Back Talk with Dr. Mukai at Freescale

Recently, Dr. Ai Mukai spoke to hundreds of Freescale employees about one of the most common reasons for missed work…back pain. It accounts for about 30 million visits to the doctor every year and comes with a price tag of $100-$200 billion for those doctor visits, x-rays, MRIs, medications and surgery. But here’s something you may not know…40-50% of people improve within one week of experiencing back pain symptoms, 85-90% improve in 6-12 weeks and 90% resolve without any kind of medical interaction.

Back Pain Culprits
Here are some common physiological causes of chronic back pain. While not all of them cause excruciating pain, they can definitely take its toll.
 

·         Mechanical Sprain or Strain

·         Bulged or Herniated Discs

·         Pinched Nerve or Radiculopathy

·         Spondylolysis/ Spondylolisthisis

·         Spinal Stenosis

·         Compression Fractures

·         Degenerative Scoliosis

·         Degeneration of the disc or facet joints

·         Sacro-Iliac Joint

·         Coccydynia – tailbone pain

Desk Jobs Can Cause Back Pain

Many of us don’t have a choice – being productive means sitting at a desk. And doing this for long stretches can be a major cause of back and neck pain.

Over time poor sitting posture and workplace ergonomics can damage spinal structures and contribute to recurrent back and neck pain. No matter how comfortable you are at your desk, prolonged, static posture is not good for your back. 

Try to remember to stand, stretch and walk for at least a minute or two every hour.  Moving about and stretching on a regular basis throughout the day will help keep your joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons loose, which in turn will help you feel more comfortable, more relaxed and more productive.

MYTH: Back Pain Treatment=Surgery
One of the biggest misconceptions people have about back pain treatment is that surgery is the best option. Nothing could be further from the truth.

After a thorough exam and patient history, our team at Texas Orthopedics will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. It may be something as simple as exercise or physical therapy, use of NSAIDs/anti-inflammatory medications or bed rest. 

Contact us with questions about any back pain you may be experiencing.