Back Pain and Golf

December 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are a lover of golf, then you are probably already aware of the relationship between back pain and golf.  But the fact is that you don’t have to let back pain get in the way of you playing an occasional game of golf.  The following article and video will give you some good suggestions on how to play golf and avoid back pain.

If you suffer with low back pain that has been keeping you off the golf course, you are not alone. According to study by the University of Pittsburgh Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, more than 30 percent of golfers experience low back pain that affects their game or even keeps them from playing.

Unfortunately the sport of golf is not kind to the back in many ways. From your swing to your equipment bag, your back is at risk. However, there are a few things you can do to help limit your risk of injury and help keep you out on the golf course.

Your Swing

The repetitive nature of a golf swing is what causes many back injuries. The rotation of a swing places your back in an unnatural position and places stress on your back. This stress causes the muscles to become tight and this can cause damage to muscles and bones in the area.

As many golfers are weekend players, fitness levels may not be the same as players you see on the Tour. Because of this, the risk for injury to back muscles increases. In order to help reduce that risk, you must look at regular fitness programs that target the muscles you use during your swing. Strengthening your core muscles is essential. Don’t forget to stretch and warm-up before your round of golf begins.

Poor swing mechanics can also contribute to back pain. If you find yourself suffering from pain after every round of golf, consider setting up an appointment with a golf instructor to have your swing evaluated. A professional can determine what you may be doing wrong and how it might be contributing to your pain.

Choose Wheels

If your back is a problem on the course, consider dropping your bag. Rent a golf cart of get yourself a bag with wheels. The average weight of a golf bag is between 20-50 pounds. When this weight is placed on one side of your body, it can cause pressure on your lower back. Considering the average time for 18 holes can be a few hours, reducing the amount of weight and stress you place on your back is essential, especially given the fact your swing is already causing muscle stress.

Use Your Knees

While many people may not think about this, one area that can cause problems in your back occurs after you have got the hole in the cup. Simply bending over to grab your ball out of the cup is enough to cause stress on your back. Instead of just bending over at the waist to reach for that ball, bend your knees and lower your entire body down.

With just these few tips, you can help reduce the risk of back injury and keep yourself out on the course enjoying the game you love.

So, if you love to play golf, then don’t let existing back pain or the possibility of back pain keep you away from the golf course.  Back pain and golf don’t both have to be a part of your life if you take the proper precautions.  Watch the video below for some useful tips.

To view the original source of this article, please click here.

Back Pain and Golf

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Filed Under: Back Strengthening Exercises, Chronic Back Pain Management, Chronic Lumbar Strain, Lower Back Injuries, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Lower Back Spasms, Primary Causes of Lower Back Pain

Back Pain and Sciatica

December 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Take it from someone who knows, back pain is bad, but I have never, ever experienced any more excruciating pain that sciatica.  In my experience, sciatica felt like a red-hot iron was pressing against the back of my leg, 24-7.  I’m know that there was some back pain involved as well, but frankly I really didn’t notice it that much back then.  Back and sciatica is the subject of the article below.  It mainly relates to athletes, but offers some good advice for all of us that suffer from back pain and sciatica.

Sciatica is a common problem for many people, including athletes, and can lead to pain that will radiate from the lower back to the leg. Sciatica is essential not a medical condition, but rather a severe symptom, caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve. It is important for an athlete to recognize the symptoms of sciatica, because it can hinder his or her athletic ability, and eventually lead to severe back or leg complications.

Here is what every athlete should know regarding the symptoms and treatment of sciatica, so that he or she can get a diagnosis, and continue to play sports as desired.

Sciatica Symptoms

An athlete needs to be very aware of the symptoms of sciatica, in order to prevent

Back Pain and Sciatica

Back Pain and Sciatica

the condition from getting worse. Some of the most obvious symptoms of sciatica include lower back pain, pain that radiates down to the legs, and a feeling of pins or needles in the legs. The pain in the back might be sharp at times, especially if an athlete is playing sports, and it will get worse if he or she continues the activity. An athlete might also notice that the pain increases while coughing, sneezing, and even sitting down after strenuous activity. If an athlete chooses to lie down, he or she might notice the pain eases, especially if he or she is lying on a certain side of the body. There will also be noticeable pain if an athlete puts pressure on a certain part of the lower back, and he or she might be able to feel a small lump in the back. Muscle spasms might also accompany the lower back pain, and an athlete will be able to feel the spasms occur, especially if he or she is sitting down at a table or desk. The spasms might only last a few seconds, but can last hours, and it will feel like a knife being stuck into the back. An athlete might also notice discomfort or pain in the leg, which will get worse after he or she stops physical activity, and spasms could also occur in the leg.

