Saturday, June 1, 2013

Inversion Therapy - Realigning the Spine


spinal stenosis



Inversion therapy? At first glance it may sound like a proposed cure for over-taxed mathematicians, but it is actually a treatment for joints and muscles touted by no less than that the enormously clever secret agent, Angus MacGyver. If the man who popularized using duct tape and Swiss Army knives as cure-alls for every conceivable household or mechanical ailment and who once hotwired a broken truck with little more than a turkey baster, a paper clip, and tweezers used inversion therapy, it must be good.

Inversion therapy works by suspending a person head down at an angle. The ankles are first clamped to an inversion table, allowing the body to rest at an inverted angle. This decompresses everything below the ankles and allows every joint to benefit from an equal and opposite action from that in an upright position.

This is especially beneficial for those suffering from back pain. Inversion therapy releases pressure on the discs, ligaments, and nerve roots of the spinal column, allowing them to return to their natural shape. This is great for treating sore muscles, shoulder tension, and joint pain.

Because only the movement of your feet is prevented, the rest of the body is free to move. There are several exercises which can be done in an inverted position which will increase your body's flexibility. As the muscles are already pre-stretched from being upside down, exercising in an inverted position will allow for stretching of muscles that will result in greater flexibility.

While not a cure for serious back ailments, inversion therapy offers great relief from occasional stiffness, soreness, back and joint pain. In addition, proponents of inversion state that it aids in improving posture by aligning the spine and increasing blood flow by acting on the circulatory system in an opposite manner than when the body is standing.

Beautyrest Mattress - Best Mattress for Back Pain Relief


spinal stenosis



Most people suffer from back pain at least once in their lifetime. According to research, there could be many reasons: poor diet, smoking, depression, a fancy office chair, excess weight, etc. However, one of the more obvious and direct factors that could be linked to the condition is the way people manage their backs. Of course, this includes the way they sleep and the mattresses they sleep on.

So what is the best mattress for back pain relief and prevention? Let's answer this question from three perspectives:

Firm, Soft or Medium-firm?

At least 75% of orthopedic doctors would still generally recommend a firm mattress to their patients, but the problem is when it puts pressure on the shoulders, hips, and the back of the head. The result could be back pain. On the other hand, using a very soft mattress can make the body sag, causing the spine to droop and again putting pressure on the shoulders and hips while the body tries to maintain its balance. A medium-firm product is generally the best option because it maintains the body's natural curvature during sleep, while providing just the right balance of support and cushioning.

Medical Conditions and the Right Mattresses

Categorizing a mattress simply as soft, medium-firm, and firm is one way of qualifying these products in relation to back pain. Another way of doing that is by considering any medical condition that may be behind the pain, and how choosing the right mattress will make a difference. For example, people with sciatica, a condition characterized by nerve injury and worsened by flexion, will do well with a firm mattress. On the other hand, people with spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal column, will be more comfortable with a soft mattress that will not add to the pain caused by the spinal column pressing against the spinal cord.

The General View

The most common way of determining whether a mattress is good or bad for back pain is simply looking into how it works against the person's back. From this perspective, a mattress should provide uniform support; meaning, there shouldn't be room for air to pass between the mattress and the person's body when lying down. Weight must be distributed evenly so as to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on any part of the back. The best choice based on this standpoint is a medium-firm best mattress for back pain relief. What's important is that the person is comfortable with the product, regardless of what is comfortable to others.

Since not all people develop have back issues, there aren't any hard and fast rules on choosing the right product. However, it is safe to say that understanding the role of mattresses in back pain and buying a trusted brand such as Beautyrest mattress are the two most important steps to bringing home the right product for many back pain-free nights to come.

Chiropractic Treatment to Correct Spinal Misalignments


spinal stenosis



Sports injury, poor posture, auto accidents, slips and falls are common causes of spinal misalignments. Chiropractic treatment can easily and effectively correct this condition without medication or surgery. Its fast growing acceptance over conventional treatment is mainly due to the fact that it involves no risks or side effects. Moreover, the therapy is ideal for people belonging to all age groups with musculoskeletal pain caused by subluxation (misalignment of the spinal vertebrae).

Spinal Manipulation Technique and its Advantages

Chiropractors set right a misaligned spine by a technique known as spinal manipulation or spinal adjustment. It is a 'hands-on' manual approach wherein gentle pressure and controlled thrust is applied to the spine. Persistent pain which emanates from the lower back is alleviated as the misaligned vertebrae that put stress on the nerves is pushed back into place. The treatment also relieves muscle spasm and releases blockages, thereby enabling proper and undisrupted functioning of the back.

The advantages of undergoing chiropractic treatment for spinal misalignment are:

• Increases blood circulation
• Relieves excessive pressure on spine
• Calms stressed nerves
• Prevents spinal degeneration
• Enhances flexibility
• Improves range of motion
• Increases vitality
• Strengthens the immune system
• Prevents relapse of the condition

Chiropractors are able to identify the exact region where the spine is misaligned using modern diagnostic devices such as X-ray or MRI. They customize the treatment for individual patients so as to provide fast and effective relief. The use of pain relieving modalities such as ultrasound and TENS has become common among the specialists. They may also suggest certain home based exercise programs for strengthening and stabilizing the spine.

Live an Independent and Better Quality Life

Turning a blind eye to symptoms of spinal misalignments is a grave risk. It can increase the risk of illness or disease and cause great physical and emotional difficulties. Seek chiropractic treatment from licensed and experienced practitioners at the earliest to live an independent and better quality life.

Five of the Most Common Causes of Back Pain


spinal stenosis



Back pain is a symptom of several conditions, and most people experience it at some point in life. In some cases, back pain occurs due to injury, but it can also be a result of age-related degeneration or disease. Below is a look at five of the most common causes of back pain.

Arthritis

Approximately one in six adults suffers from spinal arthritis, which is most often caused by the breakdown of cartilage on facet joints, which then become inflamed and cause friction-related pain that may be severe. Many cases of arthritic back pain are related to osteoarthritis brought on by long-term wear, but some patients have back pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. Whereas osteoarthritis most commonly affects the lumbar region, rheumatoid arthritis tends to cause pain in the upper back and neck.

Osteoporosis

When bones become fragile due to osteoporosis, the vertebrae become vulnerable to breakage. While spinal fractures most commonly affect elderly individuals, younger people can also suffer spinal damage due to osteoporosis. In most causes of osteoporosis-related back pain, everyday spinal pressure is the culprit. Mild falls or incorrect lifting posture are often to blame, but severe osteoporosis can put patients at risk for spinal fracture from even coughing or sneezing.

Scoliosis

The spinal curvature seen in scoliosis often affects people from birth, but it can also arise in adulthood due to osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, compression fractures and spinal stenosis. Occasionally, adult scoliosis occurs for no apparent reason. Pain can emerge after years of asymmetrical loading of vertebrae, which results in uneven wear. The affected area, most often the lower or middle back, usually becomes painful only after major degeneration has taken place. Adults with scoliotic back pain have often had scoliosis since childhood but only developed symptoms after years of wear and tear.

Spinal Stenosis

In spinal stenosis, pain and other neurological symptoms develop after the spinal canal narrows. Most commonly affecting the lower back, spinal stenosis can arise from arthritis, spinal tumors, heredity and trauma. Everyday activities, such as walking, can become severely painful as the condition progresses. In addition to pain, sufferers may experience clumsiness, problems walking and neuropathies, such as cold feelings, tingling and numbness.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Most people over age 60 have some level of disc degeneration, but some suffer from severe degeneration that causes pain in a few ways. Degenerative disc disease can result in osteoarthritis over time due to constant friction between discs that are no longer well-padded. Without cushioning, the discs bear weight they aren't designed to handle, leaving them open to osteoarthritis. Although discs don't normally contain nerves, some doctors believe that when disc degeneration becomes severe, nerves from outside the spine can grow into the discs and cause pain.

Back pain often is often a symptom of long-term deterioration related to trauma, lifestyle and disease. Patients have plenty of options for treatment in most cases. Between medication, rehabilitation and surgery, many patients are able to reduce or eliminate their back pain and lead a normal life.

Herniated Disc and Spinal Decompression - A Non Invasive Treatment Option


spinal stenosis



Herniated disc and spinal decompression therapy offers a non-invasive therapy for people suffering from debilitating back pain. Traditional traction devices that were used in the past to treat back pain have been replaced by technologically advanced herniated disc and spinal decompression tables.

What are the causes of a herniated disc?

In between the vertebrae in your spine can be found supple, spongy, spinal discs that are protected by a tougher outer layer. This layer surrounds the soft nucleus that allows for cushioning and the smooth movement of your spine, not unlike shock absorbers for your automobile. When one of the spinal discs becomes compressed between the bones in the spine, it can make the spongy material of the disc become herniated. This bulging of the disc causes friction from direct contact with nerve endings. Herniated disc is also commonly called slipped or ruptured disc.

As the body grows older, especially if a person leads a sedentary lifestyle without much activity to keep the spine limber and flexible, the discs can degenerate and become flattened. The spinal disc can become brittle if the degeneration is allowed to progress, which can make them more prone to injury.

A herniated disc can be caused by a strain from twisting the back rigorously. This injury can occur anywhere on the spine, but it most commonly happens in the lower spine or the neck. The patient will feel pain in the location where the disc has been ruptured.

Symptoms of herniated disc

There are several tell-tale signs of a herniated disc. The patient begins to feel shooting pains from the back down into the legs. There may also be tingling and numb sensations in the legs and feet from the nerves being pressed down. The pain can vary from mild to intense depending on the location of the injured disc and degree of injury.

Decompression: a safe, non-surgical treatment option

Spinal Decompression is a new technology that is safe, non-invasive, and approved by the FDA to treat spinal conditions such as herniated disc and other painful conditions effecting the spine. Designed to relieve the pressure from the herniated disc and compressed nerves by slowly and gently stretching the spine at a certain angle followed by cycles of partial relaxation. This pattern of distraction and relaxation creates a "vacuum effect" or negative intra-disc pressure.

