As you roll out of bed, your low back hurts, no matter which
way you turn.
According to the North American Spine Society, 80 percent of
people will experience back pain at some point—and it’s important to know your
options for relief.
The back is comprised of many components, including bones, joints,
and muscles, so the source of back pain can vary based on an individual’s
lifestyle and physiology. Pain can occur due to anything from improper posture
and overexertion during a workout to improper lifting or carrying heavy
objects.
“If a person is dealing with acute [short-term] back pain, it will
usually resolve itself with exercise and lifestyle modifications within four to
six weeks,” says John E. LaMacchia, MD, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon at Crittenton
Hospital Medical Center. “However, if pain persists, patients should consult
their physician to find and treat the cause of the pain.”
Keeping Your Options Open
Since back pain can be caused by a number of factors, it’s
important to see a medical professional and undergo a thorough evaluation to
ensure you receive proper treatment.
“We can utilize multiple nonsurgical modalities to treat back
pain, so we consider surgery as a final option,” Dr. LaMacchia says. “Patients
typically take medication, work with a physical therapist, or receive injection
therapy, all of which can be very effective options for pain relief.”
Other nonsurgical approaches to treat back pain may include:
- Acupuncture, a Chinese
approach utilizing stainless steel needles inserted into specific areas of the
body to promote healing and reduce pain
- Chiropractic therapy, in
which a chiropractor manipulates the spine gently to alleviate pressure
- Pilates and yoga, two
kinds of exercises that focus on improving core strength and gentle stretching
- Weight loss, as achieving
an ideal body weight reduces force placed on the spine
Advanced Diagnostic Technology
When conservative treatment options fail or numbness, tingling, or
weakness accompany the pain, surgical intervention may be needed. Typically,
patients will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening. Crittenton
utilizes the latest technology with a 1.5T MRI from Siemens during diagnostic
evaluations.
“At Crittenton, we use advanced imaging technology to obtain and
view a very detailed picture of the patient’s spine,” Dr. LaMacchia says. “This
allows us to make appropriate decisions about the best course of care, whether
it’s continued conservative management or surgery.”
While
injury or illness will occur at some point during your lifetime, you can take
steps to reduce your risk of experiencing back pain. These
include:
- Always warm up before a
workout. Taking
five minutes to warm up your muscles can reduce your risk of experiencing a
pulled muscle or ligament during a workout. Remember to include a five-minute
cool down after your run or workout.
- Be careful when moving
heavy objects. Whether
you have a career that requires heavy lifting or you are doing work around the
house, make sure you lift heavy items with care. Bend and lift from the legs
instead of your back. Keeping the item close to your body can also prevent
overexertion.
- Maintain a healthy
weight. Being just
10 pounds overweight could lead to back pain or problems, so be sure to eat a
balanced diet of whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and fresh fruits
and vegetables, and schedule 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the
week to keep your weight in check.
- Pick appropriate footwear. While wearing heels for client meetings or
dinner out on the town is fine, choosing comfortable shoes with a low heel for
everyday wear can help you maintain good posture.
- Say “no” to smoking. Did you know smoking cigarettes is bad for
your back, too? Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco products can inhibit
blood flow, causing you to feel pain in your back.
For
more information about orthopaedic and spine services at Crittenton Hospital
Medical Center, visit www.crittenton.com/ortho
, and choose “Spine
Center.”
