MasterClass Series — Back Pain & Posture

It is a common condition in the population and most times it is preventable.

Studies have shown that about 70% of the population will have one episode of back pain in their lifetime.

Back pain can be defined as pain related to the area between the neck and the buttocks, with or without involvement of the lower limb, in some people it occurs as a single acute episode while in others it relapses and remits or it becomes a chronic condition

There are several causes of back pain and this includes infections of the bone, spread of cancer to the bones, metabolic conditions etc and this conditions are rare,

Another cause mechanical sprain is by far the most common cause of back pain which occurs as a result lifting heavy objects, bad posture s while standing, sitting and lying down. This is common with people between the age of 30 and 50yrs, which is the productive years of our life

Symptoms include

· Sudden onset of back pain,

· Abnormal sensations in the neck, shoulder, sometimes chest, back and legs,

· It is also a cause of cramps in the calf muscles.

· One may not be able to stand upright or walk, or do so with great difficulty.

Diagnosis is made based on signs and symptoms followed by examination by the doctor, after also excluding other causes of other serious causes of back pain

Treatment is with use of pain relievers, a few days of rest, and then keeping active, being active helps to prevent the back pain from becoming a chronic problem. Physiotherapy is also appropriate in some cases. When the back or neck pain becomes persistent, then other modalities of treatment may be included

Prevention is better than having it because there is no point spending hard earned money on medical bills when it can be averted.

This is particularly important amongst young people, there is a lot of enthusiasm and energy to get things done, and we push our bodies as much as we push our minds. And we tend to assume poor posture for example not bending the knees when picking objects from the floor, sitting slouching desk, for prolonged periods without changing positions

Prevention can achieved by using the correct posture during different activities

· This included correct posture while sitting, standing when lifting heavy objects and other activities of daily living.

· Note that the 5th pix is the proper way to stand, the 4th pix gives pain around the neck, while the 3rd will give pain in the upper back, which could radiate to the chest. The 1st and 2nd pix will cause low back pain

· This for those of us who carry knapsack, , the knapsack should be pulled up not hung down, and putting strain on the shoulders

· This occurs while walking at our desks or in front of the computer,

· The wrong postures affect the neck and lower back, the most

· Note the proper way to lift objects from the floor

· For us ladies, high heels are lovely and trendy, but we should alternate them with flat shoes so as not end up with aches and pains

· Also during sleep we need to assume good postures. Some people will have good amount of sleep but will still wake up with aches and pains……….at times its due to bad sleeping positions

· Good postures are important in our daily lives, to prevent back pain.

Thanks a lot .

By Doctor Rasheeda Oba