Exercise and Back Pain

in ,

Article featured on Spine-Health

Back exercises are almost always necessary to rehabilitate the spine and alleviate back pain. A controlled, gradual exercise program that is tailored to an individual is usually the most effective.

While a typical response to back pain is to take it easy—either staying in bed or at least stopping any strenuous activity—resting for more than a day or two can actually undermine healing and worsen pain.

Benefits of Exercise

When done in a controlled, progressive manner, exercises for relieving back pain have many benefits, including:

  • Strengthening the muscles that support the spine, removing pressure from the spinal discs and facet joints
  • Alleviating stiffness and improving mobility
  • Improving circulation to better distribute nutrients through the body, including to the spinal discs
  • Releasing endorphins, which can naturally relieve pain. A frequent release of endorphins can help reduce reliance on pain medication. Endorphins can also elevate mood and relieve depressive symptoms, a common effect of chronic pain.
  • Minimizing the frequency of back or neck pain episodes, and reducing the severity of pain when it does occur.

A balanced workout should include a combination of stretching and strengthening, as well as aerobic exercise that elevates the heart rate.

Exercise as Prescription for Back Pain

An effective program of back exercises should be comprehensive, working the whole body even as it targets the back. Exercise can be thought of as any other health prescription: A qualified health professional will customize exercise based on a variety of factors. These factors typically include:

  • the clinical diagnosis
  • whether pain is considered mild, moderate, or severe
  • the pain relief necessary to tolerate activity
  • the frequency of prescribed exercises
  • the correct form and healthy posture needed for performing exercises

Maintaining the Exercise Program Over Time

Adherence to exercise is one of the most important factors for long term pain relief. However, maintaining exercise can be difficult for a variety of reasons, including worsened pain with activity, economic constraints, and low motivation. In one study, the most common reason for lack of adherence to exercise was increased pain caused by activity. When this is the case, an exercise professional can incorporate pain reduction and management as primary parts of the exercise program.

Personal preference also plays a role in adherence—for instance, if an exercise routine is too painful or not enjoyable, it is less likely to be done regularly enough to be effective.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Radiating Pain in Your Leg? Best to See Your Doctor

in ,

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Preventing Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

in

Article featured on Atlanta Spine Institute

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time. However, it also comes with a great deal of uncomfortable physical changes including lower back pain. Believe it or not, approximately 80% of women experience back pain at some point during their pregnancies. Weight gain paired with changes in hormones and posture can all lead to lower back pain.

Lower back pain can take a serious toll on a woman’s day-to-day life and cause challenges during delivery. If you’re pregnant or plan to be in the near future, here are some tips to help prevent lower back pain during pregnancy.

Engage in Light Exercises

While you should avoid high-intensity workouts, it’s a good idea to participate in light exercise routines such as yoga, pilates, swimming, and stationary biking. Not only can they strengthen your back, they can also improve your flexibility. The stronger and more flexible you are, the more likely you are to maintain good posture and prevent lower back pain.

Be Careful While Lifting

Ideally, you’d never have to lift anything throughout your entire pregnancy. Since this may not be possible, practice caution any time you lift. Rather than bending forward from your waist, move as close as you can to the object and bend your knees. This way you can keep your back straight and avoid strain.

Take Control of Your Stress

Pregnancy can be stressful, especially if you’re juggling work, childcare, and other responsibilities. Stress can raise muscle tension in the back and lead to back pain so it’s important to keep it to a minimum. If you’re feeling stressed, go for a walk with a friend, meditate, or soak in a lukewarm bath.

Wear Proper Footwear

High heels during pregnancy can exacerbate lower back pain. So swap stilettos for comfortable shoes with good arch support. You may even want to wear compression stockings to keep blood from accumulating in your legs.

Sleep on Your Side

Sleeping on your stomach and pregnancy don’t mesh well. To keep your back pain in check, sleep on your side instead of your back. If you’re unable to get comfortable, try a body pillow to support your growing tummy.

Try Hot and Cold Therapy

Take an ice pack or hot towel and place it on your back to find relief from pain. If you do so, keep the heat or ice away from the abdomen.

If your back pain becomes unmanageable during any part of your pregnancy, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

How to Ease Back Into Exercise After Surgery

in , ,

Article featured on MedicineNet

Patients who’ve had surgery should ease back into movement and exercise.

These efforts may be small, but they’re better than nothing, according to one surgeon who emphasized the importance of listening to your body.

