From My Local Health, Yoga and how it helps back pain
Yoga: A great way to stay fit and keep stress at bay
by: Kandy Williams
Yoga is a discipline of the body and mind that dates back more than 5,000 years. The word yoga means “to join” or “to yoke,” and it brings the mind and body together. Yoga has three components: exercise, breathing, and meditation.
There are over one hundred different schools of yoga, but Hatha yoga, which combines physical movements and postures with breathing techniques, is what most people associate with practicing yoga. According to MedicineNet, Hatha yoga is the most widely practiced yoga in the U.S. With its slow and smooth movements, it is excellent for beginners. It is also a great introduction to yoga as it incorporates many different poses (asanas), as well as breathing techniques and chanting.
Some of the most popular schools of yoga in the U.S., and the ones that you are most likely to find in yoga and fitness centers, according to MedicineNet, are: Hatha, Iyengar, Astanga (or Ashtanga), Bikram, and Kundalini.
According to the American Yoga Association, there are eight steps of Classical yoga: yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi. Classes generally focus on asana, physical exercises; pranayama, breathing techniques; and pratyahara, preparation for meditation.
According to WebMD, close to 11 million Americans are practicing yoga and enjoying its numerous health benefits. Yoga poses safely stretch your muscles and increase the range of motion in joints. Yoga also provides strength and endurance benefits. Different poses help you build strength in certain areas. For example, Upward Dog strengthens the lower back and increases upper-body strength. Because of increased flexibility and strength, you also naturally have better posture. The mindful breathing involved with yoga often improves lung capacity as well.
In addition to the physical benefits, there are numerous mental benefits of practicing yoga. By learning how to deepen and lengthen your breath, your relaxation response is stimulated, leaving you feeling more relaxed. Some schools of yoga also teach meditation techniques. Recently, researchers have begun studying the effects of yoga on depression. Because yoga boosts oxygen levels to the brain, it may benefit your mood.
According to AARP Bulletin Today, Dean Ornish, MD, founder of the Preventive Medicine Research Institute in California, has been studying how lifestyle alterations can halt or even reverse the effects of serious conditions such as heart disease and cancer for decades. Since the 1980s, he has incorporated stress management through yoga and meditation with other lifestyle modifications like eating a diet low in fat and getting regular exercise. He has found in his studies that the more yoga and meditation the participants did, the more they improved their health. But it was the consistency of doing it every day that mattered more than duration.
A study published by the National Academy of Sciences and another published in the Lancet in 2008 used an identical group of 30 men with low-risk prostrate cancer. Both studies found that lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, eating a low fat diet, attending support groups, and practicing yoga and meditation, turn on good or disease-preventing genes and turn off bad genes which can cause conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Medical researchers are now studying the benefits of therapeutic yoga or integrative yoga therapy (IYT). It’s used as an aid in treating medical conditions such as clinical depression and heart disease. Yoga also helps to relieve the symptoms of asthma, back pain, and arthritis, according to WebMD.
The research evidence is mounting that yoga is good for both your body and your mind. If you want to get started on the road to a healthier you, visit www.yogafinder.com. This online directory will help you find classes, events, and retreats near you.
Sources: AARP Bulletin Today (bulletin.aarp.org), American Yoga Association (http://www.americanyogaassociation.org), Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com), WebMD (http://www.webmd.com)
Different types of yoga
Hatha yoga: Good for beginners, it focuses on holding poses and integrating your breath into the movements. You will learn many different poses, as well as breathing techniques and chanting. It will be beneficial for stretching and working your muscles.
Iyengar yoga: Good for beginners, it uses poses that are similar to those in Hatha. It differs because it focuses more on balance and body alignment. You will also hold poses longer and use props such as straps and blocks.
Kundalini yoga: More advanced type of yoga, it emphasizes rapid movement through the poses while breathing, chanting, and meditating. It focuses on the energy balance in your body.
Bikram yoga: This yoga is designed to make you sweat as it is practiced in a room heated to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Its objective is to loosen muscles and to cleanse the body, removing symptoms of disease and chronic pain.
Astanga (Ashtanga) Yoga: Also known as power yoga, you move quickly from one pose to another in order to build strength and endurance. There is not an emphasis on meditation, so this is more like a strength training workout than any other type of yoga.
Yoga must be a favorite for dealing with back pain, and feeling good generally.
Stay well
Paul
Saturday 12 December 2009
Pregnancy and Back Pain
Pre- and postnatal yoga yields physical, mental benefits
Dorene Internicola, Reuters
Published: Tuesday, December 08, 2009
More On This Story
From the National Post, more about Pregnancy and Back Pain,Laying the foundation for a healthy pregnancy
Nutrition: Before and after conception
Planning is essential for a healthy pregnancy
Related Topics
Culture and Lifestyle
Exercise and Fitness
Family
Elena Brower
Jacques Moritz
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Alexander Drozdov / AFP / Getty Images Practicing yoga during pregnancy — and after birth — is gaining in popularity, due in part to its demonstrated physical and mental effects
Modern mothers-to-be are turning to the 4,000-year-old practice of yoga to put mind over pregnancy matters as they strengthen their bodies for the road ahead.
"There's a level of comport and presence women cultivate when they're practicing regularly through their pregnancies, so the changes that come are not going to shake them," Elena Brower, a New York City-based yoga instructor said in an interview.
The founder of the Virayoga studio in Manhattan, Brower has worked with celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow and Christie Turlington Burns during their pregnancies. She also has developed the DVD Element: Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga.
"It's about teaching women how to safely strengthen their abdominals," said Brower, herself the mother of a toddler. "And strengthening is complemented by learning how to stretch, so that you can be as limber as possible when that baby comes."
Yoga can also help women to get to know themselves a little better.
"You have a level of presence that allows you to ride the wave of the contraction/pain into another place. You don't think intellectually about it. You breathe."
A study of 335 pregnant women in Bangalore, India, found that those who practiced yoga experienced shorter labor, less pregnancy-induced hypertension, and higher birth-weight babies than the control group.
More than 11 million Americans are estimated to do some form of yoga. The name derives from the Sanskrit meaning yoke or union, and the practice strives to unite movement and breath.
Brower cautions that some of the pretzel-like contortions that characterize the practice are not suitable for expectant mothers, even if they are experienced yogis.
"Don't lie on your belly, don't twist. You want to keep the house as big as possible for the baby," she advises. "Do inversions if it feels right."
Dr. Jacques Moritz, Director of Gynecology at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, says yoga is a fine idea for pregnant women, as long as they inform their instructors of their condition.
"Yoga is a great relaxing exercise. It's good for flexibility, it limbers people up," he said. "Part of the process of having a baby is opening up your pelvis. Yoga is one of the good ways to do that. It strengthens your core muscles and pelvic diaphragm."
Moritz, who is featured in the 2008 documentary film The Business of Being Born, said it also helps the back pain that nearly all women get during pregnancy.
Post-natal yoga can help new mothers re-tone and strengthen the pelvic floor but Moritz warned they should wait six to eight weeks after the birth before resuming yoga.
"You can't do something if you're still fatigued," he explained. "Most women are still breast-feeding on demand every three hours. So the last thing on their mind is exercise."
Then there's the challenge of losing that postpartum weight. The average woman puts on about 30 pounds of it during pregnancy.
Moritz is familiar with those celebrity supermoms who seem to drop their baby weight in the time it takes the rest of us to complete a sun salutation.
"For celebrity clients it's all about getting back in shape immediately," he said. "Most of them are doing yoga and Pilates."
I have second hand experience of this problem, my wife has given birth to 2 children, my daughter to 1. It seems unfair, however there are ways to ease back pain, some of them shown at www.backpainloss.com.
Stay well
Paul
Dorene Internicola, Reuters
Published: Tuesday, December 08, 2009
From the National Post, more about Pregnancy and Back Pain,Laying the foundation for a healthy pregnancy
Nutrition: Before and after conception
Planning is essential for a healthy pregnancy
Related Topics
Culture and Lifestyle
Exercise and Fitness
Family
Elena Brower
Jacques Moritz
Story Tools
Change font size
Print this story
E-Mail this story
Share This Story
Digg
More
Story tools presented by
Alexander Drozdov / AFP / Getty Images Practicing yoga during pregnancy — and after birth — is gaining in popularity, due in part to its demonstrated physical and mental effects
Modern mothers-to-be are turning to the 4,000-year-old practice of yoga to put mind over pregnancy matters as they strengthen their bodies for the road ahead.
"There's a level of comport and presence women cultivate when they're practicing regularly through their pregnancies, so the changes that come are not going to shake them," Elena Brower, a New York City-based yoga instructor said in an interview.
The founder of the Virayoga studio in Manhattan, Brower has worked with celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow and Christie Turlington Burns during their pregnancies. She also has developed the DVD Element: Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga.
"It's about teaching women how to safely strengthen their abdominals," said Brower, herself the mother of a toddler. "And strengthening is complemented by learning how to stretch, so that you can be as limber as possible when that baby comes."
Yoga can also help women to get to know themselves a little better.
"You have a level of presence that allows you to ride the wave of the contraction/pain into another place. You don't think intellectually about it. You breathe."
A study of 335 pregnant women in Bangalore, India, found that those who practiced yoga experienced shorter labor, less pregnancy-induced hypertension, and higher birth-weight babies than the control group.
More than 11 million Americans are estimated to do some form of yoga. The name derives from the Sanskrit meaning yoke or union, and the practice strives to unite movement and breath.
Brower cautions that some of the pretzel-like contortions that characterize the practice are not suitable for expectant mothers, even if they are experienced yogis.
"Don't lie on your belly, don't twist. You want to keep the house as big as possible for the baby," she advises. "Do inversions if it feels right."
Dr. Jacques Moritz, Director of Gynecology at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, says yoga is a fine idea for pregnant women, as long as they inform their instructors of their condition.
"Yoga is a great relaxing exercise. It's good for flexibility, it limbers people up," he said. "Part of the process of having a baby is opening up your pelvis. Yoga is one of the good ways to do that. It strengthens your core muscles and pelvic diaphragm."
Moritz, who is featured in the 2008 documentary film The Business of Being Born, said it also helps the back pain that nearly all women get during pregnancy.
Post-natal yoga can help new mothers re-tone and strengthen the pelvic floor but Moritz warned they should wait six to eight weeks after the birth before resuming yoga.
"You can't do something if you're still fatigued," he explained. "Most women are still breast-feeding on demand every three hours. So the last thing on their mind is exercise."
Then there's the challenge of losing that postpartum weight. The average woman puts on about 30 pounds of it during pregnancy.
Moritz is familiar with those celebrity supermoms who seem to drop their baby weight in the time it takes the rest of us to complete a sun salutation.
"For celebrity clients it's all about getting back in shape immediately," he said. "Most of them are doing yoga and Pilates."
I have second hand experience of this problem, my wife has given birth to 2 children, my daughter to 1. It seems unfair, however there are ways to ease back pain, some of them shown at www.backpainloss.com.
Stay well
Paul
Overweight and Back Pain
From News Trends Today.
Certainly a hot topic of conversation, not only for Back Pain Loss but also for general health on a national scale.
REASONS TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST
Wed, Dec 9, 2009News Trends Today
An alarming number of people are overweight today, especially in the United States. Despite that fact that we know that obesity puts us at risk for heart problems, diabetes and even some types of cancer, the temptation to pile on the pounds appears to be more than the concept of living a healthy lifestyle.
Weight loss is not something that you should seek just to look good. You should lose weight as a way to maintain your health. Many people today are experiencing health problems due to the fact that they are overweight. This includes problems walking, joint pain, back pain, diabetes, heart disease and breathing difficulties. Many of these conditions and problems can be avoided if people simply lose weight.
Because obesity has become such an epidemic, especially in the United States, there is a lot of attention focused on the problem. Solutions for obesity range from lap band surgery that actually shrinks the stomach and prevents someone from eating to excess to simply dieting and exercising. There are literally hundreds of diet programs, thousands of diet centers and tens of thousands of books on the market to tell people how to lose weight.
In addition to that, there are hundreds of thousands of gyms, health clubs and exercise groups that are designed to help people with weight loss. The resources for weight loss are certainly there, but the epidemic remains.
As the article says, a lot of tools available for weight loss. My favorite two are NLP and Hypnosos, of the two a good course of Hypnosis combining suggestions for healthy eating with a gradually increasing exercise regime.
Stay well
Paul
Certainly a hot topic of conversation, not only for Back Pain Loss but also for general health on a national scale.
REASONS TO LOSE WEIGHT FAST
Wed, Dec 9, 2009News Trends Today
An alarming number of people are overweight today, especially in the United States. Despite that fact that we know that obesity puts us at risk for heart problems, diabetes and even some types of cancer, the temptation to pile on the pounds appears to be more than the concept of living a healthy lifestyle.
Weight loss is not something that you should seek just to look good. You should lose weight as a way to maintain your health. Many people today are experiencing health problems due to the fact that they are overweight. This includes problems walking, joint pain, back pain, diabetes, heart disease and breathing difficulties. Many of these conditions and problems can be avoided if people simply lose weight.
Because obesity has become such an epidemic, especially in the United States, there is a lot of attention focused on the problem. Solutions for obesity range from lap band surgery that actually shrinks the stomach and prevents someone from eating to excess to simply dieting and exercising. There are literally hundreds of diet programs, thousands of diet centers and tens of thousands of books on the market to tell people how to lose weight.
In addition to that, there are hundreds of thousands of gyms, health clubs and exercise groups that are designed to help people with weight loss. The resources for weight loss are certainly there, but the epidemic remains.
As the article says, a lot of tools available for weight loss. My favorite two are NLP and Hypnosos, of the two a good course of Hypnosis combining suggestions for healthy eating with a gradually increasing exercise regime.
Stay well
Paul
Reflexology and Back Pain
Fro Natural News.
(NaturalNews) Reflexology is the exerting of pressure on targeted areas of the feet (or hands) using the acupressure points found on a reflexology foot chart. The art is said to have originated in the lands of China, Egypt and India and has its basis in the belief that reflex points on the soles of the feet correspond to the various organs and parts of the body. For example, the inner edge of the foot has points relating to the spine and back, while the eyes, ears and sinuses are represented on the pads of the toes. Reflexologists believe that it is possible to restore health to the body by massaging these points.
Reflexology and Back Pain
Many people complain of back pain that ranges from niggling discomfort to chronic conditions. Mostly, this is not the result of injury or trauma. Less exercise, hard physical work and a generally sedentary lifestyle for many have contributed to the segments of the population who are virtually crippled with back problems. According to the World Health Organization, lower back pain is a leading cause of disability in the world.
The first step in addressing back problems through reflexology is to find a qualified reflexologist who will use specific techniques to exert deep pressure on the foot area corresponding with the specific back problem. This may be painful and several sessions may be required before the condition improves. Sore points are often the most important ones to work on, since they represent places where energy is blocked. A gentle spa type massage is probably not going to help much, pleasant as it may be.
Reflexology and Stress
Stress is sometimes referred to as a "silent killer". Stress is virtually considered as a normal condition in today's society. Road rage, family violence and outbursts can often be put down to stress at work or because of the fast pace of life these days. Reflexologists believe that a balance of mind-body-spirit is fundamental to well-being. Modern lifestyles tend to be more insular; the support once offered by a large, extended family is no longer available to many. The positive effect of therapeutic touch is recognized as being fundamental to a feeling of well-being.
A session with a reflexologist to alleviate stress is a drug-free, non-invasive way of reducing tension. To help the patient to relax, a practitioner may use some kind of aromatherapy massage oil or essential oil as part of the treatment. It is believed to encourage the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones, well documented in their ability to relieve stress.
What to Expect from a Foot Reflexology Session
Reflexology is not a cure-all and may not help when there are serious underlying medical conditions. But it can reduce symptoms and aid in healing by improving lymphatic drainage and circulation, stimulation to the nerve pathways and muscle relaxation. Exercise, such as swimming or walking regularly, can aid in reducing back problems by strengthening back muscles and can also help to alleviate or reduce stress.
One of my first Therapies learnt, it is still a fascinating system to treat most ailments.
Stay well
Paul
(NaturalNews) Reflexology is the exerting of pressure on targeted areas of the feet (or hands) using the acupressure points found on a reflexology foot chart. The art is said to have originated in the lands of China, Egypt and India and has its basis in the belief that reflex points on the soles of the feet correspond to the various organs and parts of the body. For example, the inner edge of the foot has points relating to the spine and back, while the eyes, ears and sinuses are represented on the pads of the toes. Reflexologists believe that it is possible to restore health to the body by massaging these points.
Reflexology and Back Pain
Many people complain of back pain that ranges from niggling discomfort to chronic conditions. Mostly, this is not the result of injury or trauma. Less exercise, hard physical work and a generally sedentary lifestyle for many have contributed to the segments of the population who are virtually crippled with back problems. According to the World Health Organization, lower back pain is a leading cause of disability in the world.
The first step in addressing back problems through reflexology is to find a qualified reflexologist who will use specific techniques to exert deep pressure on the foot area corresponding with the specific back problem. This may be painful and several sessions may be required before the condition improves. Sore points are often the most important ones to work on, since they represent places where energy is blocked. A gentle spa type massage is probably not going to help much, pleasant as it may be.
Reflexology and Stress
Stress is sometimes referred to as a "silent killer". Stress is virtually considered as a normal condition in today's society. Road rage, family violence and outbursts can often be put down to stress at work or because of the fast pace of life these days. Reflexologists believe that a balance of mind-body-spirit is fundamental to well-being. Modern lifestyles tend to be more insular; the support once offered by a large, extended family is no longer available to many. The positive effect of therapeutic touch is recognized as being fundamental to a feeling of well-being.
A session with a reflexologist to alleviate stress is a drug-free, non-invasive way of reducing tension. To help the patient to relax, a practitioner may use some kind of aromatherapy massage oil or essential oil as part of the treatment. It is believed to encourage the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones, well documented in their ability to relieve stress.
