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Watch your back
Don’t
let back pain get you down
An
AC Nielsen study in 2000 found that one in five Singaporean adults
suffered from back and neck pain
over the six-month survey period.
Of these, 10% were serious enough to warrant
medical leave. The US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes
also reports that back pain is the most common job-related disability that
costs at least US$50 billion (S$82.6 billion) yearly.
Back
aches are caused by factors like faulty body postures and mechanics that strain
back muscles or ligaments, obesity, and natural wear and tear of the human
skeleton. Sometimes, back pains indicate neurological disorders that require
immediate medical attention. When left untreated, back pains can degenerate.
Doctors use a variety of diagnostic methods to confirm the cause of back pain,
from x-ray imaging to bone scans.
Most
back pains can be treated without surgery. Alternating hot and cold compresses
can help reduce inflammation and pain. Low impact activities like yoga also
help by strengthening back muscles so as to avoid or reduce back pain.
Medication help relieve pain, but patients should always check with their
doctor beforehand.
To
prevent back pain, practise good posture and wear comfortable low heeled shoes.
Proper nutrition and exercise will also keep excessive body weight at bay,
thereby reducing the chances of back aches.
When
buying chairs or mattresses, test the product personally to determine the
amount of back support it offers. If you’re unsure which brand fits you most
ergonomically, there’s the option of using Force Sensitive Applications (FSA)
Pressure Mapping System for help. The FSA Pressure Mapping System is available
at Mega Mattress and Navinzi.
It
maps the pressure distribution of each individual to determine which model of,
say seat cushion, is most suitable and provides the best support.
The Back Society of Singapore
regularly conducts public events to educate the general public on back pain
management. Visit their Web site (www.backsociety.org.sg) for more information
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