Medical Questions » Back Problems Questions » Question No. 126
| Question: | I have three young nephews with painful back problems. Two are mechanics and one a concreter. They have seen chiropractors without success. Where should they go and what should they do? |
| Answer: | They should go to their family doctor for thorough investigation and treatment of their problem. It may be simply a matter of teaching them correct posture and back care (possibly with the aid of a physiotherapist), but if more severe, anti-inflammatory medications, and regular physiotherapy will be required. A thorough examination of the back will be performed, and an X-ray will probably be taken, but many people with very painful back strains have perfectly normal X-rays, particularly when young. As a last resort, referral to an orthopaedic surgeon may be necessary.
What they should do is modify their work practices to minimise back strain (eg. supervise work rather than perform it themselves). If the back pain persists, they may have to consider other types of work that put less stress on the back.
|
|
|
