Less is sometimes more with back pain

In non-specific back pain is often: „Less is more“

17/02/2014

In Germany, back pain is one of the most common reasons for sick leave. The causes of the condition are as diverse as possible therapies. An expert advises now with unspecific back pain to restraint and says: „Less is more.“

Less is more
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for sick leave in Germany. Causes of the condition can include incorrect posture or stress. Meanwhile, it is increasingly advised to first wait, when tormenting a low back pain. Compared to the latest edition of the pharmacies Umschau (2/2014 B), Professor Marcus Schiltenwolf said: „Of senseless measures such as syringes or immediate X-rays, I advise urgently. Less is more.“ The orthopedist heads the Department of Pain Therapy at the Orthopedic Clinic of the University Hospital Heidelberg.

Waiting for six weeks with X-rays
Frequently, X-ray findings would not explain the cause of the pain. The National Low Income Guideline recommends that X-rays be maintained for six weeks. However, this only applies if the doctor of „unspecific back pain“ emanates. This means that the cause of the pain can not be clearly assigned to physical changes and there are no alarm signals such as numbness, paralysis, fractures or nerve damage. In the vast majority of cases this is so. „Do not give up exercise and use the body well again. Reduce fear“, advises Schiltenwolf. „And understand the role of stress and unfulfilled needs in life.“

Physical exercise for prevention
Regardless of whether the back pain caused by mental stress, lack of exercise or bad postures at work, is physical exercise, according to experts, quite well suited for prevention. Even small measures such as walks in the lunch break can show a promising effect here. And in acute cases, back pain exercises can relieve the suffering, such as hanging out on a stretch rod or stretching. In all exercises, however, freedom from pain is the top priority. (Sb)