Sunday, January 13, 2008

When Your Back Hurts Everything Hurts

When Your Back Hurts Everything Hurts
By: Jeff Foster

Back pain, when gone untreated, can become a serious problem.

Your brain, being complex as it is, is always informed when there is back pain, or any body pain for that matter. This is done by your body sending messages to the brain through the spinal cord and then the brain sending messages back in return.

The reasons for back pain are not always as easy to discover as you may think. However, for the most part, the pain either has to do with muscles, bones, or disks.

The pain is usually caused if you have pulled an item far too heavy, or you have simply pulled hard on something that didn’t even move. By pulling hard on an object it is very easy to pull a muscle. The muscles at play are usually the Latissimus Dorsi, Teres (major and minor) and the Trapezius.

If you feel like the pain is focused more on your upper back than anything else, then it probably in the thoracic region (upper back). Damage to that region is frequently caused by muscle strains or harm to ligaments.

Although if your back is hurting a lot and if you think that the pain is muscle related then there’s not much you can do but sit back, relax, and wait it out. The pain will eventually go away all by itself.

Another cause of back pain is when it has to do with bone damage. Basically, the back is made up of the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made up of 24 vertebrates and surrounding, cushioning discs.

The three basic parts of the spinal cord include the cervical region (top of the spinal column; bottom of the skull and neck support), the thoracic region (top and middle parts of the back – 12 vertebrae with ribs on both sides), and the lumbar region (5 vertebrae which supports the weight of the upper body- easily damaged).

Now that you understand the parts of the back you can understand the way it damages.

Connected to the spinal cord are cushioning disks. Mostly in older people, due to weak bones, excess pressure can be put on the disks and cause discomfort. If it gets out of hand, the disk can shift, in order to relive pressure but in return push cartilage right into a nerve root or the spinal canal, causing even more pain. This is caused a bulging disk and if these you think this could be occurring in your back then see a doctor.

Of course back pain is uncomfortable. It affects nearly everything you do, but your back pain doesn’t have to last forever.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com


For more important information on back pain, causes of back pain, back pain relief, and more, visit www.0-backpain.com

