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Mediquest - December '07 Edition |
LOW BACK ACHE- PHSYIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT:
Mr.VIJAY MAHENDRAN, BPT,MISCP, PHYSIOTHERAPIST, BRS HOSPITAL
Low Back ache is a common problem in modern days. Our present day lifestyle gives us many facilities that in turn leads to a lot of stress and strain. Let us first analyze the common causes for low back-ache.
• Two wheeler riding for longer distances (e.g. in jobs like marketing executives, collection agents of banks and financial institutions etc.,)
• Prolonged standing posture.
• Prolonged computer usage in poor posture ( IT professionals)
• Poor posture in bed.
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• Lifting heavy weights disproportionate to body strength..
• Sitting in a poorly designed chair.
The causes of back-ache according to the site of pathology can be classified as follows:
1. Intrinsic causes
2. Extrinsic causes
• Intrinsic Causes:
Causes in various parts of spine:
a Traumatic
b. Inflammatory. rheumatoid type
c. Degenerative. Intervetebral disc prolapse.
d. Anatomical defects.
i Spondylolisthesis
ii Sacralisation.
iii. Spina Bifida
• Extrinsic causes:
1. Causes not in spine. Obesity, occupational strains.
2. Shortening of limbs and deformity of hip and knee joint.
3. Post pregnancy period
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION;
Detailed examination of the spine to rule out spinal causes ;
1. Check for any motor and sensory disturbance in legs.
2. Straight leg raising (SLR) Test is done and any limitation of moment
below 90 degrees is characteristic sciatica.
3. Check the Ankle and Knee Jerks.
INVESTIGATIONS:
- X-ray of Lumbo Sacral Spine.
- MRI study whenever necessary
CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT:
1. Rest
2.
Analgesics
3.
Physiotherapy
PHSYIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT:
PHSYIOTHERAPY is one of the modalities of treatment for Low back and has no side effects. This could be in the form of short-wave diathermy or interferential therapy, Intermittent pelvic traction and spinal muscle strengthening exercises.
Short-wave diathermy (SWD) and Interferential therapy (IFT) are modalities of heat therapy which do not cause any harm. However, they may be contraindicated in the presence of infection, malignancy, in pregnancy and during menstrual periods.
SCIATICA:
The Back ach may be associated with sharp (or) diffuse radiating pain down the back of the thigh and Leg termed “Sciatica”. The commonest causes for sciatica are Lumbar disc disease and lumbar spondylosis. Physiotherapy to patients with sciatica helps in altering symptoms and early recovery of patient.
INTERVERTEBRAL DISC PROLAPSE:
It is the commonest cause for back pain. For patients in the acute and early stage PHYSIOTHERAPY would be helpful.
IFT or SWD and Intermittent Pelvic Traction are effective in reducing the pain and helps in early recovery of the patient . Patients not responding to physiotherapy, bed rest and modifications in life style may require surgery.
LUMBO SACRAL STRAIN:
This is due to repeated and chronic stain to the back. There is no neurological involvement in this condition. Treatment for this disorder includes bed rest and physiotherapy in the form of short-wave diathermy and IFT.
"If you have a Back ache please call us"
Physiotherapy consultancy available for
- SHORT WAVE DIATHERMY
- CERVICAL TRACTION
- ULTRASONIC THERAPY
- INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY
- LUMBAR TRACTION
Our Physiotherapy Department gives special treatment for following disease.
• Stroke Arthritis
• Bone and Joint & Muscular related problems
• Facial palsy
• Spondylosis
• Sports injuries
Time: 8.00 am - 10.00 am & 3.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Treatment available for cervical pain, Back pain, Radiating pain.
