Treatment For Lower Back Pain Caused By Computer Use
Treatment For Lower Back Pain Caused By Computer Use
Recently there has been much information disseminated about how to avoid lower back pain that is caused by computer use. However, it is hard to implement the preventative measures that can avoid treatment being required. The recent economic downturn has seen people working under high levels of pressure and there is a tendency for men especially, to try and ‘cope’ rather than taking frequent breaks and ensuring that all work stations are fully ergonomically designed. Instead, work is being undertaken whilst hunched over a laptop or in the evening on a desk that is not designed to be used for a long period. As a result, back pain, especially in the lower back, may soon present as a problem.
If you have developed lower back pain and you suspect that it has occurred from continued computer use, then seek a medical opinion, simply to have this confirmed. Although the pain may well have developed from computer use, it is simply common sense to ensure that there is no underlying condition. But if you have had confirmation that it is computer use that has caused your pain, then what are the treatment options?
Individual Treatment Plan
No two people are the same and people use computers in different ways, with different work stations, different techniques etc. So it is important that there is no one ‘single’ plan for treatment, each plan should be individually tailored to ensure that the individual is treated according to their specific needs. At Spinal Healthcare we believe that this is an integral part of ensuring that the most effective treatment is achieved.
Physiotherapy:
Physiotherapy can really help to alleviate the pain and ensure that working practices are changed to prevent further problems developing. Often there is a misconception that working in a way that is ‘correct’ will be much more time consuming, but working with a physiotherapist, patients can learn how to work safely without losing any valuable time. Again it is vital that this is done on a one to one basis, to specifically cater for the individual needs of the patient.
Exercises will be recommended to ensure that the muscles and spine are stretched and relaxed to improve the condition.
Massage:
Massage may be undertaken by your physiotherapist to ensure that the affected areas are given some relief.
Acupuncture:
Where it is appropriate, acupuncture may be recommended to help alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Medication
In order to manage the pain medication may well be prescribed and if appropriate and the pain is ongoing and does not respond well to physiotherapy etc, then steroid injections may also be used to reduce inflammation within the affected area.
Usually these treatment options will ensure that the condition is greatly improved and there is no need for any surgery. However, treatment should not be delayed and indeed should be sought as soon as the pain is felt. Ignoring the problem will simply aggravate it; it will not go away on its own!
