Treatment and Management Strategies of Low Back Pain - Assignment Example

Treatment and Management Strategies of Low Back Pain Introduction This research study will generally focus on the appropriate treatment and management strategies of low back pain. The discussion will mainly elaborate on some of the sports with rotational components that will help to deal with the disorder(Waddell 2005, 97). Additionally, the research study will discuss specific exercises that would be effective on rehabilitation at the later stages. Successful management of this disorder hinges on providing an effective educational advice and physical activities as a rehabilitation form is equally encouraged. Therefore, the study will generally focus on cycling as a sport with rotational component, which would help in rehabilitating patients suffering from low back pain(Waddell 2005, 102). Mechanical Low Back Pain Mechanical low back pain or rather LBP is among the most common disorders that involve bones and muscles of the backbone. This particular condition remains the second if not the most common disorder in the United States. Generally, mechanical low back pain affects up to 97% of cases that arise from ligaments, bone, joints, discs, meninges and nerves. Alternatively, at least 40% of people in the United States are affected with the condition at one point in the lives (Bogduk & Mcguirk 2002, 90). Mechanical back pain is usually classified by duration, which means that the back pain mostly lasts not more than six weeks. However, if the condition is chronic, it can last up to 12 weeks. In most cases, the low back pain condition can be classified by its underlying cause as referred, non-mechanical or mechanical pain. Some of the most common causes of the disorder include vertebral fractures, herniated discs, stenosis, zygapo-physical joint pains, myofascial pain and sacroiliac joint pain (Bogduk & Mcguirk 2002, 124). Comprehensive treatment of low back pain include pain control and inflammation, early therapeutic exercises near the pain-free areas, limited bed rest, lumbar stabilization exercises, aerobic conditioning, strengthening of the trunk muscles and kinetic chain (Bogduk & Mcguirk 2002, 134). Key Points Regarding Low Back Pain Low back pain is not a psychological problem instead it is a physical problem. Low back pain is generally a mechanical issue. However, it always arises from function disturbance rather than structural damage(Lubkin & Larsen 2002, 68). Mechanical low back pain remains an everyday bodily symptom. However, it is not depict some serious disease. People suffering from low back pain always have a perfect outlook within the first few days. In most cases, their functionality is normal during the first three weeks. Medication to control the disorder only helps in relieving symptoms and not provide cure for the disorder (Lubkin & Larsen 2002, 72). Recovery from the disorder only depends on making movements that would help in restoring bodily normal functions and fitness. Positivity is always important during the rehabilitation process. This would enable an individual have a positive attitude towards the disorder, get better quicker and suffer less. Management of Low Back Pain Managing low back pain in most cases depends on three different categories and the cause. The three categories in this case are mechanical problems, referred pain and the non-mechanical problems (Guarino 2010, 37).For patients suffering acute pain, which causes only mild pain to moderate pain, the main goal is to restore the normal function of the body and complete minimization of pain in the body. In this case, the condition is never too serious and can be resolved without much diagnosis. Providing patients with various coping skills through reassurances remains useful in speeding recovery(Guarino 2010, 98). Patients suffering from sub-chronic low back pain would need multidisciplinary treatment programs to help through the situation. Exercise and Low Back Pain Risks Increasing general physical activities is always recommended as the best form of low back pain rehabilitation. However, treatment is somewhat effective when it comes to recurrent low back pain. One disadvantage about this form of rehabilitation is that its short term is never significant. Exercise therapy as a form of low back pain management remains effective in improving function and decreasing pain for patients suffering from chronic low back pain. Additionally, is also helps in reducing rates of pain recurrences for at least six months after program completion. In some cases, it helps in improving long-term function of the body (Bogduk & Mcguirk 2002, 342). When considering any therapeutic exercise or modality, the patient must always consider both the benefits and the risks of engaging in the modality as an alternative treatment. Most people have the idea that regular exercises would be essential in improving their general health and appearances. However, very few people ever realize some of the positive effects of engaging in good physical conditioning (Guarino 2010, 78). Maintaining good physical condition is always important especially for individuals with history of back pain. Studies indicate that patients suffering from low back pain have a high chance of being physically fit when they engage in physical exercises. There are several benefits of engaging in physical exercises especially to patients suffering from low back pains. One of the biggest advantages of this modality is its ability to maintain or improve cardiovascular and musculoskeletal function. Exercises are also useful in improving spine functionality (Porterfield & Derosa 1997, 82). In a situation where an individual has been diagnosed from low back pains, therapeutic exercises should always begin immediately in order to control pain, restore functionality and avoid deconditioning (Benzon 2014, 36).Dealing with low back pain requires customized rehabilitation programs and at least working hand in hand with a physical therapist. Working with a skilled physical therapist will always optimize the chances for effective outcomes. Generally, initial exercises must always be directed away from any movements, which may aggravate the symptoms of the patient. An example of a sport or in this case an exercise that has a rotational component and best suits patients suffering from low back pain is cycling (Giles & Singer 1997, 146). Cycling Patients suffering from low back pains and are more comfortable working out while seated rather than standing, cycling offers the best chance. Over the past decades, cycling has grown to become a popular exercise with many people suffering from low back pains realizing some of the benefits of the modality(Ebnezar 2012, 102).Depending on a person’s situation, cycling in most cases can help either in the reduction or in aggravation of low back pain. However, cycling is one of the most effective sports and a rehabilitation modality that has a rotational component best suits patients suffering from low back pain. The main idea of using a