Table 1.
Theme | Sub-theme | Coding (n) | Examples |
---|---|---|---|
Explanation and causes of low back pain | Biomedical causes of back pain | Posture (216) Spine deformities (215) Muscle problems (49) Trauma (16) |
Frequently, the problem is postural, that is, caused by a bad position when sitting, lying down, bending forward or carrying a heavy object. (URL 1) Do not sit or stand up straight and pick up something on the floor by bending your spine and not your knees are the main causes of back pain. (URL 10) Carrying or lifting too much weight can also compromise the integrity of the muscular system that supports the spine. (URL 15) The earlier the medical diagnosis, the greater the chances of recovery from sequelae (URL 39) |
Diagnosis | Biomedical diagnosis and complementary exams | Exams (28) |
The request for imaging must always be supported by a good clinical assessment so that an adequate interpretation of the results of imaging can be made and correlated with the patient's pain (URL 46) The x-ray is usually the first exam. Other tests include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and myelography, all with a careful indication and based on a diagnostic hypothesis. (URL 40) |
Recommendation about medication | Anti-inflammatory Others |
Medication (49) |
Various medications can be used including analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids and opioids, always after assessing the risk-benefit of each one. (URL 40) Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): Treatment of acute low back pain and as an adjunct in cases of osteoarthritis. It has anti-inflammatory action. (URL 8) |
Recommendation about coping and self-management | Protect the spine Environmental adjustments Changing habits |
Posture recommendations (216) Posture to lift and carry objects (106) Work recommendations (88) Sleep recommendations (29) Rest (28) |
There are several ways to protect the spine against inappropriate postures and movements, reducing the appearance of several problems, as well as the time and intensity of symptoms in those who are in pain, in addition to preventing new episodes (URL 49) Supermarket bags must be shared between the two hands. Suitcases and other heavy objects must be carried on a cart. (URL 16) Anyone who works at the computer must adopt appropriate postures when sitting. (URL 29) Pain is relieved with rest and hot-packs. (URL 21) |
Performing exercises | Physical activities Spine movements |
Exercises (111) | When exercising with weights in the gym, protect your spine by lying down or sitting with a back support. Always avoid carrying weight. (URL 1) Recommended physical exercises are walking, Pilates and water exercises. Running is only valid for those who already practiced before starting to feel pain. (URL 41) |
Low back pain in children and adolescents | Recommendation for children and adolescents | Children (73) |
We often see children at school carrying a backpack on one side, this can certainly lead to overload of the spine muscles, overload of the shoulder and cause pain in these children. (URL 19) There should be no difference in load from one side to avoid compensatory deviations that could be related to pain and the appearance of spinal problems. (URL 55) |