Back Pain Myths and Facts

By gina | Published: January 26, 2012

Back pain affects eight out of ten people on average, meaning knowing its true causes and treatments is important. Back pain has many myths surrounding its source, so knowing the difference between the facts and myths can be very beneficial for future reference.

Starting with some of the myths, one back pain myth is always sit up straight. While it is true that slouching too often can lead to back pain in the future, sitting up straight for too long can also cause back pain. The optimal method for sitting tends to be sitting with the back leaning against the back of the chair with the feet on the floor and a slight curve in the back. This form of sitting will allow some of the muscles in the back to relax slightly and help the back fit the natural curve of the spine. If sitting is a major part of one’s day, then standing during activities such as phone calls can also help curb back pain.

Lifting heavy objects has always been thought of as something that is detrimental to one’s back. Lifting heavy objects is not in itself an unhealthy practice, but rather the method of how the heavy objects are being lifted is what can result in back pain. Lifting an object too heavy will cause injuries, but when lifting a heavy object, it is best to stand close to the object with the back straight and head up and lift by standing. Lifting in this form will take the high pressure load off of the back and place it ion the legs which are much more stable than the back.

In contrast to the myths about back pain, there are a number of facts that surround the frustrating condition. Perhaps the most important fact to be aware of is that higher weight generally equates to more back pain. High amounts of belly fat can cause the back to be weighed down and can cause a person to naturally slouch which can result in back pain, as back pain is simply one more negative result of the growing problem of obesity. Staying fit by doing ab exercises and back exercises such as pull-ups and in-and-outs can keep the core area of the body strong and healthy and prevent back pain.

Anyone that does suffer from back pain should consider treatment options from those that are chiropractors. Chiropractors are considered by some to be quack doctors, but their natural treatment methods are actually quite beneficial to back pain. Spinal stimulation methods such as lower back adjustments and massage therapy are great natural treatments that loosen up the back muscles and help naturally cure the causes of back pain. Back pain treatments such as muscle relaxers and pain killers can relive pain temporarily, but they can cause unwanted side effects and generally do not solve the main cause of back pain. Finding out the source of back pain and consulting with doctors is the best way to solve back pain issues in the long run.

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Spinal Stenosis Natural Treatments

By gina | Published: January 26, 2012

There are several natural treatments for spinal stenosis. The first natural treatment for spinal stenosis is surgery. This is usually the last thing that a doctor will try to help out with the pain of the spinal stenosis but it is used a lot more commonly then you would think. This surgery is where the surgeon will remove all of the tissue that could be putting pressure on a person’s spinal nerves. Sometimes if it is necessary, the doctor will fuse a person’s vertebrates together. It is very important that a person try all of the other natural treatments before they have the surgery.

The second natural treatment for spinal stenosis is to get some form of physical therapy. This is because the physical therapy can help to improve the support muscles for the spine. The physical therapy can also help to improve a person’s posture. Therefore, some of the pain from the spinal stenosis should go away from a period of time. Any time of physical activities that a person can do on their own will also help to reduce some of the pressure that could be on the spinal nerves. It could help to get rid of all of the symptoms that a person is having.

The third natural treatment for spinal stenosis is to try to lose some weight. This is because the heavier a person is than the more likely they are to have a lot of pressure of their vertebrae. Therefore, the spinal nerves could become very fragile in a person’s back. It can be a little harder for a person who has the spinal stenosis to lose weight but it will be well worth it in the long run. Most of the time, a person will only have to lose about 10 pounds to get relief.

The fourth natural treatment for spinal stenosis is for a person to start taking Omega 3 fatty acids. This is because the main ingredient in the fatty acids will help to reduce some of the swelling that offer comes along with the spinal stenosis. This is especially true if a person has a form of arthritis, which usually goes right in hand with the spinal stenosis. All a person has to do is to take the omega 3 fatty acids up to three times a day to get the most relief from the natural supplement.

The fifth natural treatment for spinal stenosis is for a person to treat themselves to a massage. The massage will help to ease some of the pain that a person could have if they suffer from spinal stenosis. This is because the massage will help to loosen up tight muscles in a person’s back. Therefore, a person should be able to move around and exercise more since they will not be in as much pain. If a person is able to exercise, they will be more likely to lose the weight and burn fat that they need to in order to be pain free.

