“In most cases, back pain is associated with muscular contractions and distensions, and not with a severe spinal disease. However, this is a pathology highly disabling with a considerable socio-labour repercussion” – highlighted Luís Teixeira, the director of Hospital da Luz Coimbra Spine Centre , during his intervention in the morning news program at RTP channel , in the scope of the World Spine Day , celebrated on October 16. It is estimated that over 70% of the Portuguese population above 20/30 years old has suffered or suffers from low back or neck pain . Spinal diseases are, on the other hand, the first cause of incapacity to work in the country. In terms of treatments, “we want them to be the least aggressive possible”, he adds, surgery being “the last resort”. Medication, rehabilitation by physiotherapy or specific exercises of muscular strengthening and flexibility enhancement are some of the possible treatments. Luís Teixeira intervention on RTP1 (between 16:31 and 20:12)
