Are Inversion Tables The Solution To Back Pain?

January 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Inversion tables are often recommended for the treatment of back pain.  They are sold on the home shopping channels and are touted as the solution to one’s back pain.  Are inversion tables the solution to back pain?  Read the below article for one doctor’s opinion on this subject.

I am often asked in the clinic if inversion tables really work for people with low back pain (LBP). Many of my patients have seen advertisements on TV or on the inter net that promise pain relief and functional improvement with the use of inversion tables. But do inversion tables really help low back pain?

Back Pain and Inversion Table

Back Pain and Inversion Tables

While doing some research into the benefits and risks of inversion therapy, also known as gravitational traction, I came across a study by Tekeoglu, et al. The study measured the amount of traction that was achieved by using inversion tables. Thirty people with low back pain were put on an inversion table and x-rays were used to measure the amount of separation of the lumbar vertebrae that occurred. A group of 30 people with no LBP were also measured.

The results indicate that both the LBP group and the no-LBP group showed distraction of the spinal bones during gravitational traction. Therefore, gravitational traction may be effective in separating the lumbar vertebrae.

Sounds great, right? But wait…does inversion traction help low back pain? While researching, I came across a website that cited the study by Tekeoglu. This website concluded that gravitational traction is effective for low back pain. Hmm. Wait a minute. The real study said that the inversion provided traction, not relief from LBP. And many high quality studies have shown that traction is not very effective in the treatment of LBP.

When choosing the treatment or modality you use to treat low back pain (or any other medical condition) you must be careful about evaluating the research. Sometimes the conclusions drawn by one group may be different than the conclusions published by the actual researchers.

The risks of inversion tables (changes in heart rate, blood pressure and eye pressure) might possibly outweigh the benefits of (maybe) reduced low back pain. Plus, inversion tables can be quite expensive.

A proven low cost treatment for LBP is postural correction and low back exercises. Your physical therapist can teach you how to care for your own back and prevent future problems with your condition.

So, in the opinion of this doctor, you should look at other alternatives to relieving your back pain.  He believes that the side effects of using an inversion table might outweigh any benefits.  I recommend that you visit with your own physician before you form an opinion of inversion tables as a cure or solution to your back pain.

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Back Exercise For The New Year

January 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment

It’s a new year and most of us have been busy making New Year’s resolutions.  If you have back problems, then I challenge you to make a resolution that includes back exercise for the new year.  We back pain sufferers need to make a resolution to do one back exercise each day in this new year.  As the following article explains, there’s no better way to avoid back pain.

Now that New Year’s is around the corner, I think a short lesson on back anatomy is in order.

Hopefully, your resolutions include committing or recommitting to doing daily back exercises. In general, the experts I interview and the research I read (not to mention my professional and personal experience) indicate that daily back exercise is, by far and away, one of the most effective means we humans have to manage back pain. (This may vary according to your diagnosis, but is the case more times than not.)

On to the anatomy lesson.

Back Exercise for the New Year

Back Exercise for the New Year

For people with back pain, my opinion is exercise selection and program design should be made with a consideration toward the way the moving pieces of the body connect with one another. For back flexibility as well as good, supportive body posture (often a key to back pain reduction), it is important to understand the way the pelvis, in particular, affects the low back.

One of the most common posture culprits affecting muscle related low back pain is the anterior pelvic tilt. Not everyone has this problem (in fact some people actually have the opposite, which is called posterior pelvic tilt). Just the same, anterior pelvic tilt is one of the most common pelvic misalignments resulting in back pain.

For the 80% of people with back pain who can aptly manage by doing daily back exercises, working on your muscles is a “low hanging fruit.” In other words, if you take some time every day to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the core, your back muscles and your hip muscles, you may quickly find that your back pain has diminished.

Now let’s put these two concepts together. I’ve already said that an anterior pelvic tilt may lead to back pain. But can you exercise that away? It turns out you probably can, at least to some degree. The reason for this is that when your quadriceps muscles (muscles at the front of your thigh) get tight, they pull the pelvis into that anterior tilt. To get started addressing your anterior pelvic tilt with exercise, try a quad stretch.

Are you with me?  Are you going to commit to doing back exercise for the new year?  If you do so, you will be rewarded for your efforts.  You may see some relief from your back pain, and as a bonus, your overall health may improve.

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

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Svaroopa Yoga for Back Pain

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Well, I have heard of yoga, but I did not realize that there were different types of yoga.  As you can see from the article below, Svaroopa Yoga is gentle and therapeutic–perfect for rehabilitating from a back injury or back pain.  This article goes into quite a bit of detail about exactly what is involved in Svaroopa Yoga for back pain and how it can help you control your back problems.