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Using Spinal Cord Stimulators

By gina | Published: January 26, 2012

Quite a few people suffer from back injuries and discomfort. One of the areas that contribute to back pain is the spinal cord. In order to improve the condition of the spinal cord there are some products and devices that can helpl The one device that helps improve the discomfort of the spinal cord is a spinal cord stimulator. With a spinal cord stimulator, an individual suffering from back pain and spinal cord complications will have a dependable way of dealing with the discomfort. A spinal cord stimulator is one device that is used to send electrical signals to the spinal cord which results in alleviating chronic pain in the back.

There are some specific purposes to use a spinal cord stimulator for. One of those purposes is when suffering an injury. There are some times when an individual may suffer an injury to the lower back. As a result of this injury they will need some way to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with this injury. This is where a spinal cord stimulator comes in. Using a spinal cord stimulator to relieve back pain caused by injury is one of the ways and occasions when to use such a device.

Another occasion of when to use a spinal cord stimulator is when you have chronic back pain. Over time some people begin to have complications with the condition of their back. When this happens they will usually experience discomfort and need a way to keep the pain in check. In order to keep the back pain in check they will be able to use a spinal cord stimulator. With a spinal cord stimulator a person suffering from chronic back pain will have a way to alleviate the discomfort and overcome this condition. So using a spinal cord stimulator is very advantageous when suffering from chronic back pain.

It is always a good idea to use spinal cord stimulators when experiencing any pain or discomfort in the back. Whether you get injured or just have chronic discomfort due to age or general wear and tear, using a spinal cord stimulator is a very important tool to use when dealing with this type of physical problem. If you experience any pain then using the spinal cord stimulator can be of great assistance to you during this scenario. Spinal cord stimulators become necessary to use whenever you have any physical complications with your back and spinal cord.

In order to get a spinal cord stimulator you will need to get this device from a number of people. You can get one from a retail store that specializes in health and wellness products and devices. Having a chiropractor give you recommendations can also help you get this device whenever you need it. A spinal cord stimulator is a very valuable device to have and can really help improve a person’s health and well being. With this device, a person will be in good position to overcome their spinal cord and back ailments at any given time.

 

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What is Spinal Flexion?

By jose | Published: January 24, 2012

What is Spinal FlexionFlexion comes from the word “flex” which means to bend forward, like when flexing the elbow in order for the hand to touch the shoulder. The opposite of flexion is extension or the straightening the body parts. Spinal flexion is the term which characterizes the bending forward of the spine. It can be caused by a lot of factors, like old age, and the everyday movements of a certain person. To concretely describe spinal flexion, just think of the pressure it brings to the back as a person pulls up and carries a child, or working intently everyday in front of a computer in a slouching position. Those mentioned actions occur regularly in most of the people’s lives, which, in due time, causes spinal flexion.

Having adequate knowledge about spinal flexion may help in avoiding it in the near future. Of course, a person who has good information about it would be more mindful of his body posture at all times. He will be more conscious on how he would carry heavy things because he knows what that can do to his back (the back pain is intense). Spinal flexion entails a lot of pain if left unnoticed. The pain will not be caused entirely by the flexion itself but by the danger to injury it brings to the person. Keep in mind that the center of it is the spine, which literally is the backbone of every human being. A dislocated spine is an extreme injury which can bring about by spinal flexion in a severe situation.

Any injury involving bones is so painful, that a person can cringe just hearing about it, so a spine injury can be said to be the most excruciating pain as it is essentially in the middle of the human body. Aside from the health and well being of the person, it will greatly affect the person’s appearance. He may not be able to stand up straight again. His posture will not be normal again if spinal flexion is ignored overtime. He will be prone to many known postural imbalances due to his flexed spine.

Physical therapy may greatly alleviate spinal flexion, but prevention is always the best remedy. It is always better to avoid it than find a way to treat it later on in life. If it is too late for stopping extreme spinal flexion, the professional help of a physical therapist is the best way to start the recovery process. Surely, they have the needed information on how to alleviate the pain and significantly decrease aches that the person is experiencing. Physical therapists will introduce the patient to certain exercises which can ease the person’s discomfort as he religiously continues the rehabilitation process. These professionals are expertly trained to endure every patient’s complaints and anger during that difficult time, at the same time encouraging him to do more in order to take him out of that tough medical state he is in. The patient is expected to be regularly irritable and angry considering the severe pain he is suffering and the trained physical therapist will know on how to deal with that.

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How to relieve Acute Low Back Pain

By jose | Published: January 19, 2012

How to relieve Acute Low Back PainMany people suffer from lower back pain from injuries either to the back or from stress maybe from lifting or straining. Others have back pain from disk problems, or sitting and standing too long. Weak stomach muscles can also cause back pain. There are many ways of attaining relief before going to see an Orthopedist or Chiropractor.