Relieving the compression on the disc may cause the herniated or bulging disc to retract or get sucked back in the protective annulus thus removing the pressure from the nerve that was causing the pain and numbness.

The repetition of gently stretching and then relaxing the spinal discs over the course of several visits to the Chiropractor's office, allows oxygen and nutritious fluids to flow into the disc allowing the damaged discs to begin the healing process.

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical treatment for specific back pain conditions, including:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Facet syndrome
• Herniated disc
• Lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Neuralgia
• Pinched nerve
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis

Is decompression a painful procedure?

Spinal decompression is a painless, non-invasive therapy that relieves back pain. The patient will be strapped in to the machine and the straps are connected to the computer, which gently separates the vertebrae with a precise stretching force. The treatment is so comfortable that many patients actually fall asleep.

Spinal decompression machines are sensitive and can adjust the decompression rate in response to any pain the patient might experience during treatment.

Posture Correction Exercises Are the Key to Obtaining and Maintaining the Correct Back Posture


spinal stenosis



Posture correction exercises are something a lot of people don't consider for posture correction until they either start to feel self conscious about their poor posture, or they start to feel pain as a result. Basically we take our posture for granted until we either see, or feel a problem with it.

Using posture correction exercises to improve back posture is something everyone should consider to keep a healthy muscular balance of the spine. Why is our back posture so important? Think of its importance this way, our brain is the central processing unit for our bodies. To a certain extend its function is similar to that of the central processing unit or brains in a computer. How does our brain communicate with the rest of our body? This communication happens through the spinal cord. Some of you may be saying to yourself, what does this have to do with my posture.

Correct back posture has a direct health benefit for all of us as it relates to our spinal cord, and the brains ability to communicate with the rest of our body. This is because our spinal cord runs through our spine. Areas where the spine deviates from a correct/normal posture curve, the spinal cord is also placed in an unnatural position for an extended period of time. This unnatural position as a result of poor posture is often responsible for compressing one side of the spinal cord, and placing the other side in tension. This can constrict blood flow, and the spines ability to send and receive the proper signals. This same concept applies to our spinal nerves as they exit the spine. They are placed in an unnatural environment and may become constricted or pinched. Which obviously will have a direct impact on the brains ability to communicate with the function that spinal nerve is to provide for our bodies. The possibility of medical problems as a result of this are numerous and endless. They can range from problems with a specific organ to broader problems with our digestive system for example.

Targeted posture correction exercises can have a positive impact on your poor posture condition minimizing the negative impact on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. It is important to fix the problem sooner than later because the further your back posture deviates from normal the more stress it places on your spine and your spinal cord.

Friday, May 31, 2013

5 Essential Guidelines When Choosing A Chiropractor For Sciatica


spinal stenosis



So you have sciatica! The pain is unbearable! You are contemplating whether a chiropractor might alleviate the pain or not. The easiest way to find out is to get a treatment from a chiropractor and see if that might help, right? WRONG! That might be the worst decision you ever made!!

And here is WHY.

In order for a sciatica treatment to be effective you need to know what caused the sciatica in the first place. Sciatica Pain also referred to as Sciatica have different causes.

1. Bulging or Herniated Disc

This occurs when the soft tissue (invertebral disc) between the bones (vertebrae) of the spinal column gets damaged and starts to protrude to one side. This soft tissue prevents the vertebral discs from grinding on each other. The protrusion can put pressure on the sciatic nerve causing pain. In this case the chiropractor can bring relieve with low force techniques. The invertabral disc can also tear and the fluid inside this disc can leak. The fluid that leaked can irritate the sciatica nerve causing lots of unwanted pain. It is clear that in this scenario no chiropractic treatment will help.

2. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

When the channels within which the sciatic nerve is situated narrows it is called Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. Narrowing can occur due to various reasons. One cause of narrowing can be Osteoporosis. Chiropractic treatment in this case might do more damage than good. In most other Lumbar Spinal Stenosis cases it will be quite safe to use chiropractic treatment to relieve the pain.

3. Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when the vertebrae (bones in the spine) slip out of alignment. This slip can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve. If this slip is caused due to bone degeneration (arthritis) or a bone fracture, then it is not advisable to go for chiropractic treatment. In most other instances chiropractic treatment might have a positive influence on your sciatica pain.

4. Trauma

When the sciatic nerve is damaged or compressed due to an accident or sport injury trauma would be the diagnosis. A car accident for instance might cause damage to the sciatica nerve itself. Another scenario may be where a bone fracture may protrude and put pressure on the sciatic nerve. In some instances in this situation chiropractic treatment can help.

5. Piriformis syndrome

The priformis muscle is responsible for upper leg movement. It is situated in the buttock area. The sciatic nerve passes next to this muscle and down the leg. In some people the sciatic nerve passes through the piriformis muscle. When the piriformis muscle is injured or swollen for any reason it puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing the normal symptoms associated with sciatica. Patients normally react very positive on chiropractic treatment.

Choosing a Chiropractor

A last very important aspect to consider is how to choose the right chiropractor for treatment. I would advise following these guidelines when considering which chiropractor to use:

1. Ask questions. You need to know how the chiropractor is going to diagnose your condition. What treatment does he propose? How long will it take to see results from the treatment he is proposing?

2. Listen to his answers. Does he know what he is talking about? Does he ask you questions about your condition or does he jump straight into treatment? If he doesn't identify the problem properly, how can he give you the right treatment for your unique problem? Is he asking for a more visible diagnosis like a MRI scan or even X-Rays?

3. Do some enquiries of your own. Read. Talk to people the chiropractor that you intend seeing has previously treated. Are they satisfied with their treatment? Use the internet for information. Remember knowledge is power. The more you know about your condition, the better you will know where to go for help.

4. Make sure to diagnose the sciatica before going to the chiropractor. See a General Practitioner. Let him diagnose the problem. Ask for X-rays or better yet a MRI scan. A chiropractor will be able to make a more informed diagnosis with all the visible information available and his treatment should be much more effective.

5. Credentials are very important. Most Chiropractors will frame their certificates, diplomas and degrees and put it on their office walls for public display. Read these and make sure the person is duly qualified to practice Chiropractic.

6. Lastly TRUST YOUR INNER VOICE. If you do not feel completely at ease with the chiropractor or with what he says, find another that make you feel at ease with.

To recap make sure you get the right diagnosis for your problem. Ask questions. Find out as much as you can about your condition. Be informed!!!

When you follow these guidelines you can be sure that the right chiropractor can make a huge positive difference to help cure your of sciatica.

Understanding and Overcoming Back Pain


spinal stenosis



From your own experience, you probably know that traditional therapies for back pain usually produce only short-term, partial relief or require regular -- even lifelong -- care. It need no longer be that way.

There is something better available -- a new discipline in the field of health care: clinical somatic education. Most back pain sufferers who resort to clinical somatic education should expect full recovery in a space of days or weeks.

Clinical somatic education retrains muscle/movement memory. Clients rapidly improve their muscular control and freedom of movement through a mind-brain-movement training process. Clinical somatic education affects the brain the way biofeedback does, but with importance differences, one being speed of results and the other being the durability of the improvement. Changes are usually definitive and need no further professional help.

Clinical somatic education recovers fitness for the activities of daily living.

A New View of Back Pain

Spinal alignment and disc condition are secondary to something more basic: muscular tension.

Tight back muscles get fatigued and sore; they get prone to spasm; they pull vertebrae together and compress discs, causing bulges and degeneration; they cause nerve entrapment, such as sciatica.

Back muscles are virtually never too weak; they feel weak because they're tired from being tight all the time, musclebound.

Rest doesn't help, much. Muscle memory, not disease or misalignment, keep them tight. Resting doesn't change muscle memory.

This statement applies as much to people with degenerative disc disease and herniated discs to those who have only a twinge, now and then. The underlying cause is the same: muscle tension.

"If that's true," you may ask, "why doesn't my doctor (or therapist) know about it?"

The answer is that until recently, the connection between muscle memory and back pain wasn't recognized. Effects are typically mistaken for causes. No method existed that could rapidly change muscle memory enough to be clinically practical. Word takes time to spread and gain credibility. People are attached to their methods and ideas.

You may think, "Back spasms are too painful, too serious to be dismissed that quickly, or that easily."

That's understandable -- but a misunderstanding of your situation.

Conventional Therapeutics and Back Muscle Spasms

Conventional treatment methods, as you already know, are not effective enough for most people. Most therapies try to strengthen, stretch, or adjust people out of back trouble by working on muscles or the skeletal system. But bones go where muscles pull them, the control center for the muscular system is the brain (not the therapist), and these approaches don't address the brain's control of muscle action, so the problem remains or returns. The problem isn't in your muscles; it's in your brain, the organ of learning and the seat of muscle/movement memory, which runs the show.

That's why the relief obtained by conventional therapeutic approaches to back spasms is usually temporary and you remains subject to re-injury and to prescribed limitations to movement, such as "neutral spine position".

Muscle/memory is acquired, learned. What's learned can be unlearned, and actually, relearning muscular control is the only approach that works for long term relief of back pain. You must dissolve the memory-based, reflexive grip of musclebound back muscles; it can't be manipulated away.

Medical doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopaths, and bodyworkers use predominantly manipulative methods.

But problems arising from muscle/movement memory cannot be "cured" by manipulation because muscular tension is not a disease, but a habit maintained in the brain.

A Correct Understanding of 'Strengthening and Stretching'

The idea behind the common "strengthening and stretching" regimen for back spasms is usually based on a misunderstanding; it's a misunderstanding because the muscles involved are almost never weak, but tired; it's a misunderstanding because the muscles involved are not "short" and in need of stretching, but "in contraction" and in need of relaxation. Sore muscles don't need strengthening; they need relaxation and a chance to be refreshed, again.

