Archive for January 2010
Chronic Back Pain Limitations
Thousands and thousands of people annually seek medical care for Back Pain. For some, the pain is gone within 6 weeks. For others, it becomes Chronic Back pain.
Chronic back pain affects individuals in various ways. Most make repeated visits to physicians, seeking relief. They want to know what causes their chronic back pain. They want new tests. They want to try whatever treatment may be available.
Chronic back pain sufferers may report difficulty in performing normal daily activities. They may believe the pain is increasing. They may simply want someone to sympathize, and agree that it is not “all in your head” at all.
Although back pain is the main reason people visit orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, and the second main reason they visit primary care physicians, an estimated 5 to 10 percent of those visitors will receive no cure. They will go from low back pain to chronic back pain.
Patients are frustrated because physicians do not cure back pain. Physicians are frustrated because they cannot cure low back pain. Many think they can do little to prevent occasional severe back pain from becoming chronic back pain.
If nothing is done, however, chronic back pain limitations can seriously impinge on daily activity.
Possible Limitations
A look at possible chronic back pain limitations reveals a long list. There are limitations placed by a physician, but there are many more limitations that patients place on themselves. They may include physical limitations, emotional limitations, or mental limitations. Of the many chronic back pain limitations we can discuss only 7 here.
1. Depression: One of the most common limitations of chronic back pain, depression affects everyone involved in the daily life of the sufferer. The type of depression experienced by sufferers of chronic back pain is not simply a matter of feeling sad or “down at the heels” for a day or so. “Major depression” and “clinical depression” are the terms used for this kind of depression.
When chronic back pain limitations include a major depression, the person feels emotionally miserable everyday for at least two weeks. He or she also may have unexplained crying spells; major appetite changes; fatigue, sleep problems; agitation; and thoughts of death or suicide. There may be little interest in activities that were normally enjoyable.
2. Social Activity: A second of the chronic back pain limitations reported is that of social activity. People suffering chronic back pain become reluctant to attend parties and other social functions. They may curtail recreational activities or outings with the family.
3. Work Time: Those who suffer chronic back pain are also more likely to take off more work time. Statistics show that back pain causes the loss of more than 83 million days of work time each year due to back pain.
4. Job Loss: Since it often means lost work time, another of chronic back pain limitations is job loss. Too many lost days, or poor performance due to chronic back pain, can result in replacement.
5. Work Ability: Chronic back pain is a leading cause of work limitations. Back pain limits workers’ ability to lift, carry, and perform other duties that are required. It places restrictions on workers, and narrows the job field for many people.
6. Low Pay: Chronic back pain limitations include financial limits for some. Those who are limited in work by chronic back pain earn, on average, only two-thirds the amount of those without back pain.
7. Housework: One of the largest limitations of chronic back pain appears to hit normal activities associated with housework, gardening, and lawn work. Patients with back pain that lasted more than 60 days often report they are no longer able to do any gardening, lawn work, or normal cleaning activities such as vacuuming, mopping floors, etc.
Clinically Proven Limitations
For the patient, it is difficult to believe that chronic back pain limitations are often unnecessary. They continue to believe that the pain has a cause that can be readily diagnosed, despite their physician’s repeated assurances to the contrary. They believe the physician can find a medical sure for their back pain if pressed often enough and hard enough. As for treatment, patients often believe that until the cure is found, the best treatment is bed rest and limited activity.
The result of such beliefs is that back pain that could initially be resolved with exercise becomes chronic back pain. Chronic back pain that might still be resolved if the patient were to exercise regularly gradually develops and produces chronic back pain limitations.
TIP: Back pain is very, very common in our society. Rather than let it lead to complications and limitations, you may want to ask your physician for gentle exercises that may resolve your back pain before it becomes chronic.
Anna Hart
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/chronic-back-pain-limitations-125257.html
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Simple Steps to Lower Back Pain Relief
If, like me you suffer from lower Back Pain, relief will be the first and foremost thing on your mind.
In the early stages of lower Back pain, relief can often achieved by performing some Simple stretching exercises or having a gentle massage. Alternatively you could try using ice and heat packs, these will help reduce inflammation, and reduce muscle spasms.
If you are frequently experiencing lower back pain, relief can be achieved in several ways, the main two being through either an anti- inflammatory or through special and targeted back pain exercises.
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen can be purchased easily over the counter at your local pharmacy, or your medical practitioner may prescribe something stronger.
Taking prescribed medication over long periods of time is not highly recommended, solution to lower back pain as some of these drugs may be addictive, or carry side effects.
There are some excellent natural products available which are geared towards lower back pain relief and some are extremely effective. Any natural product should be your preferred choice of pain killer or anti-inflammatory over prescription drugs, however you should be aware that any anti-inflammatory or pain killing products are not a cure for lower back pain; they are just giving you relief from pain.
