If you experience back pain, you are not alone.
According to a 2019 National Health Interview Survey, nearly 40 percent of American adults experienced back pain within a three-month period. Experts say the prevalence of lower back pain is not expected to decrease over the coming years, especially as Americans become more sedentary.
The experienced neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons at Powers Health use innovative, minimally invasive technologies to help diagnose and treat conditions affecting the spine if surgery is deemed necessary.
“Much to our patients’ relief, the majority of patients with back and neck pain do not necessarily need surgery. Lifestyle changes are often the first interventions we recommend, including physical activity, posture correction, weight loss and tobacco cessation. Our society has adopted an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, between our desk jobs, computer work and a preoccupation with our phones, and many of us do not engage in sufficient exercise, particularly with a focus on maintaining a healthy back and neck,” said Dr. Joshua Simon, a neurosurgeon with Powers Health who specializes in spine surgery, brain surgery, and peripheral nerve conditions.
At Powers Health, our goal is to get you moving to keep lower back pain at bay. Here are some tips to get you started:
Take a hike (or at least a walk): Walking is one of the best exercises for your body. Not only does it improve overall health, but it helps prevent or alleviate existing back pain. Walking strengthens core and lower back muscles, improves circulation and reduces inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week. If that feels daunting, you could even break it down to a 30-minute walk five days a week.
Straighten up and stand tall: Good posture can help prevent back pain. Maintaining proper spine alignment when sitting, standing and moving reduces strain on your back muscles, ligaments and joints, which in turn alleviates and prevents back pain.
Stretch it out: Make it a habit to start your day with some gentle stretches, which can provide tension relief and improve flexibility.
However, if you are in pain and it persists beyond a week or two, you should consider seeing a healthcare provider for evaluation.
“People who begin to experience back or neck pain with pain radiating down the arm or leg should see a provider to ensure that there are no neurological concerns,” Dr. Simon said. “I fully recognize it might seem stressful to see a neurosurgeon. One of the most important parts of my job is to guide you and your family through the process of understanding what you are dealing with and building a relationship with you. I consider it a sincere privilege to care for my patients and your comfort and understanding of the treatment is critical to our collective success as doctor and patient.”
Community Hospital holds the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.
Got spinal and neck pain?
Powers Health has your back
Spine Symposium: Meet the Experts
Join us as Powers Health spine specialists discuss therapeutic, surgical and pain management options for patients coping with neck and spine issues. This FREE event also will feature spine health vendors. Space is limited. Click here for registration information.
Thursday, Oct. 16
2-7 pm
The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
Our Speakers and Their Topics:
- 2:30 pm: Gregory McComis, MD – Surgical Options for Neck Pain
- 3:15 pm: Joshua Simon, MD – The Mechanics of Back Surgery: To Fuse or Not to Fuse
- 4 pm: Nitin Khanna, MD – Innovations in Neck Surgery
- 4:45 pm: Mohammad Shukairy, MD – Advancements in Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- 5:30 pm: James St. Clair, MD – Is it My Neck or My Shoulder?
