World Health Organization Releases Chronic Back Pain Care Guidelines

December 7, 2023December 7, 2023 / Thomas Cohn, MD

Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its first-ever guidelines for managing chronic low back pain in primary and community care settings. Not only do the guidelines focus on what healthcare workers should be doing to help patients treat their back pain, they also outlined what techniques should be avoided during routine care.

The WHO felt compelled to issue these new guidelines because low back pain is the leading cause of disability in the world. In 2020, roughly 1 in 13 people experienced low back pain, which equates to 619 million people globally. This number also reflects a 60 percent increase from 1990, and cases of low back pain are expected to surge to 843 million by 2050.

“To achieve universal health coverage, the issue of low back pain cannot be ignored, as it is the leading cause of disability globally,” said Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage, Life Course. “Countries can address this ubiquitous but often-overlooked challenge by incorporating key, achievable interventions, as they strengthen their approaches to primary health care.”

WHO Chronic Low Back Pain Recommendations

The World Health Organization recommends non-surgical interventions to help patients experiencing chronic low back pain. They grouped their recommendations under different categories, which we’ll explore below:

Education – Patient education should be structured based on the individual needs of the patient and help the patient better understand their condition and some self-help strategies for treatment.

Physical Interventions – Physical intervention recommendations include structured exercise programs, physical therapy, spinal manipulation therapy, massage therapy, needling therapies and assistive devices.

Psychological Interventions – Operant therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are recommended as treatments to address the psychological effects of chronic low back pain.

Medicines – WHO recommends non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as part of a routine and comprehensive treatment plan for chronic low back pain.

Multi-Component Interventions – Finally, WHO recommends multi-component biopsychosocial care for patients battling chronic low back pain.

Interventions That Should Be Avoided

According to the World Health Organization, the following treatments should not be recommended as part of routine care for chronic low back pain. They may be recommended if specific conditions are met, but they are not currently recommended as part of routine chronic low back pain treatment:

Traction
Therapeutic ultrasound
TENS stimulation
Lumbar braces/Support belts
Opioid analgesics
SNRI antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Skeletal muscle relaxants
Glucocorticoids
Injectable local anesthetics
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
While willow (Salix spp.)
Pharmacological weight loss products

The recommendations by WHO mirror what we’ve been saying to patients for years. Chronic low back pain is best treated with active interventions like exercise and physical therapy, but it also needs to focus on patient education and the psychological effects of chronic pain. Treatment needs to be multi-faceted to be effective, so it’s nice to see that WHO is confirming the methods we’ve been using to help patients overcome their chronic low back pain for years.

If you need help treating low back pain or another chronic pain issue, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today at (952) 738-4580.

Five Lifestyle Changes To Help Alleviate Chronic Back Pain

February 24, 2022 / Thomas Cohn, MD

For a number of patients with chronic back pain, some of their everyday actions end up making their pain worse, even if they don’t realize it in the moment. It’s easy to overlook some of the contributing factors to chronic back pain, but once you’ve identified them, you’d be amazed at how much help a few lifestyle tweaks can do for your pain. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at five lifestyle changes that can help alleviate chronic back pain.

Lifestyle Adjustments To Prevent And Treat Chronic Back Pain

Here are five little adjustments you can make throughout the day or add to your daily routine that can make a world of difference in helping you overcome your condition.

1. Move More – Sitting puts a lot of stress on your lower spine, which is the most common location for chronic back pain. Do less sitting and more moving. Limit your time on the couch in front of the television, and consider standing more or investing in a sit-to-stand workstation at the office. Excess standing can be just as harmful to your spine as too much sitting, so try to switch it up throughout the day, especially if soreness is starting to creep in.

2. Regular Posture Checks – Our heads are heavy, and if they aren’t in alignment with our shoulders, you can end up putting a lot of strain on your cervical spine. If you’re slouching on the couch or hunched forward looking at your computer screen, you might develop a case of “tech neck.” Perform regular posture checks throughout the day and make adjustments as needed.

3. Let Your Diet Work For You Instead Of Against You – A bad diet can oftentimes serve to make back pain worse, whereas a healthy diet can act as its own kind of medication. Carbohydrate-dense foods and sugary snacks can contribute to inflammation in the spine, which can compress key nerves and structures and make back pain worse. Conversely, a healthy diet full of vegetables, fish, nuts and fruit can help prevent inflammation and ensure your body gets nutrients that are necessary for healthy tissue growth and function. Rework your diet, and your back may start feeling better.