“The most important thing is patient comfort. After surgery, there is often this apprehension of, ‘If I move or do something, I will hurt or damage the area where I had surgery,’” said Dr. Adil Ahmed, an assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “We must counsel patients pre-op and post-op, telling them what is safe to do in terms of physical activity because they should be mobile.”

Start by doing small tasks after surgery. For shoulder replacement patients in a sling and with limited mobility for four weeks, move your fingers, open and close your hands, squeeze a stress ball and flex and extend the wrist and elbow, Ahmed suggested. This can keep the joints from getting stiff and prevent swelling.

“In those first four weeks, you’re doing very gentle, rotational motions because you want everything to heal, and then you progress in therapy and remove those restrictions,” he said in a Baylor news release. “Once your motion begins to improve, you begin strengthening.”

If your arm is in a sling, just focus on getting out of bed on your own, going to the bathroom alone or putting on and taking off clothes and shoes.

After that, you can slowly start going back into physical activity, such as walking with gentle motion.

Modify your exercise routine during recovery by focusing on the areas that you can move instead of being sedentary, Ahmed advised.

After a shoulder replacement, use your free arm to hold a broomstick and move it around. Progressively start using heavier sticks to strengthen the other arm.

If it’s your wrist or elbow that’s healing, focus on working your legs and core. You can gradually start incorporating your arm workout into your routine as well, Ahmed said.

Basic workouts using resistance bands can be a good idea.

“If you can get to the gym and do something, even if it isn’t your normal routine, that’s great. Something is always better than nothing,” Ahmed said.

Controlled movements are best to minimize pain. Riding a stationary bike, for example, elevates the heart rate with low impact. This is an easy workout even if your arm is restricted in a sling. Walking is encouraged after surgery.

Start light when you do return to the gym, Ahmed recommended.

“It’s always a progression, and you never want to hit the weights right away. You should start with light bodyweight exercises, much less than you were doing before surgery, because it’s not about getting strong right away. You must do everything within the same motion parameters because the natural body response is to power through pain, which is how you injure yourself,” he said.

Use pain as your guide when beginning physical activity after surgery, Ahmed suggested.

If something hurts, that should be the upper threshold limit to you.

Avoid suffering through the pain. Gaining motion is more important during the recovery period than strengthening.

Patients often fall into two groups: overcautious, which can cause stiffness and a longer recovery, and aggressive, pushing too far too fast.

Patients with fractures that involve a joint need to use more care because the joint can shift, which may cause the patient to develop arthritis for life.

Patients should ask their surgeons a number of questions, Ahmed said. They should ask about range of motion including, “Is it safe to move or not? Are there any restrictions on movement?” They should ask about weight bearing: “Can I weight bear or not? Can I push, pull or lift items?”

They should also ask if they need to be in the sling constantly or can take it off for a certain amount of time. Also ask about therapy, including when to start and whether you should do basic home exercises.

“I try to make a point to tell patients this information, but it’s important with any type of surgery — not just the extremities — to ask these questions,” Ahmed said.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

How to Determine if Your Lower Back Pain is Serious

in
Article featured on Southwest Spine & SportLower back pain affects millions of people worldwide. While most cases of lower back pain are not serious and can be treated with self-care measures, some cases may require medical attention and more advanced treatments.

What are some of the causes of lower back pain?

There are many causes and types of back pain, from acute to chronic.

Common causes of lower back pain include:

  • Muscle strains occur from lifting heavy objects, sudden movements, or poor posture.
  • Herniated discs occur when a spinal disc ruptures or slips out of place. (This can also cause symptoms like leg pain and numbness.)
  • Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs in the spine begin to wear down over time. (This may also cause numbness and tingling.)
  • Spinal stenosis happens when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the nerves in the spine. (This can also cause leg pain and weakness.)
  • Osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage in the joints begins to wear down, causing pain and stiffness.

What are the signs that my low back pain might be serious and require medical attention?

Low back pain frequently resolves on its own after a short healing period or when you stop engaging in the actions that cause it.

However, some signs indicate that your lower back pain may be serious and require medical attention. These include:

  • Pain that’s severe and doesn’t improve with rest or self-care
  • Pain that’s accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chills, or difficulty urinating
  • Pain that’s accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
  • Acute pain after an injury or accident

No matter what kind of low back pain symptoms you’re experiencing, Dr. Wolff can evaluate your case, medical history, and overall health to determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan for optimal pain relief and improved quality of life.