What to Expect from a Foot Reflexology Session
Reflexology is not a cure-all and may not help when there are serious underlying medical conditions. But it can reduce symptoms and aid in healing by improving lymphatic drainage and circulation, stimulation to the nerve pathways and muscle relaxation. Exercise, such as swimming or walking regularly, can aid in reducing back problems by strengthening back muscles and can also help to alleviate or reduce stress.
One of my first Therapies learnt, it is still a fascinating system to treat most ailments.
Stay well
Paul
Chiropractor and Back Pain Loss
This one from Dynamic ChiropractorHealth Care Is Being Dissected Under a National Microscope - But Where Is Chiropractic?
By Guy Riekeman, DC
As the debate over health care reform rages on in Washington, D.C., and in contentious town meetings across the country, there is perhaps one thing we can all agree on: The chiropractic profession is not so much as a tiny voice in the back row.
A panel of medical experts is advising the Obama administration on everything from single-payer systems to obesity management and end-of-life care. But no one from our profession has been invited in to explain chiropractic's vitalistic approach to health and human performance, even though it perhaps best reflects the president's ideal of a health care system with greater emphasis on wellness, prevention and personal empowerment that won't break the national bank.
Maybe we shouldn't be surprised. We have so successfully carved out a niche as back pain experts, it's no wonder our national leaders aren't asking what we think is the best approach to helping people realize more of their inborn potential for health.
How will chiropractic ever get its chance to influence the direction of health care in our nation? Only through the exercise of powerful thought leadership that clearly captures and articulates chiropractic's unique understanding of and contribution to health and human performance.
Finding Chiropractic's Voice: Becoming Thought Leaders
Anyone who has been involved with chiropractic for more than five minutes knows our advancement has been hampered by a muddy identity and professional infighting that have made it difficult for the public to know who we are and what we do. What we may not have realized, perhaps even until now, is just how much our "internal" problems are actually affecting the health of our neighbors, communities and nation.
On a scale never before experienced in our country, our nation's leaders are talking about health. They actually want to know how to get the population healthier, how to better care for those who are sick, and how to pay for the best care without sending us deeper into debt. What if, when they thought of chiropractic, they said, "Oh, those are the professionals who help people's bodies work better so its natural powers of health, adaptation and healing can be more fully realized"? Now that's a group that's getting a first-class invitation to the White House for a roundtable on health care reform.
Understanding Thought Leadership
The term thought leader was first coined in 1994 by Joel Kurtzman, author of Global Edge, senior fellow and publisher of The Milken Institute Review, and former editor of the Harvard Business Review and business editor of The New York Times. He used it to describe people who were contributing new knowledge to their fields. Today, it's widely understood to refer to people who understand emerging trends in their discipline and have the expertise and independent research to back up their point of view in meaningful and actionable ways.
Thought leadership is about competence. First and foremost, it stems from having a depth of understanding of your field that is nearly unrivaled and that is highly substantiated with facts. It also evolves around and inspires trust. People (patients, students, national leaders) want to be involved with organizations they believe in.
What Thought Leaders Do
Stake out a clear position. Thought leaders do not try to be all things to all people. They have unique expertise that is well-tested and are comfortable saying clearly what they know to be so without apology. One marketing leader refers to this concept as "concentrated fame" or being "king of the mole hill." It's far more effective to have the greatest depth of knowledge and expertise within your field than to dabble in many.
Add new knowledge. Thought leaders tell us something we don't already know. They are constantly learning and developing and testing new theories and approaches in their field. They don't shoot from the hip and hope they're right.
Become masters. Thought leaders specialize. They know who they are and what unique role they fill, and work tirelessly to fulfill it at the absolute highest levels of competency and professionalism. They have a passion for their field that goes beyond financial reward and can't be faked.
Speak clearly with one voice. The first thing a communications expert will tell you in a crisis is to get one clear message and have the same person deliver it again and again. The same approach works for communication over the long haul. You help people understand your message when you make it clear and consistent and deliver it repeatedly over time.
Ask lots of questions. Thought leaders are not afraid that asking someone else's opinion or considering another viewpoint will weaken their position. On the contrary; they understand that the more they test their knowledge, the stronger it will be. They pour many diverse viewpoints into their funnel and tease them out to see what makes sense and what doesn't. They also ask a lot of questions through formal research that applies the most rigorous standards to the concepts they hold near and dear. They don't want unquestioned confidence in themselves and their ideas; they want to be accurate.
Where Is Chiropractic?
Do those traits broadly describe the chiropractic profession to you? I think your answer is probably no, and I agree with you. We have excelled at halfheartedly delivering a confusing and changing message that we defend with a near-religious zeal, but are largely unwilling to expose to scientific discovery and research.
We are trying hard to change that approach at Life University. Six months ago we brought together some of the world's most renowned philosophers, clinicians and scholars inside and outside of chiropractic for the inaugural event of the Lifesource Octagon, a Center for Infinite Thinking. A key result of the conference was published proceedings that document how members of varied professions are gathering around the concept of vitalism. But we have to continue to expand the conversation and, most importantly, hold these concepts up to external and objective evaluation. We must embrace objective critique if our vitalistic approach to health and peak performance is to capture the respect of key decision-makers.
Likewise, we have recently commissioned an independent research study of millenials (those born in the late '70s to mid '90s) so we can develop a much clearer understanding of how this generation approaches health and health-oriented decisions. Armed with this objective data, we'll be far better positioned to communicate the unique role of chiropractic in helping them reach optimum performance.
That's where chiropractic can have its greatest impact. We are not low back pain gurus. We are not sciatica experts. We are vitalistic health care practitioners who have a unique understanding and set of credentials that can help people develop a far more mature and nuanced understanding of their bodies and then better manage their journey toward peak performance.
Thought leadership is not for everyone. It requires an unwavering commitment to excellence, honesty, and objective scrutiny and measurement. I think our profession has matured to the point that we are ready for that. If we can focus our communication and our dollars as a profession on researching the impact of chiropractic care on human health and performance, and sharing our vitalistic philosophy unapologetically and clearly, we can indeed help steer the national dialogue in a much healthier direction.
An interesting thought, more at www.backpainloss.com
By Guy Riekeman, DC
As the debate over health care reform rages on in Washington, D.C., and in contentious town meetings across the country, there is perhaps one thing we can all agree on: The chiropractic profession is not so much as a tiny voice in the back row.
A panel of medical experts is advising the Obama administration on everything from single-payer systems to obesity management and end-of-life care. But no one from our profession has been invited in to explain chiropractic's vitalistic approach to health and human performance, even though it perhaps best reflects the president's ideal of a health care system with greater emphasis on wellness, prevention and personal empowerment that won't break the national bank.
Maybe we shouldn't be surprised. We have so successfully carved out a niche as back pain experts, it's no wonder our national leaders aren't asking what we think is the best approach to helping people realize more of their inborn potential for health.
How will chiropractic ever get its chance to influence the direction of health care in our nation? Only through the exercise of powerful thought leadership that clearly captures and articulates chiropractic's unique understanding of and contribution to health and human performance.
Finding Chiropractic's Voice: Becoming Thought Leaders
Anyone who has been involved with chiropractic for more than five minutes knows our advancement has been hampered by a muddy identity and professional infighting that have made it difficult for the public to know who we are and what we do. What we may not have realized, perhaps even until now, is just how much our "internal" problems are actually affecting the health of our neighbors, communities and nation.
On a scale never before experienced in our country, our nation's leaders are talking about health. They actually want to know how to get the population healthier, how to better care for those who are sick, and how to pay for the best care without sending us deeper into debt. What if, when they thought of chiropractic, they said, "Oh, those are the professionals who help people's bodies work better so its natural powers of health, adaptation and healing can be more fully realized"? Now that's a group that's getting a first-class invitation to the White House for a roundtable on health care reform.
Understanding Thought Leadership
The term thought leader was first coined in 1994 by Joel Kurtzman, author of Global Edge, senior fellow and publisher of The Milken Institute Review, and former editor of the Harvard Business Review and business editor of The New York Times. He used it to describe people who were contributing new knowledge to their fields. Today, it's widely understood to refer to people who understand emerging trends in their discipline and have the expertise and independent research to back up their point of view in meaningful and actionable ways.
Thought leadership is about competence. First and foremost, it stems from having a depth of understanding of your field that is nearly unrivaled and that is highly substantiated with facts. It also evolves around and inspires trust. People (patients, students, national leaders) want to be involved with organizations they believe in.
What Thought Leaders Do
Stake out a clear position. Thought leaders do not try to be all things to all people. They have unique expertise that is well-tested and are comfortable saying clearly what they know to be so without apology. One marketing leader refers to this concept as "concentrated fame" or being "king of the mole hill." It's far more effective to have the greatest depth of knowledge and expertise within your field than to dabble in many.
Add new knowledge. Thought leaders tell us something we don't already know. They are constantly learning and developing and testing new theories and approaches in their field. They don't shoot from the hip and hope they're right.
Become masters. Thought leaders specialize. They know who they are and what unique role they fill, and work tirelessly to fulfill it at the absolute highest levels of competency and professionalism. They have a passion for their field that goes beyond financial reward and can't be faked.
Speak clearly with one voice. The first thing a communications expert will tell you in a crisis is to get one clear message and have the same person deliver it again and again. The same approach works for communication over the long haul. You help people understand your message when you make it clear and consistent and deliver it repeatedly over time.
Ask lots of questions. Thought leaders are not afraid that asking someone else's opinion or considering another viewpoint will weaken their position. On the contrary; they understand that the more they test their knowledge, the stronger it will be. They pour many diverse viewpoints into their funnel and tease them out to see what makes sense and what doesn't. They also ask a lot of questions through formal research that applies the most rigorous standards to the concepts they hold near and dear. They don't want unquestioned confidence in themselves and their ideas; they want to be accurate.
Where Is Chiropractic?
Do those traits broadly describe the chiropractic profession to you? I think your answer is probably no, and I agree with you. We have excelled at halfheartedly delivering a confusing and changing message that we defend with a near-religious zeal, but are largely unwilling to expose to scientific discovery and research.
We are trying hard to change that approach at Life University. Six months ago we brought together some of the world's most renowned philosophers, clinicians and scholars inside and outside of chiropractic for the inaugural event of the Lifesource Octagon, a Center for Infinite Thinking. A key result of the conference was published proceedings that document how members of varied professions are gathering around the concept of vitalism. But we have to continue to expand the conversation and, most importantly, hold these concepts up to external and objective evaluation. We must embrace objective critique if our vitalistic approach to health and peak performance is to capture the respect of key decision-makers.
Likewise, we have recently commissioned an independent research study of millenials (those born in the late '70s to mid '90s) so we can develop a much clearer understanding of how this generation approaches health and health-oriented decisions. Armed with this objective data, we'll be far better positioned to communicate the unique role of chiropractic in helping them reach optimum performance.
That's where chiropractic can have its greatest impact. We are not low back pain gurus. We are not sciatica experts. We are vitalistic health care practitioners who have a unique understanding and set of credentials that can help people develop a far more mature and nuanced understanding of their bodies and then better manage their journey toward peak performance.
Thought leadership is not for everyone. It requires an unwavering commitment to excellence, honesty, and objective scrutiny and measurement. I think our profession has matured to the point that we are ready for that. If we can focus our communication and our dollars as a profession on researching the impact of chiropractic care on human health and performance, and sharing our vitalistic philosophy unapologetically and clearly, we can indeed help steer the national dialogue in a much healthier direction.
An interesting thought, more at www.backpainloss.com
Sunday 15 November 2009
How Naturopathy is used for back pain
From Family.Gather.ComHow Naturopathy Treatment Is Used For Back Pain
More good stuff, I think.
For many individuals living with daily back pain, naturopathy treatment has become a viable alternative to conventional measures in providing relief. The base concept of naturopathy is to utilize the body's ability to heal itself by promoting common-sense curative practices designed to heal from within. It is also quite common for practitioners of naturopathy to incorporate conventional measures into a wellness plan, using the best of both disciplines with a patient's best interest at heart. While extensive studies of the benefits of naturopathy are lacking in large numbers, patients who have been helped by it's use swear by the positive features of it's practice.
Naturopathy as used for back pain can use one singular method of treatment or a combination of many, including some non-invasive conventional measures. Acupuncture, relaxation therapy exercises, massage, reflexology, diet advice and lifestyle counseling all fall within the general parameters of naturopathy, with each serving a designated purpose in addressing back pain. A Doctor of Naturopathy may recommend manipulation, herbal treatments or simple exercise in enabling an individual to become their own greatest benefactor in the healing process. In naturopathy, treatment for back pain tends to address causes for the presentation of pain rather than the treatment of symptoms. In this manner naturopathy can prevent future incidents simply through the removal of the root cause of the patient's back pain.
A Doctor of Naturopathy utilizes many of the same diagnostic tools used in conventional medicine such as x-rays and MRI's, however the approach used in treatment is quite different. In naturopathy, back pain may be treated by something as simple as massage and changes in diet and lifestyle, while it may be recommended to the same patient by a a doctor of conventional medicine that surgery is required. While each doctor may present a valid case for their recommendations, the final treatment option lies with the patient suffering back pain. In it's truest sense, naturopathy always stays away from extreme or invasive measures such as surgery, radiation or strong medications that present possible difficulties with side-effects. In their place, naturopathy looks at a combination of often minor adjustments to overall lifestyle that can have a large cumulative impact of stopping back pain by enabling the body to correct itself.
Unfortunately, the practice of naturopathy to treat back pain is limited to a certain extent to those who are open-minded enough personally to attempt something different from the norm. This is also apparent in the fact that many if not most major health insurance carriers do not recognize or pay for naturopathic treatments.
More good stuff, I think.
For many individuals living with daily back pain, naturopathy treatment has become a viable alternative to conventional measures in providing relief. The base concept of naturopathy is to utilize the body's ability to heal itself by promoting common-sense curative practices designed to heal from within. It is also quite common for practitioners of naturopathy to incorporate conventional measures into a wellness plan, using the best of both disciplines with a patient's best interest at heart. While extensive studies of the benefits of naturopathy are lacking in large numbers, patients who have been helped by it's use swear by the positive features of it's practice.
Naturopathy as used for back pain can use one singular method of treatment or a combination of many, including some non-invasive conventional measures. Acupuncture, relaxation therapy exercises, massage, reflexology, diet advice and lifestyle counseling all fall within the general parameters of naturopathy, with each serving a designated purpose in addressing back pain. A Doctor of Naturopathy may recommend manipulation, herbal treatments or simple exercise in enabling an individual to become their own greatest benefactor in the healing process. In naturopathy, treatment for back pain tends to address causes for the presentation of pain rather than the treatment of symptoms. In this manner naturopathy can prevent future incidents simply through the removal of the root cause of the patient's back pain.
A Doctor of Naturopathy utilizes many of the same diagnostic tools used in conventional medicine such as x-rays and MRI's, however the approach used in treatment is quite different. In naturopathy, back pain may be treated by something as simple as massage and changes in diet and lifestyle, while it may be recommended to the same patient by a a doctor of conventional medicine that surgery is required. While each doctor may present a valid case for their recommendations, the final treatment option lies with the patient suffering back pain. In it's truest sense, naturopathy always stays away from extreme or invasive measures such as surgery, radiation or strong medications that present possible difficulties with side-effects. In their place, naturopathy looks at a combination of often minor adjustments to overall lifestyle that can have a large cumulative impact of stopping back pain by enabling the body to correct itself.
Unfortunately, the practice of naturopathy to treat back pain is limited to a certain extent to those who are open-minded enough personally to attempt something different from the norm. This is also apparent in the fact that many if not most major health insurance carriers do not recognize or pay for naturopathic treatments.
Alternative medicene is becomong mainstream.
From the Los Angekes Times
I have always thpught in terms of complementary, rather than alternative, still, have a read.
Alternative medicine is becoming mainstream
Many Americans are choosing to treat themselves using nontraditional methods, but to what end?
Leon Wittman tweaked his shoulder in 1994 while attempting to keep his basement from flooding during a thunderstorm by scooping water out of a window well with a bucket.
His left arm began to ache. He realized about a year later that he rarely used it anymore and could no longer comfortably sleep on that side. A physician said the only cure was surgery.
Wittman and his wife Charlene have always shied away from physicians, preferring to "maintain a good attitude, drink lots of water and figure things out on our own," as he puts it. And so he opted instead to try a pain relief supplement that included acetaminophen, alfalfa, cramp bark and valerian root -- which, he says, improved his shoulder within a month. The Shawnee, Kan., man now takes a glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM supplement.
Many Americans like Wittman choose to treat themselves with complementary and alternative medicine in lieu of surgery, pharmaceuticals or other traditional care. Their numbers have been steadily climbing over the last decade. According to a July study from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, based on interviews with more than 23,300 adults during the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, almost 40% of adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine to treat a variety of conditions.
They spent about $33.9 billion on these practices in 2007, accounting for about 11.2% of the public's total out-of-pocket health expenditures. In 1997, the last time such a survey was taken, the figure was $27 billion.
"Whatever this amount of the population is doing is no longer fringe," says Dr. Tracy Gaudet, executive director of Duke Integrative Medicine, part of the Duke University Health System. "We have to figure out what they are looking for that they can't find in conventional medicine."
Medicine outside the mainstream goes by many names -- naturopathy, complementary, alternative and integrative medicine -- partly because its umbrella covers almost any practice or product that is not generally taught in medical school or offered by traditional medical doctors. It encompasses a broad array of practices: crystal gazing, drinking green smoothies, taking fish oil, practicing yoga.
Alternative therapies are used most commonly to treat conditions such as back, joint and arthritis pain, colds and depression. The new study found the most popular therapies to be natural products, deep breathing, meditation, chiropractic and massage.
