Back Pain

There are different kinds of spasms, which require different kinds of attention. Some spasms, usually caused by injury, require immobilization to allow the muscle to recover without the aggravation of movement (these types of spasms should not be treated with heat or massage). Others spasms caused by improper posture or tension may be helped by heat and/or massage to increase the flow of blood to the area.

Scoliosis

For arm amputees, particularly those with high level amputations, there is less body weight on the side of the amputation. Therefore, there may be a tendency, due to the weight imbalance, for the amputee’s spine to curve (scoliosis). Wearing an artificial limb may help to even out the imbalance. For example, one above-elbow amputee who did not wear an artificial arm started to develop scoliosis. His prosthetist fabricated a special socket to which additional weight was added over time. The socket served two purposes, to counteract the scoliosis and to accustom the amputee to wearing a socket – eventually the amputee wanted a prosthetic fitting.

Scoliosis can lead to discomfort, pain, and other problems, so it is important for your doctor to monitor your back. Since what is best for one amputee may not be for another, together you can determine the best way to deal with any problems that may arise, whether it be through a prosthetic fitting and/or an exercise or therapy program.

Leg amputees should also have their backs regularly checked by their doctors, as problems like scoliosis can develop due to the continued imbalance of walking patterns like limping. It is also important that the prosthetist check the height of the artificial limb to make sure it is correct, as wearing a leg that is too long or too short can cause back and spine problems that over time might require extensive therapy to remedy.

This information is from The War Amps National Amputee Centre and has been reproduced here with their permission.