What can I do to alleviate lower back pain before my appointment?

There are also self-care measures you can use for lower back pain relief, such as:

  • Maintaining good posture
  • Engaging in regular exercise to strengthen core muscles
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Using proper lifting techniques during workouts
  • Using ergonomic furniture

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Gardening, Yard Work and Back Strain

in ,
 Article featured on Atlanta Spine Institute

Gardeners, Protect Your Spine!

Digging, weeding, planting, carrying, spading, watering – there’s a lot of potential for back pain in the average flower or vegetable garden. As the Spring and Summer seasons bring in prime gardening weather, how can we protect our spines?

Gardening and Your Back: Preparation

After a long, relatively inactive winter, it’s time to prep your garden beds for the flowers or the vegetables that liven up your meals and brighten up your home. Just as many people use a greenhouse or cold frame to get the jump on spring, the smart gardener can take some steps to make sure that their body is ready for the work ahead. In the months and weeks before you start digging in the dirt, step you exercise routine, add some yoga and gentle stretching and generally tone up. A few sessions a week will improve your general health and disposition, and will likely help you avoid the painful consequences of jumping into the work of gardening before you’re in shape. Before getting down to work, consider taking a brisk walk, and doing some lunges and warmup stretches, so you’re more ready to exert yourself.

Another important prep step: remember to hydrate! Your muscles function better when you combat the effects of sun and exertion by drinking extra water before, during and after working outdoors. Also, when your water intake is sufficient, you might be a little less likely to experience muscle cramps or spasms.

Remember, too, to protect yourself from the sun. A wide brimmed hat and long sleeves might not prevent back spasms, but you’re less likely to incur a painful and potentially dangerous case of sunburn. Sun safety also includes protecting your eyes by wearing sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses.

Gardening and Your Back: Tools

The tools you use can make a significant difference when it comes to protecting your back while gardening. Begin with hand tools: using short-handled tools for digging, weeding and planting can lead you to lean over the work, inviting lower back strain. Using longer handles helps you maintain a more erect posture.

Be careful to rely on your legs and spare your back when lifting bags of soil, mulch or fertilizer. Don’t kneel to garden without a pad – you’re likely to feel stiff and sore afterward, from the knees through the hips to the lumbar region. It’s even better to use a stool, or even a rolling seat, to keep pressure off your knees and stress off your spine. Will you be re-potting plants? Set up a table so you can stand up to do this, instead of leaning over the job. A wheeled tool caddy can help you avoid getting up and down all the time to fetch the implement you put down at the far end of the row.

Gardening and Your Back: Mix up the chores, spread out the work

You might be thinking your garden patch needs a full day of spading and fertilizing, but restrain yourself! For the sake of your back, it’s better to vary your yardwork chores throughout the day. Try breaking up the big tasks with some smaller ones, for the mental AND the physical variety. Remember to take breaks at frequent intervals, to avoid fatigue and overexertion. A little planning can keep you from overdoing your garden tending tasks, and your back will thank you for it.

Gardening and Your Back: Posture

Lifting – remember to use your knees, legs and hips when hefting bags of soil or mulch, or shifting a shovel of dirt. If there’s a lot of material, whether pruned branches, grass clippings or landscaping blocks, move a little bit at a time.

Weeding and harvesting – use that wheeled bench when moving about your garden plot. Leaning over or bending at the waist are much more likely to strain your back muscles than a mindful, back-sparing approach to the job.

Raking – switch hands often when using your leaf rake, hoe or garden cultivator, so you don’t overuse your dominant hand. A more balanced approached to those sweeping and pulling tasks will help keep you pain free for the next day’s chores.

Mowing – if you push a mower or wheeled spreader for seed or fertilizer, be careful not to lean forward too far, as this can inflict strain on your spine. Keep your erect posture in mind as you relax your back and push with your arms and legs.

To sum up: With a little advance planning, a careful selection and use of tools, and a little mindfulness while you work, you can enjoy the best parts of gardening. Here’s to your crop of flowers, vegetables, lush grass, herbs or whatever it is that gives you satisfaction. May you enjoy the fruits of your labor pain-free!