Ah, my aching back! How many times have you uttered, mumbled (or dare I say, yelled?) those words? If you are looking for an effective therapy for back pain that does not involve drugs or medical procedures and you’ve wondered about yoga but were worried you wouldn’t be able to do the poses, your worries may be over when you discover Svaroopa® Yoga.

Svaroopa yoga is gentle and therapeutic

The therapeutic value of yoga for people with chronic or low back pain has been verified in a number of scientific studies. One recent study, for example, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reported that 12 weeks of yoga instruction for adults with recurrent or chronic low back pain “led to greater improvements in back function than did usual care.”

Not all styles of yoga are alike, and that statement is certainly embodied in the form of yoga known as Svaroopa yoga. The word svaroopa is Sanskrit and means you get to know yourself at the deepest level of your being.

Svaroopa yoga is a therapeutic style based on yoga poses (asanas) called core opening. Core opening means the poses involved in this yoga practice relieve pressure from the spine. Basically, Svaroopa yoga positions can release the tension that affects the muscle layers around the spine.

Core opening also has a positive impact on the internal organs and glands, which then allows the body to function in harmony. The concept of core opening can relieve back and neck pain, shoulder tension, and a number of other benefits.

According to Terry Gardner, director of the Rehoboth Beach Yoga Center in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and a Certified Svaroopa® Yoga Teacher, Embodyment® Practitioner, and Meditation Teacher, “This style of yoga unravels pain.” Gardner and her staff, who work with many people who suffer with back pain, neck and shoulder pain, as well as headache/migraine, digestive disorders, high blood pressure, and stress, continually witness the therapeutic value of this form of yoga.

Svaroopa yoga does more than relieve the ills of the body, however. True to the yoga tradition, Svaroopa yoga can help restore mental clarity, promote a sense of inner peace and calm, and improve self-awareness of body, mind, and spirit.

A session of Svaroopa yoga

Among the “secrets” of Svaroopa yoga are positioning of the body at precise angles, gentle hands-on adjustments from professional teachers to help the body gradually open to the therapeutic experience, breathing practice, and the use of soft blankets as props.

A session of Svaroopa yoga typically begins with shavasana (or savasana), or the corpse pose, but not the traditional pose that comes to mind where you are lying flat on your back on the floor. Shavasana is a time to settle into your body and your spine and to calm the mind.

In Svaroopa yoga, you lie on a soft blanket with your knees gently lifted and supported by blankets while your feet rest on a soft block. Your arms rest comfortably at your sides, and you are covered with a blanket.

After about 10 minutes of shavasana, there is a guided breathing session, followed by the yoga poses. This portion of the session may include positions that focus on lower spinal release, upper spinal release, the neck and shoulders, abdominals, balance, or seated poses and twists, all led by the teacher who provides gentle hands-on support for each participant as needed based on his or her needs.

A Svaroopa yoga session ends by returning full circle to shavasana. There are different levels of participation, including beginning, continuing, and advanced (deeper) classes.

Certified Svaroopa Yoga teachers complete a rigorous instruction and training course of 500 hours or more, including anatomy and physiology, pose adjustments, and meditation. There are certifications for pregnancy, back, medical yoga therapists, and more.

Svaroopa yoga is a yoga style that can benefit just about anyone, especially those with back pain, and is enjoyed by individuals with hip replacements and knee surgery. It is important to seek instruction from a Certified Svaroopa Yoga teacher and fully inform him or her of your condition and limitations so you can experience optimal benefit in body and spirit from your yoga sessions.

So, now that you have a better understanding of Svaroopa yoga, do you think it might be something that you would consider?  Anything that can help relieve your back pain without the use of drugs can only be an advantage.  And any form of yoga can also be a great release for any stress you may be suffering.  Svaroopa Yoga for Back Pain could lead to some significant relief.  Check out the video below with some information.

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

Svaroopa Yoga for Back Pain

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Filed Under: Back Strengthening Exercises, Better Back News, Chronic Back Pain Management, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Treatment Options Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Walking For Your Back Health

December 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are not the type that likes to exercise or have trouble getting motivated to exercise, this article makes a very good case for a simple and effective exercise program that can help minimize your back pain.  Walking for you back health just a few times a week can result in some amazing improvement in your back health.