Self-care, at $22 billion, accounted for the majority of spending, mostly on nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products. The most popular supplements are fish oil, glucosamine, echinacea and flaxseed. Americans spent $4 billion on yoga, tai chi and qigong classes, and $2.9 billion on homeopathic medicine.
The survey found that visits to practitioners overall have decreased by about 50% since 1997, with the biggest drop seen by providers of energy healing and relaxation techniques. An exception was acupuncture, whose providers saw a threefold increase from 1997 to 2007.
For years, there has been a false assumption that users are anti-establishment and alternative types who choose it over conventional treatments -- but the data suggests otherwise, complementary medicine experts say. Dr. Mimi Guarneri, medical director of Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in La Jolla, says that these are regular people who want more help staying well.
"The good news about Western medicine is that it responds well in an acute setting -- if they have a heart attack, stroke or are hit by a car," she says. "When you look at other healing traditions, prevention is the first step, treatment is the last step."
But the trend worries many medical experts, although they acknowledge that some alternative therapies seem useful -- acupuncture for treating back pain, for example, and exercise and dietary changes for better regulation of blood sugar.
A 2008 study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found, for example, that patients who exercised, ate a low-fat diet and took fish oil and red yeast rice supplements over a three-month period reduced their bad, or LDL, cholesterol by 42%. A group taking the cholesterol medication Zocor saw a 39% LDL reduction.
But many more of the therapies are unproven or untested. Echinacea, ginko biloba and shark cartilage all came up ineffective in recent studies. A June Associated Press article highlighted the fact that after 10 years and $2.5 billion in research, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has not found any alternative medicine that works, save patients taking ginger for chemotherapy-induced nausea and limited uses for acupuncture, yoga, massage and relaxation techniques such as meditation.
Almost $3 billion is spent annually on homeopathic medicine, for example, but there is no hard evidence to show that it is effective. The treatment, which is based on the theory that "like cures like," offers patients highly diluted solutions of natural substances that create similar symptoms. (An insomniac, for example, would be given a solution with a small amount of caffeine.) A number of homeopathy's key concepts "are not consistent with the current understanding of science, particularly chemistry and physics," the complementary medicine center notes on its website.
"I think people using alternative medicines are wasting their money and are being fooled into thinking they are getting something that is beneficial for them," says Dr. Jerome Kassirer, distinguished professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and former editor in chief of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Then there's the issue of safety. Herbs and supplements used by alternative health practitioners are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration because they are considered food, not pharmaceuticals. Thus, their purity is not guaranteed. The FDA has identified concerns with some dietary supplements that have been adulterated with drugs, mislabeled or may contain harmful substances including kava, ephedra and comfrey. A listing of alerts is on its website at http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/Alerts/default.htm.
Some supplements -- such as St. John's Wort and ginko biloba -- also are known to interfere with conventional drugs, but many supplement users do not discuss the supplements they take with their doctors.
Gaudet says that medical students at Duke -- who are required as part of training to spend some time "loitering" in health food stores -- find that most consumers get information on how to use supplements from the health food store clerks. And a 2007 study by the complementary center and AARP looking at medical practices of people aged 50 and older found that 63% have used some form of alternative medicine but less than one-third told their doctor.
"There are some of these alternative medicine potions that can be harmful," Kassirer says. "And I think people treat themselves when they should be seeing a doctor, and that can result in a delay in necessary treatment."
Alternative medicine practitioners counter that most of the therapies, even if not effective, are not likely to harm. "I think many herbal remedies are quite gentle compared to strong drugs. . . . They aren't necessarily all safe, but by and large they have gentle effects," Briggs says.
Nor are all the issues unique to complementary medicine, Gaudet says, offering as an example: In many areas of traditional medicine, such as surgery, rigorous trials are rarely completed.
It's also unreasonable to argue that alternative therapies must be studied as thoroughly as a lot of mainstream medical practices, Guarneri says. The research should be as strong as a therapy's potential for risks.
Certainly, a new chemotherapy treatment should be rigorously tested, she says. But "I don't need a 2-million-person double-blind, randomized trial to tell someone to eat blueberries because they are low in sugar and high in antioxidants."
health@latimes.com
Copyright © 2009, The Los Angeles Times
Good news for those of us who believe there is a place for both the men in White Coats, and those of us who just use our hands.
Bye for now
Paul
I have always thpught in terms of complementary, rather than alternative, still, have a read.
Alternative medicine is becoming mainstream
Many Americans are choosing to treat themselves using nontraditional methods, but to what end?
Leon Wittman tweaked his shoulder in 1994 while attempting to keep his basement from flooding during a thunderstorm by scooping water out of a window well with a bucket.
His left arm began to ache. He realized about a year later that he rarely used it anymore and could no longer comfortably sleep on that side. A physician said the only cure was surgery.
Wittman and his wife Charlene have always shied away from physicians, preferring to "maintain a good attitude, drink lots of water and figure things out on our own," as he puts it. And so he opted instead to try a pain relief supplement that included acetaminophen, alfalfa, cramp bark and valerian root -- which, he says, improved his shoulder within a month. The Shawnee, Kan., man now takes a glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM supplement.
Many Americans like Wittman choose to treat themselves with complementary and alternative medicine in lieu of surgery, pharmaceuticals or other traditional care. Their numbers have been steadily climbing over the last decade. According to a July study from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, based on interviews with more than 23,300 adults during the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, almost 40% of adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine to treat a variety of conditions.
They spent about $33.9 billion on these practices in 2007, accounting for about 11.2% of the public's total out-of-pocket health expenditures. In 1997, the last time such a survey was taken, the figure was $27 billion.
"Whatever this amount of the population is doing is no longer fringe," says Dr. Tracy Gaudet, executive director of Duke Integrative Medicine, part of the Duke University Health System. "We have to figure out what they are looking for that they can't find in conventional medicine."
Medicine outside the mainstream goes by many names -- naturopathy, complementary, alternative and integrative medicine -- partly because its umbrella covers almost any practice or product that is not generally taught in medical school or offered by traditional medical doctors. It encompasses a broad array of practices: crystal gazing, drinking green smoothies, taking fish oil, practicing yoga.
Alternative therapies are used most commonly to treat conditions such as back, joint and arthritis pain, colds and depression. The new study found the most popular therapies to be natural products, deep breathing, meditation, chiropractic and massage.
Self-care, at $22 billion, accounted for the majority of spending, mostly on nonvitamin, nonmineral, natural products. The most popular supplements are fish oil, glucosamine, echinacea and flaxseed. Americans spent $4 billion on yoga, tai chi and qigong classes, and $2.9 billion on homeopathic medicine.
The survey found that visits to practitioners overall have decreased by about 50% since 1997, with the biggest drop seen by providers of energy healing and relaxation techniques. An exception was acupuncture, whose providers saw a threefold increase from 1997 to 2007.
For years, there has been a false assumption that users are anti-establishment and alternative types who choose it over conventional treatments -- but the data suggests otherwise, complementary medicine experts say. Dr. Mimi Guarneri, medical director of Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in La Jolla, says that these are regular people who want more help staying well.
"The good news about Western medicine is that it responds well in an acute setting -- if they have a heart attack, stroke or are hit by a car," she says. "When you look at other healing traditions, prevention is the first step, treatment is the last step."
But the trend worries many medical experts, although they acknowledge that some alternative therapies seem useful -- acupuncture for treating back pain, for example, and exercise and dietary changes for better regulation of blood sugar.
A 2008 study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found, for example, that patients who exercised, ate a low-fat diet and took fish oil and red yeast rice supplements over a three-month period reduced their bad, or LDL, cholesterol by 42%. A group taking the cholesterol medication Zocor saw a 39% LDL reduction.
But many more of the therapies are unproven or untested. Echinacea, ginko biloba and shark cartilage all came up ineffective in recent studies. A June Associated Press article highlighted the fact that after 10 years and $2.5 billion in research, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has not found any alternative medicine that works, save patients taking ginger for chemotherapy-induced nausea and limited uses for acupuncture, yoga, massage and relaxation techniques such as meditation.
Almost $3 billion is spent annually on homeopathic medicine, for example, but there is no hard evidence to show that it is effective. The treatment, which is based on the theory that "like cures like," offers patients highly diluted solutions of natural substances that create similar symptoms. (An insomniac, for example, would be given a solution with a small amount of caffeine.) A number of homeopathy's key concepts "are not consistent with the current understanding of science, particularly chemistry and physics," the complementary medicine center notes on its website.
"I think people using alternative medicines are wasting their money and are being fooled into thinking they are getting something that is beneficial for them," says Dr. Jerome Kassirer, distinguished professor at Tufts University School of Medicine and former editor in chief of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Then there's the issue of safety. Herbs and supplements used by alternative health practitioners are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration because they are considered food, not pharmaceuticals. Thus, their purity is not guaranteed. The FDA has identified concerns with some dietary supplements that have been adulterated with drugs, mislabeled or may contain harmful substances including kava, ephedra and comfrey. A listing of alerts is on its website at http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/Alerts/default.htm.
Some supplements -- such as St. John's Wort and ginko biloba -- also are known to interfere with conventional drugs, but many supplement users do not discuss the supplements they take with their doctors.
Gaudet says that medical students at Duke -- who are required as part of training to spend some time "loitering" in health food stores -- find that most consumers get information on how to use supplements from the health food store clerks. And a 2007 study by the complementary center and AARP looking at medical practices of people aged 50 and older found that 63% have used some form of alternative medicine but less than one-third told their doctor.
"There are some of these alternative medicine potions that can be harmful," Kassirer says. "And I think people treat themselves when they should be seeing a doctor, and that can result in a delay in necessary treatment."
Alternative medicine practitioners counter that most of the therapies, even if not effective, are not likely to harm. "I think many herbal remedies are quite gentle compared to strong drugs. . . . They aren't necessarily all safe, but by and large they have gentle effects," Briggs says.
Nor are all the issues unique to complementary medicine, Gaudet says, offering as an example: In many areas of traditional medicine, such as surgery, rigorous trials are rarely completed.
It's also unreasonable to argue that alternative therapies must be studied as thoroughly as a lot of mainstream medical practices, Guarneri says. The research should be as strong as a therapy's potential for risks.
Certainly, a new chemotherapy treatment should be rigorously tested, she says. But "I don't need a 2-million-person double-blind, randomized trial to tell someone to eat blueberries because they are low in sugar and high in antioxidants."
health@latimes.com
Copyright © 2009, The Los Angeles Times
Good news for those of us who believe there is a place for both the men in White Coats, and those of us who just use our hands.
Bye for now
Paul
Tomatoes and weight loss.
From Redif.com
If you carry extra weight this may cause back pain, if you worry about excess weight, this may also contribute to stress, leading to back pain. Here is a short and sweet answer, possibly, to weight loss.
Move over starving diets and strict exercise regimes -- the key to weight loss could simply be eating lots of tomatoes, experts believe.
According to researchers, the fruit leaves the eater feeling satisfied, and thus suppresses the urge to snack, which is one of a slimmer's main pitfalls, reports The Daily Express.
It is thought that tomatoes are rich in compounds, which alter levels of appetite hormones, making them an easy way to keep off hunger pangs.
To reach the conclusion, researchers at Reading University in London fed 17 women sandwiches made with white bread, bread enriched with carrots or with tomatoes.
The tomato bread proved the most filling, the researchers found.
Project leader Dr Julie Lovegrove said: "We can't yet say what the crucial ingredient is, but the results were statistically significant
I do hope this is informative and helpfull
Best Regards
Paul
If you carry extra weight this may cause back pain, if you worry about excess weight, this may also contribute to stress, leading to back pain. Here is a short and sweet answer, possibly, to weight loss.
Move over starving diets and strict exercise regimes -- the key to weight loss could simply be eating lots of tomatoes, experts believe.
According to researchers, the fruit leaves the eater feeling satisfied, and thus suppresses the urge to snack, which is one of a slimmer's main pitfalls, reports The Daily Express.
It is thought that tomatoes are rich in compounds, which alter levels of appetite hormones, making them an easy way to keep off hunger pangs.
To reach the conclusion, researchers at Reading University in London fed 17 women sandwiches made with white bread, bread enriched with carrots or with tomatoes.
The tomato bread proved the most filling, the researchers found.
Project leader Dr Julie Lovegrove said: "We can't yet say what the crucial ingredient is, but the results were statistically significant
I do hope this is informative and helpfull
Best Regards
Paul
Yoga and back Pain loss
Hello Again
An article from Science Daily, Yoga and its benefits with back pain loss
Researchers Find Yoga May Be Effective For Chronic Low Back Pain In Minority Populations
ScienceDaily (Nov. 4, 2009) — Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston Medical Center found that yoga may be more effective than standard treatment for reducing chronic low back pain in minority populations. This study appears in the November issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
back pain is common in the United States, resulting in substantial disability and cost to society. Individuals from low-income, minority backgrounds with chronic low back pain (CLBP) may be more affected due to disparities in access to treatment. Although many CLBP patients seek relief from complementary therapies such as yoga, use of these approaches are less common among minorities and individuals with lower incomes or less education.
BUSM researchers recruited adults with CLBP from two community health centers that serve racially diverse, low-income neighborhoods of Boston. They were randomly assigned to either a standardized 12-week series of hatha yoga classes or standard treatment including doctor's visits and medications.
As part of the trial, the researchers asked participants to report their average pain intensity for the previous week, how their function is limited due to back pain, and how much pain medication they are taking. The yoga group participated in 12 weekly 75-minute classes that included postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Classes were taught by a team of registered yoga teachers and were limited to eight participants. Home practice for 30 minutes daily was strongly encouraged. Participants were provided with an audio CD of the class, a handbook describing and depicting the exercises, a yoga mat, strap, and block.
Pain scores for the yoga participants decreased by one-third compared to the control group, which decreased by only 5 percent. Whereas pain medication use in the control group did not change, yoga participants' use of pain medicines decreased by 80 percent. Improvement in function was also greater for yoga participants but was not statistically significant.
"Few studies of complementary therapies have targeted minority populations with low back pain" explained lead author Robert B. Saper, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of family medicine at BUSM and director of integrative medicine at Boston Medical Center. "Our pilot study showed that yoga is well-received in these communities and may be effective for reducing pain and pain medication use," said Saper.
This study was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
More on Yoga as a therapy at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
An article from Science Daily, Yoga and its benefits with back pain loss
Researchers Find Yoga May Be Effective For Chronic Low Back Pain In Minority Populations
ScienceDaily (Nov. 4, 2009) — Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and Boston Medical Center found that yoga may be more effective than standard treatment for reducing chronic low back pain in minority populations. This study appears in the November issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine.
back pain is common in the United States, resulting in substantial disability and cost to society. Individuals from low-income, minority backgrounds with chronic low back pain (CLBP) may be more affected due to disparities in access to treatment. Although many CLBP patients seek relief from complementary therapies such as yoga, use of these approaches are less common among minorities and individuals with lower incomes or less education.
BUSM researchers recruited adults with CLBP from two community health centers that serve racially diverse, low-income neighborhoods of Boston. They were randomly assigned to either a standardized 12-week series of hatha yoga classes or standard treatment including doctor's visits and medications.
As part of the trial, the researchers asked participants to report their average pain intensity for the previous week, how their function is limited due to back pain, and how much pain medication they are taking. The yoga group participated in 12 weekly 75-minute classes that included postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. Classes were taught by a team of registered yoga teachers and were limited to eight participants. Home practice for 30 minutes daily was strongly encouraged. Participants were provided with an audio CD of the class, a handbook describing and depicting the exercises, a yoga mat, strap, and block.
Pain scores for the yoga participants decreased by one-third compared to the control group, which decreased by only 5 percent. Whereas pain medication use in the control group did not change, yoga participants' use of pain medicines decreased by 80 percent. Improvement in function was also greater for yoga participants but was not statistically significant.
"Few studies of complementary therapies have targeted minority populations with low back pain" explained lead author Robert B. Saper, MD, MPH, an assistant professor of family medicine at BUSM and director of integrative medicine at Boston Medical Center. "Our pilot study showed that yoga is well-received in these communities and may be effective for reducing pain and pain medication use," said Saper.
This study was funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
More on Yoga as a therapy at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
No more back pain
Hello
Here is an interesting article from the Montral Gazette
Fitness with Jill Barker
Photograph by: Gazette, GazetteIf you haven’t already, it’s time to remove sit-ups from your exercise routine. A stalwart of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, sit-ups were originally touted as the exercise of choice for whittling excess inches off the waistline. Yet even after spot-reducing was revealed as a myth, sit-ups maintained their popularity as a core strengthener.
Now even that claim has come under scrutiny. The sit-up targets one muscle (the rectus abdominus), which is responsible for bending the spine forward. Yet the body’s midsection, often referred to as the core, is made up of several muscles that not only generate movement in numerous directions but also stabilize the spinal column.
The final myth – the one that claims sit-ups improve back health – has now also been exposed. In fact, some spine experts suggest that sit-ups actually put the spine at risk, making it not only an exercise that has little benefit, but one that may actually do more harm than good.
Leading the pack of experts who think sit-ups don’t live up to their billing is Stuart McGill, a professor of spine mechanics at the University of Waterloo. According to McGill, all that bending of the spine isn’t good for back health.
“Given that the sit-up imposes such a large compression load on the spine, the issue is not which type of sit-up should be recommended,” McGill says in his book Low Back Disorders (Human Kinetics, $59). “Rather, sit-ups should not be performed at all by most people.”
McGill says the goal of a core exercise is to challenge the muscles in a way that spares the spine. He also maintains that when it comes to the back, the idea is to improve muscular endurance before trying to improve strength.
David Campbell is an athletic therapist and osteopath. The co-owner of Concordia Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy and osteopath for the Montreal Canadiens, Campbell has seen his share of back problems. And while he admits that the old school approach to better back health included prescribing sit-ups, that’s no longer the case.
“Sit-ups won’t make your back any better,” he said.
Campbell agrees with McGill that when it comes to the back, endurance is more important, at least initially, than strength. He also suggests that most back-pain sufferers lack good back mobility, which isn’t helped by a steady diet of sit-ups.