You need to regain your ability to relax, something you can't regain by being manipulated by someone else; you regain it by relearning to relax -- a form of learning, albeit a specialized one for which you will probably need training.

Back Muscle Spasms May be Painful, but Not Themselves an Injury

One of the automatic reactions of the body to injury is to tighten up. That's part of the pain of most injuries, particularly of musculo-skeletal injuries. It's a reaction that protects the body from further injury. There are cases where the tightening up of back muscles is such a protective reaction, and a necessary one -- where actual damage has occurred, such as a ruptured disc or a violent accident. In such situations, surgery may be necessary and changing muscle memory will either not help or produce only temporary relief, at least until after surgery, unhappy news for some, but realistic.

If you've seen a doctor for your back spasms, he or she has either discovered that you need surgery or that you don't. Surgery is a last, desperate resort and most doctors are reluctant to recommend it. If you have been sent for therapy or given drugs, yours is not a surgical situation, meaning that your spasms are not a protective reaction against injury, but chronic activity.

In the majority of back spasms, there is no injury. The back spasms are just a movement malfunction -- a tension habit formed under stress. It's the "tension" part of "nervous tension."

So, why do back spasms occur? You now have part of the answer. Let's look a little more closely.

Your muscles obey your brain. Except for momentary reflexes controlled in the spinal cord (tested by your doctor's hammer tap), that's the whole story. So, if you have tight, spastic muscles, they're caused by your brain.

This answer is a "good news/bad news" type of answer. The bad news is that your muscles are out of control, and it's your brain's fault! Your brain isn't broken, just trapped by the memory of stress or injury in your history. The good news is that your brain can be relearn to relax those muscles.

Where do Back Muscle Spasms Come from?

One thing you will almost always notice about people with back spasms, if you exercise your powers of observation, is their high shoulders and swayback. Touch the muscles of their lower back, and you will find the same thing: hard, contracted muscles, not soft, weak, flabby muscles.

The major source of back spasms is the lifestyle of being "on the go" -- driven, driving, productive, on time, and responsive to every situation. Tense. This is a new idea for most people, so here's the explanation.

Our post-modern lifestyle triggers an ancient neuromuscular (bodily) response (known to developmental physiologists as the Landau Reaction); this reaction involves a tightening of the muscles of the spine in preparation for arising from rest (sitting or lying down) into activity (sitting, standing, walking, running). The Landau Reaction consists of the muscular responses involved in coming to a heightened state of alertness in preparation for moving into action. The reaction may be mild, moderate, strong, or extreme; triggered incessantly for years, a muscle/movement memory forms -- one that often outlasts the moment (or stage of life) when it was necessary and makes you vulnerable to episodes of spasm.

Many Back Pain Issues Come from the Same Cause

Though injuries from traffic accidents, falls, etc., also trigger muscular reactions that can become habitual, the Landau Reaction is behind most of the back-spasm epidemic in our society. It's a consequence of accumulated stress.

While you can't avoid the Landau Reaction (it's a necessary and appropriate part of life), you can avoid getting stuck in it. If your lifestyle puts you habitually in a state of reaction, you have to "de-habituate" yourself from it, so that your rise in tension occurs only as a momentary response to situations and does not become your chronic state.

Attempts to De-habituate the Landau Reaction

Most therapeutic approaches to back spasms are -- without knowing it -- attempts to de-habituate the Landau Reaction.

Cures for the tension and stress associated with the Landau Reaction include relaxation techniques, hypnosis, massage, skeletal adjustments, electrical stimulation, muscle relaxant drugs, and at last (as at first) pain medications.

Until recently, there was nothing better. Now, an effective way exists to rapidly improve muscular control, freedom of movement, and physical comfort. Once you have gained control of your Landau Reaction, a brief daily regimen of certain movements is sufficient to keep you from accumulating the daily tensions of a driven and overloaded life. You can keep refreshing yourself, as needed.

If you have numbness or tingling in your extremities, your problem is more severe and requires a medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions. Even if you have surgery, you will still need to learn to relax the tight muscles that initially caused the problem. If yours is not a surgical situation, then somatic education is probably viable for you.

The new methods used to de-habituate Landau Reaction are highly reliable and have no adverse side effects, apart from occasional temporary soreness the day after a session, soreness that fades out in a day or two, leaving you flexible, comfortable and stronger than before.

How to Treat Degenerative Disc Disease


spinal stenosis



Degenerative disc disease from osteoarthritis of the back can cause you extreme pain and suffering. There are a few ways whereby you can treat degenerative disc disease. Understanding what degenerative disc disease is, and what you can do, are important steps towards a better quality of life.

The chance of getting degenerative disk disease increases with age. Degenerative disc disease refers to a group of painful back conditions. Other types of diseases that can cause it are spinal stenosis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is usually caused by osteoarthritis of the spine, and it can be quite painful. If you have osteoarthritis of the spine, your pain comes from the vertebra becoming inflamed and irritated because of the compression of the disk. As your spine works to heal itself, small calcium stones are created on the spinal column. You will then experience painful attacks and a lack of mobility of the spinal will occur.

There are several treatment options if you have osteoarthritis of the spine. A popular OTC medication is paracetamol for pain. Codeine can be used in conjunction with paracetamol for added pain relief too. There are other prescription medications that are anti-inflammatory, which reduce pain. Steroids such as prednisone are one, but they cannot be taken on a long-term basis, especially for people with high blood pressure and heart disease. Side effects include bleeding ulcers and severe indigestion.

Steroids can also be taken as injections directly into the back for pain relief from osteoarthritis. A newer treatment in the injection form is using hyaluronic acid. Some medical studies have shown that it may push the body to make other cells that form cartilage in the back. Other studies on hyaluronic injection treatments theorize that it may help with lubrication between the spinal pads of the back. Only your doctor is qualified to tell you if they feel that using hyaluronic treatment may be beneficial for your pain management from osteoarthritis in your back.

It is thought that because osteoarthritis inhibits blood flow to the cartilage and muscles, taking glucosamine and chondroitin helps increase blood flow and maintain a healthier cartilage. These are food supplements that can be bought directly from over the counter. Other types of natural holistic treatments are taking avocado and soybeans, in either a pill form, or adding this to your diet in elevated concentrations. A few medical studies have shown that people who did add this to their diet experienced less pain, and not quite as much dependence on painkillers. Talk with your doctor if you feel that it may help with your painful osteoarthritis episodes.

Exercise is another good way to control pain and help with movement. Also, make sure that you control your weight too. Excess weight causes pressure on the back, and increases pain in the back.

Non-traditional therapies for degenerative disc disease caused by osteoarthritis are acupuncture and deep body massages. Acupuncture is believed to inhibit the body's pain receptors in the brain, and it thereby makes it easier for you to cope with the pain. Deep body messages relax tense muscles, and it can stress from pain. Many people have found relief from pain by using these two techniques for pain management by either using them independently, or in conjunction with each other. It is also thought that with acupuncture and deep body messages that pain fighting hormones are released into the body to dull the sensation of pain.

An excellent home remedy is to use a heat on the painful area. You may find that a moist heat is the best, but always use safety when applying heat from a heating pad for your back. Do not leave the heat on it for more than 30 minutes, and let your skin cool down. You do not want blisters. You can reapply heat as needed throughout the day, but make sure to rest between cool downs. If you don't muscle spasms can occur, and it will delay your healing time. If you can take aspirin for your pain because it is an anti-inflammatory, but remember it's also a blood thinner, and aspirin will raise blood pressure.

It can be depressing to be inflicted with degenerative disc disease. The best that you can do is try out a combination of methods to help you relieve yourself from pain. Hopefully one day there will be an effective and safe cure for your back.

Where To Find Cheap Ergonomic Office Chairs?


spinal stenosis



Nowadays, comfort and style are not the only things you need to consider before buying furniture and appliances. Now you also take into consideration that it should be ergonomic. Ergonomic means that something is designed for ease of use to its buyer. Today, even office chairs need to be ergonomic because it increases work productivity.

How to know if an office chair is ergonomic

People agree that in order for an office chair to be ergonomic, it has to satisfy the following guidelines:

1. The height of the seat should be adjustable. The best way to do this is through using a pneumatic adjustment lever. The seat will be adjusted until sitter has his/ her feet flat on the floor.

2. The person's weight should be distributed evenly in the seat so it should be wide enough. The seat should also be deep enough so that his/her back can lie against the backrest with a few inches allowance between the back of the knees and the seat.

3. The armrest should be adjustable. They should allow the sitter's elbows and lower arms to rest lightly and at the same time leave his/ her shoulders relaxed.

4. Chair should be stable and on wheels. A good ergonomic office chair should easily rotate, therefore giving the user freedom to move without straining.

5. Tilt tension should be adjustable. Both the forward and backward tilt of the chair should be adjustable.

If you look at it in a certain way, for an office chair to be ergonomic, virtually all of its components should be adjustable according to the person's size and preference to give him maximum ease and comfort.

What are the popular ergonomic chairs in the market?

Because ergonomic office chairs have been a trend in the market for some time now, people already have their own favorite style and model. Enumerated below are the most popular styles of ergonomic chairs in the market and the brands that I highly suggest you buy.

1. Exercise ball ergonomic chair

It is more than a ball than an office chair but it can function as one with many benefits. Unlike any stable chair, the exercise ball chair encourages movement, and in other words, active sitting. It helps stimulate blood circulation because your legs will keep on moving. It also reduces stress and fatigue and helps improve posture simply because slouching will be difficult, if not impossible, with the exercise ball ergonomic chair.

Gaiam offers one of the best exercise ball ergonomic chairs, the original BalanceBall chair. Gaiam reasonably prices the chair at $79.98.

