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www.sgmh.orgFast facts about backs
Here’s some useful information about
that complex assortment of intercon-
nected bones, muscles, ligaments,
tendons and nerves that make up
your back—and the debilitating
pain it can sometimes cause you:
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The lower back is made up
of five bones called lumbar
vertebrae. Between the
bones, small, flexible
disks act as shock ab-
sorbers. The spinal
cord runs behind
the disks.
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Almost every-
one has low-back
pain at some time.
Usually, it gets better
within a few weeks.
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Low-back pain is the
most common cause of job-
related disability.
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Half of the people who have an
episode of low-back pain will have
another episode within a year.
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Men and women are equally affected
by low-back pain.
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A comprehensive program of exer-
cise and stretching can be very
effective for many people with back
pain. Your doctor or physical thera-
pist can help you devise the best
exercise plan for you.
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; National
Institutes of Health
7 ways to have
a healthier back
Prevent pain before it starts. Mini-
mize your risk for back pain with
these tips:
1
Push, don’t pull, heavy objects.
2
To pick up an object, bend at
your knees—not your waist. Lift
with your legs, not your back,
with the object close to your
body. Avoid twisting.
3
Stand on a sturdy stool
to reach things above
Next up: Surgery?
You’ve tried physical therapy, worn a
brace and taken medicine. Nothing
seems to stop your low-back pain.
What’s your next option?
It might be surgery, which may
relieve pressure on nerves, stabilize
the spine and ease pain. Common
conditions treated surgically include:
A herniated disk.
In this case, a
spinal disk becomes damaged, caus-
ing the shock-absorbing, gel-like
center to leak.
Osteoarthritis.
This can
cause a breakdown of one or
more disks or a narrowing of
the spinal canal.
Depending on your prob-
lem, various surgical methods
can be used. In many cases, some
of the bone and ligament atop the
nerves is removed, followed by the
removal of materials pressing on the
nerves. Sometimes bones are fused
together to improve stability.
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
shoulder level.
4
Place pillows
under your knees if
you sleep on your back,
or lie on your side with
a pillow between your
knees. A firm mattress is
often best for your back.
5
Control your weight.
6
Don’t smoke. Smok-
ing restricts blood flow to
the disks that cushion the
vertebrae.
7
Exercise regularly to keep
muscles strong and flexible.
Source: North American Spine Society
We’ve got
your back
To make an appoint-
ment with a physical
therapist, call
951-849-3933
.