Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Don't Wake Every Morning To Back Pain - Make The Changes Today!
Wear and tear on our bodies is magnified as we age. In our youth we seemed to be free of the aches and pains our parents and their parents complained of...but suddenly around the age of 30-50, when we wake up in the morning to start our day and as we pour that first cup of coffee or juice, we notice the stiffness in a shoulder, or a knee or in our back. Why? The natural aging process. It is quite apparent at that time that some body parts are a little slower to wake up than others. We reach for an analgesic and move on with our day...accepting that it is just part of life. But need it be? The back pain we feel is caused by many factors to include old injuries, overweight, poor posture, lack of exercise, inadequate nutrition, and unsafe lifting techniques. The back pain caused by all of these (with the exception of old injuries) can be minimized especially if we choose to participate in an exercise program. With age comes the gradual loss of muscle mass, which is a key contributing factor to back pain. But this is not only caused by age...but by the lack of activity. This is certainly something that can be counteracted. Strength exercises are the best way to counteract the loss of muscle mass and this can be done at any age as it is never too late to begin an exercise program. Just be sure to consult with your physician to insure that you are doing the right type of exercise and that you are healthy enough to participate in such activity.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Lack Of Sleep And Back Pain?
Everyone knows that good posture, practicing safe techniques for lifting, adequate exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are all key factors
in preventing back pain and ongoing problems.
However, very few people will correlate the lack of sleep to ongoing back pain. For those suffering from back pain, the lack of sleep will actually accentuate it.
While sleeping, the body goes through the process of tissue repair which is especially critical when the back has sustained an injury. Adequate rest not only speeds the
recovery of the injury and acute back pain, but allows the brain to balance the brain chemistry which raises the pain threshold. Chronic pain sufferers can also benefit from adequate
" ZZZZZ's". Those that suffer with back pain need to allow the back to rest as fatigued muscles cannot adequately support the spine which could cause misalignment. This misalignment causes additional stress to be placed on the joints of the spine and the muscles which could cause additional injury.
So why not curl up and take that nap you've been feeling guilty about? It could be doing more for your body (and your back) than you realized.
in preventing back pain and ongoing problems.
However, very few people will correlate the lack of sleep to ongoing back pain. For those suffering from back pain, the lack of sleep will actually accentuate it.
While sleeping, the body goes through the process of tissue repair which is especially critical when the back has sustained an injury. Adequate rest not only speeds the
recovery of the injury and acute back pain, but allows the brain to balance the brain chemistry which raises the pain threshold. Chronic pain sufferers can also benefit from adequate
" ZZZZZ's". Those that suffer with back pain need to allow the back to rest as fatigued muscles cannot adequately support the spine which could cause misalignment. This misalignment causes additional stress to be placed on the joints of the spine and the muscles which could cause additional injury.
So why not curl up and take that nap you've been feeling guilty about? It could be doing more for your body (and your back) than you realized.
Prevent Lower Back Pain: The Importance of Proper Shoes
The Importance of Proper Shoes in preventing lower back pain
From the dawn of man walking upright, it has been important that he move through the needs of daily living walking. As our daily living activities have changed, we have moved from protecting our feet from the elements to wearing shoes for sporting activities and fashion. As a result of that change, new problems have been initiated to include back pain.
As we walk and move through our day our feet absorb the shock of every step. That shock is worsened or lessened by the shoes that we wear and our gait. With a normal gait, the foot as it touches the ground, naturally rolls inward as the arch collapses. This process is termed pronation. With a normal gait, the shock is not only absorbed in the foot, but through the leg, the pelvis and the lower back. There are many people who suffer from foot, leg and back pain because of the overstressing of of the muscles and joints as a result of a gait that either an overpronation or and underpronation of the foot. With either of these, the lower back, as well as other joints and muscles, can be affected and pain results.
Proper shoes for the type of gait you have is very important. If you note lower back pain as a result of standing or walking for long periods of time, it would be wise to check with a podiatrist and be evaluated. A change of shoes with more cushion or support might be all you need, but it could also be that special shoes or orthotics for everyday wear will end that troublesome pain.