Back trouble can bring in unbearable pain to your back. It can be triggered by many things such as unexpected movement or too much movement. It causes you to feel like you don’t want to move around anymore and just lay down all day so you will not experience such discomfort again. Amazingly enough, there’s a need for you to move and to exercise. You have to keep you body active by doing correct exercises specifically for your back because this really helps cope with the pain you are feeling.

Walking For Your Back Health

Walking For Your Back Health

If you are not exactly the “working out type” and think that this is too difficult, you’re in luck. The exercises that I am about to introduce are simple and easy to do. It can be done by virtually anybody and the best thing about it is that it is as good as difficult exercises. Not everyone has the time to go to the gym and work out and this is totally comprehensible. Back pain certainly constraints what you can do but certain exercises are not part of that limit.

To get started on exercising your way to back pain treatment, you can begin by simply having a 20 minute walk on a constant basis. It’s that simple and this isn’t that much to ask since you are likely doing this every day. However put aside a little time to really target this and look for an ideal walking location. Doing this for no less than 3 times per week is enough to get excellent results for your back pain. These good results are specifically bolstering the key muscles in your legs helping ease the pain in your back for better management. I might love to add that proper attire is critical to not cause more pain for you. You’ve got to be at ease and comfortable to get the most out of it.

Back trouble can bring in unbearable pain to your back. It can be triggered by many things such as unexpected movement or too much movement. It causes you to feel like you don’t want to move around anymore and just lay down all day so you will not experience such discomfort again. Amazingly enough, there’s a need for you to move and to exercise. You have to keep you body active by doing correct exercises specifically for your back because this really helps cope with the pain you are feeling.

If you are not exactly the “working out type” and think that this is too difficult, you’re in luck. The exercises that I am about to introduce are simple and easy to do. It can be done by virtually anybody and the best thing about it is that it is as good as difficult exercises. Not everyone has the time to go to the gym and work out and this is totally comprehensible. Back pain certainly constraints what you can do but certain exercises are not part of that limit.

To get started on exercising your way to back pain treatment, you can begin by simply having a 20 minute walk on a constant basis. It’s that simple and this isn’t that much to ask since you are likely doing this every day. However put aside a little time to really target this and look for an ideal walking location. Doing this for no less than 3 times per week is enough to get excellent results for your back pain. These good results are specifically bolstering the key muscles in your legs helping ease the pain in your back for better management. I might love to add that proper attire is critical to not cause more pain for you. You’ve got to be at ease and comfortable to get the most out of it.

If you’re not convinced on how effective this simple exercise can be, go on and do a little research. There have been an of claims that walking on a regular basis will not only boost main muscles in your legs but also stretches out your strained ligaments and nerves. Having sore and strained ligaments and nerves weaken your back pain so treating them will really help. After trying this out, you’ll soon find out that this straightforward exercise is actually effective and you should keep on doing this for proper upkeep.

In addition, it is also crucial to know and understand the causes of back pain . From this you can identify which exercises you can’t do dependent on the gravity of your condition. But for an easy walking exercise, there really isn’t a need to worry because it’s a light but effective exercise fit for any able individual.

Walking can be rather enjoyable.  Get out in the fresh air and walk around your neighborhood–get acquainted with some of your neighbors.  If the weather is unsuitable for walking outside, head to the local mall and walk there with the other mall walkers.  You might make some new friends.  Before you know it, you’ll have at least 20 minutes of walking under your belt and will undoubtedly feel better for it–physically as well as mentally!  Walking for your back health–make that a New Year’s resolution!

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

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Back Pain and Home Remedies

December 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Those of us with back pain are always looking for some relief.  We’ve tried chiropractors, orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, pain medication, you name it.  However, not many people think of back pain and home remedies in the same thought.  Home remedies are nothing to laugh at.  After all, what did our ancestors use for back pain relief back before there were prescription medications, ibuprofen and acetaminophen?  They, of course, used home remedies.  Some of them are quackery, but there are actually some which really do work.  The following article gives a few examples of some home remedies that you might consider the next time you have an attack of back pain.

Backache is the most common ailment which is troubling the man-kind from ages. It is causing uneasiness in the present

Back Pain and Home Remedies

Back Pain and Home Remedies

generation as well. Lower back pain, back pain or lumbago is a discomfort in the lower back region. The pain may vary from mild to severe. The intensity of pain varies from one person to another. The pain may be a sudden attack or take a chronic form and thus called acute form. In acute form, the pain starts suddenly whereas in chronic form, the pain may last for 3 – 4 months. This is a most common problem in pregnant women because of stretching of ligaments around uterus. There are some home remedies for back pain which help in treating the condition to some extent. Here are some of them.

