Dr. André Evaristo Marcondes , renowned orthopedist specializing in the spine, is a professional with solid training and extensive experience. Master in Global Public Health from the University of Limerick (Ireland), has a specialization in Spine Surgery, Orthopedics and Traumatology, in addition to a degree in Medicine from the University of Marília.
With an exemplary academic and professional trajectory, Dr. Marcondes is a preceptor of the Spine Group of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at the Faculty of Medicine of ABC. His dedication to excellence is evidenced by recognition as a member of the North American Spine Society (NASS), Brazilian Spine Society (SBC) and Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT).
With medical residency at Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal (SP), Dr. André Evaristo Marcondes currently offers his services at the Center for Advanced Medicine at Hospital Sírio-Libanês, AACD and at the COTC Group Center for Orthopedics, Traumatology and Spine. His expertise and commitment make him a reference in spinal health care.
Doctor Marcondes, how can the intense heat of summer influence the onset or intensification of low back pain?
Regarding the direct impact of intense summer heat on low back pain, there is no clear evidence that associates higher temperatures with an increased risk of low back pain. It is important to consider that individual factors can influence pain perception, including heat tolerance and physical activity performed during the summer. Activities such as carrying heavy suitcases, driving for a long time or taking long trips, and inappropriate use of shoes in outdoor activities, such as walking or running on the beach, can contribute to the onset or intensification of low back pain. It is important to pay attention to your posture, wear appropriate footwear and take breaks during long journeys.
* References : Beilken K, Hancock MJ, Maher CG, Li Q, Steffens D. Pain Med. 2017 Jun 1;18(6):1139-1144. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw126. Pain Med. 2017. PMID: 27980016 Clinical Trial. Effect of thermal therapy and exercises on acute low back pain: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord . Available at: https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-019-2403-1
What are the most common oversights that people make during the summer that can trigger discomfort in the lower back, even in those who have no history of back problems?
Some common mistakes in the summer that can cause low back pain include weight gain due to excessive consumption of food and drinks, breaking your exercise routine, lifting excessive weights, spending a lot of time sitting when traveling, and sleeping in places where your body is not comfortable. adapted. Furthermore, inadequate use of footwear and lack of physical preparation for sporting activities are risk factors. Intense or inappropriate physical activities, such as lifting weights without preparation or inappropriate postures when sitting or sleeping, are common risk factors for the development of low back pain, especially in summer. Dehydration, common during this season, can also contribute to muscle tension and discomfort in the lower back. It is crucial to maintain adequate hydration and avoid overloading the spine during leisure activities or physical exercise.
* References : Duong V, Maher CG, Steffens D, Li Q, Hancock MJ. Rheumatol Int. 2016 May;36(5):679-84. doi: 10.1007/s00296-015-3419-6. Epub 2016 Jan 12. Rheumatol Int. 2016. PMID: 26759130 Beilken K, Hancock MJ, Maher CG, Li Q, Steffens D. Pain Med. 2017 Jun 1;18(6):1139-1144. doi : 10.1093/ pm /pnw126. Pain Med. 2017. PMID: 27980016 Clinical Trial .
Are there specific outdoor activities during the summer that can increase the risk of low back pain? How can we practice these activities in a safer way for the spine?
Activities such as racquetball, beach volleyball, footvolley and walking or running on the beach, especially when carried out without appropriate footwear or without prior physical preparation, can increase the risk of low back pain. These activities often involve repetitive movements, inadequate postures and long periods in the same position, all factors that can lead to muscle tension and discomfort in the lower back. To minimize this risk, it is recommended to use appropriate weight lifting techniques, take regular breaks, wear appropriate footwear and maintain good posture during activities.
* References : Summer Activities That Can Lead to Back Pain. Available at: North Atlanta Spine . 5 Ways Summer Can Lead To Back Pain. Available in : Dr. Stefano Sinicropi.
Changes in daily activities during the summer can impact spinal health. What guidance would you give people to adjust their routines and avoid low back pain this season?
To avoid low back pain in the summer, it is important to maintain a regular physical exercise routine, pay attention to your posture during long trips, use suitable pillows and take breaks to stretch. It is also recommended to use luggage with wheels and correctly adjust backpacks to distribute the weight evenly. Practices such as stretching and walking can strengthen muscles and prevent pain. During the summer, it is important to adjust daily routines to avoid low back pain. This includes staying hydrated, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, avoiding long periods in the same position, and performing physical activities in moderation and with proper technique. It is also advisable to incorporate stretching and strengthening exercises into your daily routine to keep your spine healthy.
* References : 5 Ways Summer Can Lead To Back Pain. Available from: Dr. Stefano Sinicropi . Top 3 Common Summer Activities that Can Cause Back Pain. Available at : NJ Spine & Orthopedic.
