Managing low back pain
sheila1pt
Much of the population suffers from low back pain at least some time in their life. However, people with lower extremity amputations often discover it can "come with the territory." Many amputees do not bear weight evenly through their legs, especially if they are an above-knee amputee or higher level. This tends to throw off the pelvic and spinal alignment,resulting in possible injury and certainly uneven wear and tear. There are a few simple things you can do to help protect your back and make your muscles stronger. Whenever you go to bend or lift, always recruit your abdominal muscles. You can do this by simply pulling your belly button in towards your spine, like you're "walking at the beach." In combination, recruiting the pelvic floor muscles at the same time. You do this by imagining you are urinating and someone tells you to stop the flow before your finished. By recruiting both of these muscle groups EVERY time you bend or lift something you will make it a habit, and strengthen them as well. In turn, helping to decrease or prevent low back pain.