What is the most common musculoskeletal ailment in the US?

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Would you believe backache?

Physicians that treat patients in the Third World report that chronic back and leg problems related to the lumbar discs are not common at all. In our society, even with the benefit of modern care, backache is the most common musculoskeletal ailment and the most costly in terms of disability and medical care.

Some suggest there is a relationship between the inactivity of "modern" back care and the persistence of back problems in Western societies today. Does your physician say, "Take it easy?"

For those of us who do "take it easy" but anticipate doing some y2k heavy lifting and gardening there is help. A handy little paperback called, "Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie. The book costs about $10.00 and can be purchased at Amazon.com. (technically challenged or would print a link) The book is recommended by the Chief Neurosurgeon at the hospital where I'm employed. It's informative and instructional, lists some common remedies, solutions, and exercises, and has a PANIC page, in case of sudden onset of acute back pain.

Hope this is helpful to all. Even the "couch potatoes" wouldn't shy away from these exercises!

Stay healthy!

-- Carol (jdufrene@laci.net), July 09, 1999

Answers

Thanks, Carol! Here's a link to the book on amazon.com:

Treat Your Own Back

My back and I will always remember the cleanup after Hurricane Fran in 1996 and the slightly-too-heavy piece of shag-bark hickory...

-- Don (whytocay@hotmail.com), July 10, 1999.


Don

Straying from one's usual activities will do it everytime!

Be advised that backache/lumbar pain radiating down the leg can signal a herniated disc. The intervertebral disc, cartilage filled with a soft semi-fluid, is what cushions each of our vertabrae. "Nerves leave the spinal canal between each two vertebrae. These nerves supply our muscles with power and our skin with sensation. They are a part of our alarm system: pain is the warning that some structure is about to be damaged or has already sustained some damage."

Weakness, numbness, the sensation of "pins and needles" in the feet or toes may suggest more serious damage. Also, the development of bowel or bladder problems are significant. In these instances, for-go the exercises and consult a doctor.

Always use good body mechanics, especially when lifting.

Stay healthy

-- Carol (jdufrene@laci.net), July 10, 1999.


Dr. John Sarno, head of rehabilitation medicine at NYU Medical Center, also writes about back pain. His claim is that MOST pain comes from muscle tenstion and not from anything REALLY bad. He encourages people not to focus on their back pain or to worry so much. Some people have been cured by reading his books.

-- Mara Wayne (MaraWAyne@aol.com), July 10, 1999.

Mara,

"Dr. John Sarno, head of rehabilitation medicine at NYU Medical Center, also writes about back pain. His claim is that MOST pain comes from muscle tenstion and not from anything REALLY bad. He encourages people not to focus on their back pain or to worry so much. Some people have been cured by reading his books."

His book has definitely helped me. Get his book 'Healing Back Pain' and read it with an open mind.

-- Jeremiah Jetson (laterthan@uthink.y2k), July 10, 1999.


Sorry Mara. I should have said the rest of you out there in TB2000 land should get a copy of 'Healing Back Pain'.

-- Jeremiah Jetson (laterthan@uthink.y2k), July 10, 1999.


After a car crash and 2 dr's saying I'd never move furniture for a living again without chronic pain. I read that book (after 4 months of useless treatment) and my back pain cleared up 100%. Was able to return to moving furniture full time without a trace of pain.

-- Gus (y2kk@usa.net), July 10, 1999.

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