Relaxation, exploration of new places and cultures, reunification of families and creating unforgettable memories are goals and dreams for many in August. However, joy can be tarnished by a sudden, immersive, persistent pain to waist.
Poor physical condition, abrupt increase in physical activities, incorrect posture, inappropriate equipment are the most common causes for back pain, all predictable and easily manageable. Prourse and smart choices are the key to avoiding them.
“Pain in the waist is one of the main causes of limiting physical activities among adults worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Diseases (a comprehensive, global research program that evaluates the impact of diseases, injuries and risk factors on the health of the population), is the fourth cause of disability of people aged 25-49 years and sixth for people aged 50-74 years.
Pain in the lumbar region or neck due to musculoskeletal problemsdegenerative spine diseases, injuries, or even other diseases that are not directly related to it and is triggered by various situations, including certain personal lifestyle choices, such as the absence of physical activity, smoking, or now in the summer, the use of the Scoliosis at the Athens Medical Center and Scientific Director and Head of the Spine Department of Osteon Orthopedic & Spine Clinic, Dr. Konstantinos Starantzis.
While during the winter the incidents are more due to bad weather and limited leisure time, which prevent sports activities and promote sedentary behavior and weight gain, in summer the appearance of back pain has other causes.
Causes of back pain on holiday
Intense physical activity without sufficient preparation
After 11 months of continuous work and little or no physical activity, many people start on holiday or other activities while their musculoskeletal system is unprepared. Abrupt and uncoordinated movements can overload the muscles of the lumbar spine and cause pain or muscle spasms.
Child care
Now that children spend more hours at home, parents and grandparents have increased employment and care responsibilities. Infants need hugs, washing, frequent diaper changes and older children to play. All of these activities are aggravating for the spine. The child’s lifting with a bad posture, as well as the abrupt turns of the trunk during the play, significantly strain muscles and vertebrae.
Renovation, reorganization
Holidays are not only a period of rest, but is sometimes used for reorganization, cleaning, maintenance and renovation, usually cottages and gardens. However, lifting heavy objects and clumsy movements for their execution can cause damage to the waist.
Incorrect body posture during rest
For many, relaxation for a few hours on the sun lounger or a nap in the garden hammock is enjoyable during the holidays, but can lead to back pain because of the unnatural posture that the body takes and the inadequate support they offer in the spine.
Travel and stillness
Any journey that requires travelers to remain sitting for many hours can cause stiffness and reduction of joint flexibility, weakening of the back muscles and pressure on the intervertebral discs. This is because lack of motion causes compression of the joints, resulting in reduced blood flow and reduced joint lubrication.
Excessive use of air conditioner and fan
Prolonged exposure to the cold air of the air conditioner or the air of the fan can favor the appearance of muscle pain, as both low temperatures and air gusts directed to the body cause muscle contractions.
“THE Pain in the waist usually recedes in 4-8 weeks In 50% of patients without interventions, but in a significant proportion will last for months. Even after the recovery, 6 out of 10 sufferers will relapse and experience a new episode of pain within the year since its onset, which demonstrates its chronic nature.
For its recession there are medicines that include analgesics, muscle relaxants, local analgesics, as well as opioid -containing drugs, which are administered under close medical monitoring. Infusion of drugs in the middle ensures the immediate retreat of both back pain and sciatica (the pain, that is, reflects on the legs), but cannot be repeated in the middle, ”says Dr. Starantzis.
Despite the multitude of therapeutic choices, prevention is the wiser, as it prevents the pain from appearing at this long -awaited time of year.
What reduces the risk of injury and back pain?
Ergonomic suitcases
Luggage with 4 wheels and folding handle minimize waist strain. For their removal, they must be close to the body with the knees bent.
Good posture
The straight back with the shoulders rear and the legs at right angles with the back, the use of a waist pillow on long trips and sleep in a quality layer reduces the risk of back pain on holiday.
Activity, breaks, warm -up
The gradual increase in physical activities, warm -up muscle warm up and breaks for long journeys will maintain flexible muscles and reduce the risk of pain.
Appropriate equipment
Equipment appropriate for each activity prevents cases of pain in the waist. Mountain mountain shoes and backpacks, athletics that absorb vibrations for running or endless walks in the city, instead of flip flops, support the curve of the sole and reduce waist strain.
Hydration
Adequate hydration prevents muscle cramps and helps to properly function muscle and joints, reducing the likelihood of back pain.