David Snively is one of Montreal’s top personal trainers. He prefers working the abs in a standing position, because it is more reflective of how we use our core muscles in everyday life.
Mimicking such movement patterns is referred to as functional training, which gets a big thumbs up from McGill, Snively and Campbell.
What about those who want to target the rectus abdominus? Is there an exercise that can take the place of a sit-up?
McGill suggests modifying the traditional sit-up so that it reduces the stress on the spine. His version of the sit-up starts by lying on your back, one leg straight and the other bent (the straight leg helps maintain the curve in the lower back and the bent leg reduces stress on the sciatica or piriformis). Place both hands under the small of the back. Lift the shoulder blades off the floor, hold for a couple of seconds and return to the starting position.
“Pretend the head and shoulders are propped on a scale,” said McGill describing the action when the shoulders are lifted off the floor.
“Just make sure that the weight on the scale weighs zero.”
McGill says there is no one-size-fits-all ab exercise. Such variables as an individual’s current back health, fitness level and training goals all come into play when choosing the right abdominal and core exercises. Also worth noting is that it takes more than one core exercise to achieve optimum spine health. The same can be said for those who are looking to improve athletic performance.
Quality core workouts consist of a variety of exercises, including those that build muscular endurance (stability exercises), teach proper movement patterns and, for the active individual, build strength.
Another goal to keep in mind is the importance of equalizing the muscular endurance and strength of all your supporting muscles so that no one muscle group overpowers another. Imbalance in the core muscles tends to pull the spine out of alignment, thereby increasing the risk of back pain and injury.
McGill also suggests that whatever exercise you are doing, the natural curve of the lower back should be maintained. That means avoid flattening the back or performing a pelvic tilt (tucking the hips under the belly button), which increases the stress on the spine.
Of course, for some of you, giving up the sit-up will be like kicking a habit. But faced with the mounting evidence that sweating through a set of sit-ups has little value beyond making you very good at sweating through a set of sit-ups, not to mention the stress it places on the spine, maybe you’re finally ready to bid adieu to this old-school exercise.
jbarker@videotron.ca
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
Hope you enjoyed this
Paul
Here is an interesting article from the Montral Gazette
Fitness with Jill Barker
Photograph by: Gazette, GazetteIf you haven’t already, it’s time to remove sit-ups from your exercise routine. A stalwart of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, sit-ups were originally touted as the exercise of choice for whittling excess inches off the waistline. Yet even after spot-reducing was revealed as a myth, sit-ups maintained their popularity as a core strengthener.
Now even that claim has come under scrutiny. The sit-up targets one muscle (the rectus abdominus), which is responsible for bending the spine forward. Yet the body’s midsection, often referred to as the core, is made up of several muscles that not only generate movement in numerous directions but also stabilize the spinal column.
The final myth – the one that claims sit-ups improve back health – has now also been exposed. In fact, some spine experts suggest that sit-ups actually put the spine at risk, making it not only an exercise that has little benefit, but one that may actually do more harm than good.
Leading the pack of experts who think sit-ups don’t live up to their billing is Stuart McGill, a professor of spine mechanics at the University of Waterloo. According to McGill, all that bending of the spine isn’t good for back health.
“Given that the sit-up imposes such a large compression load on the spine, the issue is not which type of sit-up should be recommended,” McGill says in his book Low Back Disorders (Human Kinetics, $59). “Rather, sit-ups should not be performed at all by most people.”
McGill says the goal of a core exercise is to challenge the muscles in a way that spares the spine. He also maintains that when it comes to the back, the idea is to improve muscular endurance before trying to improve strength.
David Campbell is an athletic therapist and osteopath. The co-owner of Concordia Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy and osteopath for the Montreal Canadiens, Campbell has seen his share of back problems. And while he admits that the old school approach to better back health included prescribing sit-ups, that’s no longer the case.
“Sit-ups won’t make your back any better,” he said.
Campbell agrees with McGill that when it comes to the back, endurance is more important, at least initially, than strength. He also suggests that most back-pain sufferers lack good back mobility, which isn’t helped by a steady diet of sit-ups.
David Snively is one of Montreal’s top personal trainers. He prefers working the abs in a standing position, because it is more reflective of how we use our core muscles in everyday life.
Mimicking such movement patterns is referred to as functional training, which gets a big thumbs up from McGill, Snively and Campbell.
What about those who want to target the rectus abdominus? Is there an exercise that can take the place of a sit-up?
McGill suggests modifying the traditional sit-up so that it reduces the stress on the spine. His version of the sit-up starts by lying on your back, one leg straight and the other bent (the straight leg helps maintain the curve in the lower back and the bent leg reduces stress on the sciatica or piriformis). Place both hands under the small of the back. Lift the shoulder blades off the floor, hold for a couple of seconds and return to the starting position.
“Pretend the head and shoulders are propped on a scale,” said McGill describing the action when the shoulders are lifted off the floor.
“Just make sure that the weight on the scale weighs zero.”
McGill says there is no one-size-fits-all ab exercise. Such variables as an individual’s current back health, fitness level and training goals all come into play when choosing the right abdominal and core exercises. Also worth noting is that it takes more than one core exercise to achieve optimum spine health. The same can be said for those who are looking to improve athletic performance.
Quality core workouts consist of a variety of exercises, including those that build muscular endurance (stability exercises), teach proper movement patterns and, for the active individual, build strength.
Another goal to keep in mind is the importance of equalizing the muscular endurance and strength of all your supporting muscles so that no one muscle group overpowers another. Imbalance in the core muscles tends to pull the spine out of alignment, thereby increasing the risk of back pain and injury.
McGill also suggests that whatever exercise you are doing, the natural curve of the lower back should be maintained. That means avoid flattening the back or performing a pelvic tilt (tucking the hips under the belly button), which increases the stress on the spine.
Of course, for some of you, giving up the sit-up will be like kicking a habit. But faced with the mounting evidence that sweating through a set of sit-ups has little value beyond making you very good at sweating through a set of sit-ups, not to mention the stress it places on the spine, maybe you’re finally ready to bid adieu to this old-school exercise.
jbarker@videotron.ca
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette
Hope you enjoyed this
Paul
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Steps You can take to ease back pain
Hello again.
Here is an article related to back pain loss from KOMONEWS.com Please have a look
Bad backs are big business. Americans spend $86 billion a year on back treatments.
Chances are either you or someone you know has pulled their back, seen a doctor or spent some time in rehab. Eight out of 10 people have back pain at some point in their lives.
Your injury may be severe enough to warrant surgery, but there are many steps you can take along the way before you get to that point.
We've all experienced back pain at one time or another.
"I bent over to pick up the little girl, and my back just went out on me," said Audrey O'Gorman. "It was horrible. I had to call my neighbor from across the street to come over and take the children to her house."
Fortunately, most common back pain eases, no matter what you do. But Good Housekeeping says some treatments are more beneficial than others. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like naproxen and ibuprofen may help even with chronic pain.
Exercise can stretch and strengthen back muscles, which can bring relief from tightening and spasms.
"Yoga is one of the best exercises for back pain suffers because it emphasizes stretching and muscle conditioning, especially of the core," said Jennifer Cook, executive editor of Good Housekeeping.
Another possible option is spinal manipulation. Some people swear by chiropractic treatments.
"By going in and restoring the normal alignment of the spine, it takes that pressure off of the nerve and relieves back pain," said Dr. Nicholas Baiata, a chiropractor.
If your doctor suggests surgery, get a second opinion before taking the plunge. Experts say 95 percent of those with back pain don't need surgery. The problem will cure itself in about 6 months with proper treatment.
I like to offer a range of views. Something came back to me recently, I remember a client with back pain and I suggested they look at their posture. Just standing and sitting straight was a great help. If you feel this may contribute to back pain loss, give it a go.
Paul
Here is an article related to back pain loss from KOMONEWS.com Please have a look
Bad backs are big business. Americans spend $86 billion a year on back treatments.
Chances are either you or someone you know has pulled their back, seen a doctor or spent some time in rehab. Eight out of 10 people have back pain at some point in their lives.
Your injury may be severe enough to warrant surgery, but there are many steps you can take along the way before you get to that point.
We've all experienced back pain at one time or another.
"I bent over to pick up the little girl, and my back just went out on me," said Audrey O'Gorman. "It was horrible. I had to call my neighbor from across the street to come over and take the children to her house."
Fortunately, most common back pain eases, no matter what you do. But Good Housekeeping says some treatments are more beneficial than others. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like naproxen and ibuprofen may help even with chronic pain.
Exercise can stretch and strengthen back muscles, which can bring relief from tightening and spasms.
"Yoga is one of the best exercises for back pain suffers because it emphasizes stretching and muscle conditioning, especially of the core," said Jennifer Cook, executive editor of Good Housekeeping.
Another possible option is spinal manipulation. Some people swear by chiropractic treatments.
"By going in and restoring the normal alignment of the spine, it takes that pressure off of the nerve and relieves back pain," said Dr. Nicholas Baiata, a chiropractor.
If your doctor suggests surgery, get a second opinion before taking the plunge. Experts say 95 percent of those with back pain don't need surgery. The problem will cure itself in about 6 months with proper treatment.
I like to offer a range of views. Something came back to me recently, I remember a client with back pain and I suggested they look at their posture. Just standing and sitting straight was a great help. If you feel this may contribute to back pain loss, give it a go.
Paul
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Back Pain Loss, Prevention better than cure
From PR-USA.NET the cost of back pain is always rising. Is this an answer?
PREVENTION KEY AS NEW EU STUDY HIGHLIGHTS €240 BILLION ANNUAL COST OF BACK PAIN
A new EU-wide study by The Work Foundation (www.theworkfoundation.org) has found that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain, neck pain and RSI-type conditions, account for nearly half (49%) of all absences from work and 60% of permanent work incapacity in the European Union.
The estimated cost to society in Europe is up to €240 billion every year, with 100 million European citizens suffering the misery of serious MSDs. Of course, these figures do not take into account the pain, misery and costs associated with the much larger number of people who suffer back pain and other ill-health without seeking treatment.
The research suggests that prevention and early intervention in MSDs ultimately reduces the burden on governments’ health and disability budgets, improves the lives of citizens, and improves employees’ performance. It suggests that governments consider more than simply the up-front costs of medical expenditure and incorporates wider socio-economic considerations - such as work productivity - into the financial and medical evaluations for preventing and treating MSDs.
Office back pain expert Dr Philip Worthington, inventor of PostureMinder, an award-winning posture correction and well-being software application, agrees: "This pan-European study reinforces previous national surveys that have highlighted the scale and cost of MSDs. It's a real wake-up call, and the message is clear: prevention and early intervention are key."
"It's simply not feasible to treat 100 million people for back pain and other MSDs every year. We have to start trying to get these numbers down by addressing the causes, before people reach the stage where it starts to affect their work or they need to seek expensive treatment."
In response to the study's findings the EU is launching a pan-European Fit For Work campaign which calls for coordinated action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, patients and employers.
Background-
PostureMinder:
PostureMinder is award-winning software developed to promote good posture and healthy working habits amongst computer users, both at home and work. Its key innovation is to use any low-cost webcam, such as those built in to most modern laptops or purchased for video conferencing, to automatically detect the user's posture. Whenever the computer user sits in a damaging posture for a prolonged period, a friendly on-screen reminder appears to encourage them to correct it. This helps directly reduce time spent in damaging postures, and gradually helps the user break their poor posture habits.
PostureMinder also includes comprehensive ergonomic training materials, reminders to take short breaks - or switch to non-computer-based tasks - at recommended intervals, plus video-guided stretch exercises and a hydration tool to encourage good hydration throughout the working day. PostureMinder is available for home, work or educational use, and won a 2007 British Safety Industry Federation Innovation Award. It can be used preventatively, or as a part of a rehabilitation programme for existing sufferers of back or neck pain, RSI and other computer-related health conditions.
Back pain and MSD statistics:
As more and more people move from manufacturing jobs to working in an office, many commentators expected the prevalence of MSDs to go down, but that's not been seen to be the case.
Long hours spent at a computer keyboard, both at work and home, combined with the more general problems of lack of exercise and obesity, have had the opposite effect.
Recent surveys by the British Chiropractic Association have shown an alarming increase in back pain amongst children, with 45% of 11-18 year olds reported to suffer back pain in the 2008 survey, a 55% increase in just 6 years on the 29% figure found in an identical survey in 2002. The most significant change during that period has been the growth in social networking websites, which has led to a large increase in computer use by children in recent years.
Previous studies have shown that 80% of Americans will seek treatment for back pain in their lifetimes.
The main preventative measure for office workers in the UK has been requirement to train computer-based staff under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. However, the Health and Safety Executive's 2007 report into the effectiveness of these regulations found that half of UK companies do not provide the required training, and that in any event such training had not significantly reduced the incidence of MSDs amongst UK office st
Hope this helps
Paul
PREVENTION KEY AS NEW EU STUDY HIGHLIGHTS €240 BILLION ANNUAL COST OF BACK PAIN
A new EU-wide study by The Work Foundation (www.theworkfoundation.org) has found that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back pain, neck pain and RSI-type conditions, account for nearly half (49%) of all absences from work and 60% of permanent work incapacity in the European Union.
The estimated cost to society in Europe is up to €240 billion every year, with 100 million European citizens suffering the misery of serious MSDs. Of course, these figures do not take into account the pain, misery and costs associated with the much larger number of people who suffer back pain and other ill-health without seeking treatment.
The research suggests that prevention and early intervention in MSDs ultimately reduces the burden on governments’ health and disability budgets, improves the lives of citizens, and improves employees’ performance. It suggests that governments consider more than simply the up-front costs of medical expenditure and incorporates wider socio-economic considerations - such as work productivity - into the financial and medical evaluations for preventing and treating MSDs.
Office back pain expert Dr Philip Worthington, inventor of PostureMinder, an award-winning posture correction and well-being software application, agrees: "This pan-European study reinforces previous national surveys that have highlighted the scale and cost of MSDs. It's a real wake-up call, and the message is clear: prevention and early intervention are key."
"It's simply not feasible to treat 100 million people for back pain and other MSDs every year. We have to start trying to get these numbers down by addressing the causes, before people reach the stage where it starts to affect their work or they need to seek expensive treatment."
In response to the study's findings the EU is launching a pan-European Fit For Work campaign which calls for coordinated action from policymakers, healthcare professionals, patients and employers.
Background-
PostureMinder:
PostureMinder is award-winning software developed to promote good posture and healthy working habits amongst computer users, both at home and work. Its key innovation is to use any low-cost webcam, such as those built in to most modern laptops or purchased for video conferencing, to automatically detect the user's posture. Whenever the computer user sits in a damaging posture for a prolonged period, a friendly on-screen reminder appears to encourage them to correct it. This helps directly reduce time spent in damaging postures, and gradually helps the user break their poor posture habits.
PostureMinder also includes comprehensive ergonomic training materials, reminders to take short breaks - or switch to non-computer-based tasks - at recommended intervals, plus video-guided stretch exercises and a hydration tool to encourage good hydration throughout the working day. PostureMinder is available for home, work or educational use, and won a 2007 British Safety Industry Federation Innovation Award. It can be used preventatively, or as a part of a rehabilitation programme for existing sufferers of back or neck pain, RSI and other computer-related health conditions.
Back pain and MSD statistics:
As more and more people move from manufacturing jobs to working in an office, many commentators expected the prevalence of MSDs to go down, but that's not been seen to be the case.
Long hours spent at a computer keyboard, both at work and home, combined with the more general problems of lack of exercise and obesity, have had the opposite effect.
Recent surveys by the British Chiropractic Association have shown an alarming increase in back pain amongst children, with 45% of 11-18 year olds reported to suffer back pain in the 2008 survey, a 55% increase in just 6 years on the 29% figure found in an identical survey in 2002. The most significant change during that period has been the growth in social networking websites, which has led to a large increase in computer use by children in recent years.
Previous studies have shown that 80% of Americans will seek treatment for back pain in their lifetimes.
The main preventative measure for office workers in the UK has been requirement to train computer-based staff under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. However, the Health and Safety Executive's 2007 report into the effectiveness of these regulations found that half of UK companies do not provide the required training, and that in any event such training had not significantly reduced the incidence of MSDs amongst UK office st
Hope this helps
Paul
Causes and fixes for lower back pain
Again, something different, this time from an online source, VCSTAR.com. Please take sometime and read,
I am frequently asked to assist patients who suffer from chronic neck and low-back pain. Regardless of whether you have had successful treatment in the past or are currently managing your symptoms with medications, understanding the problem is the first step in managing your chronic pain.
In my experience, the second step is to integrate an active-care model of rehabilitation and self-care for sustainable, long-term management of your chronic pain.
For the most part, chronic neck and low-back problems arise from three factors: injuries and trauma; a combination of excess body weight and advanced arthritis; and a lack of postural awareness and poor body mechanics.
There is commonly a component of all these factors throughout a person’s lifetime that contribute to the pain.
The first factor is simple to understand. Trauma to the body, such as a car accident or a sports injury, is a large force over a short period of time that causes the tissues of the body to become damaged.
According to studies published by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, in the event of an injury, the most important step one can take is to get evaluated right away and receive the best physical rehabilitation as soon as possible, even if you perceive the trauma to be relatively minimal.
Doing so will minimize the effect of the injury and prevent instability that can significantly increase the probability of chronic problems in the future.
The second factor is excess body weight and advanced arthritis.
Excess body weight simply adds more load to your skeletal system, accelerating the normal rate of degeneration and arthritis associated with aging.
If you are overweight, you are not alone and it is very important that you start looking for weight-loss solutions.
An effective place to start concerns your diet. Minimize all junk food, including anything with high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils (trans fats). Next, follow up with a doctor who specializes in weight loss and/or enlist the help of a nutritionist or a registered dietitian.