One safe way to relieve some of the back pain is soaking in a tub of hot water. The muscles relax in the heat of the water causing some relief. Throw in some candles and soft music and this offers relaxation of your mind.
Another way is by lying on the floor and doing some stretching exercises. By lifting your legs up to your chin, your muscles will stretch relieving some of the tightness in the lower back. This also will help in strengthening your stomach muscles that helps with the pain in the back. A second good exercise is lying on your back with hands to your sides flat on the floor and taking a small ball between the legs. Lift both the legs bending slightly at the knees holding the ball stable between the knees. Raise the legs up and down.

Back massages are good for tight muscles and can help with lower back pain. Using heated oils will also add to the feel of the massage and sooth some of the sore muscles. Some may require massage combined with the physician injecting a steroid or local painkiller into the joints that are hurting. Ultrasound therapy works by warming the tissue of the body and relaxing the muscles. This is also used when people have fractures but it is called vertebroplasty. The physician uses a needle to inject a glue epoxy substance that hardens and stabilizes the bone.

Sometimes the lower back pain is severe enough that one may need to seek medical attention from an Orthopedist or Chiropractor. The orthopedist will run test or do x-rays to see if they can find any medical reason like broke bones or pinched nerves. If he finds something, he will treat accordingly. If he does not find a reason for the back pain, he may expect something that a chiropractor may be able to treat. The chiropractor will examine the spine and lower back to decide the treatment. If needed, he will suggest a series of spinal decompression. By stretching and manipulating the spine, many people find the relief they need. This may take multiple treatments but you should feel relief before the first session is over.

Final thing to examine is the need for electro- tens unit. These work by placing probes on the affected area. The currents send more blood flow to the area causing some healing. Use prescription pain medication only with severe pain because it can be habit forming.

In summary, there are many ways that are not involving professional assistance. Try to contact the proper medical assistance if your lower back pain persists. Orthopedist and Chiropractors will assist in relieving the pain and fixing the reason for the pain.

 

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Spinal Fusion Surgery for Low Back Pain

By Ingrid | Published: January 17, 2012

Spinal Fusion Surgery for Low Back PainLower back pain is the second most common reason people need to see a doctor. Only the common cold causes more people to seek medical attention. Low back pain can be acute, subacute or chronic in its duration, and is a primary cause of much of the job-related disability claims filed each year. More than a quarter million people in the U.S. undergo lower back surgery annually in the hopes of easing their lower back pain. Most of these surgical treatment cases originate from musculoskeletal problems. Doctors refer to them as nonspecific low back pain, and the cause is most often attributed to either muscle strain or soft tissue trauma brought about by repetitive motion and excessive physical loads placed upon the back.

For many people simple pain management techniques including Chiropractic Care can help relieve their pain, but where serious medical conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spinal disc herniation exist, then actual back surgery may be the only thing that can stop the pain. Today, complex spinal surgeries involving the fusion of two or more vertebrae together are gaining in popularity.

Spinal fusion surgery is now a common treatment for people suffering from chronic low back pain who do not otherwise obtain relief from the best care available from pain management professionals. Spinal fusion works by eliminating pain caused by anomalistic motion of certain vertebrae by immobilizing them. Reducing the amount of unnecessary movement is believed to cancel out any opportunity of the vertebrae to grind together which is the root cause of the pain. Sometimes fusion is achieved by constructing a bridge between two vertebrae which is made from bone taken from other areas of the body. Spinal fusion surgery can also be used to treat many common spinal deformities such as kyphosis and scoliosis.

A new, and minimally invasive advancement in spinal fusion surgery known as AxiaLIF is on the rise. Rather than opening up the back of the patient, most of the surgical procedure is performed through a tiny incision made near the tailbone. In this way the doctor does not need to cut through muscle or nerve tissue which means that the patient can recover much faster, and with much less pain. In contrast to traditional back surgery, the AxiaLIF procedure makes it impossible for the doctor to actually see the disc he is working on. Instead, a series of X-ray images are taken and examined to confirm that the instruments and material that they are working with remain in the correct position. During a single procedure as many as 200 or more X-ray images of the lower spine may be taken.

Once inside, the surgeon will try to remove the diseased parts of a disc or perhaps even a whole disc and replace that with a special bone growth material. When the bridge is constructed the doctor will then fix the joint together with screws so as to stabilize it. Over time, that area will tighten up making unnecessary motion impossible, and keeping the two vertebrae from grinding together. After about an hour, the whole procedure is over which is typically less than 1/3 of the time it takes for a complete conventional spinal fusion surgery to take place.

