements. Usually manipulation is
limited to muscle spasms and joint adhesions. Your back should be medically
diagnosed before you consider manipulation.
Traction uses weighted pulleys to stretch or straighten joints. It eases
pressure on the spine and keeps the joints immobilized to allow healing to
occur, relieve symptoms and assure complete bed rest.
Surgery is not a substitute for other forms of treatment, nor is it any
guarantee that back problems are over.
PREVENTION
- Do not lift by bending at the waist
- Lift the object by bending your hips and knees and squatting to pick up
the object
- Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body
- Avoid twisting your body while lifting
- Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects
- If you must sit at your desk or at the wheel of a car or truck for long
hours, break up the time with stops to stretch
- Think about your posture
- Wear flat shoes or low heels (1-inch or less).
-
BUILD A HEALTHY BACK
A healthy back is the result of stretching and strengthening exercises, along
with a nutritious diet and general wellness. Proper posture and lifting
techniques will help build a healthy back. Your goals are to improve flexibility
and endurance in the muscles of the back.
