Wednesday, April 30, 2008

You really can relieve your back pain

Spinal problems and back pain are the most common complaints around the world; medical science is still some way from discovering a back pain relief remedy that will work for everyone. While there are a host of prescription medications that help with pain relief, many are doing nothing more than masking the symptoms instead of tackling the underlying cause of the pain. Many people with spinal problems become addicted to the medication that relieves the back pain but this should really be the responsibility of a doctor.

The problem with the back is although it is strong, at the same time it is easily damaged; once spinal injury has occurred it can be a permanent condition. However, back pain is usually caused by a lifting accident or from lifting incorrectly and it is normally the lower back that suffers. More recently people are willing to try natural back pain relief treatments to stop their reliance on other types of medication.

One of the simplest but also underused remedies is just the act of stretching which can bring relief to tense muscles as well. On the other hand reflexology is an alternative medical practice where pressure is applied to the feet to relieve pain in different parts of the body; it works very well in relieving back pain. In addition to this, reflexology can also help to improve the blood circulation which in turn provides relief to aching and tired muscles.

Acupuncture on the other hand has been used in China since before the birth of Christ and has had considerable success in helping sufferers. It is providing back pain relief even though this is something that has only recently being used in the Western world. Followers of traditional Chinese medicine are of the belief that every person has an inner energy force (chi) that reflects of our state of health, mental and physical. Acupuncture works by releasing the 'chi' or energy flow that every living thing has to improve health. Like reflexology, acupuncture seems to be used by people who suffer with chronic conditions like back pain which requires relief.

Relief can also come from another Chinese treatment like tai chi which is a form of yoga but not so strenuous. It focuses on breath control and is very relaxing owing to its gentle nature. It is possible for anyone to participate irrespective of age. To finish, it is a good idea not to forget the huge benefits that exercise can bring in providing back pain relief; it increases physical flexibility generally, but also of the spine, which can aid the prevention of future problems.


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All You Need to Know about Back Pain Relief

Back pain is a very common problem among the population. Back pain can be
caused by many different things. However, to achieve back pain relief it
sometimes does not matter what the cause of the problem is, but sometimes
the cause does determine the path to treatment. Some of the causes of back
pain are pregnancy, injury, arthritis, height, digestive and intestinal
problems, kidney disease, and many other factors.

Back pain can range from minor to severe and can even get to the point that it interferes with
people’s lives. This is why finding back pain relief is essential for people
who do not want the pain to interfere with their lives. Finding the
appropriate treatment for people depends on individual needs and
requirements of that person.

Some people will want to find relief through
exercise programs and posture adjustments while others will want relief
through pain medication, natural herbs or supplements, or alternative
methods of treatment. In addition, a combination of treatments is also used
by many people. Back pain relief is essential for those who are suffering so
that they can live their lives day to day without having to feel pain. No
matter what the choice of remedy by each individual, a doctor, physician, or
physical therapist should be consulted to determine which path is going to
be most effective in combination with the beliefs and wants of the person.

Medicines that are prescribed or even over the counter medications often
have side effects and can interact with other medications people may be on.
Side effects can be from allergies, bowel irritation, and drowsiness. One of
the most common alternative methods for low back pain relief is acupuncture.

The first and often most influential facts about acupuncture is that it
virtually has no side effects. This is important for people who are already
on several medications or for people who have allergies to simple pain
medications. It is also helpful for people who are seeking a more natural
path to low back pain relief.

Acupuncture works in a very different fashion
towards back pain than medication. Acupuncture increases the blood
circulation around the injured or painful area. Often with circulation
improves then muscles relax and immediate low back pain relief occurs. When
taking herbs for relief, it is essential that a profession is sought out to
help with the decisions. As well the person’s doctor should be fully aware
of the herbs that someone is taking because they can still interact with
medications.

Some common herbs for pain relief are chamomile which is found
in tea and is known to have a relaxing effect on muscles. Bromelain is an
anti-inflammatory and is a pineapple extract. A common anti-inflammatory
that is often used is St. John’s wart but this is not to be used by women
who are experiencing back pain and are using the birth control pill as it
reduces the effectiveness of the birth control. There are many methods out
there and research is available through professionals, medical centers, and
the internet.

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To discover everything you need to know about chronic low back pain visit The Back Pain Site - http://www.thebackpainsite.com/chronic .

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Getting to grips with Low Back Pain

Most people will experience low back pain at some time in their life, and usually it’s more than just once. Pain in the lower back can occur to anyone at any age for a variety of reasons.

* Bulging disc
* Herniated disc
* Osteoporosis
* Arthritis
* Degenerative disc disease
* Pinched nerve

Back pain can also be caused by injuries or effects to the spine. Degenerative disc disease is usually age related. This arises when the soft center of the disk loses moisture and begins to dry out due to the natural aging process. This causes the bones in the spine to become misaligned as the supporting material collapses.

