| |
 "Back
pain is perfect misery that overturns all patience."
Back pain is a major social problem, yet is difficult
to analyze and treat. 85% of population can expect to get back
pain, but if early and proper care is taken then it is curable.
Know your spine:
There are 24 bones between the skull and
pelvis, known as vertebrae. Spine is divided into four regions,
namely Cervical (neck), Dorsal Spine, Lumbar Spine, and Sacral
Spine. There is a disk (nature's shock absorbers) between two
vertebrae. The whole structure is given support by a system of
muscles and ligaments. There is a hole down the middle of the
vertebrae, which is known as spinal canal. Spinal cord is an extension
of the brain, which is shorter than the spinal canal and reaches
up to first lumbar vertebrae, which passes through foramen. A
healthy spine is supported by strong and flexible back, abdominal,
hip and legs muscles.
| What can cause pain? |
| 1. |
Static: Postural disorders,
eg. poor postural habits, occupational back pain, obesity,
congenital problems, physical heavy work. |
2. |
Traumatic: Vehicular accidents, violent
blow, can cause fractures or dislocation of the spine. |
3. |
Arthritis: More common in lower spine. |
4. |
Infection: Destructive lesion, tuberculosis,
tumor. |
5. |
Physiological & Psychological:
Social and economical, environmental situations play an important
role. |
| Symptoms: |
| - |
Pain: Mild or severe in
lower back or legs |
- |
May be associated with neck pain. |
- |
Morning stiffness. |
- |
Tingling and numbness (may or may
not be.) |
- |
Difficulty in walking and climbing
steps. |
| Treatment: Early
treatment is advisable |
| 1.
|
Complete bed rest in
acute backpain. |
2. |
No massage. Hot packs or cold packs |
3. |
Physiotherapy should be started as
early as possible, for relief of pain and muscle spasm. Different
modalities like short-wave diathermy, TENS, LASER therapy,
for generalised pain and long wave or ultra sonic can be given
for the localised pain, lumbar traction and tailor made exercises,
manipulations and mobilizations. |
4. |
LumboSacral belt and back chair support.
|
5. |
Ergonomics - This means work posture
and work position. Most common cause of back pain is wrong
posture. Occupational backpain, frequent bending and twisting,
lifting heavy weights needs ergonomics guidance. The job of
the physiotherapist is to guide the height and position of
the artist's table, the chair and the arm's position for the
computer operator, the type of chair and table for the executives
according to the height of the individual. |
| Dos And Don'ts: |
| |
Start early treatment;
do not neglect your precious back. |
| 2. |
Adopt correct posture
i.e. keep the spine straight while standing, sitting or walking.
|
| 3. |
Do regular exercise as
shown by the Physiotherapist. |
| 4. |
Do not bend forward to
lift weight, bend the knees and lift. |
| 5. |
Do not sit in one position
for longer hours or cross sit on the floor. |
| 6. |
Do not take any drugs
on your own. |
| 7. |
Always get up from one
side. |
| 8. |
If you have severe pain
do not do spinal exercises on your own. Let the Physiotherapist
prescribe tailor made exercises after a proper diagnosis is
made. |
| 9. |
Regular follow up is very
important for change of exercises. |
| 10. |
Wear cushioned shoes. |
BACKPAIN IS CURABLE IF PROPER CARE IS TAKEN. |
