Oh, my aching back!!

How many times have you said this?

At some point in our lives, each of us has had or will have a backache. Unfortunately, back complaints are not unusual in the NC State student population. Most back problems occur when there are high demands placed on the back during various activities, such as sitting for prolonged periods of time, working in a lab, finishing design or architecture projects, or after bending, twisting or lifting heavy objects. Back pain may also be due to structural or ergonomic defects in mattresses, sofas and chairs. Other times, back incidents occur as a result of trauma or sporting accidents and activities.

Consider seeing a medical practitioner if...

1. You lose function of your bowels or bladder.
2. Your legs feel weak.
3. Your pain interferes with your usual daily activities.
4. You experience numbness or tingling sensations in the buttocks or legs.
5. There is failure to improve with home remedies such as, over-the-counter medications,
ice, heat, stretching or rest.

Causes for the gradual development of low back pain include:

Poor posture:

Slouched sitting position (studying, working on the computer, creating final projects)

• Constant pressure on the spine creates pain and a pain cycle is set into motion.
• Muscles tighten and create pain.
• Normal tissue is "placed on a stretch" for a prolonged period of time; pain and dysfunction can be the result.

With individualized treatment including a physical therapy evaluation, stretching, exercises and posture education, low back pain caused by poor posture can be corrected and you can readily return to your previous lifestyle.

Ergonomic defects:

Desks, chairs, counter tops do not fit your body position.

• The spine is created to be most effective when it remains as close to normal alignment as possible. Working on the computer, sitting in a classroom, or standing in a laboratory setting can all cause pain if the environment is not adapted to meet your alignment.
• Make sure that desks, chairs and counter tops accommodate your body; don't adapt your position to fit the environment.

Consider an ergonomic evaluation of your work site to alleviate or prevent your back pain.

Chemical reactions:

If infection, inflammation or trauma is the reason for your back pain, the medical practitioner along with the physical therapist will establish an individualized treatment plan that will help you return to your normal level of functioning.

A referral from a health care provider to a Student Health licensed physical therapist includes:

1. An individualized treatment plan, techniques and exercises.

2. Instructions in prevention of future back pain episodes.

Call 513-3260 for an appointment.