Management of Low Back Pain
The Management of Low Back Pain
Low back pain can feel like a curse. It can be brought upon by the simplest of actions such as bending over to pick up a rag, or twisting a little too fast in the wrong direction. It can linger and be persistent if not treated just right. And it can have a detrimental effect on the daily activities of living. Socializing, physical, and psychological health can all be negatively affected at the onslaught of chronic low back pain. If you have ever felt like this you are not alone. More than half the people in the United States will at some point in their lives experience low back pain along with you. It is very common for someone to have an acute back injury such as a muscle strain, small fracture, or discal herniation and try to manage it on their own to avoid dealing with the multiple doctors visits and possibly some financial burdens. I do recommend seeking out the most appropriate medical professional in most cases, but for chronic low back pain with no specific diagnosis, there are management techniques to help improve symptoms.
Techniques to reduce low back pain
Bed rest can help relax tissue, and positions that will apply the best benefit will vary from person to person
The use of pharmacologics such as NSAIDS can decrease inflammation and reduce pain
Therapeutic modalities such as cryotherapy and thermotherapy can improve healing time by setting up an optimal internal environment for tissue healing phases.
Participation in organized light physical activity depending on fitness level of the individual.
Continuation of care
Some research shows that physical activity can be the most beneficial for long term management of low back pain. A person's level of fitness can improve upon their condition by strengthening and stretching the tissue surrounding the injury. Everyone's origin of chronic low back pain might be slightly different, and the appropriate exercise program will vary from person to person. But there are some common exercises that can assist with the management of low back pain without a specific diagnosis. The Mckenzie method is synonymous with spinal extension exercises, strengthening muscles on the posterior aspect of the body. While strengthening posterior muscles tightens tissue within the back, sometimes a person's condition arises from structures that are too tight. Hip stretches can help regain normal tissue balances between the lumbo-pelvic complex. Beside specific exercises to target muscles in the mid-section of the body, full body aerobic training can also be beneficial. Exercising for 150 minutes a week at a moderate intensity can help improve blood flow and functional capabilities of an individual.
Other resources
Alexander Kalesnik
Contact: akalesnik9769@westfield.ma.edu
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