By John Perry

“My back is killing me.” How many times have you reached around and grabbed yours and moaned those words? If so, you’re not alone.

More than 1 million American employees suffer debilitating back injuries every year that negatively impact their job performance and quality of life. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.)

Many patients seeking relief visit Dr. Walter R. Sassard, a bone and joint specialist in the Independent Provider Network.

Especially in the summer, when his office rehabilitation specialists see an endless parade of hikers, climbers, skiers, recreational boaters, fishermen, golfers, seasonal housepainters and “always the joggers.”
Except for genetic conditions such as compressed vertebrae or curvature of the spine, most back ailments are preventable, Sassard said.

“It’s critical to stretch muscles, especially those in the neck, back and legs, before any physical activity,” said Sassard, an orthopedic surgeon. “To not stretch is to invite injury.”

Ligament strains and muscle tears are common.

“In layman’s terms, that’s when one part of the body veers north and another south,” Sassard said. “The human body has some relatively tender connections. When an activity takes a joint out of proper alignment, that joint can stress another and so on.”

Some joints have been stretched so far beyond their natural limits, the muscle or connective tissues have been torn from their bases, Sassard said.

In those cases, recovery time depends on first aid. Immediately following an injury, it’s important to get pressure to the injured joint as soon as possible.

“We use the acronym, RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation,” Sassard said. “The patient should then be taken to a doctor for evaluation.”

Sassard advised never trying to walk off a back or joint injury. That can do more damage and increase swelling, causing surrounding tissue to atrophy before physical therapy can be started.

Surgery is a last resort, Sassard said. The healing process can take as long as six months. Afterwards, a good physical therapist is invaluable in expediting recovery.

Most rehab treatments are covered under the city’s benefits plans.
But the best insurance is a good stretching and exercise program.

Rehabilitation experts believe stretching and exercise prevent most nontraumatic back injuries by keeping ligaments flexible and muscles toned.

Overweight patients frequently complain of lower back pain.

“Weight gain puts pressure on the bones in the lower back and compromises abdominal muscles by making them too weak to stabilize the spine,” Sassard said.

What’s best for the back?

“Stretching, of course,” Sassard said. “As for exercising, it depends on the person. No one program is ideal for every patient. But my personal favorite is the breaststroke in swimming. It’s a good cardio workout, relieves pressure on the lower back and forces the spine to lengthen.”

He cautions everyone to check with their health care professional before starting an exercise program.

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