UNDERSTANDING BACK TROUBLE: PREVENTING A RECURRENCE-THE FUTURE FOR BACK TROUBLE AND ATTITUDES TO PAIN
Back trouble – chiefly in the form of lower back pain – has taken on some of the aspects of an epidemic in the western world; that is to say, though it is not an infectious complaint, its incidence is seen to be constantly increasing. In Australia, it creates a demand for treatment which represents an ever-increasing burden on the health services. The already huge number of working days lost each year would also be likely to increase in proportion. The sum of all the individual misery that back trouble causes may, shortly, represent a luxury that this country cannot afford.
It would seem, therefore, that back pain sufferers of the future are more likely to be offered short shrift by doctors and employers alike. Harsh though this may seem, it has some backing from some advanced medical opinion.
Attitudes to pain-At the root of this search for medical help is said to be the psychological problem of the fear of pain. Attitudes to pain are highly subjective, and conditioned by each person’s individual psychology, which is the product of many different factors. Thus tolerance of pain varies enormously, and the identical kind of pain provokes widely different reactions.
A vigorous approach to back pain is seen in a new exercise method being developed in Denmark. It is designed to strengthen the back and shoulder muscles, which are said to grow weak because modern living causes them to be underused. Contrary to accepted notions, patients are advised to start the exercises while still suffering an acute attack of pain; but the exercises are claimed to be equally beneficial in cases of chronic pain. They are also said to have preventive value.
This new method received a lot of publicity a couple of years ago, and there was controversy over how safe it was as it had not undergone controlled trials. In general, if you are suffering from back pain you should not attempt vigorous exercise unless you have been carefully reassessed and investigated by your medical specialist and seen by a physiotherapist or other health professional, who can advise you as to the suitability for you of particular exercises, and can monitor their effect.
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