Low back pain is very common, as it is estimated that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and a third of people who have an episode of low back pain and have recovered will have a new episode within a year. Furthermore, it is considered the main cause of work disability in Spain in people under 50 years of age. With these figures, given their high impact and expected increase, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) insists on the need to address this situation and confront the factors that increase this problem such as sedentary lifestyle, obesity or stress.
Within the framework of World Low Back Pain Day, which is celebrated this Saturday, November 15, Dr. Julio Sánchez, from the Rheumatology Service of the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital in Santander, highlights the need to correctly address this situation that has become a public health problem. “Prevention and self-care are two fundamental factors to deal with low back pain. Maintaining an adequate weight, performing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen, and taking care of your posture when sitting or lifting objects are measures that can reduce the probability of suffering low back pain,” he points out.
In relation to exercise, Dr. Sánchez recalls that “scientific reality has shown that avoiding bed rest and trying to return to activity as soon as possible facilitates the recovery of people who suffer from low back pain. Although it is true that exercise must be done carefully and adapted to the physical limitation of the person at that time. An example would be the recommended exercises included in the Reumafit project of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (see link).”
“Low back pain is one of the most frequent symptoms of medical consultation and, although in most cases it does not represent a serious problem, its impact on the quality of life can be high. Therefore, seeking help in time and following a comprehensive approach, which combines non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments, can be very useful for those who suffer from it,” said the specialist, who insists on the importance of those affected “becoming aware and becoming participants and protagonists in its management.”
Drugs
Drug treatment for low back pain is recommended when pain persists despite other approaches such as exercise, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes.
“Analgesics are usually the first step, but in cases of intense or chronic pain, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or even other types of medications with other targets may be necessary. In some cases of chronic low back pain with inflammatory causes, such as axial spondyloarthritis, more specialized therapy may be required that includes immunomodulatory or biological drugs.
It is always important that pharmacological treatment is supervised by a health professional to avoid side effects and ensure effectiveness and adherence,” he explains, while recalling that “a study published in the journal The Lancet Rheumatology “On the prevalence of this pathology, it is estimated that, in 30 years, there will be more than 800 million people affected worldwide.”