From the dawn of man walking upright, it has been important that he move through the needs of daily living walking. As our daily living activities have changed, we have moved from protecting our feet from the elements to wearing shoes for sporting activities and fashion. As a result of that change, new problems have been initiated to include back pain.
As we walk and move through our day our feet absorb the shock of every step. That shock is worsened or lessened by the shoes that we wear and our gait. With a normal gait, the foot as it touches the ground, naturally rolls inward as the arch collapses. This process is termed pronation. With a normal gait, the shock is not only absorbed in the foot, but through the leg, the pelvis and the lower back. There are many people who suffer from foot, leg and back pain because of the overstressing of of the muscles and joints as a result of a gait that either an overpronation or and underpronation of the foot. With either of these, the lower back, as well as other joints and muscles, can be affected and pain results.
Proper shoes for the type of gait you have is very important. If you note lower back pain as a result of standing or walking for long periods of time, it would be wise to check with a podiatrist and be evaluated. A change of shoes with more cushion or support might be all you need, but it could also be that special shoes or orthotics for everyday wear will end that troublesome pain.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Are your high heels causing low back pain?
Is wearing a fashionable high heel shoe worth the pain?
Women wear high heeled shoes to make a fashion statement, to accentuate the look of the leg and even to feel taller...but is any of that worth what it could be doing to their body? Many of those same women are constantly finding that they go to bed at night suffering with low back pain and never putting the two things together as a cause and effect.
When wearing a high heeled shoe, the normal position of the foot and spine is affected. Normally weight is distributed evenly over the entire foot and the spine remains in it's natural position. However, when wearing a higher heel, the position of the foot is pointed downward with an increased amount of pressure on the front, or ball of the foot. This is called a plantar flexed position. With this change of foot position, the entire body needs to compensate and as a result the upper body must actually lean further back to allow the body to remain balanced. This actually affects the normal S-curve of the lower back causing the lower back to flatten out and the upper back and head to be shifted backward. As a result the body, to remain balanced, leans more forward causing a poor alignment of the spine which can lead to lower back pain.
So after a long day, you stretch, have a glass of wine and kick off those heels, and you find yourself reaching towards your lower back in pain, those $200 heels could be the cause.
Women wear high heeled shoes to make a fashion statement, to accentuate the look of the leg and even to feel taller...but is any of that worth what it could be doing to their body? Many of those same women are constantly finding that they go to bed at night suffering with low back pain and never putting the two things together as a cause and effect.
When wearing a high heeled shoe, the normal position of the foot and spine is affected. Normally weight is distributed evenly over the entire foot and the spine remains in it's natural position. However, when wearing a higher heel, the position of the foot is pointed downward with an increased amount of pressure on the front, or ball of the foot. This is called a plantar flexed position. With this change of foot position, the entire body needs to compensate and as a result the upper body must actually lean further back to allow the body to remain balanced. This actually affects the normal S-curve of the lower back causing the lower back to flatten out and the upper back and head to be shifted backward. As a result the body, to remain balanced, leans more forward causing a poor alignment of the spine which can lead to lower back pain.
So after a long day, you stretch, have a glass of wine and kick off those heels, and you find yourself reaching towards your lower back in pain, those $200 heels could be the cause.
Dural Tears
A risk of spinal surgery, dural tears are a concern for every spine surgeon while performing surgery on the spine. Never injuies, spinal fluid leak and meningitis are all possible complications of a dural tear during surgery. Dural matter is a sac of tissue that is watertight and covers the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Dural tears are most commonly found during surgery and in most cases are caught and repaired immeidiately and without further complications. If not caught during the surgery, the tear will continue to leak spinal fluid and this is where greater complications arise. Dural tears occur in 3-5% of spinal lumbar surgeries, so it is important to know this risk and discuss with your surgeon prior to surgery.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Vitamin D and Back Pain, Why?
