It is widely accepted in the medical community that the best treatment for lower back pain (LBP) is prevention. Keeping fit, (flexible and strong), practicing posture, and using good body mechanics are essential in the prevention of LBP. At our office, great time and effort is spent emphasizing the importance of these concepts.
People with LBP represent a wide variety of presentations and outcomes. Studies show 85% are fully recovered in 3 months regardless of the intervention. Some of my LBP patients are fully recovered and live normal, active lives. Others have on occasional and short-term flare-ups of LBP. Unfortunately, others suffer through a life of chronic back pain that occurs more frequently and intensely each year.
One of the most common problems people come to my office with is lower back pain (LBP). Studies show that 80-90% of adults in the USA will experience lower back pain at one or more times in their lives.
Guest Columnist: Janet M. Caputo, PT, OCS Ergonomics is the process of changing your environment to encourage good body mechanics. This can be accomplished by a modifying a tool, work station, counter height, task, or job. Performing tasks within the best work zones encourages safety and decreases risk of injury through facilitating neutral spine postures. […]
Proper body mechanics are based on good posture. Proper body mechanics involve maintaining a neutral spine with transitions from one position to another during daily activities.
Research suggests that many spine problems can be prevented with good posture and proper body mechanics. Poor posture and improper body mechanics subject the spine to abnormal stresses that, over time, can lead to degeneration and pain. Good posture and proper body mechanics can minimize current spine pain and prevent recurrent episodes.
Low back pain (LBP) and/or injury inhibit specific muscles that support and stabilize the spine and pelvis. Lumbar stabilization is the remedy for dysfunctional musculature of the spine and pelvis incriminated in recurrent LBP and/or injury.