Sciatica Treatment Options

Treatment options that are available for sciatica are fairly general in nature, but an athlete should always seek medical advice if the pain persists. The persistent pain could be a sign of a herniated disc or other serious medical condition, and an athlete should stop all physical activity until the medical condition is treated. One of the most common treatment options for an athlete with sciatica is bed rest. An athlete should stop all participation in sports during this time, and focus on lying in bed, and in a position which can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. An athlete could also choose to take anti-inflammatory medications, which can relieve the inflammation around the sciatic nerve. Prescription pain medications or over-the-counter pain medications can be used to alleviate the pain associated with sciatica, and a back brace can be used to apply support to the lower back. An athlete should also seek out a sports doctor if the sciatica does not improve, since a sports doctor can help provide treatment specifically to help him or her get back to normal activity, especially if the injury was sports related. A sports doctor can determine the exact cause of the sciatica, use mobilization treatments for the spine, prescribe medications, and can give an athlete a sports massage. A sports massage can help relieve the pressure around the sciatic nerve, and can be beneficial for any other sports injuries. An athlete might also consider doing simple exercises to alleviate the lower back pain, which can help provide flexibility to the muscles, and take pressure off of the sciatic nerve. An athlete should focus on back exercises and leg exercises, since these are the specific regions that sciatica hits the hardest. If an athlete gets proper treatment, then he or she will be back playing sports within a matter of a week or two.

So, if you have been involved in some physical activity or exercise and start experiencing a sharp, hot pain down the back of your leg, then you are probably the unfortunate recipient of sciatic pain.  The following video will give you some suggestions for immediate treatment and, hopefully, some relief.

Back Pain and Sciatica

If, however, you are not a lot better in a few days, then you probably need to see a doctor who may prescribe some physical therapy and some pain medication.  Back pain and sciaticaare not fun, so don’t be afraid to seek some professional medical help to lessen your suffering and give you some relief.

To view the original source of this article, please click here.

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Filed Under: Back Pain Medications, Better Back News, Chiropractor Medicine, Chronic Back Pain Management, Cold Therapy Treatment, Low Back Pain Specialist, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Orthopedics Surgeon, Primary Causes of Lower Back Pain, Sciatica Nerve, Treatment Options Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back Pain During The Holiday Season

December 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The holiday season brings us a lot of things, i.e. good food, gifts and fellowship with friends and family.  But, unfortunately, sometimes we also get back pain during the holiday season.  Hanging lights and other decorations for the season, traveling and other activities add to the stress of our lives, which in turn can add to our back pain.  The article below, from two doctors, gives us some suggestions on how to avoid an increase in back pain during the holiday.

Drs. Peter Moley and Alice Chen, both physiatrists in Greenwich, see a large increase in patients suffering from back pain between now and the end of the year. “For some, it starts when people try to lift a heavy package and hurt their backs,” says Dr. Chen, who lives in Weston and will be joining the Affiliated Physicians Office of Hospital for Special Surgery in Greenwich in early January.

Once someone has back pain — and the most common area is the lower back — there’s an 80 percent chance they will have back pain again, according to Dr. Moley, who lives in Darien and sees patients at the Affiliated Physicians Office in Greenwich and at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

Physiatrists are specialists in the nonsurgical treatment of muscle and joint conditions, as well as spinal and sports-related injuries. Drs. Chen and Moley say back pain is the most common reason for patient visits. Indeed, it’s the leading cause of disability in Americans under age 45. More than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20-64 experience frequent back pain.

It often gets worse this time of year, and the doctors point to a number of reasons.

Back Pain During The Holiday Season

Back Pain During The Holiday Season

Stress is a major culprit. It tends to make back pain worse, according to Dr. Chen. “People think it’s a happy time of year, but it’s also very stressful,” she says.

“People are running around shopping, they’re trying to meet deadlines. People are stuck in traffic and they’re in their car longer, which may lead to back and neck pain. They’re walking in the mall for hours with heavy packages. It can be an emotional and sad time for people who have lost family members. All of these factors can lead to back pain or make a minor problem worse.”

Even everyday chores at home can cause problems because there’s so much more to do this time of year. “I’ve seen people develop back pain after standing for many hours when cooking for the holidays. I’ve treated patients with neck and hand injuries from frantically knitting or crocheting for hours on end to finish a project for the holidays,” Dr. Chen says.

Research shows that emotional stress or mental pain can turn into physical pain. Depression and stress deplete certain brain chemicals that play a role in controlling pain, according to Dr. Chen. When these chemicals are diminished, pain gets worse.

