The profile of patients who mostly suffer back problems are sedentary people, especially office workers who spend a lot of time sitting and with little movement. However, the term “back pain” is very broad and it is important to clarify the differences between an injury and a dysfunction. Injuries involve processes in which the tissue has suffered alterations, while we speak of dysfunctions when, due to biomechanical alterations, problems of overuse, overload, muscle spasm and fibrosis originate.
Most frequent injuries
Discopathies and degenerative processes are the most common problems treated in the office. However, it is important to note that these alterations do not always lead to pain or disability of the patient. A good clinical history and a thorough physical examination are essential to determine the origin of the ailments and to treat them adequately beyond the radiological diagnosis. Especially relevant are the spinal ailments with neuropathic pain, since this greatly impairs the quality of life of patients. Other less frequently seen conditions are spondylolisthesis and spinal canal stenosis.
Stress is another factor that contributes to the appearance and maintenance of these socially accepted problems that coexist daily with the population, which is a real public health problem. Beyond the available treatments, sport and the improvement of physical condition will minimize these pains, which in some cases – in a very small percentage – can become disabling.
A good diagnosis is essential
The ideal treatment for back pain begins with a good diagnosis. In the field of conservative or non-surgical interventions, those that employ joint mobilization are those that have shown the greatest effectiveness. In this field, Osteopathy is shown to be a first-rate therapeutic option, with back pain being the main reason for consultation. The combination of manual therapy and a physical activity adapted to the patient’s abilities and tastes favor a successful treatment in the medium to long term.