WELLNESS
Untitled Page
Holy pain relief!
The doctor who treated the Pope offers relief for neck and back pain.
by Linda MelonePublished: February 01, 2012
Would you trust your back pain to a man who treated Pope John Paul II? Who wouldn’t? In August of 2000, back pain specialist and O.C. resident Dr. Vincent Fortanasce found himself escorted through the streets of Rome to meet with the Pope.
Fortanasce taught the religious leader exercises to ease his back pain and showed him the correct way to use his cane. He recently coauthored a book, “End Back and Neck Pain” (Human Kinetics, 2012), which includes some of the same exercises he taught the Pope.
Back pain has hit epidemic proportions in the U.S., says Fortanasce. “It’s the number one reason for lost work days and for ER visits.”
A number of reasons contribute to this trend. Our sedentary lifestyle is the biggest culprit, says Fortanasce.
“We’re out of shape and overweight; with increased weight comes increased spine pain,” he says.
Secondly, sitting in front of a computer screen and TV adds weight to the front of the body, leading to herniated disks and spinal degeneration, Fortanasce adds.
“Look at your coworkers or children coming home from school hunched over and their heads tilted to one shoulder as they talk on their cellphone,” he says. “These behaviors predispose you to spine problems later in life.”
To stretch your back, try this move, taken from the book: Lie on your back with your arms stretched over your head and your legs straight. Move your heels in one direction while reaching your hands in the other direction. Stretch, elongating your trunk as best as you can. Stretch yourself as your arms and legs move in opposite directions away from the middle.
“If you experience pain shooting down your leg or tingling or numbness, see a doctor immediately,” says Fortanasce. “Or if the pain interferes with walking or bladder control, go to the ER immediately.”
To prevent a serious problem in the first place, Fortanasce recommends a regular core-strengthening program. In addition, learn how to properly lift objects and set up your workstation to reduce your back pain risk. fortanasceclinic.com
Fact: Back pain may radiate into the arms and hands, as well as the legs or feet, and may include symptoms other than pain, such as weakness, numbness or tingling.
|
||||
|
Fortanasce taught the religious leader exercises to ease his back pain and showed him the correct way to use his cane. He recently coauthored a book, “End Back and Neck Pain” (Human Kinetics, 2012), which includes some of the same exercises he taught the Pope. Back pain has hit epidemic proportions in the U.S., says Fortanasce. “It’s the number one reason for lost work days and for ER visits.” A number of reasons contribute to this trend. Our sedentary lifestyle is the biggest culprit, says Fortanasce. “We’re out of shape and overweight; with increased weight comes increased spine pain,” he says. Secondly, sitting in front of a computer screen and TV adds weight to the front of the body, leading to herniated disks and spinal degeneration, Fortanasce adds. “Look at your coworkers or children coming home from school hunched over and their heads tilted to one shoulder as they talk on their cellphone,” he says. “These behaviors predispose you to spine problems later in life.” To stretch your back, try this move, taken from the book: Lie on your back with your arms stretched over your head and your legs straight. Move your heels in one direction while reaching your hands in the other direction. Stretch, elongating your trunk as best as you can. Stretch yourself as your arms and legs move in opposite directions away from the middle. “If you experience pain shooting down your leg or tingling or numbness, see a doctor immediately,” says Fortanasce. “Or if the pain interferes with walking or bladder control, go to the ER immediately.” To prevent a serious problem in the first place, Fortanasce recommends a regular core-strengthening program. In addition, learn how to properly lift objects and set up your workstation to reduce your back pain risk. fortanasceclinic.com Fact: Back pain may radiate into the arms and hands, as well as the legs or feet, and may include symptoms other than pain, such as weakness, numbness or tingling. |
||||
