Articles: back-pain.
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Notwithstanding a plethora of observational studies, the causal implications of obesity, encompassing both body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), as well as type 2 diabetes (T2D), and lifestyle factors, in relation to the vulnerability to low back pain (LBP), remain enigmatic. ⋯ This study provides suggestive evidence to support the causal involvement of obesity, smoking, and the frequency of alcohol intake in the development of LBP, which suggests that implementing measures to mitigate these risk factors may aid in preventing LBP.
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Exercise prescriptions for chronic low back pain (CLBP) often utilize reductionistic, trunk-focused exercise aimed at addressing proposed pain mechanisms. It is unknown if the use of these trunk-focused exercises imply beliefs to people with CLBP about the rationale for their use (e.g., etiology), even without concurrent biomedical narratives. This study aimed to explore people's perceptions of specific and general exercise without an accompanying narrative when experiencing CLBP. ⋯ This study demonstrated that people with CLBP consider specific exercises to be more beneficial than general exercises for CLBP. Specific exercises irrespective of an accompanying narrative can imply meaning about the intent of an exercise. Understanding this requires practitioners to be mindful when prescribing and communicating exercise.
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The role of thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) in the development of chronic low back pain (CLBP) has growing evidence in the literature. Although CLBP is reported in individuals with idiopathic scoliosis (IS), its relationship with the TLF has yet not been established. This study aims to evaluate the TLF and its relationship with CLBP in IS. ⋯ Thickening of the TLF was observed in IS, whereby, in the presence of CLBP, it was further intensified. We suggest considering fascial thickening as a potential contributing factor to both pain and limited motion in relevant patients.
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Back pain and neck pain are common in clinical practice, but significant challenges and pitfalls exist in their diagnosis, treatment, and management. From the neurologic standpoint, cervical radiculopathy and lumbosacral radiculopathy are characterized by neck pain or back pain accompanied by sensory and motor symptoms in an arm or leg. The basic neurologic examination is vital, but testing like electromyography and MRI is often needed especially in cases that fail conservative management. Oral medications, injection-based therapies, physical therapy, and surgical evaluation all have a place in the comprehensive neurologic management of back and neck pain and associated radiculopathy.