What causes low back pain?
The most common causes of low back pain are:
- Muscle or ligament strain - Some of the largest, hardest-working muscles in our body are in or near the lower back. Unlike muscles stressed primarily during exercise or intense movement, these muscles are also stressed with sitting, standing and walking.
- Degenerative joint disease - The joints in the back that allow mobility, stability and functionality are subject to wear and tear.
- Vertebral disk disease - Torn or bulging vertebral disks in the spinal column can readily compress the spinal cord or nerves traveling out of the back.
Why is low back pain so common?
Pain in the lower back is probably related to the remarkable stresses placed on it over a lifetime. Although the lower back may seem simple enough, it has a complex anatomy that allows it to perform many functions.
How is low back pain treated?
Low back pain can be treated in various ways. The best treatment usually depends on the cause.
Conservative treatment is usually the first approach. Conservative treatment for short term pain may include participating in physical therapy, stretching and massage. Acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs (such as naproxen or ibuprofen) or a muscle relaxant may be taken. Rest is recommended depending on the severity of pain; activity, if tolerated, is encouraged.
For chronic low back pain (pain of more than eight weeks duration) Orthofix offers the Orthotrac Pneumatic Vest as a conservative approach. It is the only clinically validated, non-surgical spinal treatment device that delivers self-administered, external spinal "unloading" (weight transfer resulting in reduced pressure on the spine).
At the same time it allows the patient to participate in his/her normal daily activities. It is currently being prescribed by licensed healthcare providers across the U.S.
How does a patient receive Orthotrac therapy?
The Orthotrac is a custom-made device that is prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, specifically for you. It is typically worn two to three times a day for 30-60 minutes at a time. It can be used as an independent treatment option or in conjunction with physician prescribed physical therapy and occupational therapy.
How does the Orthotrac relieve low back pain?
The main function of the Orthotrac is to reduce the compressive forces on the spine by transferring your upper body weight off the spine to your hips. MRI comparisons of a spine before and during application of an Orthotrac confirm the effect of offloading weight from the spine.
What makes the Orthotrac different from other treatments?
The Orthotrac applies decompressive forces to the spine, transferring body weight from the upper torso to the hips and preventing compression and aggravation of lower back spinal conditions. The offloading forces are concentrated specifically on the lower spine, rather than across the entire spine. The Orthotrac pushes upward and downward on the lower torso/spine in order to create this effect.
The Orthotrac is an ambulatory device, meaning it is portable and wearable during everyday activities. Orthotrac therapy may be applied at home, work, play or during travel, at the patient's convenience. This allows a patient to comply with therapy guidelines much more easily than traveling to a clinic each time to receive therapy.
How much force is applied to the body using the Orthotrac?
The amount of force generated by the Orthotrac vest is controlled by the patient through use of a manual inflation device. Pressures are prescribed to the patient who typically offloads 50% of their body weight. A relief valve prevents over-inflation. The patient also can instantly deflate the Orthotrac to relieve the pressure at any time.
In addition, the Orthotrac provides stabilization of the torso (while still allowing flexibility). This stabilization prevents additional compressive forces in the spine due to bending and lifting.
Is Orthtrac therapy effective?
Orthotrac therapy has improved the activities of daily living while reducing pain in both the near-term and over an extended period for chronic low back pain patients, relieving symptoms in a comfortable and convenient manner.
In a study of more than 300 patients who wore an Orthotrac vest for at least eight weeks, 70% of the patients experienced significant improvement in both pain relief and quality of life. The Orthotrac vest also reduces treatment costs according to a recent economic study.
Is surgery ever necessary to treat low back pain?
For certain conditions, surgery may prove to be the only highly effective treatment. The best way to decide about surgery is to discuss this treatment option with your primary care physician and your surgeon.