With so much to do, people also get run down this time of year. “You don’t sleep well, you many not have time to eat right, you don’t have time to exercise. It’s no wonder we see more patients this time of year,” Dr. Moley says.

Drs. Chen and Moley have the following tips to maintain spine health and enjoy the holidays pain-free:

Put things in perspective.

Make sure you’re getting enough rest.

If a package is heavy, ask for help. If you do lift, remember to bend from the KNEES.

Slow down and take breaks. Don’t overdo it.

Stay focused on the task at hand and be mindful to avoid an accident.

Don’t forget to do your exercises and stretching during the holiday season.

Don’t say “I don’t have time to attend to my pain.” Don’t ignore initial symptoms.

If you do develop back pain, the doctors advise resting for two days and taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. If the pain is not better in two days, or if you have sharp, excruciating pain that radiates down your leg, see a doctor.

Dr. Moley says when you see a physician, the doctor should spend ample time with you, taking a good medical history, performing a physical exam and ordering appropriate diagnostic tests, such as x-rays. “The doctor must spend time with the patient to get to the root of the problem and prescribe the best individualized treatment plan,” he says. “Our goal is to restore function and mobility, and once the patient is pain-free, we encourage him or her to develop good habits to maintain spine health for life.”

Not only are these suggestions good for lessening back pain during the holiday season, they are also good suggestions for the entire year.  Any habits that you can acquire that will improve your back health are to be taken seriously.  So, while having a good time during the holiday season, please also take precautions with your back health.

To view the original source of this article, please click here.

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Filed Under: Better Back News, Chronic Lumbar Strain, Lower Back Injuries, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Lower Back Spasms, Primary Causes of Lower Back Pain Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Back Problems Disc Pain

December 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many people with back problems are afflicted with disc pain.  The discs are vital components of our backs and over the years, discs can wear down or be damaged.  This can result in back pain and discomfort.  The following article does a good job of explaining what back discs are and how they can cause pain.  There are also some good tips on how to take care of your discs in order to minimize any damage or pain.

Eighty percent of people experience back pain, and at any one point in time, approximately 20% of the population has back pain.

For many decades, doctors and scientists believed that most back pain was caused by “slipped” or “torn” discs. We now know this not to be true. Disc problems constitute only a small portion of the causes of back pain and rarely require surgery for pain relief.

Back Health - Disc Pain

Back Health - Disc Pain

Spinal discs are a critically important part of your spinal column. Along with the vertebrae, also called the spinal bones, they perform many functions. The discs provide shock absorption, protecting the spinal cord and ensuring flexibility of the spine. They also perform other functions.

The spinal discs are essentially ligaments (structures connecting bones) that attach to the top and bottom of each vertebra. They are thick, ligament-like outer rings, also known as annuli fibrosis. Because they are arranged in an alternating pattern with the vertebrae, annuli fibrosis allow flexibility while preventing the vertebrae from moving too much and causing injury. Inside a single annulus fibrosis is a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposis. It contains some proteins, but is primarily made up of water. The nucleus provides more shock absorption than does the annulus, and it also acts as a fulcrum to direct the type of movement through which each vertebra travels.

There are different types of disc injury. A disc “bulge” results from slight tears in the outermost fibers of an annulus fibrosis. These small tears can be painful for a short time. A disc protrusion/extrusion is a more significant injury. It results from a complete or significant tear of the fibers of an annulus-when some of the nucleus leaks through. A protrusion can also be painful and may even cause nerve compression that may cause neurologic changes such as weakness or numbness/tingling in the lower or upper extremities. In the most severe cases, the spinal cord can become compressed. The most common disc problem suffered by adults is degenerative disc disease. This occurs when the nucleus loses water and small tears develop in it. The body then forms osteophytes (bone spurs), along the edges of the vertebra and the disc space narrows.

Disc problems are most often diagnosed with the use of a thorough history and physical examination, including examination of your nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Your doctor will most likely move your back and arms and legs into various positions while applying pressure to your joints. Plain film x-rays are helpful in only some forms of disc problems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the mainstay for the diagnosis of disc problems, as it images the discs quite nicely. Your doctor may order an MRI if he or she feels it would be helpful in diagnosing a disc problem and determining the proper course of care for you. Most often, however, this is not necessary.