Treat, Relieve, Cure Back Pain Now

Treat, Relieve, Cure Back Pain NowBy: Anna Hart
Ouch! Your back hurts. You’ll go to a doctor if it doesn’t let up soon, but meanwhile, what can you do to treat back pain? Better yet, since you don’t want to simply treat it, what can you to relieve back pain? Wait a minute. What can you do to cure back pain – now?!While back pain can be excruciating, it is common. It is one of the leading reasons people visit doctors each year. Add those who don’t want to visit a doctor, and the numbers are staggering.Question is: how can you truly cure back pain?You Don’t Want to Hear This!My own doctor told me last week that the best way to cure back pain is to begin, and consistently maintain, regular exercises to strengthen core muscles.After telling me that, he gave a short laugh, and added, “But most people don’t want to hear that.”How about you? If my doctor is right, you probably don’t want to hear that you can cure back pain with regular exercise. You would rather hear that…* a new chair will cure back pain while you watch TV* a new prescription drug will cure back pain with daily doses* a month in bed (paid sick leave) will cure back pain* you should not exercise at allI’m sorry, but what you and I really need is exercise that specifically targets the core muscle groups that support our backs.Exercises to Cure Back PainThe Texas Back Institute tells us that research shows more than two days of inactivity is harmful when you have back pain. Lying in a bed or reclining chair will only cause your muscles to weaken and become less flexible. As you move around, exercise improves blood flow to discs, joints, and muscles. Exercise relaxes spasms that are causing you pain, and speeds healing.You need to get up and get gentle exercise if you expect to cure back pain.The following daily routine will go far toward helping you actually cure back pain and keep it from recurring. * Morning Rising: Begin your day by getting out of bed with this exercise. Roll on one side. Gently swing your legs to the floor while pushing up with your arms. When you are in a sitting position, stand up. This exercise will remind you every morning of your desire to cure back pain forever.* Warm-up: Warm up your back before beginning exercises or rushing around getting ready for your day. Bend at the waist, and let your arms hang toward the floor. Do not stretch or bounce. Simply bend and hang, feeling your back lengthen. Then reach slowly for the ceiling, gently stretching upward. A brief, relaxed walk will finish your warm-up.* Six Exercises:1. Slippery Heels - Lie on your back on the floor, legs straight. Slowly slide your left heel toward your body, knee bent upward. Then slide the heel back away from your body until your leg is straight again. Repeat 10 times for each leg.2. Slippery Lap – Stand with your back touching a wall, feet 12” from the wall. Tighten abdominal muscles, hold, and slowly bend both knees, sliding downward until you form a lap. Hold 30 seconds, and slowly slide up again. Repeat 10 times.3. High Heels - Stand facing a wall, about 18” away. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Slowly lift up only your heels – as though wearing high heel shoes. Then lower your heels slowly back to the floor. Repeat 10 times for each foot.4. High Legs – Lie on your back, left leg straight, right leg at right angle. Tighten abdominal muscles, and slowly lift straight leg 6 to 12 inches, keeping it straight. Hold 5 seconds, and slowly lower. Repeat 10 times for each leg.5. Reverse High Legs – Do “high legs” while lying on your stomach on the floor. Hold for 10 seconds, and slowly lower the leg to the floor. Repeat 5 times for each leg.6. Brake Pedals - Lie on your back on the floor, legs straight. Push toes away as though pushing on 2 brake pedals. Pull the toes back toward your body, as though letting up on the brake pedals. Work your brake pedals up and down. Repeat 10 times.* Cool-down: Cool down before going on with your day. A brief, relaxed walk is all you need.Additional Secrets to Cure Back PainYou can cure back pain by adding these additional secrets to your exercise program. First of all, remember that you should see your health care provider to learn exactly what type of back pain you have, and whether home care is sufficient.With your physician’s approval, add these steps to cure back pain.* If you must sit at a computer all day, sit with feet flat on the floor, or use a footrest to relieve back strain and cure back pain.* Get up and move around for at least 5 minutes out of every hour.* When standing for extended periods, shift your weight regularly.* Wear shoes that have soft soles and low heels, preferably no more than 1.5 inches and square in shape. Place inserts in your shoes to correct any incorrect posture.* Lose weight if you are too heavy. You can cure back pain more quickly if your muscles have less work to do.* Avoid sitting on a thick billfold. A lot of money might buy back surgery, but you won’t cure back pain by sitting on it or a stack of credit cards and photos.* Bend at the knees, not at the waist, when lifting something heavy.* When your doctor says you are ready, begin a program of aerobic exercise to strengthen those core muscles in your back and abdomen. Choose from activities such as jogging, cycling, or swimming.Cure Back Pain with Mind over Matter Recent research indicates that mental gymnastics can do much to cure back pain. Although my doctor may not want to hear this, it appears to be true. Published in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, the study found that training the mind was just as effective as using more physical methods to deal with chronic lower back pain.The secret is to consciously realize that pain does not necessarily mean harm. Learn about your pain and what causes it, allowing your brain to deal with the perceived pain. As long as you try to avoid it, you cannot cure back pain. Talk to your physician and create an exercise program that is right for you and your pain.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
© 2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about back pain at www.backpainreliefblog.com. Anna has done extensive research on back pain, its symptoms, causes, and treatment, and offers you the results of her research free of charge. If you are looking for more www.backpainreliefblog.com/treatment-of-back-pain/back-pain-treatment-whats-best-for-you-22/"> ways to treat or cure back pain, visit Anna often to see what new information she has posted.

Different Options For Back Pain Relief

Different Options For Back Pain ReliefBy: Michelle Bery
When you suffer from back pain, each moment can feel like your longest; there are no activities during which your back pain is not considered; no comfortable night’s rest during which the healing process begins and energy is restored. Subsequently, back pain relief becomes first and foremost on the minds of sufferers. Luckily, there are many options from which to choose.For many, the first thought when it comes to back pain relief is medication. And while there are a host of prescription medications that will alleviate back pain, they are doing nothing more than masking the symptoms instead of tackling the underlying cause of pain. Medication should be used sparingly and under the strict supervision of a medical professional. But it should also be your last resort for back pain relief. Use over-the-counter pain medication for back pain relief to help you combat discomfort while you work to rectify the underlying causes of your back pain.While it may seem as though exercise of any kind would be the worst thing for back pain relief, it may often be the very best thing you can do to help alleviate your discomfort and put you on the road to healing. Any exercise program must be strictly supervised by your doctor; not every exercise is appropriate for everyone and it’s crucial that you follow instructions so as not to further injure your back and increase your pain. However, when done responsibly and with guidance, exercise can do much in the way of back pain relief.There are a number of different exercises that may be appropriate for back pain relief. Your doctor may recommend a walking program, or one of light aerobic exercise. As your strength increases, you may begin a program that incorporates light weights to help build muscle strength. Ultimately, strong, healthy muscles and overall physical fitness will work to deter injury and back pain.Further exercise for back pain relief includes stretching exercises, yoga, and Pilates. Stretching works to improve flexibility and keep muscles limber. Pilates and yoga both work to strengthen the body’s core muscles thus lending essential support to the back.Some who suffer from back pain find that work with acupuncturists, chiropractors, and physical therapists offers back pain relief through the use of holistic treatments, body alignment, massage, and therapeutic exercise.Finding back pain relief that works for you – without the use of medication – will help to improve and strengthen your back so that you may never have to experience back pain again.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
For easy to understand, in depth information about back pain visit our ezGuide 2 Back Pain.

