Low
back pain (LBP) may be no picnic, but a new study suggests
that something as simple as taking a walk in the park, or
engaging in other common physical activities, can help LBP
sufferers cope more effectively and reduce the amount of sick
time needed to recover.
In a three-year observational study, 457 patients suffering
from LBP and placed on sick leave from work were divided into
an intervention and a control group. The intervention group
received a clinical examination, doctor advice and information,
and was encouraged to stay physically active, while the control
group received an exam and other primary health care treatments.
At a six-month follow-up, patients from the intervention
group were less likely to use bed rest, and more likely to
stretch or walk to treat their LBP than the control group,
and after 12 months, 68.4 percent of patients from the intervention
group had returned to work, as opposed to 56.4 percent of
patients from the control group. Researchers concluded that
encouraging patients to resume physical activity soon after
the onset of LBP, as well as offering further guidance and
support during the examination process, reduces the number
of sick days taken in association with the pain.
If you suffer from back pain, talk to a doctor of chiropractic
about a treatment plan.
Reference:
Hagen EM, Grasdal A, Eriksen HR. Does early intervention
with a light mobilization program reduce long-term sick leave
for low back pain: a 3-year follow-up study. Spine,
Oct. 15, 2003;28(20), pp2309-2316.
For more information on back pain, go to https://www.chiroweb.com/find/tellmeabout/backpain.html
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