Click here to download as PDF

People who have spinal problems have them because of a genetic tendency or susceptibility they have towards spinal disease. The spinal column is one organ and people who have lower back problems frequently will develop, or at the same time have neck problems. Spinal surgery should be reserved for nerve compression and intractable pain that impairs a patients everyday life and functionality substantially. Spinal surgery changes the biomechanics of the spine and frequently leads to further spinal surgery. The mainstay in the treatment of back pain therefore is prevention. This chapter aims to explain how to go about putting as little strain on your spine as possible.

Precautions

Sleeping:
Do not sleep on your stomach. It is better to lie on your side with a pillow between your knees, preferably on your better side. You may also lie on your back with pillows under your knees. Make sure that your mattress provides proper support.

Rolling in bed:
When you roll to your right, bend your left knee and keep your right leg straight. Press with your left hand against your left knee. Push away with your left leg to roll. It is important to remember that when you roll from your back to your side, that your shoulder and hip must move together (log rolling).

Getting out of bed:
If you have to wear back support (corset), it must be in position before you continue. Roll on your side as in the step above. Bend your knees and move your feet over the edge of the bed. Press up with your elbow to lift the upper body while letting your legs down the bed until you sit over the edge of the bed. Glide off the bed until your feet touch the floor and stand up straight. The first time you stand up after surgery, your physiotherapist must be with you. Sit over the edge of the bed or stand next to the bed for a few seconds and take a few deep breaths to avoid dizziness.

Figure 1.6
These photos demonstrate how to get out of bed. Note how the top picture shows that you should use your left hand to support yourself when you are lying on your right side. Bend your knees and move your feet over the edge of the bed. Press up with your elbow to lift the upper body while letting your legs down the bed until you sit over the edge of the bed as demonstrated on the opposite page. Then stand up straight, using your legs without bending your back.

Sitting:
When sitting, the chair you are using must have proper back and arm support. To stand up, move forward on the chair. Push up with your arms and use your strong thigh muscles to stand, while keeping your back straight.

Figure 2.6
These photos demonstrate how to sit. Note how the top left picture shows how to sit properly and the other two photos show poor posture that increases the strain on the spine and specifically the joints and the intervertebral discs.