General Information on Low Back Pain:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a general term describing pain located in the lowest third of the back that may be acute, lasting days to weeks, or chronic, lasting 3 or more months.
- LBP may be due to repetitive activities, lifting something too heavy, poor body mechanics or posture, sleep position, work ergonomics or degenerative changes to the spine such as arthritis or disc disease.
- Signs and symptoms include: pain which may be dull, sharp or burning and may be general or at a specific point; stiffness or spasm of the back muscles; and difficulty sleeping or doing daily activities such as stairs or walking.
- Prevention: maintaining strength and flexibility in the core (back and abdominals) and legs, monitoring and correcting posture, using ideal body mechanics when lifting or bending, seeking assistance with lifting heavy items and avoiding repetitive actions that put stress on the back.
Physical Therapy Can Help You By:
- Recognizing impairments in posture, body mechanics, flexibility and strength that may be contributing to pain.
- Reducing pain with the use of manual techniques and modalities.
- Developing an individualized plan for stretching and strengthening muscles in the core and legs.
- Providing recommendations for an ergonomic work space.
What you can try:
- Sit all the way back in a firm chair, feet flat on the floor, with your ears directly over your shoulders. Use a lumbar roll or a rolled up towel to help maintain the natural curve in your lower back.
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