Name of Lecture: …Holistic Management of Low Back Pain

Name of Speaker: …Dr Vijendra Chauhan   

Program Time: …1230am-1pm

Name of Reporter: …Klara Gerrits

Main Points of the Lecture: ....

Dr Chauhan spoke about the common problem of low back pain. Almost all people encounter this problem in a certain moment in their life. Mostly it is an acute form of back ache which comes and disappears in a short time. If the pain lasts for over 6 weeks, further investigation, e.g. MRI, is indicated. The speaker explained the anatomical aspects of the disturbance in the lower spine. The main reason for lower back ache: we misuse our back. Poor posture, lifting weight incorrectly using the back, leading a stressful life, lack of exercise, pregnancy, metabolic disorders and psychosocial factors are some of the main factors that cause this injury.  In the field of the treatment of the pain there are preventive, surgical and conservative methods. Surgery is the last resort (rarely done). Among the conservative methods in the treatment of lower back ache are: bed rest, a change in lifestyle, exercises (physiotherapy) as soon as the pain subsides, no prolonged sitting in chairs, no lifting of heavy objects, the practice of spinal extension exercises and (generally spoken) no forward bendings.  Dr. Chauhan advises the use of medicines like painkillers to be reduced (‘they will kill the pain and the kidneys’) as much as possible. In the prevention of lower back ache the speaker recommends his students and patients to keep themselves fit by doing daily exercises, practicing good posture, taking care of the back while lifting objects, taking a healthy diet and practicinge yoga (asanas, relaxation, breath awareness, meditation) to bring about the necessary balance in life. Furthermore Dr Chauhan explained the importance of a bed that supports the three natural curves of the spine.