Can prolonged sun exposure have any effect on spinal health? Is there any relationship between vitamin D obtained from the sun and spinal health?
Sun exposure plays a vital role in spinal health, mainly through the production of vitamin D in the body. Adequate sun exposure contributes to better vitamin D levels, which in turn is associated with greater bone density and a reduced risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. This suggests that moderate sun exposure may be beneficial for spinal health, but it is important to balance sun exposure with the risk of skin damage.
* References : Vitamin D status, including serum levels and sun exposure are associated or correlated with bone mass measurements diagnosis, and bone density of the spine. BMC Nutrition . Available at: https://bmcnutr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40795-023-00707-y . J Clin Endocrinol Metab . 2016 Aug;101(8):3105-14. doi : 10.1210/jc.2016-1658. Epub 2016 May 17. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/101/8/3105/2835037 .
For those people who are already predisposed to low back pain, what extra care should be taken during the summer to prevent the problem from worsening?
For individuals predisposed to low back pain, it is crucial to take additional preventative measures during the summer. This includes maintaining good hydration, wearing appropriate and comfortable shoes, avoiding long periods in the same position and practicing physical activities with proper technique and moderation. Additionally, it is recommended to incorporate regular strengthening and stretching exercises for the lower back, as well as paying attention to posture when performing daily activities.
* References : 5 Ways Summer Can Lead To Back Pain. Available at: https://sinicropispine.com/5-ways-summer-can-lead-to-back-pain/ . Top 3 Common Summer Activities that Can Cause Back Pain. Available at: https://www.njspineandortho.com/blog/3-summer-activities-that-can-cause-back-pain/ .
In addition to preventative measures, what are the warning signs that someone may need medical care for low back pain in the summer?
There are certain symptoms associated with low back pain that may indicate a serious medical condition and require immediate attention. These include:
- Intense sharp pain;
- Radiating pain: Pain that moves or radiates to the buttocks or legs, which may indicate a nerve entrapment condition.
- Sudden weakness in the legs: May be caused by compressed nerves in the spine. It may also indicate a stroke.
- Incontinence: Back pain associated with the inability to control the bowels or bladder may be a sign of serious nerve compression or spinal infection, such as discitis or meningitis.
- Numbness or tingling in the groin or buttocks area: Known as saddle anesthesia, this is also a sign of a serious nerve or spinal condition.
* References : UT Southwestern Medical Center: 5 signs your back pain might be in an emergency. The Healthy @Reader’s Digest: 5 Subtle Signs Your Back Pain Means Something Serious, from a Spinal Surgeon. Spine-health: When Back Pain May Be a Medical Emergency.
Can specific exercises or practices such as yoga be recommended to strengthen the lower back and prevent pain during the summer?
The practice of yoga is often used to relieve back pain and is associated with short-term improvements in pain intensity, pain-related disability, mental health, and physical functioning. The beneficial effects, except for mental health, are sustained in the long term. However, compared to other active interventions, yoga did not show significant differences in short- or long-term results. Yoga positions may include Cat-Cow (a posture in which we bend and arch the spine), Downward-Facing Dog (dog pose facing downwards, similar to an inverted V), Triangle Pose, among others. which help relax tense muscles, strengthen weak muscles and relieve back pain. Specific exercises to strengthen the core region, such as abdominal plank, unilateral plank, superman , isometric pelvic lift and canoe abdominal…
Can diet influence spinal health? Are there foods that can help prevent low back pain?
Diet can significantly impact spinal health. A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, is essential for maintaining bone health and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis, which can affect the spine. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce pressure on the spine, reducing the risk of low back pain. It is recommended to consume foods such as dairy products, leafy vegetables, fish and nuts, which are rich in calcium and vitamin D.
In closing, Doctor Marcondes, what are the fundamental pieces of advice you would give to people to take care of their back health during the summer and enjoy the season in the healthiest way possible?
To maintain spinal health during the summer, it is important to adopt some practices such as:
- Stay hydrated to avoid muscle tension and lower back discomfort.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes to prevent back pain.
- Avoid long periods in the same position, alternating between sitting, standing and walking.
- Practice physical activities in moderation, using appropriate techniques to avoid overloading the spine.
- Include regular strengthening and stretching exercises for the lower back in your daily routine.
- Pay attention to your posture when carrying out daily activities, such as lifting heavy objects or other domestic and work tasks.
Dr. André Marcondes – Orthopedist Specialized in Spine, member of the Advanced Medicine Center at Hospital Sírio-Libanês, in addition to being an entrepreneur, researcher, professor and writer.
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