Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/779487
Eight in 10 Americans may contend with an aching back at some point in their lives. The good news is there's a lot you can do to give yourself an edge against this formidable foe. Battling SHORT-TERM RELIEF Is back pain fl aring up even as you read this? These tips may o er swift respite: + Get moving. For every hour you sit, spend fi ve minutes walking and stretching. + Hit the fl oor. Lie on your back and alternate pulling each knee to your chest and hold the position for 10 seconds. Do this exercise fi ve to 10 times per leg to stretch the muscles in the back. + Straighten up. If you're hunched over, bring your shoulders back and keep your feet on the fl oor. + Stretch from head to toe. Back pain underscores the body's interconnectedness. For example, if your neck or hamstrings are tight, you'll feel the pressure in your back. LONG-TERM LIBERATION The following tips can reduce or prevent back pain in the future: + Schedule exercise. Regular low-impact exercise, such as walking and water aerobics, benefi ts the back muscles and spinal discs. It also helps you reduce excess weight, which can put pressure on the lower back. + Care for your middle. A strong core is crucial for back health. Yoga and tai chi can boost your balance and strengthen your abdominal muscles. + Feed your bones. Eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to help your bones stay up to the task of supporting the back. + Lift smart. Generate power from your legs, not your back. Avoid bending or twisting while lifting heavy objects. ✚ BACK PAIN BE WELL 11 Persistent back pain? Call CHRISTUS St. Vincent Neurosurgical Associates at (505) 988-3233. Pain, Pain, Go Away At CHRISTUS St. Vincent Neurosurgical Associates, our experienced team of full-time neurosurgeons provides comprehensive care for patients seeking relief from back, neck and extremity pain resulting from conditions such as: + degenerative disc disease + degenerative joint disease + herniated discs + infection + osteoarthritis + radiculopathy + spinal deformity (scoliosis, kyphosis) + spinal pain + spinal stenosis + trauma, including fractures + tumors If you're experiencing pain and medication and other forms of therapy have failed to provide relief, we're here to help. Care starts with a comprehensive clinical evaluation followed by a detailed discussion of your diagnosis and treatment options. These may include minimally invasive surgery as well as new spine treatment technologies, such as microdecompression, artificial disc replacement, fusion, interspinous spacers, intraoperative real-time spinal cord monitoring and vertebral body augmentation. Nonsurgical options are discussed as first lines of treatment whenever appropriate. Spring 2017 | st vin.org