In order to eliminate back pain and prevent future occurrences you should look at introducing a regular lower back strengthening program and some non impact aerobic exercises into your weekly schedule.
The best aerobic exercises for fast and effective lower back pain relief are achieved either by using a stationary bicycle, or by swimming. The gentle motions from both of these exercises will get the blood flowing through your muscles, increase flexibility in your lower back and will release endorphins into your blood stream – the body’s natural pain killer. Performing either of these exercises for around 20 – 30 minutes daily will have you feeling a lot better, not to mention the overall benefits to your health,
Many sufferers and experts alike agree that for long term lower back pain relief and prevention you should practice some specialist and targeted lower back pain exercises.
By strengthening and toning the muscles in your lower back, upper legs and abdomen you will give support to your spine, and the surrounding muscles. The benefit that these lower back pain exercises have will be immense. You will not only notice that you no longer suffer from lower back pain, but you will also be a lot more flexible and will find it easier to achieve many daily tasks, that were sometimes difficult or tiring.
A good lower back pain relief and exercise program will likely be available at your local health centre or gym. Your medical practitioner will also be able to offer some information on the correct exercises you should perform for optimal lower back pain relief.
You will also find further details of some online lower back pain exercise programs on our website the details of which can be found below.
In summary lower back pain relief can be achieved quickly and easily by following a these few simple steps. Firstly achieve relief with a good natural anti-inflammatory. Next start a simple aerobic exercise program, and finally introduce some targeted lower back pain strengthening exercises and stretches into your weekly schedule.
These simple steps will ensure that you will rid yourself of back pain in the shortest possible time, and will greatly reduce the chances of any re-occurrence.
Paul Osborne
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/simple-steps-to-lower-back-pain-relief-304096.html
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Tampa Dr. Nelson Mane Brings New Hope for Sufferers of Herniated Disc & Fail Back Syndrome
Dr. Nelson Mane a board certified chiropractic orthopedic and neurologist who has seen over 10,000 patients in Tampa Bay is getting extraordinary results with space age technology and individualized treatment programs. “We are seeing the worst of the worst” says Dr. Nelson Mane. After a detailed history and examination many times lasting 1-2 hours a specific protocol for the individual patient is determined. “All our patients are different some are young, old, multiple Disc herniations or degenerative disc. Some have stenosis or facet hypertrophy. Some have hip and knee replacements or multiple Back surgeries. Some can’t have surgery due to heart conditions or other health issues.” Dr. Mane stated. After the history and exam a computerized Kinetic Chain Evaluation and a Functional Neurologic Exam is performed to see if a Balance Disorder could be contributing to the patient’s condition. This many times is the key to chronic Back pain. Once the key issues are identified a program is designed which may include True Non-Surgical spinal decompression, High Power Laser Therapy, Manipulations under anesthesia, Proprioceptive and Vestibular Re-Education as well as traditional physical Therapies. All our programs are non-invasive and with out medication. Several patients have even gotten off morphine and methadone.
My name is Charlie R. and I was a patient of Dr. Mane’s. My back was a mess. For the longest time I did not know what to do for my back. I could no longer exercise. I could not even lift my three year old daughter. I could not swing a golf club and experienced excruciating pain at work. I refused to have any type of surgical procedure at my age due to the possibility that I could end up crippled for the rest of my life. I knew there had to be something else. Then my parents told me about Mr. Paul H. and his success with the DRX9000 and laser treatment. I was initially very skeptical but decided to have a consult with Dr. Mane. This consult was most thorough and Dr. Mane was able to pinpoint my specific back problem with incredible skill and detail. Once I decided to complete the DRX9000 and laser treatment, I had no more pain within a couple weeks. I became a believer and was anxious to see how much better I would feel after the final treatments. Every treatment made me feel better than the previous one. After all Dr. Mane’s staff were tremendous and very caring. I now have great freedom which I have not experienced in at least 10 years. My mother Norma R. also went through this treatment the same time that I did and I’m excited that she is without the pain that she has had to live with most of her life. The DRX9000 and laser treatments are a gift from above. I want to thank you Dr. Mane and all your staff who made me laugh and feel like I was at home every day. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Charlie R
For more information about Dr. Mane’s approach in treating patients suffering from herniated disc and Fail back surgery visit our website at http://www.manecenter.com/DECOMPRESSION.htm.
Dr. Mane offers one on one consultation as well as Group Seminars. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation or to attend a seminar please call 813-935-4744.
Nelson Mane
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/tampa-dr-nelson-mane-brings-new-hope-for-sufferers-of-herniated-disc-fail-back-syndrome-681584.html
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Sciatica Treatments That Really Help
Sciatica occurs due to the compression at the base of the spine. This compression leads to pain in the lower back and gluetal region of the body. This pain travels to ankle, calf, thighs and knee. Real Sciatica happens when the pain reaches the knees and the ankles. Sciatica actually is the pain That moves through the sciatic nerve – the longest nerve in your body. This nerve starts from your spinal cord to your hips and down to the leg. The pain therefore moves along this nerve and the parts of body it connects. Sciatica actually may not be problem in itself. It may have other inherent causes which are connected to the sciatic nerve like herniated disk.