If an individual has a vitamin D deficiency, they should have a concern that they could develop osteomalacia, which is a softening of the bones. Osteomalacia commonly causes pain in the lower back and is more likely to be found in women, actually women are 2 times more likely to develop osteomalacia due to a vitamin deficiency. If this condition is found in a child it is referred to as rickets.
Symptoms of Osteomalacia
* Weakness in the muscle
* Loss of muscle tone
* Reduced ability to get around normally
* Lower back pain, pain in legs and pelvis
Causes of Osteomalacia
* Insufficient exposure to sunlight
Your body needs sunlight, the sun produces vitamin D in your skin and your
body uses vitamin D to produce calcium which helps strengthen your bones.
not enought vitamin D could lead to the development of Osteomalacia.
* Celiac Disease
In this autoimmune disorder, the lining of your small intestine is damaged
by consuming foods containing gluten, a damaged intestinal lining doesn't
absorb nutrients, such as vitamin D, as well as a healthy one does. Do to
the reduced absorbtion your bones will have a weak vitanim D resource and
will not be as strong and could lead to Osteomalacia.
* Kidney and Live disorders
If you develop a kidney or liver disorder this could limit your ability to
process Vitamin D.
* Surgery
Gastrectomy surgery can cause osteomalacia because your stomach breaks down
foods release vitamin D and other minerals, which are absorbed in your
intestines.
* Not enought Vitamin D in diet
If it is found that you need to ad vitamin D to your diet, there are many
supplements that will help you ad this to your current diet.
* Hereditary condiitons that could lead to Osteomalacia
My next post will discuss treatment of Osteomalacia.
Symptoms of Osteomalacia
* Weakness in the muscle
* Loss of muscle tone
* Reduced ability to get around normally
* Lower back pain, pain in legs and pelvis
Causes of Osteomalacia
* Insufficient exposure to sunlight
Your body needs sunlight, the sun produces vitamin D in your skin and your
body uses vitamin D to produce calcium which helps strengthen your bones.
not enought vitamin D could lead to the development of Osteomalacia.
* Celiac Disease
In this autoimmune disorder, the lining of your small intestine is damaged
by consuming foods containing gluten, a damaged intestinal lining doesn't
absorb nutrients, such as vitamin D, as well as a healthy one does. Do to
the reduced absorbtion your bones will have a weak vitanim D resource and
will not be as strong and could lead to Osteomalacia.
* Kidney and Live disorders
If you develop a kidney or liver disorder this could limit your ability to
process Vitamin D.
* Surgery
Gastrectomy surgery can cause osteomalacia because your stomach breaks down
foods release vitamin D and other minerals, which are absorbed in your
intestines.
* Not enought Vitamin D in diet
If it is found that you need to ad vitamin D to your diet, there are many
supplements that will help you ad this to your current diet.
* Hereditary condiitons that could lead to Osteomalacia
My next post will discuss treatment of Osteomalacia.
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
Physical Therapy
This is most commonly the initial treatment you will receive for Spinal Stenosis. Most cases they are looking for recovery without extensive and surgical treatments. Physical therapy's focus is on strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine and throughout the back, stretching these muscles, and improving your posture. Through these steps, your create an increased support of the spine, and many times symptoms of nerve compressions are often improved. You can also check out The Back Pro as an at home solution.
Weight Loss
As daunting a task as this can be, it can be very effective in helping releive the symptoms of Spinal Stenosis and many other back related conditions. Even a small amount of weight lost can be a big step forward in relieving back pain. By losing even 5 pounds you are relieving much of the load the spine must support, and this by it self could be key in back pain relief. Weight loss methods are out their and it can be overwhelming, the key is to pick one and stick to it, all weight loss methods will work, it usually is the dedication to the program and consistent work at the weight loss methods that stops the success, so start a weight loss program right away.
Medications
* Anti-Inflammatory Mediations
(NSAIDs) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are commonly prescribed, and in many
cases relieve the pain associated with Spinal Stenosis. This solution provides relief by
reducing inflammation which reduces the pressure on the compressed spinal nerves. These
should only be used under your doctors care.
* Oral Steroid Medications
these are most widely in acute flare ups of the symptoms of the Spinal Stenosis condition.