The third factor that can significantly increase the probability of chronic neck and low-back pain is lack of postural awareness and poor body mechanics, or body movement. The most common examples that lead to neck and back problems are sitting in prolonged slumped postures and bending at the lower back with daily activities and occupational tasks.
When combined with excess body weight, this small factor compounded over time can become a moderate force, contributing to chronic pain.
The active-care rehabilitation model, developed from sports rehab, encourages the client to learn and apply daily self-care techniques and restorative strength and flexibility exercises.
I’m biased, but I suggest working with a doctor of chiropractic or a physical therapist who specializes in sports rehab.
In my experience, active care is the key component to a beneficial treatment program and the most cost-effective solution to the management of chronic neck and low-back pain.
With consistent dedication and professional guidance, a person who suffers chronic pain can effectively manage his or her symptoms through active care. The key is to take action now.
— Sevak Khodabakhshian is a doctor of chiropractic with Thousand Oaks-based Omega Rehab & Sport, where a team of physical therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers applies an active-care approach to healthcare. He can be reached for comments, questions or suggestions by e-mail, at Sevakk@omega-rehab.com.
I do hope this was of interest, if so, please look at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
I am frequently asked to assist patients who suffer from chronic neck and low-back pain. Regardless of whether you have had successful treatment in the past or are currently managing your symptoms with medications, understanding the problem is the first step in managing your chronic pain.
In my experience, the second step is to integrate an active-care model of rehabilitation and self-care for sustainable, long-term management of your chronic pain.
For the most part, chronic neck and low-back problems arise from three factors: injuries and trauma; a combination of excess body weight and advanced arthritis; and a lack of postural awareness and poor body mechanics.
There is commonly a component of all these factors throughout a person’s lifetime that contribute to the pain.
The first factor is simple to understand. Trauma to the body, such as a car accident or a sports injury, is a large force over a short period of time that causes the tissues of the body to become damaged.
According to studies published by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, in the event of an injury, the most important step one can take is to get evaluated right away and receive the best physical rehabilitation as soon as possible, even if you perceive the trauma to be relatively minimal.
Doing so will minimize the effect of the injury and prevent instability that can significantly increase the probability of chronic problems in the future.
The second factor is excess body weight and advanced arthritis.
Excess body weight simply adds more load to your skeletal system, accelerating the normal rate of degeneration and arthritis associated with aging.
If you are overweight, you are not alone and it is very important that you start looking for weight-loss solutions.
An effective place to start concerns your diet. Minimize all junk food, including anything with high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils (trans fats). Next, follow up with a doctor who specializes in weight loss and/or enlist the help of a nutritionist or a registered dietitian.
The third factor that can significantly increase the probability of chronic neck and low-back pain is lack of postural awareness and poor body mechanics, or body movement. The most common examples that lead to neck and back problems are sitting in prolonged slumped postures and bending at the lower back with daily activities and occupational tasks.
When combined with excess body weight, this small factor compounded over time can become a moderate force, contributing to chronic pain.
The active-care rehabilitation model, developed from sports rehab, encourages the client to learn and apply daily self-care techniques and restorative strength and flexibility exercises.
I’m biased, but I suggest working with a doctor of chiropractic or a physical therapist who specializes in sports rehab.
In my experience, active care is the key component to a beneficial treatment program and the most cost-effective solution to the management of chronic neck and low-back pain.
With consistent dedication and professional guidance, a person who suffers chronic pain can effectively manage his or her symptoms through active care. The key is to take action now.
— Sevak Khodabakhshian is a doctor of chiropractic with Thousand Oaks-based Omega Rehab & Sport, where a team of physical therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers applies an active-care approach to healthcare. He can be reached for comments, questions or suggestions by e-mail, at Sevakk@omega-rehab.com.
I do hope this was of interest, if so, please look at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Medical Procedures for back pain loss
From the Jakarta Post, this is very interesting
Procedures to give you fast and effective relief from back pain
Dr. Bernard Lee | Wed, 09/30/2009 1:17 PM | Body & Soul
Persistent aches and pains in the lower back are among the most common sources of pain and disability and affect two-thirds of adults at some point in their lives.
In most cases the pain can be managed with simple treatments and over-the-counter medications. But for some patients, unfortunately, the pain persists due to a slipped disc.
The prospect of costly open-back surgery coupled with the possibility of paralysis should the operation fail would only make matters worse. But thanks to medical advancements, now there are two procedures available to remedy the problem - quickly and cheaply.
In recent years the popular trend in spinal surgery has been toward reduction and minimalization. Minimally invasive procedures are preferred by surgeons because they eliminate the destructive effect on bony structures and reduce scar formation.
Dr Bernard Lee, founder and director of Singapore Paincare Center, is one of the few pioneering pain specialists in Singapore who offers both procedures: nucleoplasty and epidural adhesiolysis.
"Both minimally invasive techniques can be completed in just one or two hours," says Dr. Lee.
"They are comparatively safe and there is very little down time. In fact, the patient could do the procedure today and be well enough to go dancing tomorrow!"
Nucleoplasty (which literally means removing the nucleus) is a minimally invasive therapeutic option that has been used for spinal procedures since July 2000. It is designed to decompress slipped discs. The procedure is done under fluoroscopic guidance.
Using a thin catheter to gain access to the bulging disc, a tiny radio transmitter is inserted into the disc nucleus through the catheter. This transmitter emits radio waves that break up the material in the nucleus, decreasing the amount of nucleus material putting pressure on the bulging disc wall.
"The patient will be sedated. A wand-like device is inserted into the center of the disc to relieve the pressure exerted by the disc on the nearby nerve root. When the pressure lifts, the pain will be reduced," explains Dr. Lee, who received his training in Sydney, Australia. Dr Lee is also a medical acupuncturist.
Compared with open back surgery, which can cost anywhere between S$10,000 and S$15,000, nucleoplasty is a safe and cheap option. With the cost between S$4,000 and S$6,000, patients are paying just half as much for a highly effective procedure.
The operation is extremely precise and average pain reduction is significant - about 55 to 60 percent. Patients' satisfaction is also high - around 90 percent - for several reasons: the simplicity of the procedure, the lack of trauma or painful downtime and the lack of the possible risks of failure of open surgery.
To boost the success of nucleoplasty, a diagnostic discography is normally performed to identify the exact disc or discs involved and the correct level of disc-generated pain. A test solution needs to be first injected into each suspected disc while the patient is conscious, to elicit a response when the troubled disc is breached.
"To put it simply, I need the patient to say *Ouch!' when I correctly identify the problem disc. The discomfort won't last too long and it's important we treat the right spot the first time around," says Dr Lee.
Despite its effectiveness and success rate, it is important to note that nucleoplasty is not for everyone.
"Where slipped discs are concerned, size really matters," Dr. Lee says. "How far they have slipped makes a difference in determining the type of procedure to use. For nucleoplasty, the disc must not have slipped more than 25 percent into the spinal canal."
For a more severe slipped disc condition - between 25 percent and 50 percent - nucleoplasty is not recommended. A second procedure called epidural adhesiolysis may be more useful.
"When a disc slips significantly, it will cause severe inflammation to the surrounding nerves. This in turn may lead to scarring of the nerves, which will harden and stick together. Such a scenario is especially likely if the slipped disc goes ignored for a month or two," says Dr Lee.
"The process is much like in angioplasty, where you balloon the blocked heart vessels. Here, we try to free the scarred nerves that are stuck down by opening up some space."
The epidural adhesiolysis procedure is done using a special catheter introduced through a needle in the patient's buttock. Patients suffering from chronic low back pain and who are unable to undergo open-back surgery can benefit from this procedure.
Like nucleoplasty, epidural adhesiolysis is a simple procedure; patients will be lightly sedated and able to perform daily routines within hours after the procedure. Nevertheless, Dr Lee cautions that neither procedure may be a lifetime solution.
"Patients need to do their part in recovery," he says. "The procedure acts to free up the stuck nerves, but the nerves, once freed, must stay free. To ensure this, the nerves must be regularly stretched and the patient will have to take up some form of exercise."
Exercise is an important tool for building a strong body. Muscular back pain can be prevented, or reduced, using a comprehensive program of specific back exercises.
"A lot of people these days are far too sedentary. They push paper around at work, lounge about at home, and rarely exercise. Then they go on holiday and suddenly carry a backpack or try to lift heavy luggage. Their backs are not conditioned to take the sudden stress and the result is either a pulled back muscle or a slipped disc," Dr. Lee says.
A slipped disc is the result of accidents and improper habits of lifting, bending, twisting and turning, causing direct or indirect pressure on the spinal cords.
It might come to a surprise to many but simple everyday activities such as carrying a flowerpot or lifting a heavy load off the floor could cause a slip and could be costly - both physically and financially.
"Studies have shown that eight out of every 10 people will experience back pain at least once in their lives. A lot of time at work is lost to back pain every day because people simply cannot function when even sitting down or standing up causes pain," says Dr Lee.
"Your body is designed to be flexible, but you have to constantly move the parts. Stretching daily and simple exercises will help keep back pain away."
cFlyFreeForHealth2009.
For more information, please goto www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Procedures to give you fast and effective relief from back pain
Dr. Bernard Lee | Wed, 09/30/2009 1:17 PM | Body & Soul
Persistent aches and pains in the lower back are among the most common sources of pain and disability and affect two-thirds of adults at some point in their lives.
In most cases the pain can be managed with simple treatments and over-the-counter medications. But for some patients, unfortunately, the pain persists due to a slipped disc.
The prospect of costly open-back surgery coupled with the possibility of paralysis should the operation fail would only make matters worse. But thanks to medical advancements, now there are two procedures available to remedy the problem - quickly and cheaply.
In recent years the popular trend in spinal surgery has been toward reduction and minimalization. Minimally invasive procedures are preferred by surgeons because they eliminate the destructive effect on bony structures and reduce scar formation.
Dr Bernard Lee, founder and director of Singapore Paincare Center, is one of the few pioneering pain specialists in Singapore who offers both procedures: nucleoplasty and epidural adhesiolysis.
"Both minimally invasive techniques can be completed in just one or two hours," says Dr. Lee.
"They are comparatively safe and there is very little down time. In fact, the patient could do the procedure today and be well enough to go dancing tomorrow!"
Nucleoplasty (which literally means removing the nucleus) is a minimally invasive therapeutic option that has been used for spinal procedures since July 2000. It is designed to decompress slipped discs. The procedure is done under fluoroscopic guidance.
Using a thin catheter to gain access to the bulging disc, a tiny radio transmitter is inserted into the disc nucleus through the catheter. This transmitter emits radio waves that break up the material in the nucleus, decreasing the amount of nucleus material putting pressure on the bulging disc wall.
"The patient will be sedated. A wand-like device is inserted into the center of the disc to relieve the pressure exerted by the disc on the nearby nerve root. When the pressure lifts, the pain will be reduced," explains Dr. Lee, who received his training in Sydney, Australia. Dr Lee is also a medical acupuncturist.
Compared with open back surgery, which can cost anywhere between S$10,000 and S$15,000, nucleoplasty is a safe and cheap option. With the cost between S$4,000 and S$6,000, patients are paying just half as much for a highly effective procedure.
The operation is extremely precise and average pain reduction is significant - about 55 to 60 percent. Patients' satisfaction is also high - around 90 percent - for several reasons: the simplicity of the procedure, the lack of trauma or painful downtime and the lack of the possible risks of failure of open surgery.
To boost the success of nucleoplasty, a diagnostic discography is normally performed to identify the exact disc or discs involved and the correct level of disc-generated pain. A test solution needs to be first injected into each suspected disc while the patient is conscious, to elicit a response when the troubled disc is breached.
"To put it simply, I need the patient to say *Ouch!' when I correctly identify the problem disc. The discomfort won't last too long and it's important we treat the right spot the first time around," says Dr Lee.
Despite its effectiveness and success rate, it is important to note that nucleoplasty is not for everyone.
"Where slipped discs are concerned, size really matters," Dr. Lee says. "How far they have slipped makes a difference in determining the type of procedure to use. For nucleoplasty, the disc must not have slipped more than 25 percent into the spinal canal."
For a more severe slipped disc condition - between 25 percent and 50 percent - nucleoplasty is not recommended. A second procedure called epidural adhesiolysis may be more useful.
"When a disc slips significantly, it will cause severe inflammation to the surrounding nerves. This in turn may lead to scarring of the nerves, which will harden and stick together. Such a scenario is especially likely if the slipped disc goes ignored for a month or two," says Dr Lee.
"The process is much like in angioplasty, where you balloon the blocked heart vessels. Here, we try to free the scarred nerves that are stuck down by opening up some space."
The epidural adhesiolysis procedure is done using a special catheter introduced through a needle in the patient's buttock. Patients suffering from chronic low back pain and who are unable to undergo open-back surgery can benefit from this procedure.
Like nucleoplasty, epidural adhesiolysis is a simple procedure; patients will be lightly sedated and able to perform daily routines within hours after the procedure. Nevertheless, Dr Lee cautions that neither procedure may be a lifetime solution.
"Patients need to do their part in recovery," he says. "The procedure acts to free up the stuck nerves, but the nerves, once freed, must stay free. To ensure this, the nerves must be regularly stretched and the patient will have to take up some form of exercise."
Exercise is an important tool for building a strong body. Muscular back pain can be prevented, or reduced, using a comprehensive program of specific back exercises.
"A lot of people these days are far too sedentary. They push paper around at work, lounge about at home, and rarely exercise. Then they go on holiday and suddenly carry a backpack or try to lift heavy luggage. Their backs are not conditioned to take the sudden stress and the result is either a pulled back muscle or a slipped disc," Dr. Lee says.
A slipped disc is the result of accidents and improper habits of lifting, bending, twisting and turning, causing direct or indirect pressure on the spinal cords.
It might come to a surprise to many but simple everyday activities such as carrying a flowerpot or lifting a heavy load off the floor could cause a slip and could be costly - both physically and financially.
"Studies have shown that eight out of every 10 people will experience back pain at least once in their lives. A lot of time at work is lost to back pain every day because people simply cannot function when even sitting down or standing up causes pain," says Dr Lee.
"Your body is designed to be flexible, but you have to constantly move the parts. Stretching daily and simple exercises will help keep back pain away."
cFlyFreeForHealth2009.
For more information, please goto www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Monday 26 October 2009
A Walking Cure and Back Pain Loss
From the Times Online
From The Times
September 26, 2009
Back pain: the walking cure
Almost half the British population suffers back pain. A new treatment promises to ease their suffering. Will it?
Simon Crompton
10 COMMENTS
RECOMMEND? (8)
My walk has never been subject to so much scrutiny. Frankly, it’s embarrassing. “Mmm, definitely hyperlaxic,” one physiotherapist mutters to another as they watch me march up and down the room, my steps measured by 14,000 pressure sensors on a beige carpet running down the centre of the gym. I pick up worrying words: “Bracing right side ... pronation ... arm not swinging,” but they urge me to ignore them. Everyone’s gait has peculiarities. Yeah, right.
It turns out to be a couple of the most revelatory hours I’ve spent — at least as far as my bones and joints are concerned. I’m trying out a new “breakthrough” analysis and treatment technique for lower back and knee pain being launched in the UK by Bupa. If it really works, and becomes widely available, it could revolutionise the treatment of these conditions — Bupa claims that there is evidence that it can eliminate the need for prescription pain relief in seven people out of ten suffering from back pain. Research by Bupa suggests that 45 per cent of British adults suffered back pain in the past year, and that 25 per cent suffered knee pain.
The system is called APOS — All Phases of Step Cycle — and combines a computerised assessment of the way you walk with a treatment consisting of wearing a specially tailored pair of shoes. The shoes treat you as you walk, realigning the body and making you slightly unstable so that your muscles find new ways of stabilising joints.
The principle is this. For many of us — whether because of injury or abnormality — the body gets into the habit of working asymmetrically, with some muscles braced and overworked, others underdeveloped. As a result, strains, aches and pains become established. That’s why a pain in the foot can result eventually in a pain in the back — it sets up a domino effect of pain-inducing imbalances as your body tries to compensate.
RELATED LINKS
Acupuncture really can help relieve back pain
Buy cheap children's shoes, repent in agony
Back pain causing a lack of sleep
Amit Mor, the doctor from Israel who jointly invented the APOS system with Dr Avi Elbaz, says that such imbalances underlie many chronic knee, back and hip conditions, including osteoarthritis.
“Conditions such as arthritis are a glimpse of a much bigger problem with neuromuscular control,” he says. APOS is about getting your body to relearn a more efficient way of moving, to prevent damage and pain setting in. Mor joins the physiotherapists to study my evidently intriguing walk. The computer read-outs, measuring my step length, walking speed, in/out-toeing, and time spent on each foot, confirm what Mor says he could tell from my posture as soon as he saw me: I have a problem with hyperlaxity.
It sounds like an accusation of laziness, but it means that, like 10 per cent of the population, I have loose joints with an unusually large range of motion. Because they move too freely, they don’t produce the forces that would normally result in muscle-building around them and so become more easily damaged. This probably accounts for the intermittent exercise-related pains I get in the ankles, hips and lower back, and my strange tendency to brace the right side of my body while walking.
It’s a fascinating insight for me, because it explains so much about the pains in hips and back I’ve been having for 25 years that doctors never adequately got to grips with.
Mor says that his analysis technique has similarly managed to put the finger on the problem of thousands of back and knee-pain sufferers in his clinic in Israel, and since January in the UK. He shows me some extremely impressive “before and after” videos of people first hobbling with long-term knee pain, and then walking freely after a few months’ treatment with specially tailored APOS Walkright shoes.
He explains that what his treatment is doing is getting the body back in alignment by inducing a sense of instability. This gives a jolt to the body’s biofeedback system (which tells us where we are in space) and demands that subconsciously we reassess old ways of standing and walking. The instability is administered through the Walkright shoes, which have two large rubber domes on the soles, specially balanced to the individual to change weight distribution too. Worn for periods of increasing duration for a three-month period, they provide therapy over thousands of repetitions during daily activities.
