february, 2009 facts on backs keith sullivan, pt bodyworks physical therapy inc. edina,mn
TRANSCRIPT
Goals Educate you regarding anatomy and pathology.
Instruct you in proper body mechanics, posture, and prevention.
Discuss what physical therapy has to offer.
Answer any questions you may have (if there is any time).
Prevalence of Lower Back Pain
80% of adults experience lower back pain severe enough to seek medical attention at some point in their lives; 100 million Americans per year.
The cost in lost work time and medical/legal expenses is over $60 billion per year.
There are over 300,000 back surgeries performed in this country per year.
Lower back injuries are most common in the 30-40 year old age group.
Recurrence of Lower Back Pain
60% of those with back injuries reinjure their backs within the first year.
75% within the first two years.
Our goal during this presentation is to help decrease those numbers and to help you prevent either the original injury or any
re-injury if you have already experienced back problems.
Misconceptions
“Most back injuries are caused by accidents”
“Slipped discs”
“Back injuries are a recent phenomenon”
“Most people with back injuries are exaggerating or faking”
“All back injuries are the same”
This is the Spine
33 vertebrae separated by discs.
Primary functions are movement, protection of spinal cord, and maintaining posture in erect position.
“Mast of the Ship”
Spinal Disc
Gel in center Fibrous material surrounding nucleus
Watery when young - lose water with age.
Concept of Neutral Spine
Critical times to be in neutral spine position
1. Increased force (lifting)
2. When maintaining one position for long duration (driving)
3. During repetitive action (bending)
Prolonged Standing
Bar owners installed bar rails above the floor because people would stand there long with one foot up (and drink more beer).
Keep work in front of you.
Raise work to 15º below eye level.
Use headset if on phone often.
Keep notes in front if dictating.
Correct Sitting Posture
Center of Gravity
Center of gravity determines force on disc.
A ten pound weight held 3 feet away from chest feels like 100 lbs.
When lifting with straight legs - now feels like 1000 lbs.
Do Not Lift and Twist
This is how most injuries occur.
The weight of the object does not have to be large.
The number of time you do it is important.
Taking Groceries Out of Car
Break big tasks in to small ones.
Pull bags close Lift in stages Find neutral spine Turn feet to avoid twisting
You could place your knee of
Cumulative Trauma
It is very rare for a single event to injure a healthy back.
You are born with a clean slate.
The little things add up over time and can result in further injury.
Risk Factors
Being overweight Incorrect lifting and body mechanics
Poor posture Smoking Poor physical condition Stress Poor nutrition Poor flexibility
Poor Body Mechanics Due to Lack of Flexibility
Need sufficient hamstring length to bend over correctly.
In addition to flexibility you will need good quadriceps strength to squat.
Work Simplification Techniques
Organization of work and home environment
Utilization of power saving devices (dollies, wheel barrows).
Reduction of steps in performing daily routines.