2. Kneeling ergonomic chair
Some claim that this kneeling chair is the future of seating. The kneeling ergonomic chair is a chair that has no back and puts the person into a kneeling position and the pressure is placed at your shins. The sitter's posture is said to be improved with this chair because the hips are slid forward and the back, shoulder and neck are aligned. The chair also reduces stress and tension in the lower back and leg muscles by distributing the weight evenly between the pelvis and the knees.

The most popular brand of kneeling chair is the one by Jobri. This kneeling chair is of high quality and is affordably priced at $169.

3. Recliner chair

People with back problems such as lumbar spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease will find it most comfortable to sit on a recliner chair with their feet propped up. Reclining is not the most professional position in the world but some people with the ailments mentioned above have to have reclining office chairs.

OFM has one of the top 10 best selling recliner chairs in the market. The product, named Power Rest office chair recliner, come in burgundy or black and is priced at $322.99.

4. Saddle ergonomic chair

The saddle ergonomic chair puts the user in a position between sitting and standing. It is named "saddle chair" because the position achieved is similar to that when you are riding a horse. Using this office chair for a long time will strengthen your back muscles. It aims to eliminate some of the problems one can have when using the conventional office chair: circulation problems and slouching. This can be used as a desk chair and a computer chair.

The best saddle ergonomic chair in the market is made by Bambach. It comes with a wide range of adjustments. Check out their prices by calling Bambach on 02 8966 4800.

Golfers: Back Pain Due to Golf


spinal stenosis



Many of us tend to take up a sport to lose weight or stay fit. Fitness experts point out that it should be the other way round - you must get into shape to play a sport and this includes golf. Most back pain is preventable and often is caused by too little exercise, over exertion, poor form, lack of flexibility, and poor posture. A slight modification in your lifestyle and understanding of the back will help.

Why are golfers vulnerable to back pain?

Back problems can start either before the golfer starts playing golf or it may start shortly after he starts frequenting a golf course. Majority of the golfers suffer from regular back aches which develop during the course of the game. If left unattended, the problem will be greatly aggravated.

1. The young generation which is physically dysfunctional, pick up golf and start playing for long durations, this sudden repetitive motion is likely to injure them.

2. A closer look at the golf player will show clearly that he tilts his body to one side during the swing action which contributes to the back ache.

3. In an ideal golf swing, the spine is the center and core of the swing. When the axis is shifted as a result of a wrong posture, the back starts hurting.

How to overcome back pain?

Back pain can be mitigated by doing specific golf stretching exercises for a long-term.

1. Most often back ache can develop if players do not exercise regularly or condition their bodies' specific to the game.

2. Golfers should remember to drink lots of water during the course of the play.

3. A poor stance puts tremendous stress and strain on the lower back. The bent over and crouched position puts much stress on the back, therefore bend from the hips.

4. Strengthening the core muscles should be part of your golf fitness program. Strength workouts will also improve metabolism.

5. If you are overweight, you must lose the extra pounds, the additional weight is bound to compress the spine and discs.

6. Mismatched sets of golf equipments can lead to back ache, they should fit the player perfectly.

7. Researchers report that smoking may increase the risk of lower back problems. Scientifically, nicotine decreases the blood supply to the spine.

8. Avoid the golf cart as the sitting position puts 40% more pressure on the discs than standing. Try walking the course with a pull-cart as this will keep you warmed-up throughout.

Golf-specific exercises for a long term pain-free game:

1. A complete exercise program to strengthen your core and back muscles should include aerobics, strength training and stretching.

2. Instead of a steady-paced walk, try fast walk done in short intervals. For instance, take faster strides for a short period then slow down for a couple of minutes, before picking up speed.

3. A proper warm-up for 5-10 minutes resulting in mild sweating prepares the muscles for a game of golf.

4. An exercise resistance band during your work out helps tone upper body.

5. The torso twist and cobra stretches are fantastic golf stretching exercise that will loosen up your back to minimize pain.

Initial treatment for lower back problems is to stop your activity and ice the lower back for 20 minutes. If the pain persists, a golfer should first consult a chiropractor to check out if any other reason is there behind the pain. Chiropractic is a natural health care method that restores proper alignment and function of the spinal joints and recuperates faster.

Osteopathic Treatment or Surgery for Back Pain?


spinal stenosis



Your spinal column is made up of three different kinds of bones. These are the:

Lumbar vertebrae: These bones are located at the base of your spine, just above your hips. It's these strong bones that bear the weight of your entire spinal column. It's therefore important that these bones remain strong.

Thoracic vertebrae: These are the bones found towards the middle of your spine. They are located right behind your chest region. These vertebrae are slightly smaller than the five lumbar vertebrae at the bottom of your spine. Your thoracic vertebrae are designed to assist your flexibility of movement when you swivel from side to side.

Cervical vertebrae: These are the spinal bones found right at the base of your neck. These vertebrae have the primary aim of supporting your head and neck.

Your Spinal Discs

Between each of your vertebrae you have intervertebral discs. These discs act as the shock absorbers of your body, holding the vertebrae together and allowing you to move freely.

Each of these discs has an outer fibrous bony tissue known as the annulus fibrosus. Inside these boney tissues is the nucleus pulposus, which is a clear jelly like substance.

An injury to your spinal column may cause disc defragmentation or herniation. If your spinal disc is herniated or ruptured, the nucleus pulposus begins to leak from it. When the outer annulus fibrosus is ruptured, your body will release an inflammatory chemical, which can cause severe pain.

Disc herniation is usually caused by constant wear and tear. Desk jobs that require constant sitting may cause herniation of the spinal discs. This is due to continuous pressure placed on the discs while sitting, which can be combated by strengthening your core.

A herniated disk is also often caused by intense pressure on the disc by the vertebrae located above and below it. Such injuries are caused when a person lifts heavy objects improperly or by sudden twisting.

Where in the Spine Can a Disc be Injured?

Any of the spinal discs can be injured through either overuse or traumatic injuries. All three regions of your vertebrae, the cervical, thoracic and the lumbar are susceptible to spinal disk injuries. However, since your lumbar vertebrae bear the most weight, they are the most easy to injure.

The cervical discs, when used intensively, such as when reading or with excessive use of the computer, may also be injured. The discs in the thoracic region are the least susceptible to injury. They are usually only injured when the spine receives trauma, such as in an accident or sporting injury.

What are the Symptoms of Disc Injuries?

The exact symptoms of disc pain vary from one patient to another. The most common symptom of disc injury is persistent achey pain in the affected region.

Some people with cervical disc injuries may experience the sensation of pins and needles in their limbs - particularly arms and fingers. Other people with lumbar disc injuries may experience pins and needles in their legs and feet.

Those with thoracic disc injuries may feel patches of numbness or tingling in their back in line with the region of injury. This is usually due to an irritation of the nerves either from disc herniation onto the nerve, local inflammation or muscle spasm. In certain cases, where there has been a trauma to the lower spine, a person may experience a loss of control of bowel and bladder movements. This condition is known as Cauda Equina syndrome and causes numbness / paresthesia in the genital region. This is a serious condition and must be treated as an emergency.

How did I cause my disc injury?

An injury is usually caused by a forceful movement in your neck or spine. You may have bended at an odd angle or tried to lift a heavy object. Other causes of disc injuries include car accidents, sports injuries and falls.

In the elderly, the disc may degenerate naturally, causing disc pathology.

How Long Will I Have Back Pain?

There is no easy answer to this question. If you have your condition treated immediately, you may achieve long term pain relief within only a few treatments. However, the extent of injury also decides the prognosis. In general, the longer you have had your back pain, the longer it takes to successfully treat.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

Osteopathy is a globally recognised form of manual medicine that cares for the musculoskeletal system. Osteopathy can help to relieve inflammation and local spasms in your muscles. In all but the most extreme cases, osteopathy can work to realign the spine and remove postural issues that affect the site of the injury.

To aid your recovery, your osteopath will give you specific strengthening exercises to improve the strength of your spine and aid your recovery.

How Does Surgery Help?

As surgery is invasive and strives to make permanent changes, you need to take the time to fully understand the risks involved. Surgery should not be viewed as an easy first option, but should instead be considered one of the last options, if other treatment methods have been unsuccessful.

There are many different types of back pain surgery options available. A laminectomy may be performed, which involves taking out a section of your vertebra to relieve pressure from the herniated disc. Other options include a vertebral fusion, in which your upper and lower vertebrae are fused together. Alternatively you could also have a discectomy in which the disc is either removed or replaced.

Natural Spinal Arthritis Treatment


spinal stenosis



Natural spinal arthritis treatment is something that many sufferers of this condition prefer over traditional treatment. For many, the thought of traditional medication or surgery can be a very daunting one. With all the horror stories that people hear about side effects this comes as no surprise. The good news is that for those that do want to try natural remedies and treatments there are options available.

Natural treatment is something that can refer to a number of options or a combination of them. The aim of using natural treatment for arthritis of the spine is to avoid having to take medication or undergo surgery. Many people have enjoyed great success in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis with natural treatment. This means that anyone that is diagnosed with the issue could look at alternative options other than just the traditional treatment route.

Some people combine natural arthritis treatment with traditional ones, which can also be effective. However, some prefer to focus only on natural remedies. If you are concerned about whether you should try the natural approach you can always discuss the issue with a healthcare professional. There are many things that you can try to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis the natural way, and some may prove more effective than others.

Which remedies are natural?

A number of remedies that people use to alleviate the symptoms of spinal arthritis are classed as natural. Natural basically refers to the fact that the condition is not being treated by drugs and surgery. Instead, the patient looks at other remedies, which can involve the consumption of natural products or can be physical changes. Some of the remedies and approaches that people take for a natural approach include:

  • Herbal remedies: Many people take herbal supplements to try and alleviate the symptoms of this condition. If this is something that you are considering you should ensure that they are all natural, and check the ingredients prior to taking them.

