Can Sit-Ups Help with Back Pain After an Accident?

Q: Can Sit-Ups Help with Back Pain After an Accident?

Hello, Hero： <br>In outpatient clinics, we often encounter patients who have previously received treatment at other hospitals. <br>Some patients bring referral documents, while others only provide verbal descriptions of the examinations or treatments they have undergone. <br>The

Can I do sit-ups if I have back pain?

My mother is 58 years old and had a car accident in February of this year.
She was hospitalized for two weeks and has been experiencing lower back pain since then.
Although she has been returning for regular follow-ups, the results have not been satisfactory.
She was referred to another rehabilitation department by someone.
I would like to ask if she should provide the medical records and X-rays from the previous hospital before the consultation with the specialist.
Should she undergo rehabilitation only after an assessment by the previous physician? If the patient does not provide these documents, will the doctor still need to conduct X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, nerve conduction studies, electromyography, bone scans, blood tests, etc., to determine the cause of her condition, in addition to a detailed medical history and physical examination? During the consultation, the doctor asked my mother to lie on the bed and perform a sit-up, but she was in too much pain to do so.
Can the doctor force her to perform this exercise? Is this action part of the physical examination or physical therapy? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

ying x, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/12/15

Dr. Xu Zhenrong reply Rehabilitation

Hello, Hero:
In outpatient clinics, we often encounter patients who have previously received treatment at other hospitals.
Some patients bring referral documents, while others only provide verbal descriptions of the examinations or treatments they have undergone.
The evaluation of such patients should begin with a basic physical examination, which includes tendon reflexes, muscle strength, sensory function, and the presence of any pain points.
If there are uncertainties, further imaging studies may be warranted, including X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as neurophysiological tests such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG).
The choice of these tests should depend on the patient's clinical symptoms or their response to treatment, and it is not necessary to conduct all tests.
Regarding exercise therapy for lower back pain, there are two differing viewpoints, including exercises for the abdominal or back muscles.
Abdominal exercises resemble sit-ups but involve much smaller ranges of motion.
For detailed health education, it is advisable to seek professional consultation at a nearby hospital's rehabilitation department.
Additionally, when hospitalized patients are discharged, they can request a discharge summary from their physician.
This summary includes details of examinations, medications, treatments, and procedures during their hospital stay, and it is recommended to bring it to the outpatient physician for reference.
Thank you for your inquiry.
The Rehabilitation Department of Taipei Hospital wishes your mother a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Hsu Chen-Jung, Rehabilitation Department

Reply Date: 2006/12/15

More Info

After an accident, particularly one that results in back pain, it is crucial to approach rehabilitation and treatment with care and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying issues. In your mother's case, where she has been experiencing persistent lower back pain following a car accident, it is essential to consider several factors before engaging in exercises like sit-ups.

Firstly, providing the new rehabilitation specialist with all relevant medical records, including previous hospital stays, X-rays, and any other imaging studies, is highly advisable. This information can help the new physician understand the extent of the injuries and tailor a rehabilitation program that is safe and effective. If the patient does not provide these records, the physician will likely conduct a thorough history and physical examination. However, without prior imaging studies, it may be challenging to ascertain the exact nature of the injury, which could lead to less effective treatment strategies.

Regarding the physical examination and the request for your mother to perform sit-ups, it is important to note that exercises should be tailored to the individual's pain tolerance and physical condition. Sit-ups can place significant strain on the lower back, especially if there is an underlying injury or if the patient is experiencing acute pain. Forcing a patient to perform an exercise that causes them significant discomfort is not advisable and could exacerbate their condition. Instead, the physician should assess your mother's pain levels and adjust the rehabilitation plan accordingly.

In terms of whether sit-ups can help with back pain, the answer is nuanced. While strengthening the core muscles can be beneficial for overall spinal stability and may help alleviate some types of back pain, sit-ups are not always the best choice, especially in the acute phase of recovery. Other exercises that focus on gentle stretching, mobility, and strengthening without putting excessive strain on the back may be more appropriate initially. Physical therapists often recommend exercises that promote flexibility and strength in a controlled manner, gradually increasing intensity as tolerated.

Additionally, it is essential to consider the role of other treatments in conjunction with physical therapy. Modalities such as heat, ice, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy can be effective in managing pain and improving function. Medications, including anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants, may also be prescribed to help manage pain during the rehabilitation process.

In conclusion, while sit-ups can be part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for back pain, they should not be forced upon a patient who is experiencing significant discomfort. A tailored approach that considers the patient's pain levels, medical history, and specific injuries is crucial for effective recovery. Open communication with healthcare providers about pain levels and treatment preferences is vital to ensure that the rehabilitation process is both safe and effective. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially after an injury.

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