How To Get Rid Of Lower Back Pain

How To Get Rid Of Lower Back PainBy: Frank Thornton
During a recent bout of severe lower back pain, my physiotherapist put me on a course of back exercises to alleviate my back pain.I have to say that I was somewhat surprised given that I was in so much pain, but it actually worked and helped me recover quickly.The theory behind stretching your back – even when you have a sore lower back - is that by extending the back muscles, you give relief to your back by taking pressure off the affected areas.If you suffer form a herniated disc, your physio may have you do back exercises for disc problems because it will relieve the pressure caused by the herniated disc on the spinal nerves.The back exercise I found most helpful was “the cat”. In this exercise, you get down on your hands and knees and arch your back up for a few seconds just like a cat. When you do this, you can feel the stretch in your lower back muscles.Depending on how much pain you are in, your physio may recommend doing back exercises several times during the day. Don’t overdo things though. The last thing you want is to re-injure yourself.One of the most popular lower back exercise programs is the McKenzie back exercises. Robin McKenzie is a famous physiotherapist from New Zealand whose techniques have been practiced for many years.McKenzie believes that people suffer from back pain as a result of poor posture or bending incorrectly when lifting. The book advocates a series of back exercises including many safe lower back exercises which help make the back more flexible by extending the spine and improve your posture. (Note: talk with a doctor or physiotherapist before using this approach.)One of the most popular items for back exercises is a Swiss ball, also known as an exercise ball or a fitness ball. Low back exercises with a Swiss ball really give you a good stretch.A word of caution though. When you first start using a Swiss ball, take it easy. I slid off it a few times and if I’d had a sore back, this could have been painful. But when you do low back exercises on a Swiss ball, you are going to love the feeling that the stretch gives you.If you like swimming or being in a pool, look into exercise programs that involve back exercises in a pool. You will find them at your local YMCA or swimming pool.What’s good about doing back exercise in the pool is that the water takes the pressure off your back giving you more freedom to move and stretch your back.At first it seems odd to be doing exercises when your lower back is sore, but I’ve learned that depending on your situation, it can be one of the best things you can do to get on the road to recovery.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Frank Thornton writes frequently on health and fitness. Learn more about relieving your back pain at www.relievingyourbackpain.com

Pain Relief - Lower Back Pain

Pain Relief - Lower Back PainBy: Kate Brothers
Almost all of us have suffered from low back pain at some time or other. Most of us have recovered from it within a month or so, but for those remaining few who just don’t seem to be able to get rid of the pain; it is indeed a difficult and depressing experience.But before we get involved with the details, here’s a word of advice. Pain and extent of damage may have no correlation with each other. So, don’t panic if your pain is unbearable. A simple muscle pull may force you to grimace with pain and be bedridden while the extremely serious and critical state of a herniated disc can be completely painless.There are a lot of soft tissues, bones, facet joints, discs and nerves in the lower back and a slight maladjustment can cause severe pain and sometimes the pain may shoot through the legs and reach the feet. So, the diagnosis often becomes really difficult.But diagnostic accuracy is essential to effectively treat a back pain. So, both description of the pain (whether it is a throbbing one, or it shoots through the limbs, or it numbs the lower back etc.) and its exact location (at what point of the waist and how it spreads) are very important parameters which help a doctor to proceed in the correct direction.If the patient has fever, or has a history of cancer, or has suffered severe trauma, or is experiencing major weakness in the legs or is facing a serious problem in holding back his urine or stool, the situation requires immediate qualified medical attention. Generally back pains take place due to either muscle strain, or due to a herniated lumbar disc or any other form of wasting disease of the lumbar discs. Among the many complex reasons which cause back pain one of the most common is the irritation of the many large and small nerves which originate at lower back and spread right up to the feet or palms. The erector spinae may also get strained and cause severe back pain. Another more obvious cause of lower back pain is damage of the bones, joints or ligaments in that area.It may sound strange, but there are some lower back pains which baffle the doctors. Not matter how hard they try, they are unable to pinpoint any cause and are unable to answer why the patient is suffering in agony.But the comforting fact is that most of the lower back pains disappear after they have run their course and only a few really require surgery of any kind. Often, a good physiotherapist is also able to provide much relief. However, in severe or persistent cases, the opinion of an orthopaedic surgeon on the need for surgery could be helpful.Some doctors are of the opinion that lower back pain occurs not only because of physical reasons but may also occur due to mental stress and tension. Stress at the workplace, an abusive or dominating boss, or, incompatibility with professional colleagues can also pressurize a person and a lower back pain may emerge as a psychosomatic disorder. So, if you experience a lower back pain try to relax and you may feel a gradual relief.This article may be freely reprinted for your website, ezine, or blog so long as it’s reproduced in full, with the links, content and author credits unchanged.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Kate Brothers is a health writer with years of experience. For more of health articles about back pain, visit: The Pain Relief Practice .