Sciatica can reduce your mobility and normal daily activities considerably. The duration of the pain varies according to the inherent cause and may subside in 4-8 weeks time. However, there is no need to loose hope. There are many sciatica Treatments both clinical and home based which can help cure and manage sciatica and reduce pain.
Common Sciatica Treatments
Bed Rest
The most common sciatica treatment suggested by doctors is bed rest. It helps in relieving pain. However, only taking bed rest is not going to solve the problem fully. You should combine rest with physical activity that is enough to keep you active without aggravating the pain.
Exercise
After the reduction in pain, doctors suggest exercises and physiotherapy to avoid the recurrence of the problem. These exercises are mainly aimed at improving your mobility, rectifying your posture and in making the muscles around your lower back strong.
Medicines
The pain can be treated with anti inflammatory non steroidal dugs combined with drugs that relax muscles. Anticonvulsant drugs and Tricyclic antidepressants are also prescribed to reduce pain. These drugs work in two ways – by blocking the sensations in reaching your brain – and by producing endorphins that naturally help reduce pain.
Steroid Based Treatments
Sometimes, the doctors also prescribe epidural or corticosteroid steroid injections to help reduce inflammation in the effected areas.
Surgery
Surgery also brings relief to patients. Surgery is performed when the pain does not subside even after rest, medications or other forms of treatment and the nerve compression leads to other problems like extreme weakness and bladder incontinence etc
Alternative Sciatica Treatment
Many alternative sciatica treatments like yoga, acupuncture, acu-pressure and biofeedback therapy also exist. These alternative treatments are very effective in curing your sciatica problem.
Sciatica Treatment At Home
There are many home based sciatica treatment too. Some of them are very effective in curing your sciatica pain quickly. For example ice treatment is very effective in controlling sciatica pain if it is used with in 48 hours of the onset of pain. Movement is also a good option in reducing pain. Doing exercises that stretch piriformis muscles are helpful in controlling sciatica pain. Balancing your pelvis region properly also helps in controlling pain. You can do this by lying down on the bed to check whether the balance is properly distributed on both sides.
These sciatica treatments can help in curing and reducing your sciatica pain.
Neil Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/sciatica-treatments-that-really-help-756234.html
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Back Pain Through Overweight – Are You Affected?
Nowadays, more and more people are becoming Overweight. The main reasons for being Overweight are a low energy expenditure and – first and foremost -wrong eating habits. According to the American Obesity Association (AOA) 64.5% of all adult Americans (about 127 million people) are categorized as being Overweight or obese. In many other developed countries the figures are similarly alarming. Overweight and obesity are about to turn into a global epidemic. To carry about extra weight with oneself can result in several serious health issues, such as back pain through overweight.
Most people are aware of the more commonly known causes for overweight, such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and colon cancer. The majority of people, however, is not fully conscious of the health risk posed by back pain through overweight. Overweight contributes to different symptoms – the most common symptoms are osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. If you are overweight and suffer from back pain you shouldn’t take your problem lightly. The first instance of back pain can be considered as acute or short-term pain. After about 2 month the complaint is becoming chronic and usually much more difficult to treat than acute pain.
Fortunately, compared to some more complicated causes of back pain, back pain through overweight is easy to identify. Even experienced sports physicians and doctors find it hard to exactly identify some causes of back pain, because the reasons can be of a very complex nature. However, if you are overweight you know the reason for your back pains. Your spine has the function to carry your body’s weight and to balance your body. When your spine is forced to carry a lot of weight, this can lead to structural compromise, poor posture and even severe damages. Back pain through overweight can easily lead to chronic complaints and you should take immediate action in order to get rid of your extra pounds.
The lower back is most susceptible to the effects of overweight. Lower back pain through overweight is caused by problems relating to your lumbar spine. Apart from overweight, back pain is also caused by an insufficient amount of exercises for your back and your pelvis base as well as by a sedentary resulting in a poor flexibility and weak muscles in your lower back. This leads to your lower back being increasingly curved because the pelvis shifts slightly forward. The result is chronic lower back pain, and if you want to solve your problem you have to lose your extra pounds. Back pain through overweight is definitely curable by keeping a healthy and balanced diet.
The most important factor when it comes to weight loss is to permanently integrate some significant changes into your eating habits. If you change some important key factors on a permanent basis you won’t fall into the yo-yo effect trap. Combined with some physical activity you will be able to lose weight once and for all. And by losing weight you will not only get rid of back pain through overweight, but you will also be able to prevent some serious health issues, such as coronary heart disease and colon cancer.
Oliver Hetzel
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/back-pain-through-overweight-are-you-affected-723899.html