Luckily, in most circumstances, disc problems are easily treated with conservative interventions. Early in the course of an acute injury, your doctor of chiropractic will very likely set a goal of pain control, using several different physical modalities to reach it. Ice and heat have shown effectiveness in managing the pain of acute low-back injury. Your doctor of chiropractic will help you determine which is most effective for you. In addition, getting you back on your feet and moving as quickly as is safely possible is critical. Typically, the less time you spend in bed, the better off you are in terms of long-term results. You’ll also need to learn not to be afraid to move. If you “baby” your back, in most cases, the long-term results will be worse.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation has also been demonstrated to be a safe and effective tool in the management of disc problems. Manipulation is especially effective when combined with therapeutic exercise. In most circumstances, spine surgery and injections are not necessary in the management of disc problems and may cause more side effects than they’re worth. Your doctor of chiropractic will discuss all available treatment options with you and help you decide on the best course of action.

While regular exercise will help strengthen your back, research has demonstrated that staying fit and using proper body mechanics alone will not prevent injury. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that individuals do not lift more than 50 lbs. Further, activities that require awkward or prolonged postures and repetitive activities place individuals at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders and disc problems regardless of body mechanics and fitness level. Your doctor of chiropractic can conduct an ergonomic assessment of your work and home activities to help you prevent injury.

It is also critically important to have “spinal awareness.” Make a conscious effort, for example, to be aware of what posture you are maintaining when you sit, stand, lie down, work, and exercise. Lift objects with proper posture, including slightly bending your knees, keeping the object close to your body, keeping your back straight and lifting with your hips. Never lift an object by bending over and twisting. You’ll only invite a back injury.

Hopefully you have learned something from the above article and have a better understanding of how your back disc form a critical component of your back structure.  I don’t know about you, but if a little back education can help me avoid some back problems involving disc pain, then I’m all for it.  I wish I had known some of these facts earlier in my life.

To view the original source of this article, please click here.

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Filed Under: Chiropractor Medicine, Chronic Back Pain Management, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Primary Causes of Lower Back Pain Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Back Health – Train Your Back Muscles

December 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As the article states below, if you are going to start an exercise program for your overall health, your first consideration should be to train your back muscles.  Strengthening of these core muscles of your body will influence your overall health and, in particular, your back health.

1. Your Goal

If you’re new to exercise the most important area of your body to strengthen is your lower back. If you are just starting to clock up some mileage for your first 5k this might find that this is one of the areas that start to ache post workout. A strong lower back not only protects you when you exercise, but improves your posture too as it will boost the weaker muscles that are pulling your spine out of alignment.

Train Back Muscles

Back Health - Train Back Muscles

Primary Muscles Targeted

Latissimus dorsi
Erector spinae
Multifidis muscle

Anatomy lesson
The back provides support for the head and trunk of the body, strength in the torso, as well as a great deal of flexibility and movement. The upper back has the most structural support, with the ribs attached firmly to each level of the thoracic spine and very limited movement. The lower back helps you bend forward and backward and is also involved in twisting too. It also supports the upper back and protects ligaments, nerves and tissues.

Details
You’ll need a TRX, Bosu ball, medicine ball and barbell. Find these in all good sports stores.

Tried By
Shape reader model and former cross country runner Anthea Ayache, Senior News Presenter at Radio 2, hits the bricks when she wants a workout. “I love running in outdoor spaces and on cool winter days there’s nothing I like better than to go for a run around the Marina.” And if time is tight thanks to her hectic work schedule she still manages to squeeze in a few kms: “I don’t get home till after 8.30pm so rather than miss out on my workout I hit the treadmill in the gym in my apartment as it’s quick and convenient.”

2. Barbell row

Works lower back, glutes and arms
> Stand with feet about hip-distance apart Hold the barbell a little bit wider than your shoulders. Bend forward at the waist until you are at 45 degrees. The barbell should be level with your thighs. Bend the elbows and pull the barbell slowly towards your stomach. Slowly return to the start position. Keep your stomach pulled in to protect your back. Do 12 to 15 reps and three sets.
Trainer’s tip: Make sure that your hands are wider than your shoulders when you do the barbell row. This will help you recruit more muscle fibres and make the exercise more challenging.

TRX back row

Works lower back and abs
> Hold your body straight at an angle diagonal to the floor. Grab the handles of the TRX with your arms straight. Bend your elbows and pull yourself upwards until your chest is level with the handles of the TRX. Now slowly lower yourself back down. Do 12 to 15 reps and three sets.
Trainer’s tip: Keep your stomach pulled in at all times to maintain good postural alignment. And keep that breathing slow and steady to help you with your workout.

Medicine ball lift

Works lower back, arms and core
> Lie face down with the Bosu ball under your stomach. Keep your legs straight and have your toes resting on the floor. Hold your arms straight out in front of you, grip a weighted ball and raise it up to a count of three and then slowly back down. Do 12 to 15 reps and three sets.
Trainer’s tip: If you’re a beginner, ditch the medicine ball and do this exercise just using your own body weight. Then once you’ve perfected your technique use the medicine ball to add resistance and really give your lower back muscle a workout.

