This document discusses low back dysfunction and provides information about anatomy, causes, symptoms, risks, prevention, and treatment of low back pain. It notes that low back pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits and costs over $50 billion annually in the US. The document outlines the regions and curves of the spine, common postural dysfunctions, muscles that support the pelvis, and causes of low back pain like overuse or injury. It recommends prevention through proper posture, lifting, flexibility, and strength training. Treatment involves rest, medication, exercises, and ergonomic practices.

1. Low Back Dysfunction For
Acute and Chronic Injuries
Stephen Miccio
Athletic Training Student
University Of Central Florida
Exercise, Prevention, and
Treatment For You

2. ICE BREAKER

3. Statistics
• Low back pain is the single leading cause of disability
worldwide, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010.
• Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work. In
fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the
doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
• Experts estimate that as many as 80% of the population will
experience a back problem at some time in our lives.
• Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on back pain—and
that’s just for the more easily identified costs

4. Anatomy

5. Anatomy

6. Anatomy

7. Anatomy

8. Anatomy
How I remember
the Spine:
Breakfast at
7, Lunch at
12, Dinner at
5, (Man I am Sick
of Cooking.)

9. Anatomy

10. Anatomy

11. The Spine
• Cervical- C1-C7 (Main function is to support the
•
weight of the head. The cervical spine has the greatest
amount of Range of Motion.) The curvature of the
cervical spine is a lordotic curve, looks like a “C”
backwards.
Thoracic-T1- T12 (Main function is to protect the
vital organs housed in the chest.) Each vertebrae has
one rib attached to each side forming a protective
shield around your vital organs. The curvature of the
thoracic spine is known as a kyphotic curve. This
looks like a regular “C”

12. The Spine
• Lumbar- L1-L5 ( Contains the largest of vertebrae and
holds a lordotic curve just like cervical spine.) The main
purpose of the lumbar spine is that it takes on all the
weight bearing activities.
• Sacral- S1-S2 ( sits below the L5 and is made up of five
fused vertebrae.
• Coccyx- (is attached to the inferior portion
of the
sacrum and is commonly referred to as the “tail bone”)

13. Low Back Pain

14. Low Back Pain
• The lumbosacral strain is the most common type of
low back problem.
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Low back pain primarily includes:
Lumbosacral strains
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
Herniated Disk
Degenerative Disk Disease
Coccyalgia
Lumbosacral strain may be postural in origin but not
always.

15. Low Back Pain

16. Low Back Pain

17. Postural Dysfunctions
• Kyphosis- A condition in which there is an overcurvature of the thoracic vertebrae.
• Lordosis- Is curvature of the spine in the lumbar and
cervical region where the portion of the vertebrae
face inward. ( More common in women than men. The
fault is often associated with weak abdominal
muscles.)
• Flat-back posture- Straight back in lumbar and
thoracic and minimal flexion in upper thoracic region.
• Sway-back posture- Posterior displacement of the
upper trunk and an anterior displacement of the
pelvis.

18. Posture

19. Kyphotic and Lordotic Posture

20. Flat-Back and Sway-Back Posture

21. Low Back Pain
and The Pelvis
• Four Groups of muscles support the pelvis in
anterior and posterior alignment:
• 1. Low back extensors
• 2. Hamstrings
• 3. Abdominals
• 4. Hip flexors

22. Lumbar Pain
Causes and Common Signs and Symptoms
• Signs and Symptoms Include:
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•
•
•
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Muscle spasms
Swelling along the back
Loss of strength and or function of low back musculature
Acute/sharp pain in a specific pin point region
Dull Ache
• Causes:
• Overuse of the musculature in the lower back from poor back
mechanics, poor lifting, sleeping surface, poor posture
standing, sitting, and or even a violent injury where trauma
occurred at the low back, such as an automobile accident.

23. Risks
• Any activity/sport/hobby that requires movement
such as twisting force at the spine and bending at
the waist. Contact sports and hobbies increase the
risk of injury.
• Common Risks:
•
•
•
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1. Poor physical strength and flexibility
2. Family history of low back pain
3. Previous back injuries
4. Poor lifting mechanics
5. Prolonged sitting with poor posture.

24. Prevention
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•
•
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Use proper posture!
Sit up straight and stand tall
Lift with the knees and legs not the waist.
Proper warm up before activity.
Keep a healthy active lifestyle and manage a healthy body
weight.
Keep the hamstrings and low back flexible with stretching.
Keep your low back and other surrounding muscles strong
and fit for endurance.
HEP
Cardio
Ergonomics!!!

25. General Treatment
• Low back strains with conservative treatment heal within 6 weeks
time.
• Cortisone shot is only temporary.
• Initial Treatment- Rest, medication, and ice.
• After initial treatment- Exercises to increase strength and flexibility
and train proper posture.
• Medication used- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as
Ibuprofen.
• Heat and Cold- Cold relieves pain and inflammation. ( Ice pack, Ice
massage 20 minutes on, an hour or so off.) Heat is implemented
before stretching and strengthening activities. ( Heat pack, thermal
ultrasound)

26. Strengthening and Stretching
• Stretching Exercises

27. Strengthening and Stretching
• Stretching Exercises

28. Strengthening and Stretching
• Strengthening Exercises
• (Don’t Forget Core)

29. Your HW
• Take from this presentation:
• Knowledge of the curvature of the spine
• Correct posture and lifting mechanics
• Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
• Have an Idea of prevention, risks, signs and
symptoms of lumbar pain.
• Ergonomics
• Utilize the resources you have here at KSC such as
the Fitness Center and RehabWorks

30. Questions?
?

31. Thank You!

32. References
• Low back pic number 1 http://health-advisors.org/lower-back-muscle-anatomy/
• Low back pic number 2 http://health-advisors.org/back-muscle-anatomy-healthadvisors-org/
• Low back pic number 3
http://thefacesofankylosingspondylitis.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/askyphosis2.jpg?w=320
• Low back pic number 4 http://www.pediatricorthopedics.com/Treatments/Skeletal/Spine/Kyphosis_Lordosis/Lordosis/LK_Pan_S
ide.jpg
• Low back pic number 5 http://osteomaureen.webs.com/photos/Examples-ofOsteopathic-Patients/Example%204.jpg
• Low back pic number 6 http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYsAmdtff4/T1xDuLIKj0I/AAAAAAAAALw/RURNbAkGnu4/s1600/Sway%2Bback.JPG
• Low back pic number 7 http://www.drkarencann.com/wpcontent/uploads/2011/08/Cervical-Lordosis-Diagram.jpg
• http://www.acatoday.org/level2_css.cfm?T1ID=13&T2ID=68
• Courtesy Of Google Images
• DON’T FORGET TO CITE BOOK