Statistics show that 80% of all adults will have at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime. Five of the ten back sufferers will experience recurrent pain within two years. Each recurrence increases the likelihood of a new one. The high prevalence of low back trouble is mirrored in the number of lost working days and productivity for the company. As Malaysia moves progressively into the new millennium, the challenges of being a high-tech, and industrialized society comes with the disabling consequences of low back pain, absenteeism, increase medical cost and early retirement. 

The doctor's first task is to rule out any medical emergencies such as tumors, joint diseases and irritation of nearby nerve roots. Most backache that is not due to disease, infection or major traumatic occurrence resolves with a short course of conservative treatment. Low back pain that persists for more than three months is considered chronic. If invasive procedures are not recommended, a supervised program of back reconditioning to increase muscle tone in the back and abdomen along with a comprehensive instruction in ergonomics correction, and lifestyle changes have been shown to be very effective.    

The Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group is an independent organization, whose mission is to promote optimal recovery and safe ways to return-to-work. They performed a comprehensive and systematic review of the available back research studies published internationally. The team of reviewers concluded that exercise program is helpful for chronic low back pain patients. A fast and growing active spine care program that originated in Finland is gaining global momentum. The programme combines the latest technology, evidence based protocol and the clinical expertise of health professionals. The programme is offered under the name of Documentation Based Care (DBC).

The programme utilizes specially designed equipment that isolates the different group of muscles that support the back. The selected movement enables precise loading and targeting of the weak muscles. Patients are carefully screen by a physiotherapist, and treatments are individually planned and guided over a 6-12 week period. The twice a week sessions last about 75 minutes per session. The patient learns the proper stretches of tight muscles and strengthening of the weak muscles. Often times, poor postures, ergonomics and proper body mechanics are addressed under the critical eye of the physiotherapist.

The success of the active spine programme has been published with 83% of the patients reporting benefits from the program. 75% of the patients also achieved improvements in their mobility and strength. Obviously, the structured activity helps develop strong, flexible back and abdominal muscles that take the stress off the spine and decrease pain. Furthermore, the increased activity gives the patient feeling of control that was lost with the prolonged back pain. Chronic low back pain can be inconvenient, depressing and disabling. Through established and proven treatment, the cycle of pain can be broken and chronic back sufferers can find relief and improve their quality of life.

DBC is an international network of spine centres offering a structured back and neck reconditioning programme for patients with chronic pain. The first centre and still the only kind of this nature in Malaysia started in Damansara Specialist Hospital, Kuala Lumpur.  Further information maybe obtained from www.dbc.fi    www.dbc.com.sg  www.DBCAmerica.com   Enquiries welcomed at (03)7725-1335.
 

• ProFlex® 2000SF Back Support