My City Wellness Fall 2021

there is nothing wrong with the car, but you take it to the shop fo routine maintenance that helps keep the engine in good working order. Typically, people don’t see help for back pain until the dam age is done or the pain becomes severe. However, research indica that there may be ways to avoid onset of back pain. A multi-mod approach typically works best; on that involves dedication and hard work. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure or internet gadget th can substitute for lifestyle chang and developing healthier habits. We have all heard about strengthening our “core muscle but what are they and what do they do? The core muscles en circle the lower trunk and ab domen and act as a support for the body. Imagine a weightlifter belt around their waist that give them more stability and strengt The weaker these core muscles are, the more pressure there is o the ligaments, bones and discs of the spine to support the body. I general, exercise such as walking or light weights can help back pain, but strengthening the core muscles can help, as well. Yoga a method of exerci that focuses on core muscle strengthening as well as deep breathing and biofeedback technique that can relieve stress and anx iety – both of which can also contribute to back pain. For tho who feel they are too inflexible or immobile, chair yoga can be a wonderful option. It involves stretching while sitting in or usi g

the support of a chair. Tai Chi can also be beneficial; it involves slow, focused movements with deep breathing and mental concentra tion. The two methods not only strengthen the core muscles, but also help with stability and flexi bility; these are critical factors in avoiding falls as we get older. In people over the age of 65, falling is

o the spine which can lead to b ck pain. Quitting smoking and aching an ideal body weight can duce the incidence, frequency a d intensity of low-back pain. R petitive heavy lifting and twist g can also result in back pain. In t ese circumstances, ergonomic w rk practices can be beneficial. addition, I see many patients

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The core muscles encircle the lower trunk and abdomen and act as a support for the body.

a leading cause of hospitalization – the injuries can be debilitating and cause a loss of independence. Chiropractic care and osteo pathic manipulation are also treat ments that can address and help prevent back pain. Techniques that realign the spine can im prove posture and relieve muscle tightness and spasm. Therapeutic massage can also be beneficial in both the treatment and prevention of back pain through hands-on muscle manipulation, increased blood circulation that can help heal muscle injury, and increased brain endorphin levels that can reduce depression and anxiety. Lifestyle changes can also contribute to the reduction in low-back pain. Smoking cigarettes and obesity increase risk for back pain. Nicotine impairs delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the bones and tissues which can lead to degeneration of the discs that already have lower blood flow. Obesity can alter the mechanics of the pelvis and the alignment

ho injure their backs at home y performing lifting or carrying ores or projects they are not ed to, or do not have the proper uipment to perform safely. Ultimately, there is nothing g aranteed to 100% avoid back in. However, through initiating re strengthening, maintaining g od posture and alignment and acticing healthier lifestyles, we n hope to reduce the onset and e length of a back pain episode. Š

About the Author With 20 years of expe rience, Lisa Guyot, MD has established herself as a renowned surgeon providing exceptional care for patients across the greater Flint region. Board certified by the

American Board of Neurological Surgery, Dr. Guyot specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Dr. Guyot received her med ical degree from Wayne State University and completed her residency at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University. Since 2012, Dr. Guyot has served as the chairperson of Neurological Surgery at Ascension Genesys Hospital. She con tinues in that role and also serves on the Ascension Genesys teaching faculty in the orthopedic surgery residency program.

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