Low back pain can also occur when the muscles or ligaments in the back are injured. The spine itself is not causing the pain, but rather the muscles. Muscle injury can result from daily activities not handled properly. For example, if you lift a heavy object incorrectly, you can strain the muscles. But injury can also occur as a result of something more serious like a car accident or slipping and falling. Sudden falls can cause the spine to compress or the muscles to twist in ways they aren’t meant to twist.

The treatment for low back pain varies according to the cause of the pain. Pain is defined in 3 ways. There’s acute pain which is pain that occurs suddenly, lasts less than approximately three months, and then diminishes as the cause of the pain is healed. For example, you may strain a muscle in your back one day while picking up a heavy box. After a month of hot or cold compresses (depends on type of injury) and careful physical movement, the muscle will heal and the pain goes away. This is acute pain.

Chronic pain is characterised by pain that lasts longer than 3 months. The pain can be present even after all known causes of the pain have been treated or pain you live with due to an uncorrected back problem. Chronic back pain can simply be a miserable experience for the person enduring the pain. The cause of the pain may not be visible to anyone else, like a broken arm or leg, but chronic pain can significantly restrict mobility.

Low back pain can result from a muscle sprain. This condition can be painful, but fortunately the injured muscle usually heals. A sprained low back can emanatefrom muscle spasms or sharp pains when you move a certain way. You can get pain relief most of the time from over the counter anti-inflammatory medications and movement restriction for a few days.

Of course, there can be more serious causes of low back pain. They include osteoporosis, disc disease, arthritis and spinal injuries. If you experience chronic or recurring back pain, you should work with a physician to determine which techniques for healing or pain control best fit your situation.

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To discover everything you need to know about low back pain

Sciatica May Be One of The Most Difficult to Diagnose

Sciatica is a term used to describe a problem with the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that starts at the lower back and runs down the back part of each leg. It is responsible for the movement of the muscles in the back of the lower leg and knees. It also is what gives you feeling in the back of your thigh, your lower leg and sole of the feet. Symptoms of sciatica are numbness, weakness or tingling. Although, it's usually only on one side of your body and starts in your lower back, it can affect your thighs, calf, foot or your toes.

Many people don't fully understand sciatica and don't realize they are victims of sciatica because of where the pain is located. The majority of their pain may be in their thigh or calf and assume they have a problems with their legs rather than the sciatic nerve in their back. In some situations, sciatica may go away on its own, but it often needs medicine, exercises or possible surgery. Although at times, doctors can't find a cause for sciatica, it my come from a pelvic fracture, ruptured intervertebral disc or spinal stenosis.

Some of the symptoms of sciatica are different changes in the sensation you feel in the back of the thigh, calf or sole of your feet such as tingling, numbness or a burning sensation. These are usually the first signs that something is wrong. Any sensations that are abnormal may be signs of sciatica, especially if they are mixed with pain. The pain may start minor and become severe or vice versa. In some of the more severe cases of sciatica, the patient may experience inability to move the feet or bend their knees along with having trouble walking.

Patients are usually diagnosed with sciatica after seeing a doctor for pain in the lower back that extends downward. The doctor will first run blood tests, take X-rays as well as MRIs or EMGs. Nerve conduction tests to determine nerve damage are also taken.

Treatment of sciatica may vary depending on the severity of the illness. The first part of the treatment involves pinpointing the exact cause of the nerve disorder. In some cases that are minor, there will be little or conservative treatment. They will only do this if there appears to be little or not trauma to the area or no degeneration of the nerve area.

If the sciatica is caused from a herniated disc, they may choose to remove the parts that are putting pressure on the nerve. Other forms of treatment for sciatica are injections to reduce an inflammation near the nerve or pain relievers. Physical therapy may also be recommended in some cases to help rebuild the strength of the muscles.

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To discover everything you need to know about sciatica and low back pain

Effective alternative therapies for low back pain.

If you are one of the many people that suffer with lower back pain then you will know what little relief there is from this condition; proprietary medication is often the first route to lower back pain relief; The problem with pain relief medication is that it doesn't help the cause of the problem, just merely makes it a little more bearable. Long term medication of pain killers is something that should be supervised as other problems can occur because of their continued use.

Lower back pain is often caused by muscle strain and repeated strenuous exercises; once spinal injury has occurred it can be a permanent condition. It can also be caused if you are lifting heavy loads and usually characterized by a sharp pain to your lower back. More recently people are willing to try natural lower back pain relief treatments to stop their reliance on other types of medication.

An easy, inexpensive method to treat pain and bring relief is stretching; it actually relaxes the back muscles which can become knotted and tight, causing discomfort. Reflexology, an ancient type of alternative medical treatment, uses the concept that areas of the body have corresponding regions on the feet that can benefit from massage; it is a very old natural therapy which helps to relieve many chronic ailments in addition to lower back pain. Another benefit to reflexology is how it can improve the circulation which helps to ease tense muscles.