  • Change of diet: Your diet can have a profound effect on your arthritis symptoms. Many people look at changing their diet to consume things such as more Omega oils or foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.

  • Exercise: Being active is important when you are looking to combat the symptoms of arthritis in the spine. There are a number of exercises that can prove highly effective for addressing the symptoms. This includes swimming and water exercise, which can be especially effective. This is because it puts minimal stress on joints yet offers excellent benefits in terms of strengthening the muscles.

Ease your symptoms with stretching

Stretching the muscles around the spinal area is an important part of alleviating the symptoms of this condition. Some gentle stretching is a great way to warm up the muscles for other exercise that you may be trying. It is also a good way to stretch and strengthen your muscles. Stretching can help to relieve tension and improve flexibility too. This makes it an important part of natural spinal arthritis treatment.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

An Overview Of Some Sciatica Remedies


spinal stenosis



Sciatica can be an incredibly painful condition when there is nerve damage or pressure on the sciatic nerve, which is the largest nerve in the body. It runs from the bottom of the spine, through the hip, knee and to the ankle. Sciatica can be caused by a number of different things, each which need to be targeted when looking at sciatica remedies. Causes include pressure on the sciatic nerve from the piriformis, a herniated or displaced disk, spinal stenosis or an isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Sciatica can be caused by the piriformis, which is a muscle that runs deep in the hip joint, crossing over the sciatic nerve. When the piriformis is too tight or tense it can choke the sciatic nerve, putting pressure on the nerves which can in turn cause intense pain deep in the joint. Sciatica remedies that target piriformis syndrome include stretching the piriformis muscle as well the gluteal muscles around it. It has also been recommended that by massaging this area, muscles can be released so that they do not choke or put stress on the sciatic nerve. Other muscle relaxants that have been recommended include Valerian root and Passion flower as sciatic remedies.

Herniated or displaced disks can also cause sciatica when a bulging disk puts pressure on the sciatic nerve from a sports injury or something similar. To target disk problems, sciatica remedies can range from homeopathic treatment to surgery. Homeopathy refers to alternative medicine which is believed to more holistic in treating pain. Some of these include Colocynth, Belladonna, Nux vomica and Gnaphalium, however you can consult a homeopathic specialist for recommendations. Traditional medicines include anti-inflammatory drugs, pain-killers or even an epidural injection. Physical therapy is also recommended to strengthen and stretch the back muscles. The last resort for sciatica caused by a herniated disk is surgery.

When the spine is compressed or put under pressure, it can cause spinal stenosis which affects your hip and spine and can cause the sciatic nerve to have intense pressure on it, resulting in sciatica. This is because the spinal canal is narrowed which can cause a lot of pain, numbness and weakness in the neck and lower back. Physical therapy and the strengthening of core muscles through exercise can take pressure off the spine and relieve its stress on the sciatic nerve. Artificial support, like a medical corset can also be worn to take pressure off the spine. Sciatica remedies can also include anti-inflammatory medication or epidural injections. Spinal surgery to relieve compression can be used as a sciatica remedy, taking pressure of the sciatic nerve by alleviating stress on the spine.

A pinched sciatic nerve can be caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis when a vertebra is dislocated, causing strain on the surrounding muscles. When a vertebra has been dislocated or damaged, it is first suggested that one rests for a few days, so as to avoid stress or pressure on the spine. Anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers can also be taken as well as an epidural injection. Exercise, strengthening and stretching may also help rehabilitation of the muscles around the damaged vertebra, relieving pressure off the pinched sciatic nerve. Depending on how badly damaged the vertebra is, a sciatica remedy can include surgery to move the vertebrae off the nerve it is compressing.

More natural sciatica remedies include elderberry juice or elderberry tea, to relax muscles. Garlic or garlic supplements are also recommended along with vitamin B which can be found in spinach, bananas, bread and some types of beans, among others.

While pain can be relieved temporarily in terms of sciatica, the cause of the pain needs to be targeted. Sciatica remedies that try and target these causes are the most helpful and permanent remedies.

Spinal Stenosis Symptoms and What to Look For During Check-up


spinal stenosis



If there is any constriction in the stenosis, or the spinal canal, the resulting narrowing causes the dreaded spinal stenosis symptoms of extreme back pain and numbness. The extremities are affected with weakness and tingling. Stenosis can put its debilitating effects on any portion in the spinal column but the lumbar section, or the lower back, and the cervical region, or the neck and upper back area, are the usual victims. Elderly people are most often affected because of their age, which is why their movements are often restricted the older they get.

Birth defects can be a cause of stenosis but it's not very common. However, the compression can be caused by senior age-related diseases, for example, disc degeneration and the stiffening and thickening of ligaments that hold your spine in place. Degenerative diseases like Paget's disease, spinal injuries, or abnormal growths can cause a narrowing as well.

People can have stenosis without feeling spinal stenosis symptoms. When the nerves are inflamed, however, it's a whole different story. And the symptoms themselves are different depending on where you're hurting. If it's your lower back that's killing you, you feel fatigued and benumbed plus a generalized painful sensation in the limbs which increases while walking. If the sick person can have the chance to lie down, then the feelings of pain are somewhat lessened. In extreme cases, the patient may feel "prickling" in their legs while reflex actions like sneezing and coughing can cause excruciating back pains in the lumbar region.

If pain is more frequent in the upper back and neck area, then the arms are hit with a lack of sensation and general weakness that may cause tripping or dropping of objects that are held. In extreme cases, the affected person will lose the ability to write and will be unable to perform actions that require fine motor movements. Because the pain moves, it may be misidentified as sciatica, which could result in wrong treatments being prescribed, like a bulging disc treatment which is essentially useless in this case. One key point is that spinal stenosis symptoms pains actually increase rather than decrease when given enough time, which is opposite of degenerated discs..

A good doctor will start the treatment of spinal stenosis symptoms with a thorough physical to measure spinal damage, balance, and movement range and an interview of a detailed medical history. He will also ask for medications previously taken, previous treatments, what worked and what did not.

Next on the agenda will be x-rays and MRI scans to look inside the body. The x-ray can give the radiologist an idea of where to focus and the Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan will show details of the injured area. Specific vertebrae can be pinpointed and a good working plan for spinal stenosis symptoms treatments can finally be made.

How to Deal With Your Sore Back


spinal stenosis



About a year ago I was working on a ladder, painting, and fell, landing on my back. I felt something give in my back, and immediately I had severe pain in a small patch of my back. I had no numbness or weakness.

I got up, wiped most of the paint off, and hobbled into the house all bent over. My wife suggested taking me to the emergency room at the hospital. I decided to see a chiropractor instead. Boy, am I ever glad I did! He was very pleasant and kind. He prescribed some back exercises for me, and sent me home. Over the next week I repeated the exercises daily, and rapidly got better!

There's a lesson here! Back injuries with no NEW weakness or numbness don't need a hospital workup or surgery. That just wastes money and time. Chiropractors can help with this very well, and do a better job than most MDs. I've earned the right to say that. I have the education, training, and experience to know about this.

If you've fallen, or been slammed in an accident, back pain is common, and mostly not serious. While you're still shaking from the injury ask yourself this question. Do I have any weakness or numbness that wasn't there before this accident?

If the answer is "no," be happy and go see your chiropractor. I've followed this advice, and been better off because I did.

Sneaky Back Problems

The commonest back problems sneak up on you. One day you realize you're all bent over, and can't straighten up without pain. You have no clue how long this nasty condition has been going on. You just can't ignore it any longer. Now what?

Most people with this back pain get a fancy workup with an MRI of the spine and get told they have Spinal Stenosis. That means a narrowing of the spine from bulging disks and bones out of alignment. Unfortunately, we can't put you on an alignment rack like a car and straighten everything up.

Usually this gets a referral to an intervention pain specialist who will suggest Epidural Steroid Injections. This needs explaining. But first, let me mention what will probably help more than anything else.

What you really need is back exercises. I'm preparing a video of back exercises to help you really see what you need to do. I've got back pain, and the exercises really do help a lot! When I do them faithfully, I have no pain. When I get lax, and just try to get by, pretty soon I'm not getting by at all, and repenting of my foolishness.

You can go onto the web and look up back exercises. They are simple to do, and can really get your pain to go down a lot, or even go Away.

Postural Syndrome - A Modern Biomechanical Phenomenon


spinal stenosis



One of the most common causes of neck pain and low-back pain has to do with poor posture. Because the majority of conditions in the neck and low-back fall under the category of chronic repetitive overuse injuries, having a poor posture will increase the load/pressure on the ligaments, joints, muscles, and tendons trying to provide support. In other words, poor posture will predispose and/or increase the chance of developing a repetitive overuse injury in the neck and low-back. The reason for this is that poor posture will lead to the development of a system of muscle imbalances and overcompensation patterns in the body. "Over time, these imbalances will spread throughout the muscular system in a predictable manner." (Janda)

These patterns were first classified and coined by the famous Dr. Vladimir Janda and are known as "Upper Crossed Syndrome" and "Lower Crossed Syndrome". According to Janda, upper crossed syndrome is characterized by the over-facilitation of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, and pectoralis muscles, but simultaneously characterized by the inhibition of the deep neck flexors, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles. Similarly, the same mechanism works for lower crossed syndrome. In this case, there is over-facilitation of the rectus femoris, iliopsoas, and thoraco-lumbar extensors; whereas, there is inhibition of the abdominals and gluteus muscles (maximus, minimus, medius). The primary result of this crossed pattern of over-facilitation and inhibition is the development of muscle imbalances and abnormal movement patterns.

The secondary result is the development of compensation patterns, instability, weakness, overuse, fatigue, abnormal wear and tear, joint dysfunction, hypo mobility and hyper mobility, degeneration, etc. It is these secondary problems that are the source of symptoms such as pain, limitation, and discomfort. Thus, the goal of therapy should not only be pain management, but rather correction of the source of the problem. Some specific treatments that can make significant improvements are postural exercises, core strengthening exercises, chiropractic manipulation to increase mobility and function, active release technique, physiotherapy, massage, stretching of the over-facilitated muscles, strengthening of the inhibited muscles, and reintroducing proper movement patterns in the body.