Trainer’s Strategy

“The main reason for selecting these three exercises is to strengthen the lower back. The barbell is an isolated movement that focuses on stability, while the TRX suspension trainer and the BOSU ball are both functional pieces of equipment, which means you will be able to challenge more muscles than just the ones in your lower back,” says Nathan Group GX Training Manager, Fitness First.

As we always emphasize, be sure to consult a physician before starting an exercise program.  Training your back muscles–the core muscles–can be a very important part of your overall health.  And it is also vital to avoiding or overcoming back pain.  The key to your back health is to train your back muscles.

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Filed Under: Back Strengthening Exercises, Better Back News, Chronic Back Pain Management, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Primary Causes of Lower Back Pain Tagged With: , , , ,

Back Pain During The Holidays

December 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

To continue our post from yesterday, December is not only a dangerous time for slips and falls in icy conditions, it’s also the time when people are decorating their homes in anticipation of Hanukkah and Christmas holidays.  Climbing and reaching motions are necessary to hang the decorations.  Sometimes we might not be as careful as we should, and the result is a back injury or back strain of some kind, which results in back pain during the holidays.

This article, which comes from a Florida television station,discusses the pitfalls involved in decorating one’s home for the holidays, and offers some tips to help avoid back pain during the holidays.

There weren’t any elves helping Chris Ressler put up his holiday decorations. He tackled the job himself.

“It’s a full day, it’s a full day yeah, it’s a full eight hour, ten hour day.”

Chris relied heavily on a small ladder when he circled his new home with twinkling lights.

“It’s mostly the icicle lights, it was real simple. Just plastic clips, they slip right over the gutter and right under the shingles.”

It’s an activity being played out all across the country, but in some cases the results are anything but jolly.

Christmas Decorating

Back Pain During The Holidays

“It’s a very, very common time of year for people to injure themselves either from pulling a muscle or falling off a ladder or lifting a piece of luggage that’s too heavy,” says Dr. Jon Kimball, an orthopedic spine surgeon on Lee Memorial Health System’s medical staff.

Who knew the holidays could be hazardous to your health. Putting up all these decorations sends tens of thousands of people to the hospital each year.

“Over 50,000 people last year visited the emergency departments as a result of decorating for the holiday,” says Dr. Kimball.

There are a few trouble spots to look out for, with ladders topping the list.

“When people fall off ladders, they’ll break wrists, shoulders, hips ankles but also very commonly if people fall onto their back side they’ll have a compression fracture of their spine,” says Dr. Kimball.

It’s important to use a ladder that’s tall enough and keep it on a level surface, and no climbing on something else to get an extra few inches.

“People will step on anything to get those holiday decorations up, but unfortunately they’re not very steady and will often have a spill,” says Dr. Kimball.

Another holiday crasher: heavy lifting. Whether its getting down boxes or hoisting up decorations, a good rule of thumb is to break the job into smaller loads with more trips, and use correct posture.

“Try and bend with the knees and lift with the leg muscles rather than lifting with the back or even the arms,” says Dr. Kimball.

Chris admits taking a few liberties, but his starry vision is still in progress.

“Maybe a few more lights in the trees.”

If there’s any doubt about safety just remember to watch your back.

Even though you and your family are anxious to get those holiday decorations up, take a few extra moments to hang those decorations in a safe manner without any unnecessary stretching or reaching.  Think before you act and the chances will be much better than you can avoid back pain during the holidays.

To view the original source of this article, please click here.

As a bonus, here’s an interview conducted by a New Orleans television station with an orthopedist who gives some good suggestions on how to avoid back pain during the holidays.

Avoid Back Pain During the Holidays

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Filed Under: Better Back News, Chronic Lumbar Strain, Lower Back Injuries, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Lower Back Spasms

Back Problems – Prevention

December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Winter is here, maybe a little early, but it is here.  Winter means sports such as skiing, ice skating, hockey, sledding, etc.  It also means icy roads, sidewalks and parking lots.  And then there’s the snow that must be shoveled.  Any of these activities can lead to back problems, so naturally that leads us to the topic of back problems – prevention. This great article, by Drs. Brenda and Eric Slovin, offers some very worthwhile suggestions that you should review with your family as well as your co-workers.  Just a few minutes of your time could help prevent some back problems and misery for someone you care about.

As we dig into our closets looking for our skis, skates and snow shovels most don’t think of how often these fun-filled activities can lead to debilitating lower back pain.