Medications commonly used are Prednisone and Medrol, these are very aggressive
Medications and again shoud only be used under your doctors care.
Cortisone Steroid Injections
Cortisone injections are given directly to the area of compression. This is similiar to oral steroids as they are meant to provide immediate relief to an area that has a sudden flare up and needs immediate pain relief to be active during an average day. The Cortisone Injection is delivered to the area of Spinal Stenosis and avoids traveling throughout the body.
Alternative treatments
These treatments will provide relief to many individuals, there is a large lack of support from the scientific community. The great thing about many of the alternative treatments is that they have few side effects and can be a good starting point without visiting a doctor to see if you can relieve your pain your self or with the help of an alternative medicine physician. Some of the alternative treatments include: Acupuncture, massage, magnet therapy, and others.
Spine Surgery
This procedure is usually considered after all other treatments have failed to eliminate the prevailing symptoms. Spinal Stenosis specific spine surgery is performed by decompressing the spinal nerves. The decompression of the spinal nerves is accomplished by removing soft tissue, ligament and bone are removed to allow more room for the nerves. The terminology describing the surgery is determined by what tissue is being removed. A Laminectomy is the procedure that involves the removal of the tissue behind the spinal cord, Foramenotomy involves removing the bone around the spinal nerve, and a discectomy is the removal of the spinal disc to relieve pressure.
Sometimes the extent of the Spinal Stenosis surgery results in the loss of enough supporting structure (tissue, bone, and ligament) where the sugeon will be required to add support, this is referred to as spinal fusion, this helps support any instability of the spine.
When considering this procedure it is important to know the possible complications, the most important complication to be aware of is tears in the sac that surround the spinal cord, referred to as dural tears, others are infections and chronic instability of the spine. Also note, that years after the procedure has been completed, the most common cause of Spinal Stenosis may flare back up, arthritis of the spine.
This is most commonly the initial treatment you will receive for Spinal Stenosis. Most cases they are looking for recovery without extensive and surgical treatments. Physical therapy's focus is on strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine and throughout the back, stretching these muscles, and improving your posture. Through these steps, your create an increased support of the spine, and many times symptoms of nerve compressions are often improved. You can also check out The Back Pro as an at home solution.
Weight Loss
As daunting a task as this can be, it can be very effective in helping releive the symptoms of Spinal Stenosis and many other back related conditions. Even a small amount of weight lost can be a big step forward in relieving back pain. By losing even 5 pounds you are relieving much of the load the spine must support, and this by it self could be key in back pain relief. Weight loss methods are out their and it can be overwhelming, the key is to pick one and stick to it, all weight loss methods will work, it usually is the dedication to the program and consistent work at the weight loss methods that stops the success, so start a weight loss program right away.
Medications
* Anti-Inflammatory Mediations
(NSAIDs) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are commonly prescribed, and in many
cases relieve the pain associated with Spinal Stenosis. This solution provides relief by
reducing inflammation which reduces the pressure on the compressed spinal nerves. These
should only be used under your doctors care.
* Oral Steroid Medications
these are most widely in acute flare ups of the symptoms of the Spinal Stenosis condition.
Medications commonly used are Prednisone and Medrol, these are very aggressive
Medications and again shoud only be used under your doctors care.
Cortisone Steroid Injections
Cortisone injections are given directly to the area of compression. This is similiar to oral steroids as they are meant to provide immediate relief to an area that has a sudden flare up and needs immediate pain relief to be active during an average day. The Cortisone Injection is delivered to the area of Spinal Stenosis and avoids traveling throughout the body.
Alternative treatments
These treatments will provide relief to many individuals, there is a large lack of support from the scientific community. The great thing about many of the alternative treatments is that they have few side effects and can be a good starting point without visiting a doctor to see if you can relieve your pain your self or with the help of an alternative medicine physician. Some of the alternative treatments include: Acupuncture, massage, magnet therapy, and others.
