Managing Spine and Disc Problems with Self-Care
MOTION KEEPS YOUR BACK ALIVE
To stay alive and healthy, your back needs to move every day. The right kinds of motion nourish your back and help keep it flexible and free of pain. Moving improperly or too little, though, can lead to many back problems - problems that often begin in your discs, the " shock absorbers" of your spine. Fortunately, almost everyone with back problems can benefit from self-care - even those who need surgery.
When Back Pain Strikes
Whether it comes as the sharp pain of a sudden injury, an occasional twinge, or a constant daily ache, back pain can interfere with your life. Striking four out of five people sometime in their lives, back pain may develop because you move incorrectly or have a sedentary lifestyle - and move too little. Or you may have fallen into the "weekend athlete" trap, where you exercise only once in awhile. But whatever the cause, you can help reduce and prevent back pain with self-care.
Self-Care Can Help
Once you've had a medical evaluation to diagnose your spine or disc problem, you can learn how to use daily self-cadre. It may be all that's needed to treat your back and keep it healthy. Understanding anatomy may help you see how the way you move every day can help or hurt your back. Learning good body mechanics helps you do simple everyday movements safely and efficiently. And with daily back exercises, you can strengthen your back and improve flexibility for easier movement.
YOUR MEDICAL EVALUATION
A medical evaluation is needed for your doctor to diagnose your spine or disc problem and rule out other problems. This evaluation may include a medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests. After diagnosis, a team approach to treatment often works best. Each member of your team - your doctor, physical therapist, and you - plays a role in improving your spine or disc problem.
Medical History
A medical history helps your doctor evaluate your back pain and other medical problems. Your doctor may ask a variety of questions. What are your symptoms? Did your pain begin gradually or with an injury? What makes it better or worse?
Physical Exam
Your doctor begins to pinpoint the source of pain by observing your spine and posture in different positions. Your doctor also may check to see how flexible or strong your muscles are, and whether you have weak reflexes or painful or numb areas in your legs.
Diagnostic Tests
You may have one or more tests to confirm your diagnosis and locate the source of your pain. These tests also may help your doctor determine the best approach to your treatment.
• X-rays show the bones (vertebrae) of your spine.
• CT scans are "3-D x-rays" of bones and soft tissues, such as discs.
• MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) show more detailed views of soft tissues.
• EMGs (electromyograms) indicate nerve or muscle damage.
A Team Approach to Treatment
Once your doctor has diagnosed your spine or disc problem and prescribed the best treatment plan for you, a physical therapist may join your health care team. An expert in body mechanics, spine care, and back exercises, your physical therapist can teach you specific self-care techniques. By regularly using them, you can help improve your spine or disc problem. Even in the rare cases when surgery is needed, self-care is a crucial part of recovery. If you have acute pain, however, treatment may also include rest or medication.
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