The Musculoskeletal Support Program

Did you know that muscle strain is the most common cause of lower back pain?

Your spine and its vertebrae are supported by a complex network of muscle, cartilage, tendons and ligaments that bear most of your body’s weight. That’s why the lower back is a frequent area of strain and sprain!

In most cases, lower back pain is temporary and heal on its own. However, you may need pain treatment for that is getting worse or affecting your daily life.

For most non-complex cases of back pain, a thorough review of your medical history with your doctor, together with a physical examination, will give more insight into the problem than an MRI.

A lumbar x-ray generates images of the bones and other structures in the lower back, hip and in the sacrum, where the spine connects to the pelvis. X-rays are useful in detecting fractures, infections and tumors in the bones.

Sitting for extended periods of time is associated with increased back and joint pain.
In addition to keeping active and incorporating regular breaks into your day, if you use a computer at work or for are seated for long periods, you’ll benefit from exercises to strengthen and maintain your supporting muscles. Optimizing your ergonomics is one way to assist in minimizing back and neck pain throughout the work day.

When considering lumbar surgery, your decision should be made in close consultation with your doctor or specialist and only after non-surgical treatment options have been attempted or under exceptional or severe circumstances.