4. Stress Relief – Whenever we tell patients to de-stress, it always sounds easier in words than it is in practice. It would be great if we could remove stress from our lives, but if you’re juggling work, family and a social life, stress in inevitable. If you can’t find ways to minimize stress, find ways to manage it when it develops. Healthy outlets for stress can have physical benefits for your body. Whether it’s reading, yoga or meditation, find a healthy outlet for your stress.

5. Rethink Exercise – Finally, we challenge you to rethink your exercise routine if you have chronic back pain. You don’t need to go through a grueling gym routine in order to reap the benefits of exercise, so start small and build up to a sustainable exercise routine. Go for a walk around your block, swim some laps at the local swimming pool or do a yoga class with a friend. Over time, build up your distance or duration, as this will help to slowly strengthen key muscles groups that support your spine. Don’t be intimated by exercise because you think you need to lift heavy weights or run a certain number of miles. Set small, attainable goals and work up from there.

If you do these five things, we’re confident you’ll have more control over your chronic back pain condition. And for professional assistance to your chronic pain issue, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today.

The Five Best Things You Can Do To Treat Your Chronic Back Pain

August 5, 2021 / Thomas Cohn, MD

Back pain is incredibly common, and while it is unique to the individual, oftentimes it can be treated in a similar manner if you follow some smart conservative care techniques. These care techniques are by no means guaranteed to help relieve your pain, but many people find partial or full pain relief by pursuing these options for an extended period of time. In today’s blog, we take a look at the five best things you can do to treat your chronic back pain.

Five Smart Ways To Treat Your Spine Pain

Here’s a look at five ways to help put an end to your chronic back discomfort:

1. Exercise and Activity – If you have back pain, you may feel like the best thing you can do is to rest and let healing run its course. While rest can be great in the immediate aftermath of a painful flareup, it’s not a great long-term solution. Light exercise and simple stretching techniques can help to promote healing and improve blood flow, so work to stay active if you want to help quell your symptoms.

2. Mind Your Diet – If you’re overweight or obese, your spine is going to be asked to deal with excess stress. Working to lose weight can reduce the pressure that is put on your lumbar spine when you move, which can help eliminate your chronic back pain. Even if you’re at a healthy weight, poor dietary choices of excess sugar and fat can lead to the onset of spinal inflammation, which can make movement painful. Strive to eat healthier if you’re dealing with chronic back pain.

3. Hydrate – Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to care for your spine. That’s not to say drinking water will magically cure your spine, but it can help improve muscle function if spasms are causing your discomfort. Staying hydrated also helps to improve blood flow, which can help ensure areas get enough oxygenated blood to function properly. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and be wary of excess caffeine or alcohol intake.

4. Care For Your Mental Health – As we’ve said on the blog numerous times in the past, chronic pain is not just a physical condition. There are also significant psychological and emotional components. So while you may want to focus on your physical pain, make sure you’re caring for your mental health. Take time to clear your head each day, and work to limit anxiety and stress when possible. If you’re in a good mental space, it will be easier to care for your physical health.

5. Connect With A Pain Specialist – Finally, if all else fails or you really want to fight back against your chronic pain, connect with a pain management specialist like Dr. Cohn. He’ll be able to give you a comprehensive diagnosis and set you up with an individualized pain management plan. Chronic pain can be very tough to treat, and it’s always helpful to have an expert in your corner. Let Dr. Cohn and his team be your guide.

For more information, or for help with your chronic back pain, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today.

How To Prevent Back And Neck Pain If You Work From Home

July 22, 2021 / Thomas Cohn, MD

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed how business is conducted, with millions of Americans now working from the comfort of their home. Some workers will undoubtedly head back to the office if they aren’t already there, but countless workers will stick with a work from home schedule or have more remote work days than they did in the past.

This schedule flexibility may be nice, but working from home can present its own unique challenges for your neck and spine. In today’s blog, we share some tips for preventing back and neck pain if you’ll be working from home more often going forward.

