HEALTHWATCH
For a strong back
DR.V. RAVI
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Changing lifestyle and work culture can cause spine problems.
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Photo: S.R. Raghunathan
Keep your back straight: Poor lifting technique is a major cause of strain.
WITH IT and ITES jobs flooding the market, the work culture is undergoing a drastic change. Long working hours, mostly sitting in front of the computers, tight deadlines, high levels of stress… this is what the youth will be exposed to.
What follows is a host of various ailments such as obesity, hypertension, neck and back pain, to name a few. In fact, it is not surprising that backache is responsible for 24 per cent cases of absenteeism at work. In this modern world, which encourages a cushy life with long hours of sitting, sleeping on foam mattresses and lack of exercise, backaches are as common as a cold or a headache.
Common disorder
Backache is commonly seen in disorders like disc prolapse, spondylosis, congenital abnormalities and trauma. There are, however, at least 20 varieties of diseases that can manifest as backache. Whatever the cause of your backache, there are measures you can take to ease the pain. The easiest thing to do is apply local heat by means of a hot water bottle and get adequate rest in bed for a period of 24 to 48 hours with pillows underneath. Odd working hours, a sedentary lifestyle, chain smoking and improper weight management have increased spinal problems among the youth. Around 80 per cent of adults suffer from backache of which 15 per cent have to go in for surgery.
Minimal invasive spine surgery (MISS) is being considered a better alternative rather than the more traditional open surgery. MISS has many advantages over open surgery like reduction in scar size, lesser muscle damage and non-requirement of blood transfusion due to insignificant blood loss.
Murali, a 48-year-old electrician from Nagari, Andhra Pradesh, suffered for more than three years with severe back pain. The pain, radiating from his lower limbs, called degenerative spondylolisthesis, persisted despite medication. Physiotherapy did not help him much and he was forced to take leave often. When all other methods failed, MISS was performed and now he has recovered fully and has resumed his normal activities.
Conventional spine surgery requires a long incision and a lengthy recovery period. In minimally invasive surgery, also known as “keyhole” surgery, the muscle is dilated using serial dilators. These dilators are inserted through small incision. The specialised retractor is then inserted over these dilators, which is used for the remaining procedure.
Following the procedure, the small incisions are closed with sutures and covered with surgical tape. After a few months, they are barely visible. However this technique is not applicable for all forms of spinal surgery nor is it appropriate for all patients. While the field of minimally invasive surgery is changing rapidly, three main types of minimally invasive spine surgery currently are being performed
Spinal fusion, which often is performed on degenerative discs; Deformity corrections; Repair of herniated discs. Typically, minimally invasive spinal surgery allows for the same outcome as conventional spine surgery. Benefits of minimally invasive back surgery include: A few tiny scars instead of one large scar; Shorter hospital stay; Reduced postoperative pain; Shorter recovery time and quicker return to daily activities, including work
Prevent it
The best way to prevent common back problems is to stay fit and active. Staying active will also help control your weight, which is one of the primary reasons for back pain. While lifting heavy objects keep your back straight. Poor lifting technique is a major cause of back strain and injury. Injuries are less likely if you are fit and have a strong back, stomach and leg muscles.
The writer is a Consultant Spine Surgeon based in Chennai.
Correct lifting technique
Make a firm base with the feet, keeping them about shoulder width apart.
Lift with the legs bending the knees rather than the back.
Do not kneel or overbend the knees.
Keep the chin held in and raised as this helps keep the back straight.
Ensure the load is as close to the body as possible.
Keep arms and elbows close to the body.
Do not twist the back but change direction by moving the feet.
Other precautions
Avoid high heels.
Do not sleep in your chair.
Use a cushion to support the small of your back.
Use a firm bed.
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