Chronic Back Pain Management

August 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Back Pain Managemen

 

Many back pain sufferers are afflicted with chronic back pain for the rest of their lives.   However, a reasonably comfortable lifestyle can be achieved with proper chronic back pain management.

Chronic back pain management can be accomplished with drugs (over the counter and/or prescription), exercise and products developed specifically for helping people deal and live with back pain.  The market for back pain products has exploded in recent years.  We will explore many options for helping you manage your chronic back pain.

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Memory Foam Bedding

August 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Memory foam bedding is a unique kind of bedding composed of a viscoelastic foam which absorbs the pressure from the contours of your body. This quality of memory foam bedding being able to adjust to the contours of your body and its temperature sensitivity helps to give your body immense comfort. Memory foam bedding responds to your body’s warmth and molds and shapes to your head and neck, thus diffusing pressure for a less stressful sleep environment. When equalization between head weight and the elasticity of the memory foam is achieved, your head and neck posture will be ideally aligned with your spinal column.

Memory foam bedding can be seen to have many benefits compared to standard bedding. Memory foam bedding will not compress or degrade like conventional bedding does. Memory foam is hypoallergenic, making it free of impurities and perfect for allergy sufferers. Memory foam is known to be of great help in reducing pain in the joints. Memory foam is naturally resistant to dust mites creating the perfect solution to this very common problem.

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Memory Foam Neck Pillow

August 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Using a memory foam neck pillow can relieve the pain in your neck and head often associated with using regular pillows.   A memory foam neck pillow is beneficial because of the custom shaping properties of the new high quality viscoelastic memory foam called “sensus” foam.   This state-of-the art memory foam is made up of thousands of microscopic cells which gently relieve pressure while providing a cradling support for your head and neck.  The memory foam neck pillow is temperature sensitive – your body heat interacts with the viscoelastic foam and gently contours and molds to your neck and head.  This helps relieve neck ache and stiffness by ergonomically cradling your head and supporting your neck.  Studies have shown that sleeping with a contoured memory foam neck pillow can drastically reduce and in some cases relieve snoring altogether.  Nothing can relieve back pain quite like a good night’s sleep.

For more information on memory foam neck pillows, click on the picture below.

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Back Inversion Table

August 22, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Inversion therapy using a back inversion table is one example of how spinal traction can be used to relieve back pain. Today inversion therapy has been the subject of a great deal of clinical studies and can therefore no longer be called an alternative treatment. Inversion therapy can help relieve back pain as well as provide many other health benefits. A back inversion table can help relieve back pain by diminishing the influence of gravity, reducing the compression of the vertebrae in your spine and neck and allowing the supporting muscles and ligaments to relax. By doing this, inversion therapy can result in diminished back pain, realignment of the spine, and rehydration of the discs in your spine. It can also result in relaxtion of muscles as well as encourage good posture.

Inversion therapy is usually considered safe, there are some circumstances under which you should not consider using a back inversion table. If you suffer from high blood pressure or other cardiac defects, inversion therapy would probably not be a good idea for you. It is also advisable to avoid inversion therapy if you suffer from glaucoma or have had a detached retina. If you are unsure whether you should try inversion therapy for back or neck pain, please consult with your physician before proceeding.  Click on the picture below for more information.

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Back Pain Relief Products

August 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

In the last few years, there has been an explosion of back pain relief products in the marketplace. There products to help deal with back pain in the home, in the office/workplace or while traveling. We are going to examine several of these back pain relief products on this website.

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Back Strengthening Exercises

August 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

back strengthening exerciseBack strengthening exercises are a good way for you to lessen your back pain as well as to lessen or avoid back pain in the future.  Many back pain sufferers are in poor physical shape.  An important part of good back health is to have strong abdominal (stomach) muscles as well as good posture.  There are a variety of back exercises that one can use to get your back and your body in better shape.  Walking and swimming are considered good exercises for back pain sufferers. There are also exercises designed especially for the relief of back pain which can be explored. You should always consult your physician before starting any exercise program.


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Back Surgery Procedures

August 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment

back surgerJust hearing the words “back surgery” can instill fear in the hearts of most patients. There are a few exceptions where back surgery procedures may be necessary, but for the most part, other treatments and therapies can be very effective and should be used. Back surgery is usually recommended only if your back problem is affecting your mobility and other treatments have not been effective. However, despite conservative treatment measures, sometimes back surgery is inevitable.

Back surgery procedures are usually only recommended in a small percentage of cases. The decision to have back surgery should be made by the patient with guidance from his/her doctor. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion, either–that is your right.

Current trends in back surgery are to use minimally invasive procedures such as orthoscopic or laser techniques. Most back surgery will be performed with the patient under anesthesia and in some cases can be performed on an out-patient basis. Just be sure to do your research and make an informed decision before committing to back surgery.

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TENS Pain Relief

August 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

electrical muscle stimulatioOne of the options that your physical therapist might use to relieve your back pain is the use of a TENS machine.  TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.  The theory behind TENS machines is that the mild electrical stimulation that the unit supplies overrides the pain signal that you receive from your brain.  As this pain signal is blocked, you receive relief from the pain.

A TENS unit works by placing two electrodes at different points of your body.  The TENS unit will then send a mild electrical current between those two electrodes stimulating the nerves and/or muscles.  The unit will allow you to control the amplitude, frequencies and pulse widths.  I know it sounds scary, but these units really work.   Most physical therapists will have larger TENS units to treat you with, but there are also smaller TENS units that you can purchase and wear during the day to heal you deal with the pain.  These units are usually about the size of a pack of cigarettes and are powered by 16 volt batteries.

I own and use a TENS unit on occasion and have found it very helpful in dealing with my lower back pain.

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Heat Therapy Products

August 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

heat therapHeat therapy products can go a long way in relieving your back pain.  Heat allows more blood to flow to the affected area as it expands the blood vessels.  Heat can be applied by using a moist towel that has been heated in the microwave or by using a heating pad. 

 One of the best things I’ve ever found are Therma-Care HeatWraps which are air activated and can provide powerful pain relief.  The best thing about these HeatWraps are that they are portable–no extension chord needed!

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Cold Therapy Treatment

August 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment

ice therapCold therapy treatment is a very effective way to treat back pain, especially if you have suffered a back injury or back strain.  Cold therapy treatment can help reduce inflammation as it causes decreased blood flow to the area because of constricted blood vessels.  It also numbers the area which can help relieve pain.

There are several ways to apply cold therapy these days.  You can always place some ice cubes in a plastic bag and then wrap the bag in a towel before applying to the affected area.  The best option, in my opinion, are gel packs that can be purchased at your local pharmacy, stored in your freezer and used whenever needed.  These gel packs are great because they are soft and pliable and can be molded to fit the affected area.  I always keep a couple stored in my freezer just in case.

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