Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a symptom produced by disorders of the lumbar spine. It may be impossible to prevent all LBP, and while most episodes of acute LBP are self-limiting, the disorders producing recurrent and chronic LBP are usually incurable. The difficulties in diagnosing the disorders complicate effective management and prevention; however, prevention of spinal trauma reduces the incidence and prevalence of LBP. Effective preventive measures include the reduction of road trauma and smoking, improved vehicle seating, the control of vehicle vibrations, careful worker selection, job redesign, improved physical fitness, and the proper use of the spine in the home, at school, at work, and in sports. Frymoyer includes these and other measures in his tips to prevent LBP. Medical and paramedical professionals must be sure their investigations and treatments do not contribute to making the disorder chronic and more complex. The inappropriate use and interpretation of spinal investigations and the overzealous use of surgical procedures certainly add to the problem. An agreement on an acceptable "glossary" of lumbar terms and clinical syndromes is needed together with a new research emphasis on prevention and a continuation of research efforts in epidemiology, etiology, and management of LBP. Effective public education is vital, so that everyone is aware of the causes and methods of prevention of LBP. Discussion on the "20th-century epidemic of LBP" may be concluded on an optimistic note by citing White, who considers most LBP to be preventable and controllable with simple measures, reinforcable through public education, which can do for LBP what has been done in the field of dental hygiene.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.