Mor admits that the Walkrights are not unlike MBTs and Fit-Flops, sold as “healthy shoes”, which also induce “natural instability”. The difference, he says, is that his shoes are tailored after a detailed assessment, and are worn in a controlled and supervised programme (APOS patients are invited back for regular reassessments).
So does it work? That’s a bit important since the full treatment costs an eye-watering £2,925 (£3,250 if spread over six months). APOS is available free to those with some types of Bupa health cover — but only if the source of their problem is the knee, not the back. If it’s your back, Bupa members pay for at least some of the cost.
The fact is that Bupa is showing a surprising act of faith in offering the treatment and publicising its benefits, particularly for back pain. APOS was first offered in 2005, in the Assaf Harofeh Medical Centre, Tel Aviv. Since then it has been immensely popular in Israel, with 12,000 people receiving treatment (mainly for knee problems), and four medical insurance companies covering it, but inevitably there has been little time for comprehensive, independent trials.
A small study conducted by Mor and published in the journal Spine in July showed that 19 patients with chronic low-back pain increased their step length, walked faster and became less asymmetrical after 12 weeks of using the tailored shoes. Another as yet unpublished study by Mor showed that of 57 people with knee osteoarthritis 69 per cent showed improved function after eight weeks of treatment, and 70 per cent experienced less pain.
Bupa admits that the research base behind the treatment is still developing, but says that it is part of its mission to offer innovative treatments to members. After its horizon-scanning group heard about APOS, a fact- finding team was sent to Israel.
“They’re getting exciting results,” said Peter Mace, the deputy medical director of Bupa. “Normally we would look with considerable care at the published research before offering a treatment, and it’s true that with this treatment we’ve looked more at anecdotal findings and the information provided by the APOS team in Israel, who have a lot of very impressive data on the efficacy of the treatment.” There was, he added, more evidence for the effectiveness of APOS in treating knees rather than backs. There were also indications that APOS could prevent the need for knee surgery in patients — which made its provision to this group more of a priority.
Did it work for this patient? It’s too early to say. I’m a month into wearing my wobbly Walkrights around the house — at the moment for an hour a day, but by the end of six weeks it’ll be 90 minutes, some of the time outside. Then I go back for a re-assessment to adjust my shoes and exercise prescription as necessary. It’s no great inconvenience wearing the shoes, although it’s no great fashion statement either, and you do get used to them.
Got to timesonline.co.uk/health to see how the APOS treatment worked out for me
For more on Back Pain goto backpainloss.com
From The Times
September 26, 2009
Back pain: the walking cure
Almost half the British population suffers back pain. A new treatment promises to ease their suffering. Will it?
Simon Crompton
10 COMMENTS
RECOMMEND? (8)
My walk has never been subject to so much scrutiny. Frankly, it’s embarrassing. “Mmm, definitely hyperlaxic,” one physiotherapist mutters to another as they watch me march up and down the room, my steps measured by 14,000 pressure sensors on a beige carpet running down the centre of the gym. I pick up worrying words: “Bracing right side ... pronation ... arm not swinging,” but they urge me to ignore them. Everyone’s gait has peculiarities. Yeah, right.
It turns out to be a couple of the most revelatory hours I’ve spent — at least as far as my bones and joints are concerned. I’m trying out a new “breakthrough” analysis and treatment technique for lower back and knee pain being launched in the UK by Bupa. If it really works, and becomes widely available, it could revolutionise the treatment of these conditions — Bupa claims that there is evidence that it can eliminate the need for prescription pain relief in seven people out of ten suffering from back pain. Research by Bupa suggests that 45 per cent of British adults suffered back pain in the past year, and that 25 per cent suffered knee pain.
The system is called APOS — All Phases of Step Cycle — and combines a computerised assessment of the way you walk with a treatment consisting of wearing a specially tailored pair of shoes. The shoes treat you as you walk, realigning the body and making you slightly unstable so that your muscles find new ways of stabilising joints.
The principle is this. For many of us — whether because of injury or abnormality — the body gets into the habit of working asymmetrically, with some muscles braced and overworked, others underdeveloped. As a result, strains, aches and pains become established. That’s why a pain in the foot can result eventually in a pain in the back — it sets up a domino effect of pain-inducing imbalances as your body tries to compensate.
RELATED LINKS
Acupuncture really can help relieve back pain
Buy cheap children's shoes, repent in agony
Back pain causing a lack of sleep
Amit Mor, the doctor from Israel who jointly invented the APOS system with Dr Avi Elbaz, says that such imbalances underlie many chronic knee, back and hip conditions, including osteoarthritis.
“Conditions such as arthritis are a glimpse of a much bigger problem with neuromuscular control,” he says. APOS is about getting your body to relearn a more efficient way of moving, to prevent damage and pain setting in. Mor joins the physiotherapists to study my evidently intriguing walk. The computer read-outs, measuring my step length, walking speed, in/out-toeing, and time spent on each foot, confirm what Mor says he could tell from my posture as soon as he saw me: I have a problem with hyperlaxity.
It sounds like an accusation of laziness, but it means that, like 10 per cent of the population, I have loose joints with an unusually large range of motion. Because they move too freely, they don’t produce the forces that would normally result in muscle-building around them and so become more easily damaged. This probably accounts for the intermittent exercise-related pains I get in the ankles, hips and lower back, and my strange tendency to brace the right side of my body while walking.
It’s a fascinating insight for me, because it explains so much about the pains in hips and back I’ve been having for 25 years that doctors never adequately got to grips with.
Mor says that his analysis technique has similarly managed to put the finger on the problem of thousands of back and knee-pain sufferers in his clinic in Israel, and since January in the UK. He shows me some extremely impressive “before and after” videos of people first hobbling with long-term knee pain, and then walking freely after a few months’ treatment with specially tailored APOS Walkright shoes.
He explains that what his treatment is doing is getting the body back in alignment by inducing a sense of instability. This gives a jolt to the body’s biofeedback system (which tells us where we are in space) and demands that subconsciously we reassess old ways of standing and walking. The instability is administered through the Walkright shoes, which have two large rubber domes on the soles, specially balanced to the individual to change weight distribution too. Worn for periods of increasing duration for a three-month period, they provide therapy over thousands of repetitions during daily activities.
Mor admits that the Walkrights are not unlike MBTs and Fit-Flops, sold as “healthy shoes”, which also induce “natural instability”. The difference, he says, is that his shoes are tailored after a detailed assessment, and are worn in a controlled and supervised programme (APOS patients are invited back for regular reassessments).
So does it work? That’s a bit important since the full treatment costs an eye-watering £2,925 (£3,250 if spread over six months). APOS is available free to those with some types of Bupa health cover — but only if the source of their problem is the knee, not the back. If it’s your back, Bupa members pay for at least some of the cost.
The fact is that Bupa is showing a surprising act of faith in offering the treatment and publicising its benefits, particularly for back pain. APOS was first offered in 2005, in the Assaf Harofeh Medical Centre, Tel Aviv. Since then it has been immensely popular in Israel, with 12,000 people receiving treatment (mainly for knee problems), and four medical insurance companies covering it, but inevitably there has been little time for comprehensive, independent trials.
A small study conducted by Mor and published in the journal Spine in July showed that 19 patients with chronic low-back pain increased their step length, walked faster and became less asymmetrical after 12 weeks of using the tailored shoes. Another as yet unpublished study by Mor showed that of 57 people with knee osteoarthritis 69 per cent showed improved function after eight weeks of treatment, and 70 per cent experienced less pain.
Bupa admits that the research base behind the treatment is still developing, but says that it is part of its mission to offer innovative treatments to members. After its horizon-scanning group heard about APOS, a fact- finding team was sent to Israel.
“They’re getting exciting results,” said Peter Mace, the deputy medical director of Bupa. “Normally we would look with considerable care at the published research before offering a treatment, and it’s true that with this treatment we’ve looked more at anecdotal findings and the information provided by the APOS team in Israel, who have a lot of very impressive data on the efficacy of the treatment.” There was, he added, more evidence for the effectiveness of APOS in treating knees rather than backs. There were also indications that APOS could prevent the need for knee surgery in patients — which made its provision to this group more of a priority.
Did it work for this patient? It’s too early to say. I’m a month into wearing my wobbly Walkrights around the house — at the moment for an hour a day, but by the end of six weeks it’ll be 90 minutes, some of the time outside. Then I go back for a re-assessment to adjust my shoes and exercise prescription as necessary. It’s no great inconvenience wearing the shoes, although it’s no great fashion statement either, and you do get used to them.
Got to timesonline.co.uk/health to see how the APOS treatment worked out for me
For more on Back Pain goto backpainloss.com
Monday 7 September 2009
From The News of the World
while there's no doubt that being fit is good for your heart, your mood and your shape, growing evidence reveals that there can be downsides to working out...
Fitness fallout: A saggy face
Caused by: Running
Pounding the pavement has loads of health positives, but it can't half play havoc with your face. "Running can cause a loss of volume in the cheeks, especially if done for long periods and after the age of 35, when the skin begins to lose elasticity and collagen breaks down," says Dr Nick Lowe, a dermatologist at London's Cranley Clinic. "Running can accelerate this process because those who do it tend to have low fat levels and this leads to a drawn, hollow look and sagging facial tissue."
What to do: Dr Christine Lydon's 10 Years Thinner offers a great alternative workout. Running helps shift fat from your hips and thighs, and her regime - which includes intense killer squats, lunges, press-ups and light weightlifting in short bursts - gives the same results, minus all that pavement plodding.
Fitness fallout: Infertility
Caused by: Being too fit
If you're aiming for a superwoman-style body to get baby-ready, beware. "Women who are extremely fit will have little fat tissue - and fat is the building block of reproductive hormones like oestrogen," says Dr Gillian Lockwood, Medical Director of Midland Fertility Services. According to fertility expert Zita West, for a fertility-friendly body, your body mass index (BMI) should be between 19 and 25. "A BMI of 18 or less is too low if you are trying to conceive," she says.
What to do: Keep exercise moderate. "Any stressful situation can prevent you conceiving, and that includes over-exercising," says fitness consultant Jane Wake. "Work out at a light to moderate level. The ideal is 30-45 minutes of brisk walking or swimming five times a week."
Fitness fallout: Back damage
Caused by: Core stability exercises
Sit-ups are the answer to abs of steel only if done properly. "The popularity of techniques to tone the muscles around the abdomen have become a dangerous fad," says Dr Morc Coulson, author of The Fitness Instructor's Handbook. "In the hands of the wrong instructor - or no supervision - core exercises can not only exacerbate back pain by confusing the muscles in the tummy and back, they could cause it too."
What to do: If you have back pain, see a physiotherapist who can prescribe safe spinal exercises (see Csp.org.uk). Avoid Swiss balls without the help of a qualified trainer, and make sure you find a qualified instructor if doing Pilates. Visit Pilatesfoundation.com.
Fitness fallout: Acne
Caused by: Your kit
Is your post-workout complexion more lumpy than luminous? Pimples on your forehead, thighs, bottom or back could be down to what you're wearing. "When headbands and tight tops rub against the skin and stop it from breathing, you can get blockage of the oil ducts in the skin's surface," says Dr Nick Lowe. "This leads to what doctors call acne mechanica, because its cause is outside the body."
What to do: Remove make-up before your workout. Dr Lowe recommends using a foaming facial cleanser and putting some spot gel on susceptible areas just before the workout. Try Origins Spot Remover, £10, or Dr Lowe's Spot Gel, £8.76. Exercise-wise, try something less sweaty but with the same impact, for example swimming.
Fitness fallout: Frequent colds and flu
Caused by: Yo-yo exercise
Suddenly decided to get fit? Don't overdo it straight away! "If you're inactive for long periods, then suddenly put your body under extreme stress by
exercising without building up slowly and taking time to recover, your immune system becomes challenged," explains Professor Greg Whyte, author of Get Fit Not Fat. Your immune system is working so hard to fight the constant stress from over-exercise without recovery, it becomes worn out, making you more susceptible to viruses.
What to do: "Keep exercise regular and build it up over time," says Professor Whyte.
"If you're training for a specific run, don't stop exercising after the run is completed, but switch to walking or a lighter workout." If you find yourself getting bored, update your iPod! Studies at Brunel University show that tunes of 120-180 beats per minute (BPM) are the most motivational. Pump It Up by Ministry of Sound, £6.32, shows the BPM next to each song.
EXERCISE: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? "Thirty minutes, five times a week of any exercise you enjoy will get you fit and should be the minimum you do," says Dr Morc Coulson. "The maximum to aim for is an hour of cardio and/or strength exercise a day - including dynamic yoga classes. Never exercise for more than two hours, as you'll risk putting the body under strain. It's also crucial to vary your workouts, so you're not constantly stressing the same muscles, and to take a rest day."
Take a look at www.backpainloss.com for more advice.
Regards
Paul
Fitness fallout: A saggy face
Caused by: Running
Pounding the pavement has loads of health positives, but it can't half play havoc with your face. "Running can cause a loss of volume in the cheeks, especially if done for long periods and after the age of 35, when the skin begins to lose elasticity and collagen breaks down," says Dr Nick Lowe, a dermatologist at London's Cranley Clinic. "Running can accelerate this process because those who do it tend to have low fat levels and this leads to a drawn, hollow look and sagging facial tissue."
What to do: Dr Christine Lydon's 10 Years Thinner offers a great alternative workout. Running helps shift fat from your hips and thighs, and her regime - which includes intense killer squats, lunges, press-ups and light weightlifting in short bursts - gives the same results, minus all that pavement plodding.
Fitness fallout: Infertility
Caused by: Being too fit
If you're aiming for a superwoman-style body to get baby-ready, beware. "Women who are extremely fit will have little fat tissue - and fat is the building block of reproductive hormones like oestrogen," says Dr Gillian Lockwood, Medical Director of Midland Fertility Services. According to fertility expert Zita West, for a fertility-friendly body, your body mass index (BMI) should be between 19 and 25. "A BMI of 18 or less is too low if you are trying to conceive," she says.
What to do: Keep exercise moderate. "Any stressful situation can prevent you conceiving, and that includes over-exercising," says fitness consultant Jane Wake. "Work out at a light to moderate level. The ideal is 30-45 minutes of brisk walking or swimming five times a week."
Fitness fallout: Back damage
Caused by: Core stability exercises
Sit-ups are the answer to abs of steel only if done properly. "The popularity of techniques to tone the muscles around the abdomen have become a dangerous fad," says Dr Morc Coulson, author of The Fitness Instructor's Handbook. "In the hands of the wrong instructor - or no supervision - core exercises can not only exacerbate back pain by confusing the muscles in the tummy and back, they could cause it too."
What to do: If you have back pain, see a physiotherapist who can prescribe safe spinal exercises (see Csp.org.uk). Avoid Swiss balls without the help of a qualified trainer, and make sure you find a qualified instructor if doing Pilates. Visit Pilatesfoundation.com.
Fitness fallout: Acne
Caused by: Your kit
Is your post-workout complexion more lumpy than luminous? Pimples on your forehead, thighs, bottom or back could be down to what you're wearing. "When headbands and tight tops rub against the skin and stop it from breathing, you can get blockage of the oil ducts in the skin's surface," says Dr Nick Lowe. "This leads to what doctors call acne mechanica, because its cause is outside the body."
What to do: Remove make-up before your workout. Dr Lowe recommends using a foaming facial cleanser and putting some spot gel on susceptible areas just before the workout. Try Origins Spot Remover, £10, or Dr Lowe's Spot Gel, £8.76. Exercise-wise, try something less sweaty but with the same impact, for example swimming.
Fitness fallout: Frequent colds and flu
Caused by: Yo-yo exercise
Suddenly decided to get fit? Don't overdo it straight away! "If you're inactive for long periods, then suddenly put your body under extreme stress by
exercising without building up slowly and taking time to recover, your immune system becomes challenged," explains Professor Greg Whyte, author of Get Fit Not Fat. Your immune system is working so hard to fight the constant stress from over-exercise without recovery, it becomes worn out, making you more susceptible to viruses.
What to do: "Keep exercise regular and build it up over time," says Professor Whyte.
"If you're training for a specific run, don't stop exercising after the run is completed, but switch to walking or a lighter workout." If you find yourself getting bored, update your iPod! Studies at Brunel University show that tunes of 120-180 beats per minute (BPM) are the most motivational. Pump It Up by Ministry of Sound, £6.32, shows the BPM next to each song.
EXERCISE: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? "Thirty minutes, five times a week of any exercise you enjoy will get you fit and should be the minimum you do," says Dr Morc Coulson. "The maximum to aim for is an hour of cardio and/or strength exercise a day - including dynamic yoga classes. Never exercise for more than two hours, as you'll risk putting the body under strain. It's also crucial to vary your workouts, so you're not constantly stressing the same muscles, and to take a rest day."
Take a look at www.backpainloss.com for more advice.
Regards
Paul
Something for the Ladies
September is time for new routines
September 4, 1:09 PMCleveland Women's Health Examiner.
Get alerts when there is a new article from the Cleveland Women's Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use. Email Address
Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use
Establish a new exercise routine for the FALL season!September means back-to-school, fall colors, sweatshirts, fading tans and new routines.
While women establish their new fall routines, there is one common denominator that unifies us all. September is Gynecologist Cancer Awareness month. This is a good time with the whirlwind of summer drawing to a close, that women now take a time out for themselves and take away the “I-don’t-have-time for this now" attitude. Fortunately, much research has helped women who note early symptoms and can beat this deadly disease.
Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that affect tissues and organs of the female reproductive system. Each type of cancer is named after the organ it originates.
These types of Gynecological Cancer are:
Cervical Cancer affects the cervix, which is the opening into the uterus. It used to be one of the most deadly cancers, however now that more women are getting Pap smears on a regular basis, the prognosis is much better.