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

How to Crack Your Back

in

Article featured on WebMD

Whether you’re stuck in an uncomfortable seated position behind a desk or spend most of your days completing strenuous tasks, chances are that your back is experiencing the brunt of the pain and discomfort. If you find yourself wanting back relief, you’re not alone. The CDC reported that nearly 40% of adults had back pain in 2019. Cracking your back, when done safely, can help you experience major relief and help remove built-up tension and pressure from your spine. Keep reading to learn more about what causes back pain, if cracking your back is a safe method of relief, and how to crack your back safely.

What Causes Back Pain?

It’s important to understand that there are varying levels of back pain, and although some back pain can be diminished by cracking your back or stretching, more serious and long-lasting back pain should be addressed with your healthcare provider. If you are experiencing back pain that can find relief from simple movements and cracking, chances are that you are experiencing pain and discomfort due to your lifestyle. Some of the common causes for this type of back pain include:

  • Sitting in a single position for long periods, especially with poor posture
  • Obesity, which can cause excess pressure to be placed on the spine
  • Completing strenuous tasks like exercising, lifting something heavy, or pushing and pulling without proper back support
  • Being older than 45, which is when these pains become more common

The back is made up of several different structures in the spine that rely on each other to support your body’s everyday movements. When one of these structures is not properly supported, it can make completing daily tasks increasingly difficult. Before you decide to give cracking your back a try, assess your back pain and confirm that it is not due to an injury, as cracking your back could cause further damage.

What Happens When You Crack Your Back?

Hearing your back crack and pop can be alarming the first time around, as the sounds can make you feel as though you are doing damage to your spine. However, understanding where this noise comes from can reassure you.

When you begin to feel the urge to crack your back, it’s because your back is experiencing a certain level of pressure between the vertebrae, which are the interlocking bones of the spine that help support about half of your body weight and give your body the strength and flexibility to move the way that you do. Pockets of fluid surround each vertebra, and when pressure is built up, gas forms within this fluid. When you move or stretch in a certain manner, this pressure and gas are released from the fluid, which contributes to the cracking or popping you hear.

Once this gas is released, there is less tension and pressure buildup between your spine. This is what allows you to feel relief following a good back-cracking session.

Is It Safe to Crack Your Back?

For most, back cracking and popping can unintentionally happen with certain stretches and movements. Although natural back cracking is typically considered to be safe, intentional and continuous back cracking should be avoided. Forcefully cracking your back may not have repercussions the first time around. However, a back cracking habit can lead to concerning injuries, including:

  • Pinching a nerve
  • Inflammation of your joints
  • Muscle strain
  • Blood vessel injury
  • Joint instability
Overall, back cracking should not be a painful experience. If you are experiencing pain, speak with your doctor about an underlying cause and rule out a possible injury.

Chiropractors are a great alternative if you are wanting to realign your spine, pinpoint the pain site, and get relief. This also ensures that you are not moving in a way that may cause further injury. If you are wanting to take matters into your own hands and have tools for back pain relief in your daily life, consider doing some of the following stretches that might provide that natural back-cracking response:

  • Sitting rotation. Sit on the floor with both legs stretched out in front of you. Bend one leg and cross it over the other. Slowly twist your upper body toward your bent leg. One arm should be behind you for support and the other should be on the side of your bent thigh for a deeper stretch. Hold this position, slowly release, and alternate.
  • Cat and camel pose. Begin this pose in a tabletop position. Slowly alternate from arching your back and tucking your chin into your neck to gazing up and dropping your stomach toward the floor.
  • Kneeling back extension. Begin this pose in a tabletop position. Tuck your chin into your neck, arch your back, and push your hip back towards your heels.
  • Knee to chest. Begin in a lying-down position. Slowly bend one of your knees, and, holding onto your shin or knee with both hands, bring your knee to your chest. Hold this position for a few seconds, then do the same for the other leg.
  • When doing these gentle stretches, you may experience the natural cracking and popping of your back. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern unless they are accompanied by pain. Continue these stretches to relieve any pressure and tension in your back. Tell your doctor if you keep having pain and discomfort.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What SI Joint Pain is and How to Treat It

in

Article featured on Summit Orthopedics

What is the SI joint?

The sacroiliac joint, more commonly known as the SI joint, is where the pelvis meets the bottom of the spine. That joint can get irritated, and there is a major nerve that sits on top of this joint. If the joint is irritated, then often the nerve will get irritated also, causing broad pain in that region.

It’s a complex diagnosis because pain in this area can also be referred pain from issues in the spinal canal.

What causes SI joint pain?

