What are the main causes of lower back pain as a result of frequent lifting and through which measures can they be prevented and treated?
We will be discussing the contribution of improper lifting techniques to lower back pain, the methods involved in preventing it, and the rehabilitation methods used to reduce its effects.
Why is this important?
Chronic lower back pain is a common and widespread problem affecting most adults. It is especially prevalent in those individuals that work in professions that require frequent moderate/heavy lifting. Due to its chronic nature, lower back pain is often experienced throughout the duration of one's adult life. This not only has an effect on the individual, but also on our healthcare system, as billions of dollars are spent on lower back pain annually (Brown et al., 2005).
"[LOWER BACK PAIN] IS EXPERIENCED BY 70% TO 80% OF ADULTS AT SOME TIME DURING THEIR LIVES." (BROWN ET AL. 2005) |
"IN CANADA, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT MEDICAL EXPENDITURE ON Lower Back Pain COSTS $6 BILLION TO $12 BILLION ANNUALLY." (BROWN ET AL. 2005) |
Back pain myths
"If I have chronic lower back pain I will probably need back surgery at some point in my life."
This is a MYTH. Back surgery is actually a fairly uncommon solution for people with lower back pain as it is more geared towards the treatment of those with very specific spinal disorders (BackCareCanada.ca).
"The degree of back pain correlates with the severity of the damage to the back."
This is a MYTH. This is true for acute pain, but since lower back pain is often CHRONIC, the amount of pain experienced doesn't necessarily relate to the amount of damage that has occurred. (Spine-health.com)
"I have lower back pain because I popped a disk."
This is a MYTH. Most patients with chronic lower back pain that have had X-rays performed on them do not appear to show any sign of vertebral dealignment. Only a very small percentage of back pain patients show abnormalities in spinal alignment and generally do not suffer lower back pain specifically.
This is a MYTH. Back surgery is actually a fairly uncommon solution for people with lower back pain as it is more geared towards the treatment of those with very specific spinal disorders (BackCareCanada.ca).
"The degree of back pain correlates with the severity of the damage to the back."
This is a MYTH. This is true for acute pain, but since lower back pain is often CHRONIC, the amount of pain experienced doesn't necessarily relate to the amount of damage that has occurred. (Spine-health.com)
"I have lower back pain because I popped a disk."
This is a MYTH. Most patients with chronic lower back pain that have had X-rays performed on them do not appear to show any sign of vertebral dealignment. Only a very small percentage of back pain patients show abnormalities in spinal alignment and generally do not suffer lower back pain specifically.
Which professions are most at risk for lower back pain?
The Pan American Health Organization has listed Lower Back Pain (LBP) as "one of the top three occupational health hazards targeted by surveillance (Punnett et al. 2005)." Many professions are affected by lower back pain due to lifting of moderately heavy to heavy objects. Stress on the lumbar region of the spine is often a result of intense physical activity, repetitive load lifting, or lifting of heavy objects, often with poor technique.
Some professions that are often subject to LBP due to lifting include:
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