Spine Surgery
This procedure is usually considered after all other treatments have failed to eliminate the prevailing symptoms. Spinal Stenosis specific spine surgery is performed by decompressing the spinal nerves. The decompression of the spinal nerves is accomplished by removing soft tissue, ligament and bone are removed to allow more room for the nerves. The terminology describing the surgery is determined by what tissue is being removed. A Laminectomy is the procedure that involves the removal of the tissue behind the spinal cord, Foramenotomy involves removing the bone around the spinal nerve, and a discectomy is the removal of the spinal disc to relieve pressure.
Sometimes the extent of the Spinal Stenosis surgery results in the loss of enough supporting structure (tissue, bone, and ligament) where the sugeon will be required to add support, this is referred to as spinal fusion, this helps support any instability of the spine.
When considering this procedure it is important to know the possible complications, the most important complication to be aware of is tears in the sac that surround the spinal cord, referred to as dural tears, others are infections and chronic instability of the spine. Also note, that years after the procedure has been completed, the most common cause of Spinal Stenosis may flare back up, arthritis of the spine.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis is a chronic condition caused by the narrowing of the space surrounding the spinal cord and the spinal nerves.
Spinal Stenosis is most often seen in individuals over the age of 50, the most common cause of spinal stenosis is arthritis of the spine and it is very uncommon to find that in individuals under the age of 30 years old. You will find that individuals with a long career in a labor intensive industry such as: Construction, Butchers, and athletes are more prone to developing Spinal Stenosis.
Even though Spinal Stenosis is most often caused by arthritis of the spine, which through arthritic changes to the spine causes nerve compression, other conditions that might lead to Spinal Stenosis are rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease, and spinal tumors. In addition to developed causes, there are also inheirited conditions such as, scoliosis, and achondroplasia, that may lead to Spinal Stenosis.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The most common symptons are:
* Tingling and numbness
* Weakness
* Pain
Two key points to remember are if you feel the pain in your arms, the narrowing of the spine is in the cervical region (neck), if you feel the pain in your legs, the narrowing of the spine is located in the lumbar region (low back)
There are other symptoms that can occur, bowel or bladder dysfunction, this is should be treated as a medical emergency as it can also be a symptom of other condtions most specifically cauda equina syndrome, this could require immediate surgery to create more space by decompressing the affected area of the spine.
Treatement of Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis is most often seen in individuals over the age of 50, the most common cause of spinal stenosis is arthritis of the spine and it is very uncommon to find that in individuals under the age of 30 years old. You will find that individuals with a long career in a labor intensive industry such as: Construction, Butchers, and athletes are more prone to developing Spinal Stenosis.
Even though Spinal Stenosis is most often caused by arthritis of the spine, which through arthritic changes to the spine causes nerve compression, other conditions that might lead to Spinal Stenosis are rheumatoid arthritis, Paget's disease, and spinal tumors. In addition to developed causes, there are also inheirited conditions such as, scoliosis, and achondroplasia, that may lead to Spinal Stenosis.
Symptoms of Spinal Stenosis
The most common symptons are:
* Tingling and numbness
* Weakness
* Pain
Two key points to remember are if you feel the pain in your arms, the narrowing of the spine is in the cervical region (neck), if you feel the pain in your legs, the narrowing of the spine is located in the lumbar region (low back)
There are other symptoms that can occur, bowel or bladder dysfunction, this is should be treated as a medical emergency as it can also be a symptom of other condtions most specifically cauda equina syndrome, this could require immediate surgery to create more space by decompressing the affected area of the spine.
Treatement of Spinal Stenosis
Why Do I Have Tingling and Numbess?
Your laying bed, watching your favorite late night sitcom and you notice a tingling sensation in the buttocks and it lingers down the side of your leg. You choose to disregard it, probably just a little pinch that will go away. Later that evening after a few hours of deep sleep your awoken by a sharper tingling sensation with a numbness on the side of your leg.
WHY?
Spine problems can cause symptoms of tingling and numbness in your lower extremeties. The tingling and numbness come from your spinal nerves being compressed by a spinal problem, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other spinal related problems. This pressure on the nerves can cause sensations of tingling and numbness.