Vulva Cancer is a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of a woman’s vagina. The vagina is the passage between the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows) and the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal. It accounts for only 4% of cancers in the female reproductive organs.
Vaginal Cancer is a rare kind of cancer in women. It is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina is the passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods and through which a woman has babies. It is also called the "birth canal." The vagina connects the cervix (the opening of the womb or uterus) and the vulva (the folds of skin around the opening to the vagina).
Uterine Cancer is a disease of the uterus, or womb. There are two types of uterine cancer, the most common being endometrial cancer. Uterine cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer.
Ovarian Cancer affects the ovaries in the female reproductive system. It is often difficult to diagnose in the early stages and is considered the deadliest gynecologic cancer.
Women especially need to be aware of any signs and symptoms their bodies may be exhibiting. If symptoms are caught early enough – most cancers can be successfully treated. When the symptoms are ignored, the delay in treatment can prove to be fatal. Ladies, listen to your bodies! If you are experiencing something abnormal for you, see your doctor. Chances are the symptoms aren't cancer related, but it's better to have peace of mind.
What are notable symptoms?
1. Pelvic Pain – pressure below the navel. Is it persistent and not related to premenstrual cramps?
2. Abdominal Swelling and Bloating - Abdominal swelling and bloating is one of the more common symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is also a symptom that is most ignored. The bloating may be so bad that one can't button their pants or even have to go up a size.
3. Persistent Lower Back Pain – lower back pain occurs in the lower back and often feels like a dull ache. Some women describe it as feeling like labor pains. Lower back pain is a symptom of ovarian cancer.
4. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding – abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom experienced by women when they have a gynecologic cancer. Heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding during and after sex are all considered abnormal vaginal bleeding and are symptoms of gynecologic cancer.
5. Persistent Fever- a fever that does not go away or lasts for more than 7 days on and off should be reported to your doctor. A stubborn fever is often a symptom of cancer. Keep in mind that a fever is also a symptom of many other benign conditions.
6. Persistent Stomach Upset or Bowel Changes – if you experience constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stools, gas, thinner stools, or just a general overall change in bowel habits, see your doctor.
7. Unintentional Weight Loss - losing 10 or more pounds without trying may be a nice surprise, but isn't quite normal. Although a woman's weight may fluctuate throughout the month, anything 10 pounds or more should be reported to your doctor.
8. Vulva or Vaginal Abnormalities - with vulvar or vaginal abnormalities, you should be aware of any sores, blister changes in skin color, and discharge. Women should exam their vulva and vagina regularly to look for these abnormalities.
9. Changes in the Breast – during monthly breast exams, women should look for lumps, note soreness, nipple discharge, dimpling, redness, or swelling. Report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible.
10. Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced cancer symptoms. It is usually more common when the cancer has advanced, but still occurs in the early stages. Any type of fatigue that prevents you from doing normal daily activities is a sign that needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
Another common denominator that we can all share is understanding the need to exercise and eat right. If you are overweight, your risk of cancer cells continue to multiply, thus, increasing your chances for all kinds of health problems. You think you may be okay today - but it should be the 'tomorrows' that you are concerned with. There are more studies even in the last 3 years that support how exercise can be a part of preventive medicine. Eating right gives the body good fuel to burn.
With the cool crisp nights and pleasant sunny tolerable fall days, establish a new routine with your exercise program. If you aren't on a consistent program, this is a great time to start! Use September's monthly Gynecologist awareness to bring you to a new awareness!
I hope you enjoyed this, more info at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
September 4, 1:09 PMCleveland Women's Health Examiner.
Get alerts when there is a new article from the Cleveland Women's Health Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use. Email Address
Include other special offers from Examiner.com
Terms of Use
Establish a new exercise routine for the FALL season!September means back-to-school, fall colors, sweatshirts, fading tans and new routines.
While women establish their new fall routines, there is one common denominator that unifies us all. September is Gynecologist Cancer Awareness month. This is a good time with the whirlwind of summer drawing to a close, that women now take a time out for themselves and take away the “I-don’t-have-time for this now" attitude. Fortunately, much research has helped women who note early symptoms and can beat this deadly disease.
Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that affect tissues and organs of the female reproductive system. Each type of cancer is named after the organ it originates.
These types of Gynecological Cancer are:
Cervical Cancer affects the cervix, which is the opening into the uterus. It used to be one of the most deadly cancers, however now that more women are getting Pap smears on a regular basis, the prognosis is much better.
Vulva Cancer is a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of a woman’s vagina. The vagina is the passage between the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows) and the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal. It accounts for only 4% of cancers in the female reproductive organs.
Vaginal Cancer is a rare kind of cancer in women. It is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina is the passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods and through which a woman has babies. It is also called the "birth canal." The vagina connects the cervix (the opening of the womb or uterus) and the vulva (the folds of skin around the opening to the vagina).
Uterine Cancer is a disease of the uterus, or womb. There are two types of uterine cancer, the most common being endometrial cancer. Uterine cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer.
Ovarian Cancer affects the ovaries in the female reproductive system. It is often difficult to diagnose in the early stages and is considered the deadliest gynecologic cancer.
Women especially need to be aware of any signs and symptoms their bodies may be exhibiting. If symptoms are caught early enough – most cancers can be successfully treated. When the symptoms are ignored, the delay in treatment can prove to be fatal. Ladies, listen to your bodies! If you are experiencing something abnormal for you, see your doctor. Chances are the symptoms aren't cancer related, but it's better to have peace of mind.
What are notable symptoms?
1. Pelvic Pain – pressure below the navel. Is it persistent and not related to premenstrual cramps?
2. Abdominal Swelling and Bloating - Abdominal swelling and bloating is one of the more common symptoms of ovarian cancer. It is also a symptom that is most ignored. The bloating may be so bad that one can't button their pants or even have to go up a size.
3. Persistent Lower Back Pain – lower back pain occurs in the lower back and often feels like a dull ache. Some women describe it as feeling like labor pains. Lower back pain is a symptom of ovarian cancer.
4. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding – abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom experienced by women when they have a gynecologic cancer. Heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and bleeding during and after sex are all considered abnormal vaginal bleeding and are symptoms of gynecologic cancer.
5. Persistent Fever- a fever that does not go away or lasts for more than 7 days on and off should be reported to your doctor. A stubborn fever is often a symptom of cancer. Keep in mind that a fever is also a symptom of many other benign conditions.
6. Persistent Stomach Upset or Bowel Changes – if you experience constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stools, gas, thinner stools, or just a general overall change in bowel habits, see your doctor.
7. Unintentional Weight Loss - losing 10 or more pounds without trying may be a nice surprise, but isn't quite normal. Although a woman's weight may fluctuate throughout the month, anything 10 pounds or more should be reported to your doctor.
8. Vulva or Vaginal Abnormalities - with vulvar or vaginal abnormalities, you should be aware of any sores, blister changes in skin color, and discharge. Women should exam their vulva and vagina regularly to look for these abnormalities.
9. Changes in the Breast – during monthly breast exams, women should look for lumps, note soreness, nipple discharge, dimpling, redness, or swelling. Report any changes to your doctor as soon as possible.
10. Fatigue is one of the most commonly experienced cancer symptoms. It is usually more common when the cancer has advanced, but still occurs in the early stages. Any type of fatigue that prevents you from doing normal daily activities is a sign that needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
Another common denominator that we can all share is understanding the need to exercise and eat right. If you are overweight, your risk of cancer cells continue to multiply, thus, increasing your chances for all kinds of health problems. You think you may be okay today - but it should be the 'tomorrows' that you are concerned with. There are more studies even in the last 3 years that support how exercise can be a part of preventive medicine. Eating right gives the body good fuel to burn.
With the cool crisp nights and pleasant sunny tolerable fall days, establish a new routine with your exercise program. If you aren't on a consistent program, this is a great time to start! Use September's monthly Gynecologist awareness to bring you to a new awareness!
I hope you enjoyed this, more info at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Wednesday 19 August 2009
Something that intersts me.
Hello again.
Nothing about back pain today, but you might find it interesting.
Stop Begging! Start Manifesting
by Paul Truscott
Do you remember that first spark of hope you felt when you watched The Secret? I remember the excitement, the desire , knowing that here was the answer I had searched for, it seemed so obvious – Yes, I can make my dreams come true – FINALLY!
But how many of us soon saw that hope dwindle into frustration? How many tried (and be honest now) started muttering things like:
- “It seems to work for other people, but I just can’t get it right.”
- “I’m frustrated that sometimes I can get it to work, but sometimes I can’t. What’s the trick?”
- “Why am I having so much trouble?”
- “I think the universe is against me, perhaps its not for me.”
- “I’m trying very, VERY hard but still nothing is happening!”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Nearly 97% of people also couldn't’t make the Law of Attraction work for them the first time. Think about it, just like anything else, you have to practice a few times before you see success. A child does not learn to walk without falling over a couple of times, so it with anything new.
But in practice, everything is easier said than done. When you’re frustrated, it’s hard to stay positive. It is especially harder to stay positive when the evidence all around you is screams negativity like the unstable economy or senseless acts of violence such as those recently seen in Mumbai.
And do you know what happens when you fail to stay positive? That’s right – you start attracting negative things in to your life.
So how can you make the Law of Attraction work for you – without getting frustrated? How do those who successfully implement the Law of Attraction do it with such confidence and finesse?
Well, here’s three quick tips so you will never feel frustrated or tired of begging from the universe, because you know how to start manifesting like a pro.
1. Allow Yourself To Receive
Just like a lost child who approaches a police officer and asks, “Excuse me Sir, can you tell me how to go to the post office? Can you? Can you? Can you? Can you? Can you?” Well, if the child goes on and on asking, the police officer can’t even give an answer, right?
Well, it’s the same thing with your mind. If the only thing your mind is doing is transmit, transmit, transmit, the universe — which is trying to respond — can’t give you a single thing because you’re not allowing yourself to receive!
So, have the confidence in yourself and stop exhausting yourself by running around person to person begging for riches, and then wondering why nobody is dropping a penny in your cup (Hint: It’s because you’re running away too fast for them before they can even reach for their wallets).
Just think of your desires and leave it out there, go away, and trust that your cup will be filled with gold coins (or whatever it is you asked for) when the time is right.
2. Be Patient With Yourself
Receiving takes time.
Sadly, many people give up just a couple of steps before the finish line because they have decided that if it’s not working by now, it’s never going to work at all. Worse still are those who throw in more and more energy because they think that with more resources, the results will come faster.
In simple terms: Everything in this world has a natural development time, and this fact will not change no matter what resources you throw at it, so allow nature to take its course.
Just relax and be patient. Remember that you too, as part of the universe, are also governed by the laws of the universe, and you cannot change the natural development time.
If you remember this, you will be less likely to work yourself up into frustration, or worse, push yourself into a downward spiral of negativity.
3. Support and Educate Yourself
Like the child who is learning how to walk, you need support. You also need to guidance on how to do it, and also the role models to look up to.
Many people give up because they think that “The Secret” is the “be all and end all” solution. Well, it’s NOT. “The Secret” is just a small portion. It was never intended, and has never been, the whole answer, it should be the start of a new and exciting journey.
Coming to the conclusion that the Law of Attraction dos'nt work when all you ever did to educate yourself was watch “The Secret” 19 times (without looking at changing the habits of other areas of your life) is like coming to the conclusion that exercising is not an effective way to lose weight because all you did is run on the treadmill for 2 hours a day (but you’re still stuffing yourself with fried foods and cheesecakes).
So seek and be hungry for new knowledge. Also, make an effort to be amongst people or communities where you can support each other, learn from each other and also share new knowledge that you have found, do not let people who have negative views affect you.
While the Law of Attraction is not an overnight delivery service, it will indeed deliver, if you do your part too!
Check out the site here – go to http://www.the11forgottenlaws.com/?p=372
Tags: law of attraction, bob proctor, the secret
I do hope you find this of interest
Paul
Nothing about back pain today, but you might find it interesting.
Stop Begging! Start Manifesting
by Paul Truscott
Do you remember that first spark of hope you felt when you watched The Secret? I remember the excitement, the desire , knowing that here was the answer I had searched for, it seemed so obvious – Yes, I can make my dreams come true – FINALLY!
But how many of us soon saw that hope dwindle into frustration? How many tried (and be honest now) started muttering things like:
- “It seems to work for other people, but I just can’t get it right.”
- “I’m frustrated that sometimes I can get it to work, but sometimes I can’t. What’s the trick?”
- “Why am I having so much trouble?”
- “I think the universe is against me, perhaps its not for me.”
- “I’m trying very, VERY hard but still nothing is happening!”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Nearly 97% of people also couldn't’t make the Law of Attraction work for them the first time. Think about it, just like anything else, you have to practice a few times before you see success. A child does not learn to walk without falling over a couple of times, so it with anything new.
But in practice, everything is easier said than done. When you’re frustrated, it’s hard to stay positive. It is especially harder to stay positive when the evidence all around you is screams negativity like the unstable economy or senseless acts of violence such as those recently seen in Mumbai.
And do you know what happens when you fail to stay positive? That’s right – you start attracting negative things in to your life.
So how can you make the Law of Attraction work for you – without getting frustrated? How do those who successfully implement the Law of Attraction do it with such confidence and finesse?
Well, here’s three quick tips so you will never feel frustrated or tired of begging from the universe, because you know how to start manifesting like a pro.
1. Allow Yourself To Receive
Just like a lost child who approaches a police officer and asks, “Excuse me Sir, can you tell me how to go to the post office? Can you? Can you? Can you? Can you? Can you?” Well, if the child goes on and on asking, the police officer can’t even give an answer, right?
Well, it’s the same thing with your mind. If the only thing your mind is doing is transmit, transmit, transmit, the universe — which is trying to respond — can’t give you a single thing because you’re not allowing yourself to receive!
So, have the confidence in yourself and stop exhausting yourself by running around person to person begging for riches, and then wondering why nobody is dropping a penny in your cup (Hint: It’s because you’re running away too fast for them before they can even reach for their wallets).
Just think of your desires and leave it out there, go away, and trust that your cup will be filled with gold coins (or whatever it is you asked for) when the time is right.
2. Be Patient With Yourself
Receiving takes time.
Sadly, many people give up just a couple of steps before the finish line because they have decided that if it’s not working by now, it’s never going to work at all. Worse still are those who throw in more and more energy because they think that with more resources, the results will come faster.
In simple terms: Everything in this world has a natural development time, and this fact will not change no matter what resources you throw at it, so allow nature to take its course.
Just relax and be patient. Remember that you too, as part of the universe, are also governed by the laws of the universe, and you cannot change the natural development time.
If you remember this, you will be less likely to work yourself up into frustration, or worse, push yourself into a downward spiral of negativity.
3. Support and Educate Yourself
Like the child who is learning how to walk, you need support. You also need to guidance on how to do it, and also the role models to look up to.
Many people give up because they think that “The Secret” is the “be all and end all” solution. Well, it’s NOT. “The Secret” is just a small portion. It was never intended, and has never been, the whole answer, it should be the start of a new and exciting journey.
Coming to the conclusion that the Law of Attraction dos'nt work when all you ever did to educate yourself was watch “The Secret” 19 times (without looking at changing the habits of other areas of your life) is like coming to the conclusion that exercising is not an effective way to lose weight because all you did is run on the treadmill for 2 hours a day (but you’re still stuffing yourself with fried foods and cheesecakes).
So seek and be hungry for new knowledge. Also, make an effort to be amongst people or communities where you can support each other, learn from each other and also share new knowledge that you have found, do not let people who have negative views affect you.
While the Law of Attraction is not an overnight delivery service, it will indeed deliver, if you do your part too!
Check out the site here – go to http://www.the11forgottenlaws.com/?p=372
Tags: law of attraction, bob proctor, the secret
I do hope you find this of interest
Paul
Monday 17 August 2009
Exercise and arhtritis
Hello again
Here is an article from The Chicago Tribune
Exercise Program helps ease arthritis pain
The exercise adage "no pain, no gain" has a different meaning for Clara Oleksy.
Having already lost a knee to osteoarthritis, the 70-year-old Park Ridge grandmother has found a new fitness program designed to bring relief to her aching joints.
Combining weight training, flexibility exercises, aerobics and education, the Fit and Strong program is helping senior arthritis patients regain mobility and, for some like Oleksy, wean themselves from their dependence on medications.
"I've cut down on the pain pills," Oleksy said. "It has helped the pain because with arthritis, you've got to keep moving."
Developed by Susan Hughes, director of the Center for Research on Health and Aging at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the eight-week program concentrates on the lower extremities -- a sore spot for many arthritis patients -- using ankle weights, exercise bands and treadmills.
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is being rolled out at a few suburban locations including the Morton Grove Park District, the Levy Senior Center in Evanston, the Wheeling Park District and the Advocate Lutheran General Fitness Center in Park Ridge, where Oleksy works out.
"The strength training using the ankle weights is a unique feature of our program," said Pankaja Desai, project manager of Fit and Strong. "We've found that the weights actually strengthen the muscles in the lower extremities, which help release the pressure on the joints. People rely less on the joints and more on the muscles."
Osteoarthritis is more prevalent among women than men, and nearly 27 million Americans have it, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It typically affects the hips, knees, hands and other joints, and symptoms -- primarily stiffness and pain -- usually begin after 40 and progress slowly. Treatment options include medications, dietary supplements, steroid injections and joint replacement surgery.
Though weight loss and exercise can help slow the progression and improve flexibility, getting arthritic seniors back into the workout mind-set can be a challenge, Desai said.
"We want the program to be an introduction to physical activity -- getting people back on the wagon," she said. "It gives people the confidence to continue to exercise, even after the program ends."
Oleksy, who was diagnosed with osteoarthritis 10 years ago, started working out at the fitness center after a left knee replacement in 2007. She participated in a previous arthritis exercise program at the facility and said she needed the structure and support to stick with it.