A few of the most notable causes for injuries during the winter include: Slips and falls (especially when icy), show shoveling and sports injuries.

  • Slips and Falls — when the temperature starts to drop below freezing, many are likely to hurt themselves either from a slightly bruised ego or from a good bump to the pelvis. Fractures and sprains to the wrist, and shoulder are also quite common this time of year. If you are one of the unlucky ones to find yourself flat on your back, check in with your chiropractor. The jarring effects of a fall can easily move your sacroiliac joints out of their normal position causing you lower back pain, sciatica and even numbness or tingling in your toes.
  • Snow Shoveling — winter snow looks so fluffy … how deceiving! As we
    Back Problems - Prevention

    Back Problems - Prevention

    clear our walkways and driveways of the frozen stuff, we quickly learn it’s not as easy as first imagined. Snow packs together quickly, making it dense and heavy, and as the temperatures drop below freezing, well, as most of us know, ice is almost impossible to clear without help from heavy automated equipment. Generally, shoveling is great exercise; it puts a strong demand on the heart and works all the muscles of your lower and middle back. It’s for those very same reasons, when done improperly or without care, that it can also lead to injuries such as strains and sprains of the lower back, wrists, elbows, knees and shoulders, and puts some of us at greater risk for a heart attack.

If you’re looking to prevent “shovelitis”, follow these helpful steps:

  • Warm up by stretching those tight muscles and by jogging in place for a few minutes before heading out into the cold. Warm muscles don’t get injured as quickly as cold ones can.
  • Don’t overload the shovel with snow. One shovelful can weigh up to 25 pounds.
  • Always lift with your legs, always bend with your knees, never your back.
  • Never bend and twist. This is the worst possible combination for your lower back. If you want a back problem, this is the way to get one. Push the snow in front of you, never throwing it over your shoulder.
  • Spray your shovel with WD40. The snow will slide easily off the shovel, making shoveling much easier.
  • Take a break. This is will help you from becoming overtired, when you are most likely to injure yourself.
  • Winter Sports — sports such as skiing, snowboarding, hockey and sledding are not only a blast, they are one of the most popular reasons for winter injuries. Crashes are common on the mountains. Trees, bushes and other people don’t make for soft landings. Whiplash, concussions and injuries such as sprains and strains of just about every joint you can think of, always manage to surround these high speed sports. Always wear a helmet and use common sense.

The journal Spine recently published an article stating that chiropractic treatment of the lower back is one of the most effective options for pain relief. So if anyone is a painful victim of “shovelitis”, or manages to make their way into the trees while headed down the mountain, their next step should be an appointment with their chiropractor, who is a specialist at this stuff.

Whether or not you are a fan of winter, you must be prepared for the consequences of winter weather.  Don’t add a lot of unnecessary expense and agony to your life by injuring yourself in the winter snow or ice.  Focus on the prevention of back problems!

To view the original source of this article, please click here.

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Filed Under: Back Pain Medications, Better Back News, Chiropractor Medicine, Chronic Lumbar Strain, Low Back Pain Physical Therapy, Lower Back Injuries, Lower Back Spasms, Treatment Options

Back Problems While Lifting

December 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Many people’s back problems while lifting are the result of improper lifting techniques. If people would just take the time to take some basic training on proper lifting techniques, they could save themselves a lot of pain and money.  The following article gives some guidance on proper techniques for lifting that will help avoid back problems.

Sixty percent of the visits to Intermountain WorkMed Physical Therapy are related to lower back pain.

Since the clinic is located in a primarily industrial area, many of those visits are due to problems associated with incorrect lifting, said Brad Dalton, a physical therapist there. In fact, correct lifting techniques are taught to nearly every patient who sets foot inside the facility, as it is a good way to prevent additional or further injury.

Even just slight forward leaning movements can increase the force of a person’s body weight on their spine up to 200 percent. Add a 20-pound parcel or package in the arms of someone lifting incorrectly, and the back could be bearing 10 times the weight of that package.

“You don’t ever want to over do it,” Dalton said.

Correct lifting includes a squared stance, squatting and lifting with the strength of the legs and not bending the back, and keeping objects close to the body throughout the duration of the movement, he said.

“Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen in the real world workplace,” which Dalton said is another reason why regular exercise and core-strengthening movements are extra important. With the correct treatment and therapy, he said nearly every lower back injury can be overcome.

Dalton, along with Dr. Scott Swasey, a specialist at the Intermountain Medical Center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, will be featured in Saturday’s Deseret News/Intermountain Healthcare Hotline, where they will take questions about back pain and available treatment options. From 10 a.m. until noon, people can call 1-800-925-8177 or post questions on the Deseret News’ Facebook page, www.facebook.com/desnews.

