Learn now how to prevent back pain.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
By DEBRA K HESS
The Express-Times

Most people experience at least one backache in their lifetime.

While pain or discomfort can occur anywhere in your back, most often pain occurs in the lower back. According to the majority of experts, low back pain is the No. 2 reason Americans visit their doctor, second to colds and the flu.

This time of year, especially with winter closing in, beckons people to wrap up outdoor work, such as preparing their yards for winter. Soon it will be time to get out the snow shovels. With that in mind, it is important to know how to prevent back injuries.

Doctors Jeffrey R. McConnell and James C. Weis, spine specialists at Orthopaedic Associates of Allentown, both encourage healthy back maintenance. Good body mechanics are important, McConnell emphasizes.

"Significant back pain is a common human experience. Shoveling snow is one of the worse causes of back pain. It may only be 5 pounds of snow, but the back sees it as more."

Weis agrees, saying, "60 to 80 percent of Americans experience significant back pain. Keeping in overall good health, staying aerobically fit, is essential."

Linda Pemberton a physical therapist at the Therapy Center at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center, says when performing tasks such as shoveling snow, it is important to use the leg muscles, which are designed to do heavy work.

"It's like a car," Pemberton suggests. "If the wheels are out of alignment, the car will not perform. If there is a change in the alignment of the body, then something will not perform correctly with the body. It's simple. If the back hurts, you did it wrong; if it doesn't, you did it right."

Another reason people may experience back pain when shoveling snow is they overestimate their own ability to handle the work, she says. A good idea is to pace yourself.

Outdoor work is not the only cause of back pain. Sprains and strains, degeneration, osteoarthritis, a bulging disc or other medical conditions including fibromyalgia may also cause back pain.

Usually, back pain symptoms last only a few days or are resolved in a week or two, Pemberton says. Observe any weakness or pain and avoid lifting. If necessary, take an anti-inflammatory medicine.

"Rest, she adds, "But not complete bed rest, though."

In addition to the anti-inflammatory medicine and a brief period of rest, McConnell says general stretching also is acceptable.

"If the pain is significant," he continues, "Then see a doctor. Indicators might be numbness or severe pain radiating up and down your thigh or arm."

Another consideration when discussing back pain, according to McConnell, is genetics. Questions such as "Who are your parents?" or "Why is Aunt Sue in the hospital?" or "What was wrong with Uncle Henry?" are important and may provide a strong link to your own health history and offer reasons for your back pain.

"It's not what you do," McConnell says. "It's who you are."