Table of Contents
What Is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain is characterized by discomfort in the lumbar region of the spine. It can vary from mild, occasional aches to persistent, severe pain that affects mobility and daily activities. The causes of lower back pain are multifaceted, including muscle or ligament strain, disc herniation, arthritis, or spinal stenosis, among others. The rise of sedentary jobs and lifestyles has exacerbated this issue, increasing lower back pain across various demographics.
The Anatomy of Lower Back
The lower back, or lumbar region, is a complex structure of interconnecting bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles, all working together to provide support, strength, and flexibility. However, this complexity also makes it susceptible to injury and pain. Lower back pain can stem from problems with any of these components, often resulting from strain, poor posture, or internal conditions such as disc degeneration.
Common Causes:
Lower back pain’s etiology is multifactorial, with common causes including but not limited to:
- Muscle or Ligament Strain: Heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments.
- Disc Injury: The discs between the vertebrae can be herniated or ruptured, leading to pain.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition known as spinal stenosis.
- Osteoporosis: Bones becoming porous and brittle can lead to vertebral fractures.
Risk factors enhancing the likelihood of developing lower back pain include age, lack of exercise, excess body weight, diseases, smoking, occupational hazards, and psychological conditions.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms of lower back pain can range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. The pain may make it hard to move or stand up straight. Acute back pain comes on suddenly, often after an injury from sports or heavy lifting. Pain that lasts more than three months is considered chronic.
The Concept of Sitting Disease and Its Link to Lower Back Pain
Sitting Disease refers to the cluster of health issues that arise from excessive sitting, particularly in the context of modern work environments. This condition is not a medically diagnosed disease per se but rather a health risk factor associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The primary concern is that prolonged periods of sitting can lead to numerous physical ailments, including significant impacts on lower back health.
How Does Sitting Disease Affect Lower Back Pain?
The human body is designed for movement, and the lack thereof can lead to weakened back muscles, reduced flexibility, and strain on the spine. These conditions are precursors to lower back pain, highlighting the direct link between Sitting Disease and the discomfort experienced in the lumbar region. The mechanics of sitting, especially with poor posture, increases the pressure on the spinal discs, leading to accelerated wear and potentially chronic back conditions.
Risk Factors for Sitting Disease:
Key risk factors for developing Sitting Disease-related lower back pain include job nature, lifestyle choices, and lack of physical activity. Preventative measures focus on reducing sedentary behaviour through regular breaks, standing desks, and incorporating physical activity into daily routines. Awareness and education on ergonomic practices are also crucial in mitigating the risks associated with prolonged sitting.
Lower Back Pain Management With ANF Therapy®️
History:
First, the ANF Therapist will take a detailed history of your back pain. He will ask you about:
- Your biodata
- Severity of pain
- Nature of back pain
- Aggravating and relieving factors
- Occupational history
- Medical and surgical history
- How much back pain has affected your routine
Physical Examination:
After the history, an ANF Therapist will perform a detailed physical examination and assess affected areas, structural abnormalities, changes in skin colour, hairy patches, and range of motion.
Then, an ANF Therapist will examine relevant anatomical structures, including the gluteal nerves, sacroiliac joint, adductor and hamstring muscles, pelvic floor, psoas and quadratus lumborum muscles. It will also assess the gut, nervous, and lymphatic systems for signs of invisible inflammation. Further evaluations may include the kidneys, ovaries, neurological stress levels, lumbar spine, and gluteal muscles, among others.
Moreover, it will examine the nervous, cardiovascular, lymphatic, and musculoskeletal systems.
Application of ANF Devices:
Expected Outcomes:
Follow Up:
Start Your Journey with ANF Therapy®️ Today!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you treat sitting disease?
How many hours of sitting is too much?
Sitting for more than 5 hours without standing or walking is considered as sitting too much. If you take breaks and walk during this period, it won’t affect you badly. However, if you sit for a longer time without walking or standing during your working hours, it may affect you badly.
What happens if we sit for long hours?
Sitting for long hours exerts pressure on the muscles of your lower back, pelvis, and spinal vertebrae. If you sit for long hours, you might sit in a hunched or slouched position that can result in strain of ligaments and muscles. Moreover, cervical discs may get damaged or lose their cushioning effect due to improper posture and pressure.
Can ANF Therapy®️ treat lower back pain?
About ANF Therapy®️
ANF Therapy®️ uses circular ANF Devices, which are applied directly on the skin after palpation and assessment by a trained ANF Therapist following the ANF Therapy®️ Method, Patented Model no. U202030252, ES1259974.
The ANF Therapy®️ purpose is the alleviation of injury and pain within minutes.
Our aim is that the patient experiences a reduction of pain and swelling, an increase in range of motion, and an improvement in quality of life related to health. Non-transdermal, non-invasive device, NO needles or chemicals are used.
Do you need help with your health issues? Have you been experiencing symptoms of Sitting Disease?
Contact us, and we will explain how we can help you!