Postural syndrome is very common in western societies. Our lifestyles such as sitting behind a desk for hours on a daily basis, lots of driving, poor diet, poor ergonomics, lack of exercise due to time constraints, and not paying attention to our slouching contribute significantly to developing postural syndromes. To decrease this phenomenon the least we can do is to be a bit more aware of our posture, and learn proper ergonomics while sitting behind a desk. It only takes a small effort to make significant changes.

Dr. Soroush Khoshroo, B.Sc., D.C., A.R.T.

The Basic Reason Ballet Can Be So Beneficial


spinal stenosis



As an exercise type ballet is almost completely unique for the lack of any momentum building. This lack of momentum is the reason that ballet is both very challenging to do and does not "feel" like any other type of exercise and also why it can be a powerful tool for improving the condition of the spine and general musculature of the overall body.

As ballet developed the language of movement needed to match physical movement with beautiful, soaring classical symphonic music it had to create a series of body positions to which the dancer returns in between practically all steps, leaps or turns being done. Along with these body positions - which all emphasize the long line and spiral form of the body - the technique of maintaining specific leg and arm alignments relative to the body core and each other ensure that ballet dancers have that "floating" or "effortless" look about them once properly trained and yet are doing things that any athlete would find extremely challenging. Ballet is not about the most height or speed or number of spins, it is about making anything being done by the dancer look effortless no matter how high or fast or how many spins are done.

The overall result of this language of movement along with the technique of exactly placing the legs and arms enables ballet dancers to "come out of no where" when preparing to leap or turn or change direction and this is why ballet needs almost no momentum to be done correctly. This lack of momentum combined with the constant struggle against gravity to keep the spine as tall and long as it can be, the legs stretched out and the arms extended through the shoulders, stimulates a large array of skeletal muscles in ways no other exercise form can.

This is also why I have seen personally ballet training enable several scoliosis patients to gain a much improved spine and skeletal muscle conditioning which fought back against the scoliosis and avoided them having to have rod implant surgery and even enabled them to eventually ditch the body brace.

Now to be clear, ballet is not a guaranteed or certifiable treatment. For one thing, it must be taught correctly. As with any physical therapy, if it is done or presented wrong it is completely useless. However, when the technique is taught correctly and done over a mid-term time frame of 2 to 5 years, time and time again striking improvements to students have occurred and not just with scoliosis but also with weak knees, excessively tight muscles of the feet or legs, and even headaches if those headaches were being triggered by poor spinal conditioning. A chiropractic adjustment is what fixes an out-of-alignment spine, but to condition the muscles to do a much better job of holding the alignement, ballet is simply a wonderful exercise to do.

Piriformis Syndrome


spinal stenosis



Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle becomes tight or spasms, and irritates the sciatic nerve. This causes pain in the buttocks region and may even result in referred pain in the lower back and thigh. Patients often complain of pain deep within the hip and buttocks, and for this reason, piriformis syndrome has also been referred to as "Deep Buttock" syndrome.

What is the Piriformis?

The piriformis is a small muscle located deep within the hip and buttocks region. It connects the sacrum (lower region of the spine) to the top of the femur (thigh bone) and aids in external rotation (turning out) of the hip joint.

Many muscles and tendons make up the hip and buttocks region. The piriformis is the horizontal muscle in the center, running over the top of the sciatic nerve.

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

Piriformis syndrome is predominantly caused by a shortening or tightening of the piriformis muscle, and while many things can be attributed to this, they can all be categorized into two main groups: Overload (or training errors); and Biomechanical Inefficiencies.

Overload (or training errors): Piriformis syndrome is commonly associated with sports that require a lot of running, change of direction or weight bearing activity. However, piriformis syndrome is not only found in athletes. In fact, a large proportion of reported cases occur in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. Other overload causes include:


  • Exercising on hard surfaces, like concrete;

  • Exercising on uneven ground;

  • Beginning an exercise program after a long lay-off period;

  • Increasing exercise intensity or duration too quickly;

  • Exercising in worn out or ill fitting shoes; and

  • Sitting for long periods of time.


Biomechanical Inefficiencies: The major biomechanical inefficiencies contributing to piriformis syndrome are faulty foot and body mechanics, gait disturbances and poor posture or sitting habits. Other causes can include spinal problems like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. Other biomechanical causes include:


  • Poor running or walking mechanics;

  • Tight, stiff muscles in the lower back, hips and buttocks;

  • Running or walking with your toes pointed out.


Symptoms

Pain (or a dull ache) is the most common and obvious symptom associated with piriformis syndrome. This is most often experienced deep within the hip and buttocks region, but can also be experienced anywhere from the lower back to the lower leg.

Weakness, stiffness and a general restriction of movement are also quite common in sufferers of piriformis syndrome. Even tingling and numbness in the legs can be experienced.

In the second part of this two part series, I will discuss treatment methods for piriformis syndrome, as well as go over a few tips for prevention. Often a few moments of carefully thought out warm-ups or stretches will save you a lot of pain in the future.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Diagnosing Sciatica


spinal stenosis



Doctors use different techniques while diagnosing sciatica, and these range from uncomplicated physical tests to complex imaging procedures. Depending on the severity of the pain and the extent of the condition, the doctor may choose the procedure he or she wishes to use.

Physical Tests - This is a standard procedure, involving certain exercises, such as lifting legs one at a time while lying on the back and walking on one's toes. The pain experienced in sciatica patients worsens while performing these activities, thus allowing the doctor to narrow down the diagnosis. In addition, the doctor will also take a medical history and a detailed physical examination of the legs and spine.

Imaging Procedures - If the pain in the lower half of the body lasts for more than a month, the doctor might recommend that the patient undergo an imaging procedure. Depending on the severity of the disease, the doctor may choose one or more of the following procedures.

• MRI Scan - An MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan can provide a thorough view of the back. This allows the doctor to determine the cause of sciatica, through a comprehensive study of the scan. This is the most sensitive imaging procedure for sciatica diagnosis.

• CT scan - A CT scan, or a Computerized Tomography Scan usually involves a dye that the doctor injects into the spinal canal. The spinal cord and nerves absorb the dye, and these areas show up brightly on the scan, allowing a clear examination.

• Spinal X-Ray - While spinal columns do not usually show up on a normal X-ray, a spinal X-ray can help in the case of sciatica diagnosis by detailing the spinal area.

Thus, the diagnosis of sciatica is a complex procedure that depends on the severity of the disease and the available resources, in case of an imaging procedure.

Various Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief


spinal stenosis



When the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, impinged or damaged, it can cause both motor and sensory problems to the thighs up to the toes. This is because of the stimulation of each nerve root with certain muscles of the lower limbs. During a sciatic nerve impingement, the muscle of the affected nerve root supplies become weak. The nerve root carries sensory information from the skin to the brain and so a person may experience sensory-related symptoms like numbness and tingling sensation to the area supplied by the affected nerve root.

Sciatica is the condition in which pain associated with the nerve impingement. It is commonly marked by pain that is acute and will disappear as soon as the removal of pressure from the sciatic nerve is done. The pain is described as shooting, cramping or burning which extends from the hips, the thighs up to the feet and toes.

There are three major causes of sciatica and these are spinal stenosis, herniated disc and intervertebral degeneration.

Spinal stenosis is the most common cause of sciatica. It is a condition marked by narrowing of the nerve root canal. The nerve root canal is where the spinal nerves exit and once there are bony spurs or thickening in that area, the sciatic nerve was impinged, pressured or may even become damaged.

Another cause of sciatica is a herniated disc. Our spines have intervertebral discs that act like a cushion that helps protect the vertebral bones from bumping into one another and when these intervertebral discs bulge or rupture, it will cause nearby nerves to become impinged. Furthermore, when the herniated disc occurs in the lumbar region it may impinge the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica.

The third most common cause of sciatica is degenerative disk disease. When the intervertebral disc degenerates it will cause the upper vertebral bones to collapse on the lower vertebral bones causing instability and once this happens, the spinal nerves will most likely get impinged.

There are several medical treatment that could be used such as NSAID or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which will greatly improve the swelling issues. Once the swelling has gone down, exercises are recommended to help with the residual pain, restore flexibility and prevent sciatica again.

These are the different types of exercises for each major causes of sciatica.

Exercises for Sciatica Caused By A Herniated Disc

For a herniated disc the idea is to over extend your spine toward the back to lessen the pain. The goal is to centralize the pain.

Exercise 1. Prone with both elbows bended and fixed on the floor. Arch your back as far as you can with your elbows firmly placed at the back. Hold this stretch for several seconds and then repeat it up to five times.

Exercise 2. Prone with elbows extended and palms placed on the floor. Over arch your back and hold this for few seconds then repeat up to five times but be sure to take enough rests in among these exercises.

Exercise 3. Prone with a pillow at the front for support. Bend your right elbow and place your arms at the back of the crook of your spine then do the same thing with the other arm.

Exercise 4. Prone with knee and arms extended. This is like swimming but only on the ground. You raise one leg and the opposite arm off the floor. Keep this action for few seconds and then do this to the opposite arm and corresponding opposite leg as well.

Exercise 5. The starting action of this exercise is lying down. Bend the knee and firmly place the feet on the ground. With both of your arms folded across your abdomen you do a curl up to strengthen the muscles of your abdomen.

Exercises For Sciatica Caused By Spinal Stenosis

The goal is to increase or restore flexibility of the lower back.

Exercise 1. Lie on your back with both of your knees bended. Pull one leg at a time and when you have both of the legs pulled up, stretch the lower spine by drawing both of your knees close to your chest. Keep that positions for about 30 seconds or more.