Back Pain Home Remedies:
Home remedies for back pain are used with more safety compared to drugs, particularly pregnant women. Following are some remedies for backache:

Massaging: Massage the affected area with the herbal oils using knuckles and slowly increase the pressure. You will feel better after a few minutes. This helps to relieve tension and also relaxes the muscles.

St. John’s Wort: Application of St. John’s wort oil gives relief from the pain.

Eucalyptus oil: This is another beneficial remedy for back pain. Massage the affected area with eucalyptus oil. You can also use mustard oil for massaging.

Basil: Take a cup of water and boil 10 basil leaves in it. Boil the decoction until it reduces to half the quantity. Let it cool and later add salt to it. Drink this mixture every day. If you have severe back pain, drink it twice a day.

Garlic: Another effective home remedy is garlic. Include garlic in your diet.

Guggulu: Every day eat half a tablespoon of guggulu after having meals. This must be taken twice a day with the warm water.

Ice: Ice also helps in reducing the inflammation of the back pain. Switch to hot packs after a few days.

Diet: Include lettuce, cucumber, cabbage, carrot, tomato and also include two lightly cooked vegetables like carrot, spinach and cauliflower in your diet.

Exercising: Exercise regularly for about 30 minutes.

Honey: Add a tablespoon of honey to a glass of warm water and drink it. This soothes the back pain.

Vitamin C: In some cases, vitamin C deficiency can also lead to backache. Hence, increase vitamin C intake in the diet.

Reduce weight: If you are overweight, first reduce weight, as spine cannot bear the extra pressure.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain:
Bend Knees: While lifting heavy objects, first bend your knees. This prevents the tension in lower back which results in the damage of spinal cord and back muscles.

Do not twist: While lifting objects, do not twist. This will have bad impact on the vertebrae.

During pregnancy: During the last couple of months of your pregnancy, do not lift heavy objects.

So, don’t be afraid to try some of these home remedies.  They may not totally eliminate you back pain, but they can possibly give you some relief.  The good thing about home remedies is that they are non-invasive and usually use items which are readily available at home or over the counter.  Back pain and home remedies do go together.  Don’t be afraid to try!

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Filed Under: Back Pain Relief Products, Back Strengthening Exercises, Better Back News, Chronic Back Pain Management, Cold Therapy Treatment, Heat Therapy Products, Lower Back Pain Remedies, Treatment Options Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back Pain Mistakes

December 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment

If you are new to back pain, that pain can make you the victim of confusion and uncertainty.  Pain can do funny things to your mind.  It can distract you and make it difficult to make rational decisions. The following article with give you some things to think about regarding back pain and will hopefully help you from making back pain mistakes.

As a former back pain sufferer and someone who specializes on healthy aging issues, I constantly run into people who have back problems. So many of these people make the same mistake I made when dealing with their back pain. Here are five mistakes I made and I believe most back pain sufferers make.

  • Denial: Boy this was me! I have always kept myself in good shape. So how could I possibly have a herniated disc? The truth is anyone can have a herniated disc; some may even have a ruptured disc and not even know it.
  • Ignoring The Pain: Because I was in denial I thought the pain was simply another sore muscle or pulled muscle caused by over doing it. So I took a couple of aspirins and rubbed in some heat rub. The problem is that in ignoring the pain or acknowledging that it could be something worse than a simple muscle sprain, I only made the situation worse.
  • Not Treating The Real Cause: Once I realized that the pain was caused by something more than a pulled muscle I started treating the symptoms not the cause. This seemed to make sense at the time after all I was seeing a specialist and doing rehab. In my ignorance back surgery made sense. Unfortunately after a “successful” surgery the pain was still there. Why? Because the surgery although it fix my herniated disc still did not treat the underlining problem which was muscle imbalance.
  • Not Being Your Own Advocate: Because I denied it was a back problem and thought I was too fit to have a herniated disc I did not take control. I firmly believe that whatever your illness or injury it is vital to be your own advocate. Of course I am not saying to ignore your doctor’s advice; certainly your health care professions have your best interest at heart. What I am saying is that it important to fully understand your options and the risks/benefits involved. Ask questions, research your condition and be aware of the choices you have available to you.
  • Not Following Through With Your Treatment: It is amazing to me how many back sufferers do not complete their treatment. They make the mistake of not finishing their rehab or not continuing their exercise program after their rehab is finished. I am a big believer in taking preventive measures where my health is concerned.

