Back Care and Physical Therapy
Back pain is second only to headaches as the most common medical complaint in the United States. At St. Joseph's/Candler, we understand that successfully treating lower back pain begins and ends with successfully treating the underlying cause of the pain. It takes a commitment to the most comprehensive treatment involving surgeons, nurses and physical therapists. Whether the condition is disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis or scoliosis, success takes a SMART approach.
We are all at risk for back pain. The cause could be poor posture, improper lifting technique, poor physical condition, injury or illness. But in most cases, preventive measures can reduce the risk of injury to the spine. At St. Joseph/Candler, physical therapists with specialty training in spine therapy not only treat acute problems but also work with patients via patient education to develop long-term strategies that help reduce the risk of re-injury. We help our patients by providing individualized evaluations, workplace assessments, specialized therapy (including aquatic therapy), exercise programs and pain-management strategies.
These programs can be tailored to the specific needs of patients, whether they are contemplating surgery, seeking self-care information or suffering from recurring back pain. Sessions can be pre- or post-operative and last approximately an hour.
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Spinal Anatomy Summarized
Your spine is composed of separate
bones called vertebrae, stacked vertically. Between each vertebra are intervertebral disc--your spine's shock absorbers. A healthy spine assumes an S-shaped curve to assure strength and balance. The spinal cord runs through an arch in the vertebrae. Your back also has numerous layers of large muscles to help maintain proper posture. Ligaments connect the bones and stabilize the vertebrae. Back pain can result from even slight injury to any of these structures.
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Smart Tips for Improved Spinal Health
Poor lifting technique puts the spine at great risk of injury. Below are a few safety tips that will help reduce the risk of back injury, particularly if your work requires repetitive lifting:
- Pace yourself and take many small breaks.
- Make sure you can safely lift the object. Push the
object
with your feet to judge its weight. Check to make sure you
can grip it easily and that it's positioned where you can
safely lift and move it. Overhead objects may require a lift
or ladder. - Make sure the object is well-packed and balanced
and
won't shift after you lift it. - Lift the object slowly and steadily using your legs,
not your
back. Keep the load close to your body and in front of you.
Avoid twisting. - Try to carry the load in the space between your
shoulder
and your waist. This puts less strain on your back muscles. - Avoid carrying objects on slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Don't rely on your back belt, get help instead.
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Self-Care
Although low back pain can be debilitating, 97% of sufferers recover within four to six weeks using conservative treatment. Some of the best treatments for back pain are:
- Medication -
Anti-inflammatory medications such as
ibuprofen or naproxen are commonly used for acute low
back pain. Your doctor may prescribe a stronger anti-
inflammatory or a narcotic analgesic if pain is severe. Self-
applied ice in the acute phase also helps reduce pain and
swelling. After the first 48-72 hours, apply heat.
- Activity - One to
two days of bed rest may be needed in
severe cases of back pain; otherwise, it is best to keep
moving. Moderate pain during physical activity is a normal
part of the recovery process. Begin low-stress exercise as
soon as possible.
- Work and Home -
Arrange your house and work
environment to be "back-friendly." Remember your back
should be in neutral posture for all activities. You may need
to raise or lower work surfaces, throw out old mattresses
and make sure you are not over-reaching for items. Poor
sitting posture is a major cause of backaches. Change
positions often and make sure you have effective lumbar
support.
- Lifestyle - The
greatest risk factors for lower back pain are
obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Excess weight stresses
bones and muscles and inactivity leads to weak muscles.
Talk to a healthcare professional about lifestyle
modifications.
