 Lower back pain has long been a common occurrence experienced by people in the workforce, whether within a strenuous physical role or a sedentary office environment. Understanding how to manage back pain can play an important role in managing the long term effects this type of injury can have on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Many factors can cause lower back injuries, such as muscle strain or spasm, sprains of ligaments, joint problems, or a 'slipped disc'. The most common cause is using the spine and back muscles in activities that these structures are not well-conditioned for – like lifting heavy loads, or performing strenuous, repetitive, awkward, or sustained movements.
Types of Injury
Lower back injuries fall into two general categories: acute and chronic.
Acute Lower Back Pain
An acute lower back injury may be caused by a traumatic event, like a car accident, a fall or a once-off heavy lift. It occurs suddenly, and the individual will usually be able to pinpoint exactly when it happened. In acute cases, the structures damaged will more than likely be soft tissue, which supports and gives function to the spine.
Chronic lower back pain
Chronic back pain is defined as back pain that has been present for an excess of 3-6 months. Chronic lower back pain usually has a more insidious onset, occurring over a long period of time.
Treatment and Management
There are a range of approaches to the treatment of lower-back pain, which naturally depend on the exact nature of the diagnosis.
Conservative management
Here, the goal of treatment is to restore proper function and strength to the back, and prevent recurrence of the injury.
Exercise can be an effective approach to reducing pain. Generally, some form of consistent stretching and exercise is believed to be an essential component of most back treatment programs. However, studies have found that exercise is effective for chronic back pain, but not for acute pain.
Strong lower back and abdominal muscles work together to maintain a pain-free and healthy back. Exercises can help strengthen the muscles of the lower back; however, it is important that these exercises are commenced slowly and carefully, and that intensity is gradually increased. Such exercises must always be confirmed as medically suitable with a qualified treating specialist prior to commencement. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, bike-riding and walking are regularly regarded as suitable exercises for relief of back pain.
Acute Lower Back Pain Management
Although the following have been identified as management strategies for acute lower back pain, it is recommended that medical advice is sought in the first instance before considering any of the below:
- Analgesics (pain medications) such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Continuation of normal activity as tolerated.
Chronic Lower Back Pain Management
There are a range of popular treatment modalities for the management of chronic lower back. It is recommended that medical advice is sought in the first instance before considering any of the following:
- Heat treatment (heat packs)
- Hydrotherapy
- Massage therapy or remedial massage (if pain is muscular/ligamentous in nature)
- Light stretching
- Normal activity.
Additional and Popular Forms of Treatment
Pilates
Many physical therapists are successfully introducing Pilates into their rehabilitation programs for patients with back pain. Pilates emphasises proper breathing and body awareness, in addition to core conditioning. Sufferers of lower back pain have found they are able to develop their full set of core muscles, which gives them functional strength to participate in their daily activities.
Acupuncture
According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain results from blocked energy along energy pathways of the body, which are unblocked when acupuncture needles are inserted along these invisible pathways. A scientific explanation is that acupuncture releases natural pain-relieving opioids, sending signals that calm the sympathetic nervous system, and releasing neurochemicals and hormones. While acupuncture has been shown to provide some pain relief for sufferers of chronic and acute lower back pain, however it is recommended that medical advice is sought prior to commencing treatment.
Prevention
Recurring back pain resulting from improper body mechanics or other non traumatic causes is often preventable.
Consider the following preventative measures:
- Engage in exercises and activity that do not jolt or strain the back
- Engage in exercise that strengthens the core muscles to prevent injury
- Maintain correct posture, lifting objects correctly can help prevent injuries
- Reduce twisting of the spine by moving your feet to rotate positions.
- Seek assistance if carrying large, heavy or awkwardly designed objects
- Keep in mind that many work-related injuries are caused or aggravated by stressors such as heavy lifting, vibration, repetitive motion, and awkward posture
- Apply ergonomic principles, using furniture and tools designed to protect the body from injury at home and in the workplace can greatly reduce the risk of back injury and help maintain a healthy back.
Altogether, the treatment of lower back pain requires a multi-disciplinary approach and a rehabilitation program with combinations of medically suitable treatment modalities to achieve results.
 
© ResolutionsRTK 2011 | Ezine | Volume 5 | Issue 3 | October 2011
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