The NIOSH Risk Factors for Low Back Disorder

The NIOSH Risk Factors for Low Back Disorder

 

 

Are you at an elevated risk of lower back disorder? The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released a list of risk factors.  They are as follows:

1. Seated or static work postures

2. Frequent trunk movement particularly rotation

3. Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling activities

4.  Seated whole body vibration (truck driver)

5. Repetitive lumbar full flexion

6. Time frame of performing the activity (how long after arising from bed)

 

Possible Solutions:

1.  Frequently change positions.  Get up and walk around a few minutes.  Stretch by reaching for the ceiling

2.  Avoid rotating the trunk if possible and pivot on your toes in order to turn your entire body in the direction of your activity

3.  Lift, pull, push with proper mechanics

4.  Avoid full lumbar flexion.  Use your legs in order to squat to get to a lower position 

5.  Do not begin these activities until you have been out of bed for at least 30 minutes-1 hour.

 

Your goal is to remove the stressors and enhance the activities that build support/stability

 

 

Is My Patient Exagerating Their Pain Level?

Is My Patient Exagerating Their Pain Level?

 

 

Many times, when working with clients who have been experiencing lower back pain for a long time (months or even years), the slightest touch or smallest movement will send their pain level through the roof.  Initially, as therapists we may think this to be an exaggerated response, a patient with a low pain threshold, or a patient with other motives.  But can the patient's experienced pain level really be this intense upon light touch or gentle movement?  It is believed that when tissue damage in a body region exists, the nociceptors (nerve cell that responds to painful stimuli) are increasingly stimulated, which amplifies the sensitivity to that stimulus.  You do not get used to pain caused by tissue damage, but become more sensitive to it.  This may cause a doctor to prescribe higher intensity pain medications or refer their patient to the pain clinic.  However, if we take a step back and treat the source of the tissue damage, which many times may be poor body mechanics or posture, we may be able to spare the tissue damage.  Once the pain level decreases we can begin to incorporate more aggressive rehabilitation exercises.  For information on posture and body mechanics, go to Posture & Body Mechanics DVD