Sciatica … the incredible discovery

Sciatica … the incredible discoveryBy: Dr Graeme Teague
Is sciatica driving you crazy, are you tired of waking up in pain and not being able to do want you want to do? Does your sciatica cause so much pain that life is just not enjoyable anymore?Don't worry…It may feel like your life is getting worse, but in reality your sciatica is curable.Sciatica is commonly thought to be due to disc problems - you have a disc that bulges, that puts pressure on the nerve which then radiates down your leg… sciatica. And the cure… medication and surgery are your likely options.In fact - research now shows that the majority of sciatica cases are not caused by disc injuries. The majority are a result of spinal misalignment, muscle tension and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.Your sciatic nerve pain that you thought you were doomed to have forever, or at least need surgery for. Is able to be treated and treated successfully.So what should you do?Your sciatica needs a collective approach. This means you need to eliminate all the causes of your sciatica, no matter how minor they may be. If you don't … your sciatica will return. Research has also shown that when it returns - it comes back worse the second time around. So eliminate properly the first time and save your self a lot of pain and money.Your attack needs to address the three main factors. If you target these then your sciatic nerve will heal. But as the saying goes… if pain persists see your doctor. Although the majority of sciatica cases are not serious, if pain persists it pays to seek help. One to rule out the serious causes and secondly if it fails to heal quickly, professional help will speed your recovery.But back to the three pronged attack…Firstly you need to reduce tension in the Piriformis muscle. The Piriformis is the muscle that causes most cases of sciatica. The sciatic nerve either runs through this muscle or close to it. When the muscle tightens, the sciatic nerve is irritated - you now have sciatica.Stretching is the ideal way to reduce muscle tension. However, the most important ingredients are not what to stretch, but when and how to stretch. There are some simple and highly effective stretches that will reduce muscle tension in days.The second area to attack is inflammation. Sure this can be accomplished by medication, but medication can have side-effects. So use natural products such as Homeopathics, herbs etc first. If they fail to remove the inflammation, then use medication. Inflammation is not a major cause of sciatica though, but should still be addressed.The final area to correct is the spinal and pelvic misalignment. When the spine and pelvis tighten the muscles in the area tighten, which then leads to your sciatica. To balance the pelvis and lower spine, you need to use techniques that re-align the spine and pelvis and maintain it. Simple ways to keep the spine moving freely and easily.If you have your joints moving correctly, muscle low in tension and inflammation gone … sciatica will disappear almost overnight. All these are achievable by you using techniques you can use at home. Sciatica does not need to be a pain in the butt. It can disappear simply and easily.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Dr Graeme Teague is an expert in the structural field, and has been in practice since 1991. His web site The Back Pain Advisor - www.back-pain-advisor.com - for Sciatica visit www.back-pain-advisor.com/sciatica.html

A Look At Back Pain Surgery

A Look At Back Pain SurgeryBy: Novatex
Reasons To Have Back Pain Surgery:When all other forms of treatment have failed and you have no other route to take to alleviate the your back pain, it is time to consider back surgery. Although considered an elective form of surgery and very rarely classified as necessary most health insurance plans will cover back pain surgery.Back Surgery is never to be taken lightly and this is an option that you will want to discuss with your physician to weigh all the pros and cons.Types of conventional back surgery :Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): A patient suffering from leg or back pain is a potential candidate for ALIF surgery. This back pain surgery is preformed to relieve the painful symptoms caused by the natural degeneration of the disc space.Laminectomy: Lumbar laminectomy is an operation performed on the lower spine to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots. The term is derived from lumbar (lower spine), lamina (part of the spinal canal’s bony roof), and -ectomy (removal). Some known problems with these forms of surgery:With this form of back surgery about 25% of the grafts do not take making it necessary to perform another fusion.In conventional back surgeries, including fusions, less then 50% will actually alleviate the pain and symptoms of the problem.Recuperation is a long painful processOther spine conditions may develop from fusionsTypes of Laser Back Surgery:Percutaneous Arthroscopic Discectomy:Percutaneous Discectomy is a simple laser back surgery solution that relieves the pressure within the disc which, therefore alleviates the pain. With this minimally invasive procedure the patient will be able to walk out on their own accord 2-3 hours after the laser back surgery is completed. This laser back surgery is used to surgically remove herniated disc/bulging disc material that is pressing on the nerve root or spinal cord.Laminotomy:A laminotomy is not a laminectomy. With an arthroscopic approach to a laminotomy to open up the spinal canal general anesthesia is not required. A laminotomy is a laser back surgery procedure used to relieve pressure from the spinal canal for the existing nerve root and spinal cord. This increases the amount of space that is available for the neural tissue releasing the nerves.

Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
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