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Causes of Spinal Osteoarthritis

By jose | Published: January 12, 2012

Causes of Spinal OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis is a condition that affects many people as they age. The degenerative joint condition will affect virtually everyone if they live long enough. It can affect many different areas in the body, including the spine. If an arthritis patient does develop a condition that affects the spine, he can expect to deal with back pain. It does not matter where the condition settles down, the basic causes of the condition are the same.

The first and foremost cause is aging. As the human body gets older, it produces less of the cushioniong materials. The cushioning materials are a simple way to refer to the process, but there are names for each type of material. The first is cartilage, which is find in the knees, nose and many different joints in the body. The second cause is often changes in the synovial fluid. The synovial fluid provides the lubrication between the joints that lets the joints flow freely. The changes in the fluid and the reduction in the amount of fluid produced cause the joints from grind from time to time.

The causes of osteoarthritis in the spine are the same as the causes of osteoarthritis in other parts of the body. The condition affects each patient differently. There are factors that can cause a person to develop the disease more readily than another person. Women are more likely to get the disease in man. Age is the primary determining factor. A person is also more prone to develop this condition if he is overweight. The only factor that is under the patient’s control is his weight. If he wants to avoid developing arthritis for as long as possible, he should take measures to control his weight.

Even though there is no cure for the condition, there are ways to improve the symptoms of the disease. Many forms of osteoarthritis flare up in cool, damp weather. A patient can keep the environment in their home warm and dry. The use of a simple heater can do this in the Winter months. The heaters easily remove humidity from the air.

Exercise can also reduce the pain. A person who decides to walk even a short distance every day will find that he experiences less pain. He should not over do it. A patient should also make sure that he is healthy enough to engage in such activities before he adds a walk or a similar exercise to his daily regimen.

The causes of osteoarthritis are not the same as the causes of gout or rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms are similar. All of the conditions cause a patient to suffer a great deal of pain. The treatment portion for all types of arthritis will include a pain killer. The pain killer may be a simple over-the-counter medication that is taken as needed, or it could include something a little bit stronger. The pain killer will not be an addictive substance under normal circumstances. A patient will probably not be able to undergo surgery to correct the problem.

 

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Exercises and Stretches for Back Pain

By gina | Published: January 12, 2012

One of the most common physical problems that many people face is having lower back pain. Lower back pain has many causes. If you have a physically demanding job, then the the chance of overworking your back is high. People who work at a desk often have back problems due to poor posture and lack of changing positions. This pain is preventable though. By following these guidelines you can get rid of current back pain and insure that it does not return.

In order to get rid of the back pain, one must look for ways to relieve the back muscles. This will involve stretching the lower back muscles to allow them to loosen up. One easy stretch that you can do after work everyday is the seated bent over stretch. To do this stretch simply sit in a properly sized chair and bend forward. Be sure to allow your shoulders to go all the way between your legs. This will give you a relaxing stretch that you can use whenever your back is sore from a long day. after realizing the lower back muscles, put one leg on top of the other to cross your legs in the chair. Then lean forward and get a stretch in your hips. By stretching the hips you will have a chain reaction with the relaxing feeling, relieving even more stress that was added from earlier.

You can get professional help with lower back problems as well. If you go to a doctor, you can get a back supporter that will take a lot of the strain off of your back. These back supporters are generally cheap, so you do not have to stress about the cost. If you are up for trying yoga, then that may be an option as well. Yoga proves to relax and slowly strengthen all of the muscles in the body, leaving you a well balanced body. If you do not mind paying a bit of money, many people tend to get a massage thrown in at the end of their week. Having a massage will get all of the knots out of your back leaving you with a refreshed feeling for the next coming week.

People who have a gym membership should just consider expanding their workout so they target the lower back along with the rest of the body. Doing exercises such as back extensions will supply a huge amount of strength in the lower back. This will benefit people who have long hours of getting up and down by increasing the endurance of the lower back. The most recommended workout for the lower back though, is the dead lift. This exercise involves you lifting dead weight off of the ground and bringing it to a full stand. Doing this exercise will allow your body to become so incredibly strong, that daily activities will no longer be a hassle.

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Back Pain and Lung Cancer

By jose | Published: January 10, 2012

Back Pain and Lung CancerOne of the most difficult things to deal with in life is cancer. There are so many types and it affects many lives all over the world. Lung cancer is one of the most typical types of cancer and there are certain symptoms associated with it. One of the more discrete symptoms is back pain. Many people have back pain so it would be hard to infer that someone has lung cancer just by having pain in the back. It is common among older people because the joints and muscles become weaker as they get older. However, people should consider getting checked out by a doctor if the following symptoms occur with the continuous back pain.

