Two billion rand – that’s what back pain costs South Africa every year. A back just doesn’t get appreciated until it plays up.
So, sit up and take note of these spine statistics. It's World S
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pine Day after all:
80% of the population will experience back pain at some time
60% of non-specific back pain is resolved without medical intervention
25 – 40% of people with back pain seek healthcare and rehabilitation
60 – 75% of back pain sufferers have recurrences
South Africa’s spinal pain costs the country R2 billion annually
Worldwide, back pain costs economies more than any other disease
In Europe, 10 – 15% of all sick days are taken due to lower back pain
It is estimated that 60% of people complain about back problems after going on a long car journey
Back pain is the leading cause of disability for workers between the ages of 19 and 45
Get to know your spine
The spine is, as you know, that flexible bone column that extends from the base of your skull to your tailbone. It consists of 33 vertebrae.
There are cartilaginous cushions between the vertebrae, called intervertebral discs, that act as shock absorbers.
Facet joints are between the vertebrae and guide spinal movement.
What causes spinal pain?
Poor posture and inactivity
Prolonged exposure to sitting and poor workstation set-up
Increased body weight, especially around the abdomen
Stress and anxiety
Degeneration due to old age, trauma and overload, inadequate ‘core stability’ support
How to avoid spinal pain
Develop good posture, keep an ideal body weight and minimise stress
Stay active, fit and flexible. Stretching - something we do instinctively even as babies - is vital.
Ensure good ‘core stability’ through exercises. Pilates, isometrics, yoga and similar disciplines are specifically geared at stretching and developing core strength
Avoid long periods of sitting - stand up and walk around; and ensure ergonomically sound workstation set-up
Lift carefully and correctly. Alexander Technique is worth exploring if you're having problems, or obtain advice from a physiotherapist or chiropractor
If you have back pain, see a physiotherapist
What can go wrong? Arthritis: Inflammation of a joint characterised by swelling, pain and restriction of movement. It is usually referred to as osteoarthritis in the spine. It is also known as spondylosis.
Disc degeneration: A change in structural and functional integrity of the disc.
Lumbago: Non-medical term signifying pain in the lower back.
Osteoporosis: A disorder in which bone is abnormally brittle.
Sciatica: Pain along the course of the sciatica nerve in the back of the thigh and below the knee. This can be caused by irritation of a nerve found anywhere from the back of the thigh.
Scoliosis: Sideways curve of the spinal column.
Slipped disc: Partial or complete displacement of the gel-like tissue inside the disc, due to disruption of the outer fibrous tissue. Also known as slipped disc, ruptured disc or herniated disc.
Spinal stenosis: The narrowing of the spine, commonly caused by degenerative changes in the discs or joints.
Whiplash: Injury caused by rapid and uncontrolled movement of the neck caused by an external force like in a car accident or other incident.
To find a Physiotherapist in your area, contact the South African Society of Physiotherapy at (011) 485 1467 or visit their website.
- (Adapted from a press release by The South African Society of Physiotherapy)
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