Although acupuncture is an age old Chinese medical practice that has been used for thousands of years, it is only recently that the Western world has accepted it as an alternative form of lower back pain relief. The Chinese believe all humans have an energy force that flows through us called qi which is affected by our health. By inserting needles in specific parts of the body, it can help to unblock qi and restore the flow. Whilst acupuncture is used for many conditions, it is frequently used for pain relief and many people claim to have excellent results from using it.

The Chinese discipline of tai chi has also provided relief as it uses yoga like principles. It is far easier and much slower so there is less likelihood of further damage being caused. Tai Chi focuses on breathing techniques and is a great way to relax your back. Whilst it involves some stretching and breathing exercises it is not too strenuous which means that anyone, young or old can take part in Tai Chi. A good preventative form of lower back pain relief is to actually exercise more regularly; it increases physical flexibility generally, but also of the spine, which can aid the prevention of future problems.

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Visit The Back Pain Site low back pain - for further information and tips.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Low Back Pain - Causes and Alternative Treatment

If you are one of the many people that suffer with lower back pain then you will know what little relief there is from this condition; proprietary medication is often the first route to lower back pain relief; The problem with pain relief medication is that it doesn't help the cause of the problem, just merely makes it a little more bearable. Long term medication of pain killers is something that should be supervised as other problems can occur because of their continued use.

Lower back pain is often caused by muscle strain and repeated strenuous exercises; once spinal injury has occurred it can be a permanent condition. It can also be caused if you are lifting heavy loads and usually characterized by a sharp pain to your lower back. More recently people are willing to try natural lower back pain relief treatments to stop their reliance on other types of medication.

An easy, inexpensive method to treat pain and bring relief is stretching; it actually relaxes the back muscles which can become knotted and tight, causing discomfort. Reflexology, an ancient type of alternative medical treatment, uses the concept that areas of the body have corresponding regions on the feet that can benefit from massage; it is a very old natural therapy which helps to relieve many chronic ailments in addition to lower back pain. Another benefit to reflexology is how it can improve the circulation which helps to ease tense muscles.

Although acupuncture is an age old Chinese medical practice that has been used for thousands of years, it is only recently that the Western world has accepted it as an alternative form of lower back pain relief. The Chinese believe all humans have an energy force that flows through us called qi which is affected by our health. By inserting needles in specific parts of the body, it can help to unblock qi and restore the flow. Whilst acupuncture is used for many conditions, it is frequently used for pain relief and many people claim to have excellent results from using it.

The Chinese discipline of tai chi has also provided relief as it uses yoga like principles. It is far easier and much slower so there is less likelihood of further damage being caused. Tai Chi focuses on breathing techniques and is a great way to relax your back. Whilst it involves some stretching and breathing exercises it is not too strenuous which means that anyone, young or old can take part in Tai Chi. A good preventative form of lower back pain relief is to actually exercise more regularly; it increases physical flexibility generally, but also of the spine, which can aid the prevention of future problems.

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To discover everything you need to know about low back pain visit The Back Pain Site (http://www.thebackpainsite.com).

Help For Back pain Sufferers

For many people who suffer with back pain, they live in constant agony; finding some form of medication to bring back pain relief is probably a sufferers first thought, even if it only temporary. The problem with pain relief medication is that it doesn't help the cause of the problem, just merely makes it a little more bearable. Many people with spinal problems become addicted to the medication that relieves the back pain but this should really be the responsibility of a doctor.

The back is under a constant strain throughout our lives and whilst it is very strong, it can be injured without to much difficulty; once spinal injury has occurred it can be a permanent condition. Most spinal problems are a result of lifting heavy weights but they can also be caused by lifting even light weights incorrectly, the pain is usually experienced in the lower back. However, a number of back pain relief treatments can be used without the need for drugs.

Tense muscles in the back can be eased just by gentle stretching; this provides relief and is simple to carry out. Reflexology, an ancient type of alternative medical treatment, uses the concept that areas of the body have corresponding regions on the feet that can benefit from massage; it works very well in relieving back pain. Relaxing muscles and increasing the effectiveness of the circulatory system are two other reasons to use reflexology.

Acupuncture on the other hand has been used in China since before the birth of Christ and has had considerable success in helping sufferers. It is providing back pain relief even though this is something that has only recently being used in the Western world. Followers of traditional Chinese medicine are of the belief that every person has an inner energy force (chi) that reflects of our state of health, mental and physical. Chi is blocked in a sick body but needles inserted into specific points, ease many types of pain and the flow of energy. Acupuncture can be used to treat almost all kinds of ailments including pain relief around the spine and studies made in acupuncture have provided results which are quite astounding.

A slower and gentler type of Yoga called Tai Chi, once again from China, is another method of back pain control. This method uses breathing control as the main source of relief with some stretching involved. It is so easy to learn by the young and old alike. In addition to these methods to natural back pain relief, exercise can also help to relieve back pain; it increases physical flexibility generally, but also of the spine, which can aid the prevention of future problems.

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For further help and tips on low back pain treatment and care visit The Back Pain Site (http://www.thebackpainsite.com).