Is Lower Back Pain A Barrier To Your Fitness Routine
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Is Lower Back Pain Disrupting Your Fitness Routine?
Overview:
Lower back pain is a common issue that affects most people at some point in their lives, ranking among the top reasons for doctor visits. However, evolving insights into chronic back pain have led to new treatment approaches.
Challenging the Barrier of Back Pain
Regular exercise is vital for a healthy lifestyle, but chronic lower back pain can make physical activity difficult or even impossible. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), around six million Americans seek medical advice for lower back pain annually, with nearly 500,000 requiring hospitalization.
As medical knowledge advances, treatment perspectives are shifting. Bed rest, once a common recommendation, is now less frequently prescribed due to its potential to lead to muscle stiffness and weakness, as well as long-term issues like weight gain, heart disease, and diabetes. Today, many treatment plans encourage some form of physical activity.
Exercising with Care
Experts suggest that engaging in moderate exercise three to five times per week can enhance overall fitness and reduce the risk of further back injuries. Here are some tips from the North American Spine Society and The Physician and Sportsmedicine Journal to help you ease back into a routine:
- Incorporate physician-approved stretches to loosen both lower and upper back muscles, as well as hamstrings and quadriceps.
- Focus on strengthening muscles that support the back and improving flexibility.
- Ensure correct form during exercises to maximize benefits and minimize strain.
Dr. Nagy Mekhail, chair of the Department of Pain Management at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasizes, "We aim for treatments that help patients maintain or increase their activity levels. Physically fit individuals are less likely to injure their back during daily activities. Healthy living leads to better outcomes for those suffering from lower back pain, while inactivity prolongs recovery."
Consultation and Treatment Options
If lower back pain is hindering your daily activities and exercise, it's crucial to consult a physician for a better understanding of your condition and treatment options. Nonoperative treatments like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy often provide relief. However, some cases involve degenerative disc issues, known as chronic "disc-related or discogenic" lower back pain, which might require more advanced procedures.
For those experiencing such pain, treatments like spinal fusion, disc replacement surgery, or minimally invasive approaches such as Intradiscal ElectroThermal Therapy™ (IDET™) can be beneficial. Clinical studies show that 60 to 80 percent of IDET patients experience a 50 percent reduction in pain post-procedure, with decreased reliance on pain medication and increased likelihood of returning to work.
Navigating the challenge of lower back pain is possible with informed choices and appropriate treatment, allowing you to reclaim your fitness routine and improve your quality of life.
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