A physiotherapist helps us know what mistakes to avoid in order to better treat his back pain boonchai wedmakawand/Getty Images
Some habits are tempting to soothe the pain associated with back pain, but are actually counterproductive. A review of poor reflexes with a physiotherapist.
Back pain, often characterized by lower back pain, is a common symptom. More than just a temporary discomfort, it often resolves over time. Sitting, standing, lying down…no position seems to alleviate back pain. We don’t always use the right instructions to do this. Physiotherapist Xavier Dufour reveals all these mistakes we tend to make during the pain phase.
In the video: the resumption of sports. after how long can we see results on the body?
“data-script=”https://static.lefigaro.fr/widget-video/short-ttl/video/index.js” >
Lie down and stay still
When the pain starts, it’s hard to resist the urge to sit or lie down. However, it is necessary to move as much as possible, emphasizes physiotherapist Xavier Dufour. Back pain is often caused by muscle spasms, which are characterized by a lack of blood flow, and therefore oxygen and nutrients, in the painful area, the specialist notes. During pain, for example, walking helps to stimulate blood circulation and therefore relieve suffering.
Maintain the same position at work
It stands to reason, then, that regular movement during your sedentary workday is important. “The worst posture is one that is held too long,” comments Xavier Dufour. In a long-term sitting position, the muscles are stretched for hours, which disrupts blood circulation. In the office, the physiotherapist therefore recommends taking frequent breaks to walk and stimulate blood circulation. “It’s best to take turns and walk a little every hour, rather than sitting in chains followed by several hours of physical activity,” he concludes. As for the ergonomics of the workstation itself, the expert recommends using a large screen placed at eye level and placing your forearms on the desk.
The worst posture is one you hold too long.
Xavier Dufour, physiotherapist
Stop exercising altogether
It is perfectly possible to adjust your sports practice by avoiding certain movements, but physical exercise should not be put aside completely. When crises occur, some movements even save lives. “I recommend, for example, to stretch your back with a simple exercise: stand up, put your hands on your lower back, keep your legs straight and bend backwards several times in a row,” explains the physiotherapist.
Physical activity can be beneficial regardless of the cause of your back pain. “In any case, pain always occupies the mind. Staying passive and dwelling on your anxiety will only perpetuate it. And on the contrary, activity allows you to focus on other thoughts, which really helps the mind,” notes the physiotherapist.
In addition to crises, Xavier Dufour advises a quick resumption of sports, with the aim in particular of combating stiffness and strengthening the spinal muscles located along the spine. “For that, lie on your stomach and simultaneously raise your arms and legs several times in a row,” he suggests. By strengthening this chain of spinal muscles, the exercise helps maintain a posture that is more respectful of the back joints.
Do not look for the origin of evil
Many reasons can be the source of this pain and it is necessary to make an accurate diagnosis in order to act in the best way. It really is part of the recovery process. “We talk often there low back pain, but there are actually many forms and each one requires special care,” says the physiotherapist. In order to find out the origin of the evil, the specialist advises to persevere “applying to various practitioners: doctors, physiotherapists, rheumatologists, etc.”
To resign
For a physical therapist, no form of back pain, even chronic, is irreversible. “The idea of regaining good mobility without suffering more is always possible if you work at it,” he says. Therefore, when the diagnosis is confirmed, appropriate exercises should be performed. “Lumbagos are mostly “mechanical”, that is, they come from false movement. Very often, it is then sufficient to consult a physiotherapist to precisely rehabilitate this disorder with mechanical exercises to restore full mobility.
Take his weight
It is a common belief that being overweight is a factor in back pain. However, as Javier Dufour advocates: “body mass index (BMI) does not predict back pain in any way.” Therefore, in case of back pain, there is no need to feel guilty about your weight and switch to private diets. “It is recommended to intensify physical activity, which can lead to weight loss, but that is not the goal,” he elaborates.
Source: Le Figaro