sport with a rotational component as a rehabilitation modality is to help in stabilizing the body muscles (Lubkin & Larsen 2002, 68). An individual suffering from low back pain must ensure that his body keeps on functioning as much as possible. The rotational component in this case offers the best modality for this (Guarino 2010, 58). Cycling remains a low-impact sport, which does not put vibrating stress on the human body as compared to running. For patients suffering from low back pain, cycling helps in maintaining the spine in its normal and neutral position. As a person rotates or cycles the pedal, the body core muscle stabilizes (Guarino 2010, 69). Alternatively, cycling helps in maintaining aerobic activity in the body. Despite its efficiency in helping in the reduction of low back pains, excessive cycling can be the origin of low back pains. Good control of the cycling exercise helps in good muscular control especially for the spine and by doing this, it helps in compensating degenerated disc. It also helps in the reduction of pain in the back and body instability (Ebnezar 2012, 73).Cycling exercises in most cases tend to increase the body’s flow of blood and heart rate constantly, which is beneficial to the back pains. It also increases nutrients to the back structures hence supporting the healing process. Continuous cycling or rather rotation of the peddles helps in decreasing stiffness in the body both at the joints and at the back(Benzon 2014, 58).Cycling as a form of exercise is usually more comfortable depending on the type of back condition. For patients suffering from spinal stenosis, leaning forward while on an upright position is always advisable as an aerobic exercise since it provides more comfort flexed instead of just standing or sitting up right. A compelling reason of using cycling as an exercise to treat chronic low back pain is for the reduction of back pain intensity(Giles & Singer 1997, 190). End-Stage Rehabilitation Strategies As the low back pain subsides, there is the need to establish a more intensive therapy, which would aim at improving function and strength. The best example of end-stage rehabilitation is spine stabilization exercises. As a rehabilitation modality for low back pain, spine stabilization exercise is essential in improving body function by conditioning body muscles near the lumbar spine (Giles & Singer 1997, 234). The main modules to spine stabilization entail the establishment of a neutral spine position and in this case, between the posterior pelvic and the anterior tilt which provide functional stability and greatest comfort to a person. Lower-extremity muscles tightness remains common especially with patients suffering from low body pain and therefore must be addressed for the purposes of allowing normal lumbar motion(Porterfield & Derosa 1997, 87). As the rehabilitation for low back pain advances, patients are advised to begin functional activities. Intensity or repetition of some training elements must therefore be eliminated in order to prevent aggravation and recurrence of the low back pain (Lubkin & Larsen 2002, 68). Progression and intensity of the activities in this case must be guided by a patient’s symptoms. Back pain and muscle spasm shows that there was advancement in progression. Absence of major symptoms and normal lumbar spine function after the rehabilitation process usually indicate that the low back pain patients can return to their normal activities successfully(Benzon 2014, 78). Implementation of long-term low pain maintenance program remains important in the prevention of back pain recurrence. Therefore, end-stage rehabilitation should continue after the symptoms resolution and a return to normal activities. The end-stage rehabilitation may sometimes also depend on the patient’s participation levels(Benzon 2014, 98). Other end-stage rehabilitation strategies, which would suit a patient suffering from low back pain include the correction of predisposing factors including poor posture while standing or sitting, faulty lifting techniques, muscle inflexibilities, abnormal biomechanics and poor conditioning which will help the patients avoid future similar conditions. Alternatively, individual coaching, awareness and education on low back pain to avoid recurrences of the disorder in future is also important (Ebnezar 2012, 89). Conclusion In summary, it is quite evident that low back pain is not a psychological problem.Instead, it is a physical problem. Alternatively, low back pain is generally a mechanical issue. However, it always arises from function disturbance rather than structural damage(Dagenais & Haldeman 2012, 45). Mechanical low back pain remains an everyday bodily symptom whereas people suffering from low back pain always have a perfect outlook within the first few days. In most cases, their functionality is normal during the first three weeks. Medication to control the disorder only helps in relieving symptoms and not provide cure for the disorder. Recovery from the disorder only depends on making movements that would help in restoring bodily normal functions and fitness (Dagenais & Haldeman 2012, 58). With reference to the study, exercises and in this case cycling, as a sport with rotational component remains an effective modality strategy for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. Alternatively, evidence indicates that regular exercises performance is important in decreasing low back pain(Chaitow & Fritz 2007, 138). Cycling as a form of exercise can be seen as important in addressing distinct aspects of low back pain syndrome.For patients suffering from low back pain, cycling helps in maintaining the spine in its normal and neutral position. As a person rotates or cycles the pedal, the body core muscle stabilizes. In most cases, exercise or rather cycling is important in improving function impairments, which tend to be frequently present among patients suffering from chronic low back pain that include cardiovascular endurance and reduced back flexibility. There is also evidence suggesting that regular exercises and in this case cycling may directly reduce the intensity of back pain. Alternatively, cycling help in the reduction of disabilities associated with back pain since it acts as a tool for lessening excessive fear, alter stifling pain attitudes, back pain concerns and beliefs regarding low back pain (Chaitow & Fritz 2007, 189). Bibliography Benzon, H. T. (2014). Practical management of pain. Philadelphia, PA, Elsevier/Mosby. Bogduk, N., & Mcguirk, B. (2002). Medical management of acute and chronic low back pain: an evidence-based approach. Amsterdam [u.a.], Elsevier. Chaitow, L., & Fritz, S. (2007). A massage therapists' guide to lower back and pelvic pain. 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Acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: clinical symptoms, absenteeism, and working environment. Göteborg, [publisher not identified]. Waddell, G. (2005). The back pain revolution. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone. Read More