Low back pain is a major issue across the world and it can be either specific or nonspecific. Specific low back pain refers to any diagnosis that can be attributed to an infection, disease, trauma, injury, or structural deformity.1 Specific low back pain diagnosis is rare and only makes up 15 to 20 percent of low back pain cases, meaning most back pain is nonspecific (s6).1 Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is pain localized in the area of the back below the margin of the last ribs and above the inferior gluteal lines and can include lower limb pain and numbness.2 (s5) Other characteristics of NSLPB are heavy pain that worsens with exertion and is relieved with rest, absence of muscle and neurological contraction, and antalgic posture, which
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It is often characterized by the absence of structural change, meaning there is no nerve root compression, bone or joint injuries, disc space reduction, or marked scoliosis or lordosis that is causing the back pain.2 There are certain things that have been linked to NSLBP such as, workers who are subjected to heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and static posture, often have high rates of NSLBP due to their work environment causing postural deviations. Each year, many spinal injuries and NSLBP incidents are related to posture, working conditions, and inadequate body movements (s5).2 There is a higher prevalence in females than males for NSLBP. This is most likely due to anatomical and functional peculiarities that may create low back pain. Women also have less height, less bone density and muscle mass, lower adaption to physical exertion, and greater joint fragility. Obesity can also lead to nonspecific LBP since excess weight creates larger pressure on structures in the back causing pain. Furthermore, obese patients have flaccidity and abdominal wall distention that prevents proper spinal support, creating LBP. Almost all individuals experience NSLBP, and all age groups are at risk. Other possible causes of NSLBP are spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, myofascial syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, tumor, fibrosis, muscle spasms, lumbago, back sprain or strain, and tight muscles (s5, s7,s6). 1, 2, …show more content…
According to Ehrman5 (p476), patients with nonspecific low back pain should do aerobic exercise at least 3 times a week, for 20 to 60 minutes, at 40 to 70 percent of their heart rate reserve. They should do aerobic exercise that does not irritate their back and includes large muscle groups, repetitive motion and low joint stress. Aquatic exercise is often best since it reduces stress on the joints and helps relieve pain, while providing proper aerobic exercise. Walking and elliptical exercise is also sufficient when a pool is unavailable. Furthermore, patients should complete two to three days of resistance exercise a week at 60 to 80 percent of their one repetition maximum level. They should have about 8-10 exercises with 8-15 repetitions and 1-3 sets each. All major muscle groups should be worked, especially ones that stabilize the back, such as crunches, horizontal side support, and back extensions.4, 5 (p479) Moreover, patients should stretch at least twice a week, but should never stretch to the point of pain. Each stretch should last 15 to 60 seconds, with 3 to 5 reps each. They should make sure to stretch all muscles, especially those linked to back pain, such as the hamstrings.5
It is often characterized by the absence of structural change, meaning there is no nerve root compression, bone or joint injuries, disc space reduction, or marked scoliosis or lordosis that is causing the back pain.2 There are certain things that have been linked to NSLBP such as, workers who are subjected to heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and static posture, often have high rates of NSLBP due to their work environment causing postural deviations. Each year, many spinal injuries and NSLBP incidents are related to posture, working conditions, and inadequate body movements (s5).2 There is a higher prevalence in females than males for NSLBP. This is most likely due to anatomical and functional peculiarities that may create low back pain. Women also have less height, less bone density and muscle mass, lower adaption to physical exertion, and greater joint fragility. Obesity can also lead to nonspecific LBP since excess weight creates larger pressure on structures in the back causing pain. Furthermore, obese patients have flaccidity and abdominal wall distention that prevents proper spinal support, creating LBP. Almost all individuals experience NSLBP, and all age groups are at risk. Other possible causes of NSLBP are spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, myofascial syndrome, ankylosing spondylitis, tumor, fibrosis, muscle spasms, lumbago, back sprain or strain, and tight muscles (s5, s7,s6). 1, 2, …show more content…
According to Ehrman5 (p476), patients with nonspecific low back pain should do aerobic exercise at least 3 times a week, for 20 to 60 minutes, at 40 to 70 percent of their heart rate reserve. They should do aerobic exercise that does not irritate their back and includes large muscle groups, repetitive motion and low joint stress. Aquatic exercise is often best since it reduces stress on the joints and helps relieve pain, while providing proper aerobic exercise. Walking and elliptical exercise is also sufficient when a pool is unavailable. Furthermore, patients should complete two to three days of resistance exercise a week at 60 to 80 percent of their one repetition maximum level. They should have about 8-10 exercises with 8-15 repetitions and 1-3 sets each. All major muscle groups should be worked, especially ones that stabilize the back, such as crunches, horizontal side support, and back extensions.4, 5 (p479) Moreover, patients should stretch at least twice a week, but should never stretch to the point of pain. Each stretch should last 15 to 60 seconds, with 3 to 5 reps each. They should make sure to stretch all muscles, especially those linked to back pain, such as the hamstrings.5