Exercise 2. With your head bowed to the ground and hips flexed, stretch your arms directly in front of you until you feel a stretch on your lower back.

Exercise 3. Lying on your back you bend your hip and knee while lying on the plinth or bed. With your left hand internally rotate your knee toward the left side of your body and try to feel the stretch on your lower back. Hold this action for few seconds then do the same with the opposite side of your body.

Exercise 4. Bring up the right ankle and cross over to the left knee. You basically make a figure-4 with your knee and ankle. Grab the left leg and pull it up to the chest to feel a stretch on the lower back. This will increase flexibility and help relieve pain. Hold the stretch for few seconds then do the same exercise using the opposite leg.

Exercise for Sciatica Caused by Degenerative Disk Disease

The goal is to strengthen your abdomen but at the same time to stretch your lower back.

Exercise 1. Do the pelvic tilt exercise by lying on your back with your hips and knees flexed. Try to tighten your abdominal muscles and flatten your lower back by trying to push your lower back to the floor. Hold action for five seconds or so and repeat five times.

Is My Pain From My Hip Joint Or From a Low Back Spine Problem?


spinal stenosis



Pain that is in or around one's hip joint may or may not be present secondary to a hip issue. The pain can also be coming from a low back spinal problem.

The potential generators of the pain can be:

1) Hip joint arthritis or a soft tissue problem inside the hip joint (labrum)

2) Intervertebral disc herniation

3) Spinal Stenosis

4) Soft tissue problem around the hip

5) Fracture in the spine

6) Hip Fracture

Hip arthritis pain or a labral tear may cause significant pain in the groin area on the affected side. Physical examination and x-rays will typically confirm the culprit as degenerative joint disease (DJD) in the hip. If the patient receives a hip injection as treatment and the pain is eliminated even for an hour, one can be certain the hip is in fact the problem with further treatments confined to the hip.

Groin pain can also be a result of a disc herniation. It's not something typically seen in a textbook and it is an atypical presentation, but an L5-S1 disc herniation can in fact cause groin pain on the affected side. So if the exam and radiologic studies of the hip are not definitive for a hip problem, potentially obtain and MRI of the lumbar spine for the answer.

Pain that is around the hip joint may be coming from the spine. It is called radiating pain if it emanates from a spinal problem and then travels down into the buttock area or hip region. One such problem is called spinal stenosis, which represents nerve root compression at one or multiple levels from an arthritic process.

Spinal stenosis typically occurs in older individuals that may also be experiencing pain in the hip from arthritis. So the hip pain can be a combination of radiating pain from spinal stenosis along with the direct pain from the DJD in the hip. How is the diagnosis then made.

The combination of a good history, physical examination, and imaging studies often elucidates the source of the pain. If there's still a question mark, injections can give the answer. Here's an example. Betty is 74 years old and experiences pain on the outside and front of her right hip area on a daily basis. Activity makes it worse, and at times it wakes her up at night. Also it radiates down the front of her thigh a bit.

She is convinced the pain is coming from her hip since she has no back pain at all. On physical examination while moving her right hip all over the place, however, she has minimal provocation of her pain. X-rays show moderate arthritis in her right hip, with the same degenerative joint disease existing on her left side as well.

The physician orders x-rays and an MRI of Betty's lumbar spine which shows numerous nerve roots being compressed as they are trying to get out from the spine on the right side. So she has spinal stenosis.

As a diagnostic test, the physician performs a right hip injection under x-ray guidance. Betty's pain only decreased 20% over the next three days. So the physician sent Betty to a pain doctor the following week who performed an interventional pain management procedure called an epidural injection.

And you know what happened? Betty's pain decreased another 50% after the first injection and another 20% with the second injection, adding up to a 90% pain reduction with the epidural injections. Both the spinal injections and the hip injection therefore served both a diagnostic and therapeutic purpose.

It is important to keep in mind that pain in and around the hip may in fact be coming either partly or completely from a problem in the spine. This can be the difference between a frustrated patient still in pain versus one who shows dramatic improvement.

Laser Therapy: Conditions That It's Used For


spinal stenosis



Laser therapy uses monochromatic light emissions from a low power laser. It is used to treat many conditions including musculoskeletal injuries, degenerative and chronic conditions and some wounds. This technology enhances the body's natural process for healing.

There are conditions that conventional therapies are inadequate. For these health problems, laser therapy can offer a great deal of relief. These conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, ligament or tendon tears, soft tissue injuries, herniated discs, tendinitis, bursitis, spinal stenosis, and so on. Some of the other illnesses and conditions include ulcers, burns, shingles, gout, and arthritis. This is merely a partial list of the conditions that this type of treatment may be beneficial for.

Using this type of treatment offers many advantages that a patient will not find with other types of treatment. To begin with, this is a non-invasive procedure. There is no surgery involved. Also, this non-toxic treatment is highly effective and features a cure rate of around 95%. It has no known harmful side effects and is easy to use. This therapy has other positive effects as well. For example, the immune system is stimulated and the natural healing process is enhanced, resulting in tissue regeneration.

For years, therapies such as ultrasound and TENS have been used exclusively for pain treatment and to stimulate the healing process. These types of treatments have been a disappointment to some because they seem to only tone down the symptoms but do not promote the natural healing process. One benefit that this type of treatment has over many of the other types is that it is not harmful to other tissue. Cells that are functioning normally are not adversely impacted by the use of low intensity lasers.

When used for pain or other medical conditions, the number of treatment required may vary. The biggest factor is the individual that is receiving the treatment and their own response to it. A single treatment can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The prices vary as does insurance coverage

Another use for laser therapy is smoking cessation. Although it is not covered by insurance, a typical smoker will spend approximately 1/3 the amount they spend annually on cigarettes to pay the cost of this type of therapy. The laser must be applied to very specific points on the face, ears, wrists, and hands that are associated with nicotine addiction. When used for smoking cessation, there is usually only one treatment with other sessions available if needed.

Lasers are also used by veterinarians to treat animals with chronic pain and age related diseases. Vets can use this treatment to help reduce inflammation and promote healing in tissue that is damaged. This treatment can help a pet that is suffering with arthritis, degenerative joint disease, post surgical pain, and so on. This is a safe and effective way to help improve the quality of life and restore the mobility in your elderly pets.

Laser therapy, although still under a lot of experimentation, is a practical and non evasive way to help doctors care for their patients. Over time, the use of lasers will no doubt advance even further than it is right now.

How Low Bone Density Is Associated With Low Back Pain and How Chiropractic Care Helps


spinal stenosis



Low bone density or osteopenia in medical term is a problem that commonly affects women, particularly in their middle ages and certainly after menopause. Its bone mineral density is lower than normal peak. It is estimated that 40% of all postmenopausal Caucasian women have low bone density and proportion of these women will go on to develop osteoporosis, with a high risk of bone fractures.

Bones constantly recycle themselves to maintain their strength. Old bone is absorbed by the cells in body called osteoclasts in a process known as resorption. New bone growth by cells called osteoblasts replenishes the old. The osteoblasts construct new bone material to maintain bone strength. Low bone density takes place when old bone is taken up than new bone deposited, resulting to thinning of bone or low bone density and in severe cases, may result to osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue that leads to bone fragility and an increased fractures of hip, spine, and wrist.

The association between bone density and low back pain is quite intimate. The classic condition and cause of spinal pain associated with the loss of bone density is spinal compression fracture. All bones lose strength over time and the lumbar vertebrae, particularly in postmenopausal women, can be fractured or compressed from a fall or even from the stress of lifting or everyday activities. The bone strength decreases to a point where slight trauma and sometimes, no trauma whatsoever can result in a fracture.

A compression fracture is a complete bone break that disrupts the bone tissue and collapses the affected bone. Most commonly, the site where compression fractures occur can be found on the spinal vertebral body. Pain from a vertebral compression can be severe and it may show no symptoms and only be discovered when x-rays of the spine are done for other reasons. Over time symptoms such as back pain, loss of height, and kyphosis or stooped over posture may occur. A person may experience less pain during bed rest due to the fact that sitting and standing puts weight on the vertebra and can cause pain.

Studies have shown that the likelihood of incurring additional vertebral fractures is increased once an individual has already experienced one, even if that person does not have low bone density. Research also suggests that around 20% of older women who experience spinal fracture will experience another such fracture within a year.

The normal effects of aging in relation to decreased bone mass and decreased strength and elasticity of muscles and ligaments is unavoidable. However, such effects can be slowed by keeping the muscles that support your back strong and flexible by exercising regularly, using proper body mechanics in lifting and moving, maintaining proper body weight, maintaining a proper posture, avoiding smoking, and receiving regular chiropractic care.

Most cases of low back pain respond to chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor can accurately diagnose and effectively treat most types of low back pain. DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiomery) scan is used in some cases to predict brittle bone conditions. A DEXA T-score of -1.1 to 2.4 indicates osteopenia while 2.5 or greater indicates osteoporosis. A DEXA scan can also help to identify if you are at risk, before it becomes a problem.

A newer bone imaging technology has been developed. FRAX is a computer-based algorithm that provides the 10-year probability of fractures in men and women on the basis of classic risk factors alone or by integration of classic risk factors with bone mineral density, which is measured by DEXA.

Proper diagnosis will help figure out whether a chiropractic adjustment would be beneficial as a part of back pain treatment. A lot of doctors regularly refer people with severe back pain to chiropractors. A patient can go directly to a chiropractor as referral from a doctor is not actually required. The key to such health concern is early identification and intervention. Receiving chiropractic treatment helps in the prevention of low back pain from low bone density.