Pain in the SI joint is fairly common and can be caused by many different things. For example, the joint can get irritated by abnormal movement patterns. For example, if you’re recovering from ankle surgery or have heel pain, you may be walking differently than you typically do. That can cause SI joint pain.

Another common cause of SI joint pain is previous back surgery, particularly in the lower back (lumbar spine).

What are some common SI joint pain symptoms?

  • The most common symptom is pain in the buttock, usually on one side.
  • The pain can radiate down to the knee or to the groin, but it’s typically the low buttock and slightly below that.
  • The area can be quite tender if you push on it.

How can I treat my SI joint pain?

There is good news for people dealing with SI joint pain. There are lots of great, effective treatment options that don’t require surgery:

  1. Physical therapy can work well. There are a variety of exercises for SI joint pain to reduce the irritation and the associated symptoms.
  2. Steroid injections can be effective. It allows the physician to deliver strong anti-inflammatory medicine directly to the joint.
  3. Specialized equipment, particularly a belt brace, can help to stabilize the joint.
  4. Prolotherapy is an innovative treatment option that research shows can be even more effective than a steroid injection at relieving pain. Rather than injecting steroids, the provider injects a kind of sugar water, which causes a low level of irritation that prompts the body’s natural healing mechanism to activate.
  5. Regenerative medicine techniques can also work well, such as injecting platelet-rich plasma in and around the joint to decrease irritation.
  6. Radiofrequency ablation can be an option, ablating the nerves to “turn off” pain to the SI joint.

Many people present with what they think is SI joint area pain. Because it is difficult to diagnose, those patients benefit from an expert consultation to make sure the problem is actually with the SI joint, because it masquerades as quite a few things.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Back Pain in Kids and Teens

in ,

Article featured on Spine-Health

There are several unique aspects to consider when back pain occurs in a child or teenager. In rare cases, back pain may be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Back pain in children and adolescents may increase with age and typically affects girls more than boys.

This article provides comprehensive information about back pain in children and teens, including the probable causes, diagnostic considerations, and available treatment options, to help parents and caregivers understand and support kids with this symptom.

Common Risk Factors for Back Pain in Kids and Teens

The most common risk factors for back pain in children and teens include sports participation; obesity; a sedentary lifestyle; and a family history of lower back pain, smoking, and/or psychological stress. For example, children and teens with a positive family history of lower back pain are almost twice as likely to experience back pain in childhood or adolescence versus their counterparts with no relevant family history. Evidence suggests that those with lower back pain in childhood are at higher risk of developing lower back pain in adulthood.

School-age children who complain of back pain typically also have high levels of psychosocial difficulties, such as emotional distress and problems with behavior and/or everyday functions.

Typical Characteristics of Back Pain in Children and Adolescents

Depending on the underlying cause, pain may be restricted to a localized area of the back or may include the entire upper and/or lower back region. The common, benign causes of back pain in kids and teens generally have the following characteristics:

  • In the initial stages, back pain in childhood and adolescence typically occurs with low intensity, and the pain commonly lasts for less than a week.
  • There is usually a high rate of recurrence of back pain within this specific age group.
  • When the pain recurs, it typically resurges with greater intensity.

There may be limitations in carrying out daily activities, missed school days, and the reduction of or hesitancy in performing physical activity.

Types of Back Pain in Kids and Teens

Based on the underlying cause, a few types of back pain experienced by children may include 1 :

  • Acute pain. A sharp, stabbing, and/or shooting pain may occur in event of an injury, trauma, fracture of the vertebra or vertebral growth plate, or herniated disc.
  • Chronic pain. A constant ache, pain that comes and goes, or posture-related pain may occur due to inflammatory spondyloarthropathies, psychological issues, or developmental problems, such as Scheuermann’s disease.
  • Pain that worsens with spinal movement. Flexion (forward bending) increases pressure on the front part of the spinal bones, aggravating pain from conditions such as a herniated disc, discitis, osteomyelitis, or vertebral body tumor.Extension (backward bending) of the spine increases the strain on the posterior part of the spinal bones, including the facet joints, pars interarticularis, and pedicles. A lesion or injury, such as an osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, or spondylolysis, in this area can cause pain while bending backward.
  • Night-time pain. Frequent pain that occurs at night and awakens the child is typically associated with tumors or infections, such as osteomyelitis, discitis, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, eosinophilic granuloma, aneurysmal bone cyst, leukemia, Ewing’s sarcoma, or spinal cord tumors.

