Davide Festa è un osteopata diplomato in Osteopatia presso la Scuola Italiana di Osteopatia e Terapie Manuali di Torino. È laureato in Scienze Motorie presso l’Università degli Studi di Torino, dove ha anche ottenuto il Diploma in Educazione Fisica, inoltre ha conseguito la laurea in Scienze e Tecniche Psicologiche presso l’Università degli Studi della Valle d’Aosta. Oltre alla formazione di base, ha ampliato le sue competenze nel campo dell’Osteopatia Strutturale, area nella quale è anche docente per la Scuola Superiore di Osteopatia Italiana. Si è anche specializzato in Osteopatia Pediatrica, con un corso riconosciuto dalla Federazione Italiana Medici Pediatri (F.I.M.P.), e in Osteopatia in ambito Ortognatodonzistico. Crede che un buon insegnante debba saper trasmettere concetti complessi in modo chiaro e accessibile, utilizzando un linguaggio semplice che possa essere compreso da chiunque. Il suo approccio, infatti, si distingue per l’impegno a rendere l’osteopatia e le tecniche fisiche comprensibili per tutti, senza mai sacrificare la scientificità e la precisione della materia. Il suo obiettivo è fornire strumenti per un benessere duraturo, ponendo sempre al centro della sua pratica il rispetto per la persona e le sue necessità

Davide Festa

Davide Festa è un osteopata diplomato in Osteopatia presso la Scuola Italiana di Osteopatia e Terapie Manuali di Torino. È laureato in Scienze Motorie

This book was born from the desire to provide complete and accessible information for everyone, with practical advice for those suffering from back pain. Back pain is a condition that affects many people every year, and often symptoms worsen due to a lack of basic knowledge, proper exercises, and correct posture. For over twenty years, as an osteopath and teacher of osteopathy, I have always believed in the importance of explaining things in a simple and understandable way, so that information can be accessible to all. I decided to write this book using a straightforward communication style, while still respecting scientific standards and the accuracy of the information. Within these pages lies the wish to offer something that can help you feel better: to take care of your body and to give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing how to protect yourself. A small note of transparency: The QR codes labeled “Shopping Tips” will take you to Amazon through affiliate links, which allow me to earn a small commission on purchases, at no additional cost to you. I’ve only included products I truly recommend to my patients, but I wanted you to be aware of this detail.

Preface

Part I – Foundations for Understanding Low Back Pain

1 Anatomy and Pain Mechanisms

1.1 Essential Anatomy

1.2 Understanding Pain

1.3 Common Myths

2 Causes and Triggers

2.1 Problematic Postures and Movements

2.2 Everyday Risk Factors

Part II – Pain Management and Relief

3 Immediate Interventions

3.1 Managing Acute Pain

3.2 Basic Exercises

4 Daily Strategies

4.1 At Home

4.2 At Work

4.3 During Physical Activity

Part III – Prevention and Maintenance

5 Changing Habits

5.1 Daily Movements

5.2 Appropriate Physical Activity

5.3 Equipment and Supports

6 Maintenance Plan

Appendices

Pain Diary

Glossary

When to Consult a Professional

2 R E A S O N S A N D S PA R K S 2.1 CHALLENGING POSITIONS AND MOVEMENTS We take a look at how twisting and unsafe movements, biomechanical problems, and sleeping positions can lead to physical pain and discomfort. Knowing about these things is really important for preventing and managing everyday aches. 2 . 2 E V E R Y DAY R I S K FA C TO R S Let s explore how daily bad postures, lack of physical activity, and those little mistakes we make without thinking can affect our chances of feeling pain or getting hurt. Understanding these things can really help us feel better overall and keep those pesky physical issues at bay. 56 

2.1 Challenging Positions and Movements Some patients share with me that they ve hurt their backs not by lifting heavy things, but by moving them side to side or twisting. Let s explore why twisting can lead to such back pain. Twists can be really risky for your spine, especially in the lower back, because they put a lot of pressure on the discs. When you twist, the disc gets squeezed hard, kind of like an empty can that gets twisted in different directions, causing it to get squished, lose its shape, and compress in the middle. That s what happens to the disc. So, when we need to do a task that involves moving from right to left, it's always a good idea to move our feet instead of twisting our spine. Twisting can put pressure on the discs, and for those who already have issues, it can definitely make the pain worse. The easiest way to handle this is to move our feet and keep our back straight. Ch e th ck o e v u id e t o! Sh o ng ppi T ip s 57 

This book was created with the aim of providing complete and accessible information for everyone, along with practical advice for those who suffer fro