Foot Pain And Dysfunction: An Alternative To Podiatry, Massage, And Surgery


spinal stenosis



Active Isolated Stretching is an alternative to podiatry, massage, and surgery in treating various foot pain and dysfunction issues. Foot issues include plantar fasciitis, heel pain, bunions, hammertoes, dropped foot, and club foot. The philosophy of Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) is to first lengthen then rebuild all the muscles around the foot and lower body. This process brings improved circulation and reduces inflammation in the feet. AIS therapy encourages people to develop the small muscles in their feet to reinforce correct foot position. Painful or dysfunctional feet can be repaired naturally.

Foot pain is a circulatory problem. Foot pain involves a series of lower body muscles being overly tight. These shortened muscles are in the feet, and also in the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, and gluteal muscles. It may seem surprising to suggest that tightness in the butt muscles or the hamstrings can be causing foot pain. This is a major departure from the view of podiatry on the causes of foot pain. Additionally, AIS treatment is far more extensive than massage therapy for treating hurt feet. Massage therapy tends to only focus on the feet, which is a temporary solution. AIS therapy treats the lower body to heal painful feet. Inflammation in lower body muscles can press into the arteries that deliver blood flow to the feet. For example, the piriformis muscle lies underneath the gluteal muscles. The piriformis muscle can get overly tight from sitting, stair climbing, and running. An inflamed piriformis muscle will press into the artery underneath it. This interferes with blood flow running all the way down to the feet. Which can be a major part of the problem in correcting foot pain.

In addition to opening the muscles of the legs and glutes, the AIS practitioner manually lengthens the small muscles of the feet and toes. Toes should not be gnarled together. Ideally, the toes should be spread out, strong, and wiggly. In AIS protocol, each toe is stretched repeatedly in six directions to restore proper foot position. The heel is also stretched manually. The heel is the anchor of the foot. And restoring function to the feet, depends on the heel being pliable. This process is absolutely necessary for all types of foot pain. Active Isolated Stretching is an alternative to foot surgery such as bunionectomy and hammertoe surgery. Both bunionectomy and hammertoe surgery attempt to reshape the foot by cutting tightened muscles in the hope that that will restore length or correct position in the toes.

After the entire lower body muscle lengthening process, the AIS practitioner then teaches the client a series of exercises that are designed to increase strength in the muscles of the feet and toes. Aaron Mattes, the developer of Active Isolated Stretching, invented a machine that strengthens the small muscles of the feet. The Mattes Foot And Ankle Exerciser is a device that allows people to do weight lifting exercises for the feet and ankles. It helps people with flat feet restore the arches in their feet. And it encourages people to use their feet and toe muscles while walking. Active Isolated Stretching does not endorse the use of orthotics or foot insoles in solving foot pain. Instead AIS states that it is better to build up the small muscles of the feet rather than artificially supporting the feet with inserts that ultimately weaken the foot muscles.

All too often we view our feet as appendages. And only when they hurt do we start to ask what we should do to make the pain go away. Our feet are a critical part of our bodies. They need to be stretched by an AIS therapist because that will be more productive than trying to self-stretch them. We need to exercise the foot muscles just as we exercises our abs, shoulders, and lats for proper health and function. If your feet are hurting, its time to get to know them. Find out about the weaknesses' in your feet. Pay attention to the tightness in your butt or legs that may be contributing to foot pain. Take an active role in building up your feet to proper flexibility and strength. AIS is not a quick cure for foot pain. AIS is a lifestyle choice that corrects foot pain through one-to-one treatment and at-home exercises.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Physical and Emotional Sources of Low Back Pain


spinal stenosis



Do you have low back pain? Does it hurt on your lower back when you get up, sit down, twist or even move in the middle? If you are suffering from low back pain, you probably have some degree of discomfort, from mild to severe, when you shift your body in some way that involves your lower back. With all of the bones, joints, ligaments, discs, nerves and muscles of our back, it is possible to suffer from many different reasons. There are several sources of low back pain, but also physical and emotional treatment modalities to make the pain subside or go away completely. Yes, there is healing for low back pain, in the form of conservative, non-invasive treatments.

Physical Sources

Almost all low back pain begins with stress or strain to the muscles. This can be caused by overworking it around the house, or during athletic or other heavy back movement activity. In addition, when your back muscles are tight, weak or out of balance, sometimes the slightest irritation will cause a great deal of aggravation. This may occur in the form of a harsh sneeze, bending over to pick up something, or a quick turn to respond to someone calling to you. There are exceptions of course, for example, when a person has been in an accident or had a serious fall. But underlying all that is the source of the pain, which are the muscles. The muscles are directly connected to the nerves that send pain messages to the brain.

Complicating the muscle pain is the issue of emotional trauma or stress. When a person is under duress, muscles will tighten and when contracted for too long, become stiff and uncomfortable, leading to pain.

There are also structural defects to the spine which may be causing pain. A back disc, which is the cushion between each vertebrae on the spine, can be ruptured and that places pressure on the nearby spinal nerves. This type of damage can occur in a patient as early as the age of 20. Spinal stenosis, which happens in older patients, is the compression, or narrowing of the spinal canal typically due to osteoarthritis or a congenital defect. There is also degenerative joint and disc diseases which when not treated, will only become more challenging to correct.

Emotional Sources

Unfortunately for humans, when a person is stressed, their muscles automatically tense up, as if for preparing for a fight. If a person has had an injury to their low back, these tightened muscles only agitate the low back pain. And even without a previous injury, a stiff, tensed up back could be compared to a dry twig instead of a leafy branch. With a slight provocation, it is apt to "snap" and cause low back pain. Stress comes from many sources and in many forms, relating to work, family and many other issues. If you have trouble sleeping or concentrating AND low back pain, the pain is probably stress-related.

Physical Treatment

The actual physical source of back pain can be difficult to diagnose directly to the source in some patients. A specific injury that you may or may not remember may have started the process. Sometimes the lower back will try to overcompensate for the injury, causing yet another problem. Add to that the stress of everyday life and you may have low back pain that may become chronic, lasting more than three months.

An orthopedic or pain management specialist can help diagnose the source of the pain and prescribe specific exercises, stretching or massage that will relieve pain and heal the low back pain over time.

Emotional Treatment

When a person is suffering from low back pain, it is best to treat the whole person, not just the back. There is certainly a connection between the mind and the body when a person is in consistent pain. Sometimes the tension in our back that makes our muscles contract and give lower back pain is caused by stress, worry and even anger.

Combined Relief

For a low back pain treatment analogy here, when you are diagnosed with strep throat, it is because a particular bacterium is found and so you are given specific antibiotics to treat it, as well as rest and plenty of liquids. In the same way, if you have low back pain, is could be a result of stress in your life as well as a disc or muscle problem. This must be treated from the perspective of the muscles of the back as well as the emotional point of view. This treatment strategy includes both the emotional and the physical structure of the back, and a scientific way of looking at both. An exceptional health care provider will ask questions about your lifestyle and current stress levels to see if your low back pain is related to your emotional state. If it appears that therapy would assist in treatment, he or she can refer you to a counselor to treat both sides of the problem.

Cervical Disc: Degeneration and Replacement


spinal stenosis



Patients with degenerative cervical disc disease who have long been trying to relieve arm and neck pain with conservative treatments such as exercise, chiropractic, physiotherapy, etc., all to no avail, can benefit from cervical disc replacement.

Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition where one or more discs in the neck become damaged, causing arm pain, arm weakness or numbness with some degree of neck pain. Discs act as shock absorbers between the spinal bones or vertebrae. When a disc deteriorates and loses its ability to act as a cushion, it starts compressing adjacent nerves or the spinal cord, which causes neck pain that worsens by sitting, bending or twisting.

Cervical Disc
Before digging deep into cervical disc degeneration and replacement surgery, one must understand what cervical discs are.

There are 23 discs in the human spine, six of which rest in the neck (cervical region), 12 in the middle back (thoracic region), and 5 in the lower back (lumbar region). Each cervical disc rests between seven small bones (cervical vertebrae), numbered C1 to C7. These discs are made of varying percentage compositions of collagen and ligaments, and act as the cushions or shock absorbers in the cervical spine and allow the neck to be flexible and absorb the load (axial load) of the head.

Disc Degeneration
Degenerative disc disease may lead these small shock-absorbing discs to lose their flexibility and ability to cushion the spine. In the cervical region, this condition typically occurs at the C4-5, C5-6, or C6-7 segment.

Cervical disc degeneration can be hereditary, develop with old age or through an injury. Patients with the condition may experience numbness, tingling, or even weakness in the neck, arms, or shoulders due to irritated or pinched nerve roots in cervical vertebrae, making it hard for them to perform daily activities.

The worn out disc typically shrinks in its height, which can also contribute to the pinching on the nerves in the neck.

Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement is a revolutionary surgical procedure using artificial cervical disc implants, an alternative to cervical spine fusion which involves locking two or more of the vertebrae together to stabilize the pain.

Unlike the fusion operation, the replacement surgery involves permanently removing the degenerated or damaged cervical disc and replacing them with an artificial disc device (prosthetic disc).

The artificial cervical disc is inserted between two cervical vertebrae after the removal of the diseased disc. The artificial disc helps fill the gap between two bones as well as maintain or reestablish the normal height of the disc space.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration in July of 2007, the artificial disc device is intended to decompress (relieve pressure) on the nerves and spinal cord as well as preserve motion and flexibility in the neck.

The surgery is more advantageous as it eliminates the need for a bone graft, as well as helps patients regain the postoperative neck motion faster and return to normal activity early.

Who and Who Does Not Need It?
If one or two discs in your neck are badly damaged and causing chronic pain in neck and arms, then you may be a candidate for disc replacement surgery.

But the surgery may be considered only if the pain is not relieved adequately with six months of conservative (non-surgical) care, which includes anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, physical therapy, or cold/heat therapy.

The surgery is mostly considered for patients with cervical disc herniations that are significantly taking toll on patients' quality of life and ability to function.

However, the implantation of artificial disc is not an option for all patients. Those with arthritic back bones or suffering from degenerative disc disease at multiple segments in the spine are not appropriate candidates for this surgery.