Answers to 5 Common Questions
ABOUT BACK PAIN
Even if back pain is not an issue for you now, it is likely that you or a loved
one will have back pain questions that need answering. According to the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately
80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their life. Ouch!
the most common questions he hears from patients:
1. Is there a way I can prevent back pain?
“While you can’t completely prevent back pain, you can reduce the
frequency or intensity of back pain episodes,” says Dr. Steineke. “If you
want to reduce the frequency and severity of back pain, you’ll need to
strengthen your ‘hidden core’ which are your abdominal and back muscles.
These muscles create an internal brace that stabilizes your spine and
reduces back pain,” says Dr. Steineke.
2. If my back hurts, should I limit my mobility?
“This is the greatest myth of all,” shares Dr. Steineke. “If you are
experiencing back pain or have back pain frequently - it is absolutely
imperative that you get mobile to strengthen that hidden core.”
Dr. Steineke believes the key to alleviating back pain is to not only exercise
while they are experiencing pain, but also in between pain episodes. An easy
way to strengthen your hidden core, is utilizing kettlebells, which is a round
3. Will a standing desk improve my back pain?
“I think standing desks are effective if you stand for an extended period
of time because you are engaging your core,” says Dr. Steineke. “The problem
with sitting is that you have a tendency to stretch your posterior chain of
muscles, hurting your interior core by causing an imbalance.”
However, proper seating position and frequently standing are not the
sole solution to back problems.
4. What can I do to relieve back pain?
Dr. Steineke says that some ways to relieve your back pain is to lay
alleviate back pain. When you lay on hard surfaces, your lower spine is in
traction in that position,” says Dr. Steineke. “The pressure in your lower
the nerve in this position, which causes the release of pressure.”
Dr. Steineke also suggests stretching. “Place your hands on your hips,
he says. “This position helps loosen your hamstrings which is important for
reducing back pain.
5. How do I know if I need back surgery?
look for a non-surgical solution, like core strengthening, to address spinal
problems,” says Dr. Steineke.
“We don’t want to over-treat our patients. They are looking to avoid
extensive treatments, like surgery or medicine. It is important for patients
to understand that their back pain can usually be managed by building
their strength,” shares Dr. Steineke. “If the patient chooses to move forward
use minimally-invasive techniques for a safer approach that also has a
shorter recovery time.”
Learn more at HMHBackPain.com
DECREASING BACK
PAIN BY INCREASING
TREATMENT OPTIONS
If you’ve been living with back pain, it’s time to discover the innovative treatment
options at Hackensack Meridian Health. Let our spine specialists utilize the right
tools to address your pain, including physical therapy, injection treatments and,
when necessary, minimally invasive surgery. Because the more we can relieve your
pain and restore healthy spine function, the more your life can keep getting better.
See at doctor at HMHBackPain.com
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