Methods for Avoiding or Reducing High Spinal Loads in Everyday Life

• Main Authors: Antonius Rohlmann (Author), Friedmar Graichen (Author), Georg Bergmann (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Journal of Novel Physiotherapy and Physical Rehabilitation - Peertechz Publications, 2014-09-06.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p><strong>Background</strong>: High loads on an anterior spinal implant can cause an implant to subside into the vertebral body. This alteration may endanger the clinical output of the treatment and can result in back pain. The aim of this paper is to show the possibilities for avoiding or reducing high spinal loads in daily life. </p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: The loads on a telemeterized vertebral body replacement were measured in 5 patients for a variety of different activities. The effects of the ways an exercise was performed on implant loads were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Following a physiotherapist's instructions reduced implant loads by approximately 60% when changing from one body position to another or when performing physiotherapeutic exercises. Supporting the upper body with one hand can reduce loads by approximately 30% when washing the face in front of a washing basin. Leaning against a backrest in a sitting position reduced implant loads by an average of 38%. If possible, weight should be carried in a backpack or spilt bilaterally and evenly between both hands. Generally, any weight should be held close to the body.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Patients should follow their physiotherapists' instructions. Spinal loads are generally reduced by reducing the lever arm of the upper body's center of mass relative to the lumbar spine and by supporting the upper body, for example, with the hands. </p>