Back problems are serious business! Ignoring the pain or not properly taking care of your back pain are mistakes you can’t afford to make. My advice to back pain sufferers is to take action, be your own advocate and stick with your rehab/exercise program. Don’t make the five mistakes many back pain sufferers make. These mistakes will only make your back pain worse and delay or prolong your recovery.

Good advice for a person having back pain for the first time, as well as for those of us who have had back pain for several years.  Don’t ignore any pain, back or otherwise.  Ignoring pain can possibly lead to worse pain.

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

The following videos actually outline 7 mistakes that people often make with back pain.

Back Pain Mistakes

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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.

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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 Pain – Take Off Work Or Not?

December 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In the past, it was common practice for doctors to recommend that a patient with back pain take a few days off work and stay in bed to recuperate from their back pain.  However, in recent years, some doctors have formed an opinion that the sooner you can get back on your feet and back to work, the quicker you will recover from your low back pain.  The following article from the United Kingdom offers an interesting discussion of this difference in opinion on whether one should take off work or not.

Even though guidelines for clinical management of patients with low back pain (LBP) encourage health care practitioners to advise patients to remain active and return to work, most practitioners feel that work factors can cause or aggravate LBP and often recommend a ‘short break from work’ to allow healing.

Back Pain - Time Off Work

Back Pain - Time Off Work

According to a new study published in the December issue of PAIN, practitioners believe that there are some aspects of work that are harmful to patients’ recovery and feel that their role in returning patients to work is limited.

Lead author Professor Tamar Pincus, PhD explains:

“Low back pain is consistently among the top most costly health problems. Back pain has been identified as the second main cause of absenteeism in the UK.

Our findings suggest that, despite guidelines that encourage maintaining people at work during episodes of back pain, many clinicians hold a range of beliefs that contradict this advice, and these beliefs can influence their clinical decisions and behaviors.”
In a new study, researchers from the Department of Psychology at the Royal Holloway University of London decided to evaluate work-related behaviors and beliefs in terms of lower back pain in the UK. They surveyed the three professions who most commonly treat LBP after GPs, i.e. osteopaths, physiotherapists (physical therapists), and chiropractors, to measure factors, such as the frequency in which the practitioners visited a patient’s workplace including prescribing exercises the patients could incorporate in their work routine, recommended a break from work for recovery and provided sick leave certificates.

The researchers included the Attitudes to Back Pain Scale for Musculoskeletal Practitioners in their study, to examine the connection between general beliefs about back pain and work-related behaviors, for example, whether practitioner’s limited the number of treatment sessions for low back pain, as well as beliefs that increasing mobility should be a goal of treatment.

They also assessed practitioners’ beliefs regarding the benefits compared with the risk of work to general health and particularly in terms of back pain; the need for patients to take a short break to recover from LBP; the work-related roles of musculoskeletal practitioners, and how the practitioners’ perceived employers’ willingness to help patients with LBP.

Their findings revealed that it was extremely common to advise patients to take absence from work, with 80% of respondents reporting they sometimes recommended work absence to LBP patients and 13% reporting that they do so often or always. Even though 70% of practitioners reported to have never visited the workplace to advise and prescribe ergonomic changes the findings nevertheless revealed that it was common practice with 83% of practitioners reporting they always or often prescribe exercises that can be incorporated into the work routine. Even though recommending a short break from work was common, less than 2% of the practitioners reported that they always or often prescribed sick leave certifications for LBP.

Interestingly, physiotherapists endorsed the benefits of work to help recovery from LBP more strongly compared with osteopaths or chiropractors. Whilst physiotherapists in the UK are employed by the National Health, osteopaths or chiropractors usually work in the private sector. The study also established that a significant number of physiotherapists did not agree with the belief that work can either cause or aggravate pain and that they tended to favor limiting the number of treatment sessions for LBP.

The researchers observed extremely low numbers of reports in which practitioners visited the workplace directly and contacted employers to collaborate with them in order to coordinate actions that support people suffering from LBP to stay at work.

Dr. Pincus states:

“Integrated care at work has shown promising results in earlier clinical trials. If return to work is beneficial to patients and is a primary goal for cost savings, bringing these practitioners on board and altering their perceptions of the individual-employer-clinician triad is important.”

My personal opinion is that if one suffers a severe back injury, then probably a few days off work are probably warranted.  Then after a few days of bed rest, some physical therapy might be necessary to get you back up and on your way to work.  However, I do not believe an extended period of rest is good as your muscles tend to weaken and recovery after an extended period can be more difficult.

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

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Filed Under: Lower Back Pain Remedies, Treatment Options Tagged With: , , , , ,
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