Have you suffered from back pain?

Back pain is becoming more frequent for many reasons; among them, stress, work and another very important one, bad postures. These discomforts affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them and long term they can become an injury or a pathology.

In the human body, the vertebral column is a complex bony and vital structure. It is made up of a group of bones, running from the base of the head and extending through the neck and back to the pelvis. It is divided into distinct sections known as the cervical vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae, and the lumbar vertebrae.

When there are injuries to some of the vertebrae, they greatly limit mobility and dexterity, which has been causing, over the years, early retirement, lower levels of well-being, and less capacity for social interaction.

The daily dynamics, which sometimes forces us to remain seated for a long time in front of our computers or behind the wheel of our vehicles, causes the presence of lumbar pain; also jobs that require weight bearing or impact activities are generating more and more people affected by back pain worldwide.

It is essential to recognize the importance of having an optimal health of the spine to have a good quality of life that allows us to carry out daily activities, in family and work matters. Learn more about this ailment, its origin, causes and ways to prevent it.

What are musculoskeletal disorders?

Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. According to a recent analysis of global burden of disease data presented by the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide have musculoskeletal disorders.

Low back pain is the most frequent, with a prevalence of 568 million people, according to figures presented by the WHO.

For its part, the American Chiropractic Association has estimated that 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health, more Americans suffer from pain than from heart disease, cancer and diabetes combined.

The WHO specifies that musculoskeletal disorders are also the largest contributor to years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide, as they account for approximately 149 million YLDs, which is equivalent to 17% of all YLDs worldwide. Furthermore, they estimate that the number of people with low back pain will increase in the future, and more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. At present, children, teenagers and adults present discomfort in their back.

What are the causes of back and lumbar pain?

There are many reasons that can cause back pain, such as a pulled muscle or a problem with a disc or bone. In many cases, however, it is impossible to know the cause of back pain.

Anyone can suffer from back pain, including children and teenagers. The discomfort is usually related to prolonged standing in one position, lifting heavy objects, lack of physical activity, overweight or bad posture.

According to the region of the back where the pain is located, they can be classified as follows:

• Neck: located in the cervical spine and may radiate to the shoulders, arms and back. May cause headaches.
• Thoracic: is usually the result of bad posture or overexertion.
• Lumbar: is the most common back pain. Muscle contracture is the main cause and is usually related to work, stress, sports activities or overexertion. In some cases, the pain can reach the legs, causing compression of a nerve in the spine (commonly called sciatic pain).

 

What is the right treatment for back pain?

Back pain, in most cases, goes away on its own. But in some cases, the pain persists; if so, it is known as chronic back pain.

In the treatment of back pain, doctors often prescribe over-the-counter medication alternatives, as well as non-pharmacological treatments, such as heat and cold therapy, back and lumbar braces, among others.

In addition, a high percentage of patients who suffer or have suffered back or lumbar pain are referred by their treating physicians to physiotherapy or orthopedic programs to provide relief and support to the injured area, with the purpose of treating the pathology and, in most cases, to prevent it.

 

Is it possible to prevent back pain?

Experts believe that some measures can be taken to prevent back pain from developing; one of them is regular physical activity. Low-impact aerobic activities can increase endurance and back strength: walking, cycling and swimming are good options.

You can also develop muscle strength and flexibility with exercises that strengthen the core of the body to give good support to the back.

It is also important to suppress, if possible, risk factors that increase pain.

Another great option, especially for those who cannot afford to change jobs, in case this is one of the triggers for back pain, is the use of back or lumbar braces.

 

What are back braces?

Back orthoses or braces are devices that act as external support, in this case, on the structure of the spine, performing functions associated with musculoskeletal correction, limitation of mobility, vertebral support and stabilization, and support for the unloading of body mechanics.

There are many options, of excellent quality and developed with the best technology, such as those offered by Alcam Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, which adapt to the specific needs of each person. For a patient with lower back pain, the best option is a lumbar brace. These braces compress the lumbar area and reduce the force received by the spine.

The lumbar and mid-back brace prevents injury and helps maintain correct posture, and is perfect for patients who are constantly bending over or who need support for the entire back area.

 

Who should prescribe the use of a back brace?

Although a back brace is the best way to take care of your spine, it is recommended that the patient visit a specialist to evaluate their pain, determine if it is an injury or a pathology and recommend the brace that best suits their case.

Since back pain can affect everyone, regardless of age, it is important to raise awareness about spinal health care and attention.

Specialists state that the most important thing is not to allow the pain to take over and to concentrate on achieving a healthier back. Physical activity is highly recommended, with the right support, even while the pain is there, because research has shown that patients who remain active feel better.

For a healthier back, it is vital to use the right back brace that provides support and stabilization. They are perfect to prevent slouching when standing or sitting.

They are also great for heavy lifting, because they help keep the back straight, and to focus the effort on the legs and hips.

In this sense, it is recommended to pay close attention to the care of the spine, especially from an early age, in order to avoid these bad habits during the first years of development and growth, as they can turn into serious and irreversible health problems.

For those who suffer from recurrent or constant back pain at all levels, Alcam Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics is an ideal option to treat the condition and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Relieve back pain and take care of your posture with lumbar and back braces from Alcam Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics. For more information, go to www.alcammedical.com or visit @alcammedicalop on Instagram.