Cold weather can increase the risk of back sprains, a physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physician said yesterday.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) canceled his public appearances on Friday afternoon and yesterday due to a lower back sprain.
Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua (林奕華) yesterday confirmed that the mayor “sprained his lower back” and that his old lower back injury recurred.
Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times
Chen Chao-jung (陳昭蓉), a PM&R physician who has a clinic in Taipei, yesterday said when a cold front brings temperatures down, it can cause people to have poor blood circulation and muscle stiffness, so they might sprain their back even while doing simple daily actions.
If people do not sufficiently move their stiff muscles, they might easily sprain or strain their back by bending over to put on their shoes or socks, she said.
People with chronic back pain or old lower back injuries usually have a relatively unstable lumber structure, so they are more likely to get injured again from poor posture, such as bending over instead of crouching down to pick up an item, Chen said.
Most people who are older than 40 experience some spinal degeneration and have insufficient muscular strength, which means the spine has less protection, so they are more likely to get back sprains, she said.
Even those who exercise still face increased risk of lower back injury from incorrect posture during exercise or from old injuries, Chen added.
Back sprains vary in seriousness, with the most common being a muscle strain injury, she said, adding that there are more severe conditions, such as herniated intervertebral disc, which could lead to sciatica by compressing the sciatic nerve.
To treat a sprained back, the person should get plenty of rest, avoid actions that could cause back injury again and wear a lumbar support belt to help the spine, Chen said.
Most acute and sudden back sprains can be treated with a hot compress, which can improve blood circulation, relax the muscles and alleviate the pain, she said.
However, if the pain is caused by hemorrhage or swelling from an impact injury, it should be treated with “cold” compress instead, she added.
If symptoms do not improve after self-treatment or if the condition worsens, the person should seek medical attention as soon as possible, Chen added.
Regardless of age, maintaining a good posture and having adequate exercise are key to preventing back injuries, Chen said.
When temperatures are low, people should warm up properly before doing exercises and avoid bending over so they do not put too much pressure on their lower back, she said.
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