Treatment for lower back pain can include spinal manipulation or mobilization, instruction for specific exercises and/or movements that will strengthen the area, or even unloading or providing traction to the spine, separating the links of the spine. But all procedures can be done with help from a therapist and plans are tailored to meet the needs of each patient.

“I would never encourage someone to baby it or give into bed rest,” Dalton said. “That is always worse than anything else, as getting the muscles and joints moving doesn’t harm it, but helps it.”

Sixty percent of lower back injuries, he said, will be better within two to three weeks, and 90 percent of them are rectified within six weeks. Only about 10 percent of lower back injuries will lead to chronic pain.

“Back pain is one of the most frustrating and most debilitating injuries that people can experience because it affects all movements and all of your daily activities,” Dalton said, adding that physical therapy often includes a lot of encouragement and emotional support, telling the patient that “they will get through this.”

Yoga and Pilates are helpful to stretch and strengthen core muscles that support the spine below the rib cage, and Dalton said a lot of the same principles used in the popular exercise routines are used in physical therapy.

Physical therapy is offered throughout the state in multiple settings, at clinics, at home and in hospitals, and is used to restore function in a variety of cases, including dealing with the nervous system and skin in wound care, as well as orthopedics and acute care. People of all ages can be assisted and it is common practice for sports teams and/or schools to retain a physical therapist.

While some insurance plans still require a doctor’s referral to physical therapy, technically Utah state law precludes it. As a direct access state, referrals for muscle and joint pain care from a therapist are not necessary, unless it is a worker’s compensation claim.

The Deseret News/Intermountain Healthcare Hotline focuses on back pain and advances in treatment options. From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dr. Scott Swasey, a specialist with Intermountain Medical Center’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, and Intermountain WorkMed physical therapist Brad Dalton will answer questions. Call 800-925-8177 or post questions during that time on the Deseret News’ Facebook page, www.facebook.com/desnews.
To view the original source of this article, please click here.
Learning properly lifting techniques should take place BEFORE you start the heavy lifting.  If you don’t, then you will probably end up with back pain sooner or later.  This following video will give you some specific guidance on how to avoid back problems while lifting.

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Filed Under: Back Strengthening Exercises, Chronic Lumbar Strain, Low Back Pain Physical Therapy, Lower Back Injuries, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Lower Back Spasms, Primary Causes of Lower Back Pain, Treatment Options

Back Problems Stenosis

December 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The holidays can be stressful and, in the case of people suffering with back problems, painful if not managed well.  A painful back and/or leg can really ruin the holidays for you.  Some of these are outlined below as well as a few hints for how to manage your holiday activities as they relate to back problems stenosis.

Back Problems Stenosis

Back Problems Stenosis

For many in the Cincinnati area living with debilitating back and leg pain, the added demands of the holidays can make even the simplest tasks such as decorating a Christmas tree nearly impossible.

More than 3 million Americans are affected each year by a condition called lumbar spinal stenosis, which can cause lower back pain or shooting pain, weakness, numbness or tingling in the buttocks and legs. It is a degenerative condition that usually begins to affect men and women in their 50s and 60s and is caused by the overgrowth of bone and tissue that press on nerves as they exit the spine and travel to the lower half of the body.

Consider these healthy back tips to help keep you on track to have a healthy holiday season:

1. Carry smaller loads when shopping for gifts: Don’t load everything into one bag. By using multiple bags, you distribute the weight evenly over your entire body. Also, make frequent trips to the car to drop off purchases.

2. Decorate in pairs: One person can hand the lights and ornaments to the other person to hang, which avoids twisting your back to get what you need.

3. Stand when wrapping gifts: Wrapping gifts on the floor can strain the neck and lower back.

4. Dress appropriately for winter weather: Wear appropriate shoes that offer orthopedic support and traction to reduce the chance of slipping in winter weather.

5. Clear snow and ice from walkways for holiday visitors: Shoveling snow can cause muscle strain and even serious bone fractures. Bend at the knees and not the waist, and clear deep snow layer by layer to avoid excess weight. Make sure to salt or sand icy walkways to prevent slips and falls that can severely injure your back.

6. Know when to see a doctor: Most types of back pain eventually resolve with little or no treatment. However, some conditions, like lumbar stenosis, require a doctor’s care. Left untreated, the symptoms of lumbar stenosis can worsen over time and significantly limit activities of daily living.

