This podcast discusses the prevalence and financial costs of low back pain, the importance of core muscles for spinal health, the dangers of opioids for pain relief, and the role of laser therapy in treating low back pain alongside exercise.
Proper ergonomics and exercise are essential for preventing and managing low back pain, especially in the context of sedentary lifestyles and remote work setups.
Laser therapy is a promising option for immediate pain relief and tissue regeneration in chronic low back pain cases, offering comparable efficacy to lidocaine injections and surpassing radiofrequency treatment and nerve ablation.
Deep dives
Low Back Pain: An Ongoing Issue
Low back pain is a prevalent problem affecting approximately 80% of the US population. This issue has been a growing concern, with significant financial implications, including billions of dollars in lost work days and healthcare costs. The current COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem as many people are working from home without proper ergonomic setups. Sedentary lifestyles, prolonged sitting, and obesity also contribute to the increase in low back pain cases. To address this issue, it is recommended to seek an ergonomics assessment from a local chiropractor or physical therapist to optimize home office setups. Additionally, exercise and strengthening the core muscles are essential for maintaining spinal health and preventing future episodes of low back pain.
Current Recommendations and Potential Risks
The current recommendations for low back pain management emphasize education about injury prevention and the implementation of a home exercise program. However, studies show that opioids and anti-inflammatory medications are frequently prescribed despite their limited long-term benefits and associated risks and complications. Opioids can be highly addictive and have been responsible for thousands of overdose-related deaths. Anti-inflammatory medications can lead to gastrointestinal complications, resulting in hospitalizations, death, and substantial healthcare costs. Physical therapy and chiropractic care are beneficial, and laser therapy has emerged as a promising option for immediate pain relief and tissue regeneration, setting the stage for long-term success.
The Role of Laser Therapy in Low Back Pain
Laser therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in relieving pain and improving tissue health in chronic non-specific low back pain cases. Combining laser therapy with exercise yields statistically significant improvements in pain severity, range of motion, and overall function. In fact, laser therapy has been shown to provide immediate pain reduction comparable to lidocaine injections, surpassing the efficacy of radiofrequency treatment and nerve ablation. Laser therapy plays an integral part in a holistic care plan by reducing pain levels, enabling patients to engage in exercise programs that strengthen the core and enhance spinal health, ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes and a reduced risk of future episodes of low back pain.