What aspects of modern life cause people to develop back problems?
Sedentary lifestyle, chronic poor posture and carrying heavy loads (backpack, computer bags, purses, etc.) are all aspects of modern life in GZ [that] can lead to back problems.
What are the main types of back problems and what are the symptoms?
The most common types of back injuries that I treat at United Family are either inter-vertebral disc or spinal facet joint irritation. These injuries can happen at any level of the spine, but you most often see them at cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) regions. In mild cases, you will see localized pain and stiffness in the region. In severe cases, there can be radiating pain or numbness into distal extremities, loss of strength and severe pain spreading through a body region.
Can other serious conditions cause back pain?
Other causes of back pain can be acute or chonic injuries to muscles, arthritis or poor foot and leg biomechanics. But there are also non-spinal conditions, like kidney stones, that can cause severe back pain. It’s important for medical staff to determine the root cause of the problem in any situation.
What exercises would you recommend for people to do to avoid back problems or recover from a back injury?
It really depends on the situation, as different issues have different concerns. But generally speaking, for my patients, I initially have them avoid activities with moderate or high impact, a large range of motion or heavy weight bearing.
Do you think equipment such as Swiss balls (for sitting in the office) are useful?
I think that Swiss balls are a great tool for rehab and exercise. But as with anything else they have to be used correctly or they can cause more problems. So even if you sit on a Swiss ball at work, you may still have problems if you have bad posture and are hunched over a computer all day.
If back issues are not prevented, what sort of ailments can happen in later life?
In patients that have had long-term chronic spinal problems, you tend to start seeing degenerative conditions like arthritis, collapsed discs and bone spurs develop.
What treatments and help are available for people with back problems?
There are many available treatments out there for people dealing with back problems. In my practice, I tend to use a combination of manual and exercise therapy. But ultimately it is up to the patient to help themselves. That is why I always educate my patients on good lifestyle choices, good biomechanics and how to be aware of bad habits. It is always best to be self-aware to avoid long term problems. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
// Answers supplied by Erick Chen, Athletic Trainer
