The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in 2020, 619 million people across the globe — or almost 10% of the world’s population — suffered from bouts of low back pain. Even worse? By 2025, that number is expected to reach 843 million.
Are you living with the discomfort and physical limitations of low back pain right now?
If so, there’s no reason you shouldn’t seek treatment and get relief, so you can go back to doing the things you enjoy and living an active, pain-free life.
Our compassionate team at One Health Medical Care is eager to find the root cause of your low back pain and treat it effectively. Led by Dr. Mingliarta Tjahjana, we’re well-versed in creating customized treatment plans for people with all sorts of back pain. We’re dedicated to helping you too, starting with education on the things you can do yourself to support your back health.
Often, low back pain is a short-term problem that resolves with rest and conservative care. But in some cases — especially with age — low back pain is more likely to become chronic.
Lower back pain can be traced to multiple conditions and injuries, including:
Spinal stenosis occurs when your spinal canal narrows and compresses your spinal cord.
Though you can’t control things like suffering a spinal fracture or the onset of arthritis, you may be able to exert more power over your lower back pain than you thought.
When it comes to low back pain, we have some good news — there are steps you can take to prevent it, and we’ve compiled the top five most effective preventive strategies here.
Avoid taking a “weekend warrior” approach to how you use your back. For example, it isn’t the best idea to commit to helping a friend move and traumatizing your back by hoisting an endless succession of heavy boxes. In other words, go easy on your back — you’re not a pack mule!
An effective way to stave off lower back pain is simply to learn the correct way to use your back and the core muscles that keep it strong and stable.
When you lift a heavy item, keep it close to your body and allocate the work properly — engage your legs and keep your knees and your hips slightly bent. Actively engage your core muscles in your efforts, too. Never twist your spine as you lift; instead, step and rotate your feet when you want to turn your whole body.
Slouching, drooping, and standing in ways that cause your vertebral alignment to go awry are all recipes for low back pain. To develop and maintain healthy posture, stand up straight (don’t lock your knees) with your shoulders over your hips and your ears over your shoulders.
This also helps you to preserve and not strain the three natural curves of your spine at your neck, in your mid-back, and through your lower back.
Carrying extra body weight puts a lot of extra (and unnecessary) strain on your lower back. If you’re overweight, getting within a normal weight range can keep lower back problems at bay. If you need help, ask about our medical weight loss plans.
If you keep a cautious perspective when it comes to your back, you’re less likely to suffer an accident that would jeopardize your lower back comfort.
When you get in the car, use your seatbelt. Likewise, be mindful of correct positioning when you lift anything, and rethink high-impact sports like running when speed walking can be just as beneficial.
Self-care strategies can help you keep your lower back strong and healthy, so you may never have to worry about pain, stiffness, and mobility problems.
But if you do happen to experience lower back pain that lingers, we’re here to help. Depending on the nature and severity of your pain condition, Dr. Tjahjana offers a full scope of treatment options, ranging from anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants to physical therapy.
Call 571-572-9198 to reach One Health Medical Care in Reston, Virginia, today, or use our online booking feature to schedule a visit at your convenience.
