Austria is a cross country. This is confirmed by a representative health survey by Statistics Austria. Chronic low back pain and other chronic back ailments sadly take the top spot among health problems. 26 percent of those surveyed stated that they had suffered from it in the past twelve months. Converted to the total Austrian population, this means: 1.9 million people were affected.
And: The older the respondents, the more often the back caused problems. One in five of those under the age of 60 (20.8 percent) complained of pain, and in the 60+ group it was more than one in three (38.4 percent).
The best experts
The OÖN health tour today, Wednesday, June 7th, at 6 p.m. in the Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen-Klinikum Steyr (PEK) is dedicated to this topic.
On the podium: Primary Vinzenz Auersperg (orthopaedics), senior physician Christoph Hartl (accident surgery), senior physician Diana Huber (physical therapy) and Uniqa vitality coach Johann Plaimer. The experts answer all questions.
What helps best with acute back pain?
Christopher Hartl: First you have to pay attention to the warning signs! These are problems with urination or bowel movements and numbness in the genital area – if this is the case, it is important to see a doctor. Otherwise painkillers and physiotherapy help. Muscle tension is often the cause.
Do I have to do the exercises my physical therapist showed me forever?
Yes, regular training should be on the daily schedule. The exercises learned by the physiotherapist must be practiced.
How can I best prevent it?
In order to prevent traumatic spinal injuries, a back protector should be worn during sports such as skiing. A back warming belt can be helpful when hiking in the mountains. Otherwise, the following applies: healthy nutrition (vitamins from the B group) and sufficient and regular exercise, no smoking and pay attention to your own posture.
health tour: Free admission. There is a healthy snack.
These experts answer questions:
- Vinzenz Auersperg, primary orthopedics, PEK Steyr
- Diana Huber, Senior Physician Physical Therapy, PEK Steyr
- Christoph Hartl, Senior Physician Trauma Surgery, PEK Steyr
- Johann Plaimer, Uniqa vitality coach, personal fitness trainer
