Computer Ergonomics and neck pain

http://dohs.ors.od.nih.gov/ergo_computers.htm

Low back pain

Types
• Simple low back pain
This is the most common type. It is not due to any underlying disease. In many cases it is due to a sprain (an over stretch) of a ligament or muscle.

Sometimes it is due to a minor problem with a disc, which are strong rubber like tissues, which sit between the vertebrae or bones in the back. The discs allow the spine to be fairly flexible. Sometimes it is due to a minor problem with the joints between the vertebrae.

You could just wake with the pain, or it could start after lifting something heavy or twisting awkwardly.

Symptoms
• Pain of varying severity in lower back, it can spread to buttocks and thighs
• Pain eased by lying flat
• Pain aggravated by movement, coughing or sneezing

Most cases improve within a couple of weeks, sometimes the pain takes longer to settle. It is common to have further episodes of pain.

• Nerve root pain
This is less common. It means that a nerve coming from the spinal cord is irritated or pressed on. You feel the pain along the course of the nerve. Therefore you may feel pain down a leg to the calf or foot. This is often called sciatica.

The irritation may be due to inflammation caused by a ligament or muscle sprain. A ‘slipped disc’ is another cause. The disc does not actually slip but the inner soft part of the disc bulges out and causes pressure on the nerve

• Inflammation due to arthritis in young people such as Ankylosing spondylitis or Rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are uncommon .

When to contact a doctor
• The pain first develops under the age of 20
• Constant pain that is not eased by rest
• If you have weakness of any muscles in a leg or foot *
• Numbness (lack of feeling) in part or parts of a buttock, around the back passage, or in a leg or foot *
• Problems with your bowels or bladder such as not being able to pass urine or loss of control *
• Generally unwell
• History of recent trauma to the back
See a doctor immediately if you develop these symptoms *

Investigations
In most cases no tests are needed. However if your symptoms persist or are severe they may be required

Treatments

• Exercise and keeping going
Continue with normal activities as far as possible.
• Pain killers e.g .paracetamol and ibuprofen ( if not asthmatic or history of indigestion or allergy to aspirin)
• Stronger pain killers containing codeine may need to be prescribed by a doctor
• Muscle relaxants (these need to be prescribed by a doctor)
• Physiotherapy

Prevention
• Keep active and exercise regularly
• Be back aware i.e care with lifting
• Think about back strengthening exercises


Source: www.patient.co.uk

Back strengthening exercises from www.sportsmedicineuk.co.uk