EDUCATION
Busting
myths:
causes and
treatments of lower
back pain
By avoiding certain risk factors, you can greatly
reduce your chance of lower back pain as well as
improve your general health
TIPS TO AVOID INJURY
THAT MAY CAUSE
LOWER BACK PAIN:
· When lifting heavy
objects, try to place
most of the weight
Lower back pain is not something you have to live with
A
on your knees
instead of your back.
ccording to recently conducted studies, CAUSES OF LOWER BACK PAIN
around 80% of all South Africans will “The causes of lower back pain are widespread and
experience some form of back pain in it is very diffi cult to pinpoint one or two specifi c
their lifetime. Lower back pain (LBP) causes. It is most commonly caused by disc disorders
is a very common musculoskeletal condition that and muscle injuries in young patients, or degenerative
can often lead to disability. causes in older people. However, it may be more
The prevalence of this potentially debilitating
serious in the case of fractures or spinal cord
· Avoid sitting for
long periods of time.
If you have a desk-
bound job, try getting
up and walking
around frequently to
minimise strain on
condition is increasing rapidly, raising concern compression. Bearing in mind that there are extra
around the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment spinal causes of lower back pain such as hernias,
of this condition. bladder or uterus problems.”
your back.
· Exercise regularly
and pay special
Dr Jaytesh Pillay, orthopaedic and spine surgeon
attention to your
practising at Netcare Waterfall City Hospital in TREATMENT FOR LOWER BACK PAIN Midrand, Johannesburg, says that false perceptions “Lower back pain can be successfully treated with exercising. Try to keep
about lower back pain may have a great infl uence on the use of non-invasive, low risk methods. These your back straight and
the proper diagnosis and treatment of the condition. may include a combination of exercises, provided your shoulders relaxed.
“Too many people mistakenly believe that lower back and facilitated by a physiotherapist, Stretching exercises
pain is just something they have to live with, without anti-infl ammatory and pain medication, such as yoga or
thinking about the cause or realising that it may result as well as bed rest,” explains Pillay. Pilates can also have
in long term damage. Lower back pain can be a sign
posture while
“In extreme cases, surgery may be advised, but only
of serious injuries or another underlying condition and after all conservative methods have been exhausted
should not be taken lightly,” he cautions. and the patient is fully worked up using various
“Another big problem is fear of surgery, as many
diagnostic tests, specifi cally an MRI scan. An MRI
people think that the only way to treat lower back scan is a non-invasive scan that allows us to visualise
pain is with back or spine surgery, which is incorrect. the nerves, spinal cord, discs, and muscles.
Pillay holds that a multi-disciplinary approach is
your posture and core
strength.
· Consider calcium
and magnesium
supplements,
especially if you
In fact, most cases are treated successfully without
any form of surgery.”
a positive impact on
are over 40. Also
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH
LOWER BACK PAIN
consider having bone
the best way to treat lower back pain. “At Netcare “By avoiding certain risk factors, you can greatly
Waterfall City Hospital, we have a fully integrated reduce your chance of lower back pain as well
spinal team consisting of orthopaedic spine surgeons, as improve your general health,” Pillay advises.
neurosurgeons, physiotherapists, biokineticists, and “Risk factors that increase your chances of
dieticians. There are many diff erent causes of the developing the condition include obesity, a
condition and therefore a variety of skills are required sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, smoking,
to treat each individual case appropriately,” he says. and hazards such as lifting heavy objects.”
density tests at this
age.
· Improve your quality
of sleep by sleeping
with your spine in
a neutral position
on a comfortable
mattress.
Pharmacy Magazine MAY 2017 |
27