BACK PAIN??? - Here is what you can do!!!!
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Guys, usually I don’t write this long article but this post
needed the length and depth keeping the importance and priority in mind, so
please spare few minutes to read full.
BACK PAIN, the most common complaint or suffering that I
hear as a Physiotherapist and a Pilates instructor. When we get diagnosed or
think that we have back pain, most of the time we get to hear WHAT NOT TO DO
BUT HARDLY HEAR WHAT TO DO, to get rid of this depressing condition!! Today let’s
see, what back pain is and what to do when this pierces into your life. The
same goes for your NECK PAIN TOO.
Back pain is a condition where you get pain in your spinal
region with some or most of the spinal activities or movements. The reasons
could be several. To mention few, it could be a spinal muscle strain, spinal
stenosis, disc tear/ bulge/protrusion/prolapsed, spinal arthritis,
Spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis & idiopathic (unknown cause). Phew!!!
Aren’t these names scary and hard to pronounce.
Well, most episodes of back should resolve, usually within
few weeks. However, some episodes can persist, which can be frustrating to both
the patient and the healthcare professional. When these symptoms persist we,
usually, go for an MRI. The radiologists often detect some findings which may
be the actual cause of the pain or findings that are normal. Some findings like
disc bulge/tear/prolapsed can cause anxiety for patients thinking they are
developing some serious spinal problem. This may not be true in most of the cases
because studies have shown over and over, that disc bulges are exceedingly
common, and can be seen in MRIs of people without back pain or problems.
Here, this does not mean MRIs are not correct or not helpful;
this means that just because an MRI has some abnormal findings, there is some
problem. As we age, our discs and structures around the spine or spine itself
will have some degenerative findings just like graying of hair or skin wrinkles
J. This is the reason
why you see a written MRI report say at the end TO BE CORELATED CLINICALLY!!!
Now the question still remains, WHAT TO DO WHEN WE HAVE BACK
PAIN? The answer is, the disc bulge or the muscle strain does not need any
treatment but the primary cause of the back pain needs to be better understood
and treated, which is the ROOT CAUSE. I am sure you all will agree that the
strain or bulge just did not crop up on its own. There are some factors which
have been affecting these structures repeatedly or for prolonged duration or
both. These factors* are;
- Prolonged improper/poor postures causing muscular imbalances around spine.
- Repetitive activities, causing strain or injury to the structures around the spine.
If the disc has not
come out on its own, then definitely it will not go in on its own!!! This is what
you need to do:
- Correct the poor/improper posture (static or dynamic) with the help of your Physiotherapist or any health care professional. This will help in identifying the muscle groups which are tight and/or weak.
- Identify the repetitive activity which is causing the stress. This can be done by careful questioning on your daily activities or history of any injuries.
- After a successful assessment from above two, along with your therapist, negotiate on an exercise program, emphasizing on core strengthening, & which suits you best and which can be done as a daily workout. Every exercise will work for you, provided IF YOU WORK by doing the exercise. Addressing these factors will avoid re occurrences of your back pain.
- Along with a good exercise program, regular MANUAL THERAPY from your Physiotherapist can keep your back healthy.
- Try to be consistent with the exercise program which will help you to reduce the stress slowly on the structures. Do not expect miracles on day one. Everything has a timeline. The recovery will depend on your condition, your previous fitness levels, lifestyle and age.
Guys don't be afraid and sit at homes wining about your pain. Come
out and talk to your health care professionals to eliminate this condition to
lead a active, non-stressful and productive LIFE.
*NOTE: These guidelines are not for back pains due to
accidents or fractures.
Images courtsey: Google images
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