Posted on 01/16/2025 8:38:11 PM PST by ConservativeMind
Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide with many treatments, such as medication, often failing to provide lasting relief. Researchers have uncovered a possible solution. Their study found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care could reduce disability and enhance quality of life.
The randomized controlled trial included 346 participants from across Australia, all of whom had chronic low back pain and at least one lifestyle risk factor, such as obesity, poor diet, sedentary habits, or smoking. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the "Healthy Lifestyle Program (HeLP)" or standard guideline-based physiotherapy care for managing their low back pain.
The HeLP participants received support from physiotherapists, dietitians and telephone health coaches who helped them work out which lifestyle habits might be influencing their back pain, such as weight, inactivity, poor diet, poor sleep, smoking or excessive alcohol use. They were then provided evidence-based advice over a six-month period to help address the lifestyle challenge.
The approach showed several benefits compared to standard care, including reduced disability, with participants scoring an average of 1.3 points lower on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (higher scores indicate greater disability). HeLP participants also lost an average of 1.6 kg more than the control group.
"Increasing numbers of studies have shown that pathologies like bulging disks and joint degeneration are rarely the cause of long-term back pain," said Professor Williams. "The problem is, few people are told this, and even fewer are given support to focus on the things that influence long-term pain and disability. Too many people are referred for surgery or prescribed medications that don't help—and may even lead to more harm."
The study underscores the need for a shift in the treatment of back pain care, away from pills and procedures towards addressing the lifestyle factors.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
On a different note, I can say a friend who had back pain he rated at a “10” fall down to a “3” after taking UC-II Type 2 collagen for three weeks. I and my wife both use it, too.
It is a very tiny amount of undenatured Type 2 collagen that you take before bed. It seems to work like an allergy reduction technique, as your body learns that any break down in Type 2 collagen migrating into the bloodstream is not a enemy, but a friendly substance. Type 2 collagen makes up most of our cartilage and it rarely is in contact with our blood supply.
My wife and I also take two other Type 2 collagens with studies also behind them (BioCell and Fortigel). I encourage anyone to try each of these, if having back or joint pain from non-rheumatoid causes.
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Timely article. Just yesterday I did *something* which has resulted in lower back pain when I bend down.
I hope it goes away soon. It’s a bother. Not stopping me, but it is slowing me down. Still walked my daily 3.5 miles. Not overweight, don’t have a poor diet, don’t smoke, sleep well most nights.
I think I just overdid it, but it’s been quite some time since I’ve had any back pain.
Needless to say, this article caught my attention.
Didn’t see posture mentioned. About six years ago, I had pain back, shoulder, headaches, tender points in arms - pinched nerve in neck. Physical therapy helped enormously, but I have to maintain good position even in sleep.
Then about three months ago I made a mistake lifting, and my sacroiliac joint started grating, like gravel rubbing...and it hurt bad...and I was finally motivated to correct the swayback the PT warned me about...hips forward, neck straight...I’m going to be stuck in parade rest.
Back is much much better though, just a little grating to remind me if I slip.
I have had good results with a topical product called Penetrex.
Thank you, will check into that.
I will give that a shot.
In 1995 I had a very very bad skiing accident (cartwheeled about a 1/4 mile) and blew my shoulder apart. A week later I was rear-ended and the seat belt dislocated the same shoulder. I had to wear an immobilizer for a year until the swelling was down and I could have surgery.
In 1999 I was at a grocery store and reached for something and next thing I knew I was on the floor. A week later it happened again. Went to the Dr and he took xrays and put them on the light box, adjusted his glasses and asked “So, when did you break your back?”. Told him I never did and he said yes I did, L4 was crushed. He told me that since it happened so long ago I could either get my back fused or just live with it. I went for 3 months of chiropractic. Back has not bothered me much since then unless I over exert myself.
Last Sunday I did not sleep well, back was hurting all night. Got up and was making coffee. Started to feel queesy. Next thing I knew, I was face down on the floor. Wife found me and I guess I was out for a few minutes. First time in 26 years, but it was my back again. Busted a tooth, ripped up my mouth.
I am willing to entertain options to keep that from happening again.
humans are not made to carry heavy weight every day
On a different note, I can say a friend who had back pain he rated at a “10” fall down to a “3” after taking UC-II Type 2 collagen for three weeks. I and my wife both use it, too.
It is a very tiny amount of undenatured Type 2 collagen that you take before bed. It seems to work like an allergy reduction technique, as your body learns that any break down in Type 2 collagen migrating into the bloodstream is not a enemy, but a friendly substance. Type 2 collagen makes up most of our cartilage and it rarely is in contact with our blood supply.
My wife and I also take two other Type 2 collagens with studies also behind them (BioCell and Fortigel). I encourage anyone to try each of these, if having back or joint pain from non-rheumatoid causes.
I just read a bit more about it and ordered some.
Hopefully, it might help keep me golfing, hiking, running, and playing pickleball.
My and I both have this curse, and pr therapy doesn’t really help.
We use Costco’s pain relief gel. We put it over the sore spots in the morning and before bedtime.
It is indicated for arthritis and works to enable us to get through our day and then at night.
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