For people suffering with lumbar stenosis, there are several methods of conservative treatment options available, including physical therapy or epidural steroid injections. However, once these treatment methods are no longer successful at relieving symptoms, a surgical procedure called lumbar decompression is considered. Lumbar decompression surgery is one of the most common and successful treatment options for treating lumbar stenosis, however, limitations exist with traditional surgical instruments.

Lumbar stenosis can occur in three distinct areas as the nerve exits the spine, depending on the location of the overgrown bone and tissue. Traditional instruments sometimes have trouble accessing the three parts of the spine where overgrown bone and tissue compress nerves, often requiring the removal of healthy pieces of the patient’s spine needed for stability.A new alternative is available in Cincinnati called the iO-Flex System, which is the first minimally invasive set of flexible instruments for decompression surgery that allows spine surgeons to tailor the procedure based on the location of the patient’s lumbar stenosis, with minimal disruption to the healthy anatomy.

Because the iO-Flex System is designed to be less invasive and less traumatic, a patient may experience shorter hospital stays and recovery times compared to traditional decompression.If you or a loved one is letting debilitating symptoms of lumbar stenosis get in the way of holiday plans, don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor and learn about your options so you can get back to enjoying the holiday season.

To avoid a sudden onset of back or leg pain, try to plan your holiday activities ahead of time.  Don’t try to do too much at one time.  Take rest periods.  Follow the advice in the article above by Dr. Nael Shanti so that you can have a happy holiday and avoid back problems stenosis.

To view the original source of this article, please click here.

 

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Filed Under: Chronic Back Pain Management, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Lower Back Spasms, Primary Causes of Lower Back Pain, Sciatica Nerve

Back Pain Specialist With New Procedure

December 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are many different causes of back pain and as many ways to treat those causes as described in the article below by a back pain specialist.  Dr. John Shiau also describes a new procedure that he has been perfecting that can be of help to back pain sufferers whose pain is located in a specific area of the body.

Did you know back pain is the second most common reason patients visit their physician, trailing only the common cold? Back pain may stem from a variety of issues, including injuries or chronic conditions. This can be a painful and debilitating ailment that previously often was treated with lengthy, traumatic surgery.

Fortunately, this is no longer the case, and new, innovative medical procedures are available to relieve pain.

Back Pain Specialist

Back Pain Specialist

Some back pain derives from the sacroiliac (SI) joint, located in the bony pelvis between the sacrum and ilium. The pelvis acts as a central base through which large forces are transferred and dissipated. The primary role of the SI joint is to provide stability for the pelvis and bear the load of the upper body. It is commonly reported in clinical literature that up to 25 percent of all lower back pain is caused by the joint.

There are risk factors associated with lower back pain and many are directly associated with lumbar disc injury. They include smoking, poor physical condition, positive family history and occupational lifting.

The cause of SI joint pain is likely a disruption of the movements between the left and right SI joints, from either too much or too little movement. Symptoms of SI joint disruption and dysfunction include: Pain in the lower back, pelvis/buttock, hip/groin and lower extremities, including numbness, tingling and weakness; poor sleeping habits; unilateral leg instability, and sitting problems.

How is it determined that the patient is suffering from SI joint pain and not another ailment? A physician will deliver an injection with either fluoroscopic or CT guidance to ensure a needle is accurately placed in the joint.

If, following the injection, the pain has decreased a significant amount, it can be concluded the SI joint is either the source or a major contributor to lower back pain. If the level of pain does not change, the SI joint is not the primary cause.

LESS INVASIVE OPTION

If the injection proves your pain is the former, then minimally-invasive surgery may be the solution. The iFuse implant system requires a small incision and uses a guide pin to place titanium implants across the SI joint. The small implants are designed to stabilize the joint and prevent improper movement, allowing stable healing through minimization of micro-motion.

Generally, three iFuse implants (small, titanium rods approximately the size of your small finger) are used in the procedure. In contrast to the placement of screws across the SI joint, the iFuse implants are designed to maintain their implant position over time.

Post-operatively, you will need to use crutches, a cane or a walker for three to six weeks, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. He or she will advise you on resuming daily activities as healing and symptoms allow. Depending on your occupation, you may be able to return to work at this time. You will also need to have X-rays taken at six months and one year to assess progress.

If you suffer with back pain and are looking at options to relieve that pain, surgery should usually be your absolute last choice.  But if you are considering surgery, then the less invasive that surgery is the better.  Talk to more than one back pain specialist and get various opinions before making your final decision.

To view the original source of this article, please click here.

 

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Filed Under: Back Surgery Procedures, Better Back News, Low Back Pain Specialist, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Orthopedics Surgeon, Primary Causes of Lower Back Pain
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