What is Low Back Health and Pain? Low Back Pain Treatment
Low back pain may be sharp or blunt in the form of aching, stinging, burning or stinging. While its location can be determined point by point in some cases, it is common in some cases and its location cannot be determined exactly.
Diagnosis and Risk Factors
We can divide low back pain into two general groups according to the duration of their persistence;
1- Acute Low Back Pain;
They are lower back pains that have been present for less than six weeks. Low back pain can occur after an activity (heavy lifting) or trauma (fall, impact) or it can occur without an apparent reason. Studies conducted around the world have revealed that 80% of people experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. The most common type of pain is mechanical back pain. While this situation increases with physical activity (movement, work), it decreases with rest. Mechanical back pain usually develops due to excessive strain of the muscles of the lumbar region, joint ligaments and spinal cord or nervous tension (stress). If we list the risk factors that can cause low back pain;
- The ages with the highest risk are between 35-55.
- The risk is high in those who are inactive, who have a work and life order, those who drive for a long time (drivers), those who stand for a long time, those who sit for a long time without changing their position, and those who lift heavy loads.
- Smoking increases the risk of low back pain.
- People who are psychologically stressed and dissatisfied with their job have a high risk of low back pain.
- There is no strong relationship between height, weight, body structure and low back pain. However, the risk of low back pain is higher in those who are very obese and tall.
- Low back pain is more common in those who are engaged in high-risk sports.
2-Chronic Low Back Pain;
They are lower back pains that have existed for more than three months. Although 90% of low back pain heals within two to three months, recurrences are common. 10% of low back pain becomes chronic. Low back pain is the most common cause of disability in workers under 45 years of age.
- We can reduce the risk of low back pain by taking some precautions in daily life.
- Being active and exercising. Exercises to strengthen the waist and abdominal muscles can be done regularly every day.
- Avoiding heavy lifting. Where necessary, heavy objects; We have to keep the waist in an upright position, bend the knees, crouch and lift the weight on the arms and legs.
- We should avoid standing for a long time.
- We should avoid sitting for a long time. If we are sitting as part of our job, we must stand up every half hour and stretch our body.
- We should not smoke and avoid excessive consumption of tea and coffee.
- Walking and swimming are suitable sports to prevent back pain. It is important for those who are engaged in different sports to do warm-up and stretching exercises after starting sports in preventing injuries.
- Losing weight reduces the risk of back pain.
- We must develop methods of dealing with stress.
Low Back Pain Treatment
In acute back pain, two to three days of rest is usually sufficient. Rest for more than a week may lead to a decrease in joint motion, shortening of soft tissues, and a decrease in muscle strength.
Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants can be used. According to the history and physical examination findings, anxiety-relieving drugs and cortisone can be added to the treatment.
Other reasons that may cause low back pain should be investigated in cases of pain that last for more than two weeks and do not change much in intensity. By referring to the appropriate branch physician, the situation that causes low back pain is determined, and other methods such as physical therapy and spa treatment can be applied sequentially.
