The hospital's specialist in backache- an orthopedist- will
usually arrange for traction apparatus. After an attack has ended, it may still
be necessary for the patient to wear a supportive corset or brace which should
be prescribed by the doctor. Its fit also should be checked by him. After a
time, it will usually be found that the brace may be needed only when traveling
or during periods of extra stress. If complete healing does not occur, the
doctor will need to investigate the back in the same way as described below for
chronic backache.
Chronic Low Back Pain This is the condition that makes life
miserable part or all of the time for millions of people. Yet it is, in almost
every instance, unnecessary and preventable. If the
preceding suggested investigation fails to turn up an obvious cause which, when
corrected, relieves the pain, then the basis for the pain is most likely muscle
weakness and or imbalance, or excess emotional tension, or a combination of the
two.
However, before going in for a program of strengthening muscles that
support the back or trying to reduce nervous tension, there should be a
complete checkup of the back by your doctor or an orthopedist or other back
specialist (some internists and general practitioners are skilled in examining
and treating backs). It is possible that some organic problem is causing the
back pain-e.g., arthritis, a spine infection, a muscle or nerve disease, a
tumor.
Once it is established that there is no organic cause, and
then attention can be focused on achieving good physical fitness. This means
discussing with the doctor how to achieve optimum weight and good posture. Then
a program of general exercise should be agreed upon, and also a set of
exercises to strengthen the lower back. Usually, the doctor prescribes a few
basic exercises which strengthen not only the back muscles but also the large
muscles of the abdominal wall. He may also give instruction in how to relax
certain muscles which may be too tense and are constantly pulling on the lower
back. Such muscles may even be located in back of the thighs-for example, the
hamstrings which you can feel behind the knees.
If nervous tension is
contributing to the backache, emotional problems should be freely ventilated
with the doctor. If the problems warrant, a to a psychotherapist is surely
worth the effort if it will prevent days, months, and even years of naggingback pain. During the period of reconditioning, the doctor will prescribe a
pain reliever, relaxing warm applications or warm baths, and possibly a
tranquilizer to help quiet nervous tensions. Use of a brace or corset may be
helpful until muscles are strengthened sufficiently so they act again as
nature's own brace and support.
Our chapters on exercise, diet, and mental health contain
material that you may well find helpful in preventing backache