Night-time back pain in children and teens warrants immediate medical attention.

Backpacks and Back Pain

There is some evidence to suggest that heavy backpacks may cause back pain in children.

  • Habitually carrying heavy backpacks over one shoulder may cause the muscles in the area to strain in order to compensate for the uneven weight, resulting in localized or one-sided pain in the shoulder and upper back.
  • Heavy backpacks may strain the neck muscles, contributing to or worsening existing back pain, shoulder pain, and arm pain.
  • Improperly loading a backpack and stooping forward while walking can distribute weight unevenly within the bag, causing strain on the back muscles.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ most recent non-evidence-based guidelines recommend that the optimal weight of a child’s backpack may be restricted to 10% to 20% of the child’s body weight. Certainly if a child or teen complains about back pain after carrying their backpack, it is reasonable to try reducing the weight of the backpack, use a rolling pack, or explore other remedies.

Back Pain in Children and Adolescents Must Be Evaluated at the Earliest

Any complaint by a child or teenager about acute back pain or chronic back pain is taken seriously by pediatricians and is usually followed up with a detailed consultation that will include a review of the child’s medical history, an in-depth physical exam, and a psychological evaluation, if warranted.

If the medical history and physical examination suggest an underlying condition, a series of tests may be conducted. These tests typically include blood tests and radiographic imaging studies, with a possible referral to a specialist for further examination and diagnostic tests.

When Back Pain in Kids and Teens May Be Serious

Back pain, specifically severe pain in the lower back region in children under 10 years of age and particularly in those younger than 4 years, should be considered a red flag for serious underlying pathologies, which may include:

  • Vertebral fracture
  • Spinal tumors
  • Infectious diseases
  • Cauda equina syndrome

Spinal tumors and fractures may be associated with additional symptoms, such as fatigue, stiffness in the spine upon waking in the morning, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and/or local tenderness on the spine. Night pain, pain that awakens the child from sleep, and pain at rest may be specific to tumors.

Mild to moderate back pain in kids and teens may occur due to a sudden, direct hit to the back or as a result of a fall (such as while playing on a playground or participating in sports), and usually resolves within a few days with self-care and/or over-the-counter medications. Persistent, progressive, and/or severe back pain may indicate a serious medical condition and it is advisable to get medical help right away.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Ways to Improve Back Pain

in

Article featured on Orthopaedic Associates

Back pain is a pain to deal with, affecting millions of Americans every day. Those who suffer from back pain daily may find it hard to focus on their daily activities, like going to work or cooking a meal. Unfortunately, back pain tends to be persistent and doesn’t just go away overnight.

If you find your back pain has lasted longer than three months, it’s considered chronic back pain. That being said, chronic back pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

Causes of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic back pain typically affects men and women as they age, but it isn’t always correlated with age. Other common reasons patients may experience back pain include:

  • Trauma
  • Arthritis (in the spine)
  • Bulging or herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord)
  • Pinched nerves

If you’re unsure what is causing your back pain, it’s important to see a specialist who can properly diagnose you. Diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your back pain can help your physician better treat you and can help you focus on home remedies that best suit your needs. Your physician may recommend an MRI scan or x-ray to establish the source of your back pain.

Many believe the only way to treat their back pain is through surgery, but that is far from the truth. There are several ways you can treat your chronic back pain without using surgical techniques, including the following.

1. Physical Therapy and Exercise

Physical therapy and light exercise are some of the best things you can do to reduce your chronic back pain. Physical therapy sessions and regular exercise will help you strengthen the muscles in your back and around your spine, reducing both inflammation and the straining of the muscles in your affected areas. We encourage you to work with a physical therapist to find which exercises will work best for you and your condition.

2. Injections

Injection-based treatments are minimally invasive and can often be as effective as invasive surgical procedures. Injection-based treatments include nerve blocks, steroid injections, and forms of regenerative medicine like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. These treatments are effective because they directly introduce an anti-inflammatory or regenerative medicine to your affected areas.

3. Lifestyle Changes

When you have chronic back pain, you often have to accept it and adapt. This doesn’t mean giving up hope – rather, it means reducing instances that can worsen your inflammation by making small changes to your lifestyle. Some lifestyle modifications our physicians recommend include making several trips to carry in groceries rather than carrying them in all at once and taking short breaks between long periods of strenuous activities like cleaning the house or mowing the lawn.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.