I lived with Chronic back pain for years and I was the guy that woke up in the middle of the night with numbess, tingling, tightness, and pain. Today, I live back pain free, my only regret is I didn't take the steps earlier to relieve the pain. My goal today is to help individuals to live back pain free.
WHY?
Spine problems can cause symptoms of tingling and numbness in your lower extremeties. The tingling and numbness come from your spinal nerves being compressed by a spinal problem, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other spinal related problems. This pressure on the nerves can cause sensations of tingling and numbness.
I lived with Chronic back pain for years and I was the guy that woke up in the middle of the night with numbess, tingling, tightness, and pain. Today, I live back pain free, my only regret is I didn't take the steps earlier to relieve the pain. My goal today is to help individuals to live back pain free.
What is a Herniated Disc?
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc occurs when the cushion between the vertebrae of the spine is pushed out of it's normal position. It isn't necessarily this action the creates the problem, is that the spinal nerves that are very close to the edge of these spinal discs that receive pressure. The spinal discs that sit between each vertebrae, as we age the disc becomes more rigid, while we are young this disc is soft and elastic. With age the disc like other parts of the body lose it's elasticity and it becomes more vulnerable to injury.
What is the result of a herniated disc?
As the spinal discs become more vulnerable due to elasticity the can rupture and a portion of the disc is pushed outside the normal position within the spine. With this position change of the disc, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can be be pinched. Normally you will find extra space around the spinal cord, but with a portion of the disc outside it's normal position this space can have added pressure resulting in added compression of the spinal nerves and spinal cord.
Symptoms of a Herniated disc?
A herniated disc can be a gradual process over time or can be the result of a sudden accident or fall. In many cases individuals that have a herniated disc already have other spinal problems, such as spinal stenosis, this is a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, with this narrowing, the space that is compressed is a smaller space adding more pain.
Some symptoms include:
* Tingling and Numbness
* Muscle weakness
* Bowel or Bladder problems
* Pain that feels like electric shock
These symptoms are all due to the irritation of the nerve from herniated disc. The pressure put on the spinal nerves and spinal cord interfere with the pathway of the signals to and from your brain.
How do you get diagnosed?
An MRI is almost always needed, there are some manual testing that is completed, this is done by testing: Sensation, strength, and your reflexes.
Once diagnosed it is important to get a treatment plan, we provide many resources that will aid you in your prevention, treatment, and recovery.
A herniated disc occurs when the cushion between the vertebrae of the spine is pushed out of it's normal position. It isn't necessarily this action the creates the problem, is that the spinal nerves that are very close to the edge of these spinal discs that receive pressure. The spinal discs that sit between each vertebrae, as we age the disc becomes more rigid, while we are young this disc is soft and elastic. With age the disc like other parts of the body lose it's elasticity and it becomes more vulnerable to injury.
What is the result of a herniated disc?
As the spinal discs become more vulnerable due to elasticity the can rupture and a portion of the disc is pushed outside the normal position within the spine. With this position change of the disc, the spinal nerves and spinal cord can be be pinched. Normally you will find extra space around the spinal cord, but with a portion of the disc outside it's normal position this space can have added pressure resulting in added compression of the spinal nerves and spinal cord.
Symptoms of a Herniated disc?
A herniated disc can be a gradual process over time or can be the result of a sudden accident or fall. In many cases individuals that have a herniated disc already have other spinal problems, such as spinal stenosis, this is a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, with this narrowing, the space that is compressed is a smaller space adding more pain.
Some symptoms include:
* Tingling and Numbness
* Muscle weakness
* Bowel or Bladder problems
* Pain that feels like electric shock
These symptoms are all due to the irritation of the nerve from herniated disc. The pressure put on the spinal nerves and spinal cord interfere with the pathway of the signals to and from your brain.
How do you get diagnosed?
An MRI is almost always needed, there are some manual testing that is completed, this is done by testing: Sensation, strength, and your reflexes.
Once diagnosed it is important to get a treatment plan, we provide many resources that will aid you in your prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
