Low Back Pain Part 2 – Managing and Preventing Low Back Pain
With the recognition that many people experience low back pain, it is important to learn and address ways to manage the pain.
Recently, a major issue regarding the care of patients with low back pain is the unnecessary use of spinal imaging. While routine check ups can be an effective way to diagnose and reassure patients, it has been found to have adverse effects on patients’ sense of wellbeing and cause unnecessary anxiety.
In most cases of low back pain, a serious medical problem is unlikely. Therefore, rather than unnecessary imaging, educating patients on managing their health condition is more recommended.
International guidelines for the clinical care of low back pain regard low back care in the following steps:
- Low-moderate low back pain: encourage an active lifestyle, educate and reassure the patient that there is no serious disease (most low back pain improves after 4-6 weeks)
- Acute low back pain: the care should involve one of physical therapy, psychological therapy and complementary therapy to ease the pain and prevent further aggravation of the condition
- Chronic low back pain: the care should consider all or most of the therapies above and consult with health professionals for advice. Also, interprofessional pain management should take place.
- Chronic, non-specific low back pain: professional check-up is to take place, but the patient should not be offered injectable steroid medicines.
Most importantly, it is necessary that the individual changes their lifestyle or daily habits to prevent low back pain. To do this, you may:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid carrying heavy loads, and engage leg muscles when lifting heavy items
- Eat foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus to build healthy bones
- Exercise regularly and develop core strength
- Stay conscious of your posture (engage abdominal muscles, maintain a head position, roll shoulders down and away from your ears)
- Use a supportive pillow under your knees when sleeping or lying on back
For more helpful information like this, contact Living Waters Aged Care.
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