Working From Home And Your Spine

Here’s a look at a number of different ways that working from home can challenge your back and neck, and what you can do to prevent pain from setting in:

1. Check Your Seat – If you’re working from home, you may have the luxury of choosing where you’d like to set up your office. Maybe you can get some work done from from the bedroom, perhaps you work on the couch, or maybe your strong WIFI signal allows you to work from the patio. These spots may not be as supportive for your spine compared to your office chair, so you really need to be mindful of your posture in these positions. Better yet, only work from a chair that provides ample support to your spine.

2. Practice Good Posture – Even if your chair is supportive, you need to make sure you have good posture when you’re seated. Don’t hunch forward or lean back, because this will put excess pressure on your cervical and lumbar spine. Strive to keep your head positioned directly above your shoulders and perform regular posture checks so that you can correct your posture if you catch yourself leaning or slouching.

3. Invest In An Office Chair – If you’re going to be working from home on a long-term basis, it may be in your best interest to invest in a quality office chair. Odds are a nicer office chair will be more supportive than any chair you have in your house at the moment, and that new chair can go a long way in helping protect your spine for years to come.

4. Strive To Exercise And Be Active – Sometimes it’s easy to fall into bad exercise habits if we don’t have to get out of the house every day, especially if you used to work out on your way home from the office. Still make it a point to get regular exercise if you have the freedom to work from home. You’re probably saving a little time by not having to commute to and from work, so dedicate that time to a workout. This will help to strengthen and protect your spine.

5. Talk To A Chronic Pain Specialist – Finally, if you are starting to develop some neck or back pain, reach out to a chronic pain specialist. They’ll be able to take a look at your spine and talk about the ergonomics of your work from home setup to see if simple changes can help relieve your back pain. If your just try to ignore back pain, odds are it only will get worse. Connect with a chronic pain specialist and take care of your spine today.

For more information, or for help with your back pain, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today.

How To Win Out Over Chronic Back Pain

April 29, 2021April 29, 2021 / Thomas Cohn, MD

Chronic back pain affects tens of millions of Americans on a regular basis, and it’s one of the most common conditions that we help treat. Because the spine is complex and pain is so individualized, figuring out the best way to treat the issue can be difficult. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the best things you can do to help reduce or eliminate your chronic back pain.

Tips For Treating Chronic Back Pain

There’s no perfect playbook for treating chronic back pain, but we’re confident that if you pursue a few of the below tips that you’ll have a good chance of making some headway.

Visit A Specialist – Now is not the time to turn to the internet or your general practitioner for answers about your back pain. It’s been going on for far too long, and now is the time to visit a chronic pain specialist like Dr. Cohn. A specialist will have a wealth of experience in all aspects of your chronic pain condition, and they’ll be better versed to provide you with an accurate diagnosis that will lead into a comprehensive treatment plan.

Adjust Your Diet – Eating an extra helping of vegetables won’t miraculously cure your back pain, but improving your dietary intake can help your back get the healthy vitamins and nutrients it needs to perform optimally. A healthy diet can also help you lose some weight, which will take some stress off your spine and can help to curb your symptoms. Diet adjustments can be a key part of reducing your chronic back pain.

Exercise – Exercise is one of the best and easiest things we can do for our spine health and our total body wellness. Regular exercise improves blood flow and strengthens key structures so that they are better able to handle the physical stress we put on our bodies. Combine exercise with the above point and you can shed some weight and take pressure off your spine. Strive to get 30-45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise 4-5 times a week to help strengthen your spine.

Physical Therapy – Along a similar vein, physical therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed treatment techniques for a range of chronic back pain conditions. PT will specifically target underdeveloped muscle groups or work to stabilize key structures, so the benefits are directly tied to the affected area. You just need to make sure you are consistent about following through with your exercises.

Mental Health Improvements – Finally, as we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, a chronic pain condition is rarely just a physical issue. Being in constant pain for an extended period of time can do a lot of damage to your mental health, which is why treatment also needs to focus on your mental health. Your chronic pain specialist can help explain how stress, anxiety and the effects of your chronic pain condition are impacting your mental health, and they can work to develop an individualized care program for it. Do some things that challenge and exercise your mind each day just like you are for your physical health.

For more information, or for help with your chronic back pain condition, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today.