Shortness of breath is one of the most prevalent symptoms of lung cancer. A person might have trouble breathing, which is caused by people who are excessive smokers. Another common symptom is coughing up blood. This is a tale tale sign that someone might have something seriously wrong with them such as lung cancer. Difficulty swallowing is another symptom that is common with lung cancer. There are many more symptoms, but these are the more severe. A person should get themselves checked out by a professional in order to prevent a fatal injury or death from occurring.

There are treatments for lung cancer that have proven to be really effective. There are essentially three techniques in order to remove the cancer. The first technique is the surgical removal of the cancer. People generally take this option as a last resort because surgery can be expensive. Another determinant of using this technique is where the cancer is located and how big it is. Surgery is more risky than other techniques and requires anesthesia. Another possible technique is radiation. This is a more popular method of eliminating the cancer as opposed to surgery. The last method is chemotherapy. This involves the use of drugs to eliminate and stop the growing of the cancer cells. Another option is combining the techniques together in order to remove the cancer. Chemotherapy can be combined with radiation in order to get faster results.

Lung cancer is primarily caused through smoking. It can also be acquired through second hand smoke. For smokers, there are ways to successfully quit smoking, which can decrease the chances of even getting lung cancer. Firstly, the smoker needs to find why they want to quit. This can keep them motivated throughout the process of quitting. The process will be slow because most smokers become addicted to the nicotine. Going cold turkey is virtually impossible and smokers should gradually smoke less and less each day. Prescription pills can also be given in order to stop smoking. By not smoking in the first place, people greatly decrease their chances of getting lung cancer.

Again, lung cancer affects many lives. It can be acquired through first hand or second hand smoke. Back pain is often the most unnoticed symptom of lung cancer and should be taken seriously if health issues continue to occur.

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How to Treat Lumbar Pain?

By gina | Published: January 5, 2012

Lumbar sprains, also known as lumbar strains, can be quite hassling and debilitating when it strikes you during work or when you’re out partying with friends or family. It can take its toll with mild to extreme pain that is quite difficult to ignore thus impeding your regular activities in life. Fortunately, lumbar pain doesn’t have to have a permanent hold of your activities and can be treated with a few simple steps.

First, what is lumbar strain? Basically, lumbar strain is one of the most common causes of lower back pain. This condition occurs when the muscle fibers are peculiarly extended or torn. A lumbar sprain can also be caused by the tearing of a ligament, which is the tough tissue bands that hold the body’s bones together. Most lumbar muscle strains are caused by symptoms that are isolated on the lower back. Compared with spinal conditions, sprains in the legs rarely occur and cause problems. The most common symptoms of lumbar sprains and strains are pain within the lower back and the upper buttocks. Muscle spasms and pain associated with activities and are basically alleviated with rest are also some of the common symptoms that you’re being inflicted with lumbar pain.

Getting treated for your lumbar pain consists of several steps, including rest, medication and physical and therapeutic exercises. You can also employ the help of an experienced chiropractor or physical therapist who can assist you in treating your lumbar pain and facilitate an effective plan for long term treatment.

Rest, The first step in treating lumbar muscle strains is to avoid straining your back. This will enable the pain and inflammation to subside and the management of the symptoms of muscle spasm. Bed rest should be initiated soon after the injury, yet shouldn’t continue on beyond 2 days. While it is essential to reset the strained muscles, it is just as essential to not enable the muscle to stiffen and weaken while you’re resting it. Once the acute inflammation has subsided, you will then have to perform regular stretch exercises that are very simple to accomplish.

Medication, The second step is to take the appropriate medication. Upon doing this, you should first consult with your doctor and get the prescribed medication for your muscle strain. Typically, there are two classes of medications that are given by your doctor. The first classes are anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. These drugs can help manage the inflammation that is radiated off by the injury thus helping reduce the pain. The second class of drugs commonly prescribed for lumbar strain treatment is muscle relaxants. These drugs are often sedating, so they have to be used with precautionary measures.

Physical Therapy or Exercise, Appropriate physical conditioning is necessary to both prevent this type of problem from occurring in the future as well as to recover from it and obtain the normal muscle function. By stretching out and strengthening the lower back muscles, you’ll help manage the inflammation and pain and better condition your lumbar muscles. The exercises shouldn’t cause any pain whatsoever. If it does, you may be doing the exercise in the wrong manner or you may be doing it on longer and more rigorous cycles.

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