Chronic Low Back Pain

CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN

Chronic low back pain is prevalent, clinically complex and exacts a huge cost on the patient. Chronic if it has lasted more than 12 weeks.Many factors increase the risk of developing low back pain. Some of these factors area age, gender, family history,obesity,previous back injury,poor posture and alignment and smoking.

1) CAUSES:

•  Inflammation
•  Muscle and soft tissues injury
•  Structural problems of the back
•  Imbalance in body mechanics
•  Psychological/Social factor

2) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

•  Pain
•  Aching
•  Tenderness
•  Stiffness
•  Insomnia
•  Fatugue
•  Depressed mood

3) DIAGNOSIS

•  comprehensive asseesment
•  medical history
•  physical examination

4) PREVENTION

• i) Stay fit
• ii) Be aware of the posture and position
•  Sitting
•  Standing
•  Lifting and Carrying

5) TREATMENT

i) Spinal manipulation

- A “two-to-two week regimen of daily spinal manipulations by experienced
chiropractor” brought significant improvement in 81% of totally disabled
patients with chronic low back (Kirkaldy-Willis and Cassidy)
ii) Rehabilitative Exercises
- Flexibility and strength exercises can bring rapid improvements in lumbar spinal friction and decreases in pain levels
- E.g: i) use clinical testing
ii) postural evaluation
iii) mirror image concept
iii) External Support
- Postural supports for sitting (postural back rests lifts for chairs and car seats), standing (custom foot orthotics and heel lifts) and sleeping (mattresses and pillows)

This information was written by Azmil B Mustapha
as an assignment for 'Athletic Training'