Back pain - prevention

and Dr. med. Nina Buschek

Kathrin Rothfischer studied microbiology and genetics in Regensburg after an excursion into German studies. Presenting complex issues in an easily understandable way was her passion even then. That is why she turned this passion into a profession after graduating: After various positions in the medical specialist publishing house and in the public press, she finally found her journalistic home at

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In the majority of back pain patients, no precise cause for the lower back pain can be found. Presumably, both physical (e.g. mainly sedentary work) and mental factors (e.g. stress, professional problems) play a role. In addition, the pain can also be triggered by certain signs of wear and tear on the spine (e.g. slipped disc), osteoporosis, rheumatism, infections, tumors, kidney stones or gynecological diseases.

Prevention

Back pain is usually episodic. In practice, therefore, the boundaries between primary and secondary prevention or secondary and tertiary prevention are often difficult to draw. The aim of all measures is to prevent the pain from becoming chronic. In many cases it is important not to take too much physical care - unless the doctor has specifically recommended it. Because immobility can aggravate existing pain.

Move

Regular exercise is important to prevent back pain. Targeted training that strengthens the core muscles and the pelvic floor can prevent painful bad posture in advance. It is also helpful to learn back-friendly movements and to integrate them into everyday life (e.g. bending over, lifting heavy objects, etc.). If there are complaints, you should get professional training instructions from specialists such as physiotherapists or sports therapists.

In the case of work-related high physical strain, compensatory training is advisable - especially if the loads are one-sided and monotonous. This can be, for example, vigorous gymnastics or regular swimming.

psyche

Psychological factors should also be considered in prevention. The assumption that the psyche plays a decisive role in back pain has existed for several years. Accordingly, the inner attitude and social factors obviously also determine what influence the complaints have on everyday life. As part of psychological pain management, therapists try to influence the psyche in such a way that the symptoms disappear or subside. Stress-reducing methods such as autogenic training, yoga or progressive muscle relaxation have also proven themselves in the treatment of back pain.

Obesity

It is not yet clear whether there is a direct connection between obesity and back pain. But the fact is that too many pounds are often associated with a lack of exercise. Overweight people therefore have to struggle with the symptoms more often and for longer.

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