"These are probably some things I could very easily do at home, but I won't do it at home," she said. "I know I have to do it when I go to class."
The 90-minute classes are held three times a week at Advocate Lutheran General Fitness Center.
Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune
I hope this is of interest. As usual, take a look at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Here is an article from The Chicago Tribune
Exercise Program helps ease arthritis pain
The exercise adage "no pain, no gain" has a different meaning for Clara Oleksy.
Having already lost a knee to osteoarthritis, the 70-year-old Park Ridge grandmother has found a new fitness program designed to bring relief to her aching joints.
Combining weight training, flexibility exercises, aerobics and education, the Fit and Strong program is helping senior arthritis patients regain mobility and, for some like Oleksy, wean themselves from their dependence on medications.
"I've cut down on the pain pills," Oleksy said. "It has helped the pain because with arthritis, you've got to keep moving."
Developed by Susan Hughes, director of the Center for Research on Health and Aging at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the eight-week program concentrates on the lower extremities -- a sore spot for many arthritis patients -- using ankle weights, exercise bands and treadmills.
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is being rolled out at a few suburban locations including the Morton Grove Park District, the Levy Senior Center in Evanston, the Wheeling Park District and the Advocate Lutheran General Fitness Center in Park Ridge, where Oleksy works out.
"The strength training using the ankle weights is a unique feature of our program," said Pankaja Desai, project manager of Fit and Strong. "We've found that the weights actually strengthen the muscles in the lower extremities, which help release the pressure on the joints. People rely less on the joints and more on the muscles."
Osteoarthritis is more prevalent among women than men, and nearly 27 million Americans have it, according to the Arthritis Foundation. It typically affects the hips, knees, hands and other joints, and symptoms -- primarily stiffness and pain -- usually begin after 40 and progress slowly. Treatment options include medications, dietary supplements, steroid injections and joint replacement surgery.
Though weight loss and exercise can help slow the progression and improve flexibility, getting arthritic seniors back into the workout mind-set can be a challenge, Desai said.
"We want the program to be an introduction to physical activity -- getting people back on the wagon," she said. "It gives people the confidence to continue to exercise, even after the program ends."
Oleksy, who was diagnosed with osteoarthritis 10 years ago, started working out at the fitness center after a left knee replacement in 2007. She participated in a previous arthritis exercise program at the facility and said she needed the structure and support to stick with it.
"These are probably some things I could very easily do at home, but I won't do it at home," she said. "I know I have to do it when I go to class."
The 90-minute classes are held three times a week at Advocate Lutheran General Fitness Center.
Copyright © 2009, Chicago Tribune
I hope this is of interest. As usual, take a look at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Lower Back Pain exercises
Hello again, here is some more on lower back pain exercises, more can be found at http://www.freeuniquearticles.com/health/exercises/low-back-pain-exercises/
Though you may come across a wide range of exercises, promising to help you reduce your low back pain much faster, you should adhere only to such regimen which is the most effective exercise in lowering back back pain and keeping all the individuals physically fit as well at the same time.
Lets look consider the important exercises to reduce our low back pain efficiently.Though heat application and ice packs are considered to be one of the most effective exercises, reducing lower back pain to a great extent, they actually are needed to be utilized only as coexisting therapies to lower back pain. Heat application warms up all the muscles, experiencing a excruciating pain over their lower back, while the ice pack is put over the pain-affected part of lower back only to sooth the lower back pain, thus making the sufferer feel more relief.
Low back pain exercises enhance the sustain-ability of body which is supported by posterior spine. Low back pain exercises protect individual’s bony spine by making all the supporting muscles too strong, which to a great extent, prevents low back pain from emerging over the body again.
Though there are several medical treatments available for the people to choose from in order to get rid of their low back pain too fast, low back pain exercises are exceptionally too effective and the lasting exercises to deal with back pain . The low back exercises not only reduce the severity of lower back pain, but prevents it from emerging as well over the same area.
Causes Of Low Back Pain
Without any reason the low back pain never occurs in the body. There may be several reasons of back pain among the individuals. Some of them are being mentioned over here.
Before and after back surgery.
Fracture.
Tumor.
Heavy physical labour.
Stretching Or Warm Up exercise
Stretching the low back muscles is just akin to undergoing a massage therapy, that has got to help you do exact low back pain exercise efficiently.
Stand in a straight position with both your feet apart.
Raise both of your arms upwards.
Now tilt your torso to the left side with both of your arms stretched above your head. Come to previous position and tilt your torso to the right side to repeat the same exercise.
Do reps of this exercise twenty times.
It will warm up you body and reduce low back pain to a great extent.
Low Pain Back
Buttock Exercise-
-Lie just on your front with the left leg bent and raised behind you.
-Keep your left leg raised behind you for ten seconds at least.
-Now place your left leg back on the ground, remaining lied on ground by your front.
-Lift now right leg behind your body, remaining as it is lied on your front.
-Do the reps of this exercise twenty times. By such exercises, meant specially for the low back pain, you will manage to get rid of your unwanted low back pain efficiently.
Stabilization Exercises- Balls and balancing machines also help the people accomplish low back pain exercises, helping them get rid of their low back pain to a great extent.
Physical Exercises– Some conventional exercises, contemplating specially at belly fat reduction, also can prove to be the best low back pain exercises. Such exercises include sit-ups, crunches and leg raises by remaining lied on ground.
Hyper-extensions- This exercise also can be performed at home by you very easily. Meant for reducing the low back pain, such exercises can be done by lying on your front and lifting your chest off the ground again and again(ten times at least). Such exercise has got to cause a great impact on your lower back, and reduce low back pain effectively.
I hope this was informative, there is more on exercise at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Though you may come across a wide range of exercises, promising to help you reduce your low back pain much faster, you should adhere only to such regimen which is the most effective exercise in lowering back back pain and keeping all the individuals physically fit as well at the same time.
Lets look consider the important exercises to reduce our low back pain efficiently.Though heat application and ice packs are considered to be one of the most effective exercises, reducing lower back pain to a great extent, they actually are needed to be utilized only as coexisting therapies to lower back pain. Heat application warms up all the muscles, experiencing a excruciating pain over their lower back, while the ice pack is put over the pain-affected part of lower back only to sooth the lower back pain, thus making the sufferer feel more relief.
Low back pain exercises enhance the sustain-ability of body which is supported by posterior spine. Low back pain exercises protect individual’s bony spine by making all the supporting muscles too strong, which to a great extent, prevents low back pain from emerging over the body again.
Though there are several medical treatments available for the people to choose from in order to get rid of their low back pain too fast, low back pain exercises are exceptionally too effective and the lasting exercises to deal with back pain . The low back exercises not only reduce the severity of lower back pain, but prevents it from emerging as well over the same area.
Causes Of Low Back Pain
Without any reason the low back pain never occurs in the body. There may be several reasons of back pain among the individuals. Some of them are being mentioned over here.
Before and after back surgery.
Fracture.
Tumor.
Heavy physical labour.
Stretching Or Warm Up exercise
Stretching the low back muscles is just akin to undergoing a massage therapy, that has got to help you do exact low back pain exercise efficiently.
Stand in a straight position with both your feet apart.
Raise both of your arms upwards.
Now tilt your torso to the left side with both of your arms stretched above your head. Come to previous position and tilt your torso to the right side to repeat the same exercise.
Do reps of this exercise twenty times.
It will warm up you body and reduce low back pain to a great extent.
Low Pain Back
Buttock Exercise-
-Lie just on your front with the left leg bent and raised behind you.
-Keep your left leg raised behind you for ten seconds at least.
-Now place your left leg back on the ground, remaining lied on ground by your front.
-Lift now right leg behind your body, remaining as it is lied on your front.
-Do the reps of this exercise twenty times. By such exercises, meant specially for the low back pain, you will manage to get rid of your unwanted low back pain efficiently.
Stabilization Exercises- Balls and balancing machines also help the people accomplish low back pain exercises, helping them get rid of their low back pain to a great extent.
Physical Exercises– Some conventional exercises, contemplating specially at belly fat reduction, also can prove to be the best low back pain exercises. Such exercises include sit-ups, crunches and leg raises by remaining lied on ground.
Hyper-extensions- This exercise also can be performed at home by you very easily. Meant for reducing the low back pain, such exercises can be done by lying on your front and lifting your chest off the ground again and again(ten times at least). Such exercise has got to cause a great impact on your lower back, and reduce low back pain effectively.
I hope this was informative, there is more on exercise at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Wednesday 5 August 2009
Deal with back pain through exercise.
From Cleveland.com, exercise and back pain
More exercise better than rest to help alleviate lower back pain, study finds
by Los Angeles Times
Tuesday August 04, 2009, 2:00 PM
More is better when it comes to alleviating lower back pain — more exercise, that is.
Although many people who suffer from back pain don't exercise, fearing it will exacerbate the problem, a recent study found that exercising four days a week gave people greater relief from back pain than working out fewer times a week or not at all.
In the study, 120 people were randomly assigned to one of four groups for 12 weeks: One did a strength-training program two days a week, one did it three days a week, and one did it four days a week. A control group did no exercise but participated in a two-week exercise familiarization program. Exercises in the program included bench presses and leg presses.
Those in the four-day-a-week program had the most reduction in pain -- 28 percent -- compared with 14 percent for those who exercised two days a week. The four-day group also reported having a better quality of life and less disability than those who exercised less. In addition, it showed the greatest strength gains. The control group showed insignificant change in all areas.
The study was presented recently at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Seattle.
More on exercise for back pain at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
More exercise better than rest to help alleviate lower back pain, study finds
by Los Angeles Times
Tuesday August 04, 2009, 2:00 PM
More is better when it comes to alleviating lower back pain — more exercise, that is.
Although many people who suffer from back pain don't exercise, fearing it will exacerbate the problem, a recent study found that exercising four days a week gave people greater relief from back pain than working out fewer times a week or not at all.
In the study, 120 people were randomly assigned to one of four groups for 12 weeks: One did a strength-training program two days a week, one did it three days a week, and one did it four days a week. A control group did no exercise but participated in a two-week exercise familiarization program. Exercises in the program included bench presses and leg presses.
Those in the four-day-a-week program had the most reduction in pain -- 28 percent -- compared with 14 percent for those who exercised two days a week. The four-day group also reported having a better quality of life and less disability than those who exercised less. In addition, it showed the greatest strength gains. The control group showed insignificant change in all areas.
The study was presented recently at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Seattle.
More on exercise for back pain at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
A bit about Pregnancy
From The American Statesman, something interesting about Pregnany
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, August 03, 2009
It's been four months, and they have the drill down: Line up, hop on the scale, get the belly measured. These women are not weight-watching, though — they're pregnant.
At People's Community Clinic and locations across the country, more low-income women are taking part in a new concept of prenatal care: group pregnancy checkups. It's a trend medical experts say is breeding happier expectant moms and healthier babies.
Research published in 2007 by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says group visits by young, mostly African American women resulted in significantly fewer premature births. That study, led by Yale University, showed that of 1,047 women randomly assigned to either group prenatal visits or standard care, 9.8 percent of those in group visits had premature births compared with 13.8 percent of those who received standard care. The study is a key reason that the March of Dimes, in its battle against prematurity — a risk for disabilities and even death — has put more than $1.3 million into funding such programs nationwide.
Nurse practitioner Peggy Wall at People's, which provides health care to uninsured people in the Austin area, is a believer. People's began its group pregnancy program last fall, and with a $15,000 grant from the March of Dimes it has so far enrolled 60 women, or 8 percent of the pregnant women its practitioners have seen since the program started. She says women gain more in a two-hour visit as a group than they would in a few minutes alone with a nurse or doctor.
The women voluntarily sign up for the program, which includes first-time moms and those who have had children. They check themselves in and record their weight and blood pressure as Rosa Hernandez, who is Wall's medical assistant and was instrumental in getting the program started, assists.
Wall saw 11 patients in a group visit on a Wednesday night last month and spent a few minutes examining each woman and then meeting with them as a group.
"You've added a centimeter," Wall said in Spanish to patient Alejandra Martinez, 37, who was approaching her seventh month of pregnancy.
Wall then pulled out a wand-like device that uses sound waves to listen to the fetus's heartbeat. "Está bien," (It's fine), Wall told Martinez, who lay on a chaise lounge behind a sheer white curtain, affording nurse and patient a measure of modesty tinged with elegance in a clinic meeting room.
Researchers are just beginning to study why group visits might reduce premature births, said Deborah Walker, an associate professor of nursing at Wayne State University in Detroit. A theory is that social support leads women to eat better, stop smoking and "do the health-promoting things you need to do," she said.
Besides People's, CommUnityCare — the public clinic system that serves low-income and underinsured people in Travis County — offers the CenteringPregnancy program, said Zakiya Larry, spokeswoman for the March of Dimes' Austin Division.
CommUnityCare spokeswoman Debbie Cobalis said the lone public clinic with a program, Rosewood Zaragosa, received $17,400 from the March of Dimes and launched it in November 2007. Officials hope to expand it to more clinics, she said.
The all-woman philanthropy Impact Austin provided a $102,000 grant to help People's plan for a program in October for joint pediatric visits, so women can bring their same-age babies to appointments together, said People's CEO Regina Rogoff. The clinic will open on Saturdays for those visits, she said.
The women in Wall's Wednesday group, who meet twice a month at 6 p.m. and range in age from 18 to 39, sounded interested in the pediatric program. They easily chatted together in a circle of chairs during the check-in period. They brought covered dishes to share during the video and discussion period. The women, all of them Hispanic, chat easily together, mostly in Spanish, although many are bilingual and slip quickly into English.
"We like this," Nadyeli Medina, 27, said, as the women beside her nodded. "I would tell my friends to do this."
She said she has learned the importance of healthy eating. "Instead of hamburgers," Medina said, "I like salads more than I did."
Some of the women in the six groups at the clinic are immigrants and are isolated during the day; their working husbands have the car and cell phone, said Sharon Lynch, clinical operations manager and a nurse at People's.
"The women are away from their families," Lynch said. "They exchange numbers and hold parties for each other. They hold relationships that develop into lifelong friendships."
Maria Ricario, 31, said a previous session taught her about massage for easing back pain. She taught her husband, and "he does it every night now," said Ricario.
Hello again
On the theme of Pregnancy, here is something a little differant, I do hope you all like it. From the Statesman .com
Wall started the discussion by asking what names women had chosen for their babies — she always tries to start on a positive note. Then she moved to a topic they asked for more information about — post-pregnancy birth control — and then moved to a video about the stages of childbirth. It featured real women going through labor and elicited grimaces, even from the women who have had babies.
Medina grabbed Hernandez when the baby in the video was born. Afterward, one woman asked whether an epidural can cause back pain months or years later. Wall said no, that was a common misconception.
The night ended with a relaxation exercise. Wall suggested the women massage one another's hands with lotion she provided. Each woman turned to the person beside her and gently slathered a hand. Flowery smells and giggles filled the room. The clock ticked past 8 p.m. No one got up.
More of the usual stuff at www.backpainloss.com
Regards
Paul
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Monday, August 03, 2009
It's been four months, and they have the drill down: Line up, hop on the scale, get the belly measured. These women are not weight-watching, though — they're pregnant.
At People's Community Clinic and locations across the country, more low-income women are taking part in a new concept of prenatal care: group pregnancy checkups. It's a trend medical experts say is breeding happier expectant moms and healthier babies.
Research published in 2007 by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says group visits by young, mostly African American women resulted in significantly fewer premature births. That study, led by Yale University, showed that of 1,047 women randomly assigned to either group prenatal visits or standard care, 9.8 percent of those in group visits had premature births compared with 13.8 percent of those who received standard care. The study is a key reason that the March of Dimes, in its battle against prematurity — a risk for disabilities and even death — has put more than $1.3 million into funding such programs nationwide.
Nurse practitioner Peggy Wall at People's, which provides health care to uninsured people in the Austin area, is a believer. People's began its group pregnancy program last fall, and with a $15,000 grant from the March of Dimes it has so far enrolled 60 women, or 8 percent of the pregnant women its practitioners have seen since the program started. She says women gain more in a two-hour visit as a group than they would in a few minutes alone with a nurse or doctor.
The women voluntarily sign up for the program, which includes first-time moms and those who have had children. They check themselves in and record their weight and blood pressure as Rosa Hernandez, who is Wall's medical assistant and was instrumental in getting the program started, assists.
Wall saw 11 patients in a group visit on a Wednesday night last month and spent a few minutes examining each woman and then meeting with them as a group.
"You've added a centimeter," Wall said in Spanish to patient Alejandra Martinez, 37, who was approaching her seventh month of pregnancy.
Wall then pulled out a wand-like device that uses sound waves to listen to the fetus's heartbeat. "Está bien," (It's fine), Wall told Martinez, who lay on a chaise lounge behind a sheer white curtain, affording nurse and patient a measure of modesty tinged with elegance in a clinic meeting room.
Researchers are just beginning to study why group visits might reduce premature births, said Deborah Walker, an associate professor of nursing at Wayne State University in Detroit. A theory is that social support leads women to eat better, stop smoking and "do the health-promoting things you need to do," she said.
Besides People's, CommUnityCare — the public clinic system that serves low-income and underinsured people in Travis County — offers the CenteringPregnancy program, said Zakiya Larry, spokeswoman for the March of Dimes' Austin Division.
CommUnityCare spokeswoman Debbie Cobalis said the lone public clinic with a program, Rosewood Zaragosa, received $17,400 from the March of Dimes and launched it in November 2007. Officials hope to expand it to more clinics, she said.
The all-woman philanthropy Impact Austin provided a $102,000 grant to help People's plan for a program in October for joint pediatric visits, so women can bring their same-age babies to appointments together, said People's CEO Regina Rogoff. The clinic will open on Saturdays for those visits, she said.
The women in Wall's Wednesday group, who meet twice a month at 6 p.m. and range in age from 18 to 39, sounded interested in the pediatric program. They easily chatted together in a circle of chairs during the check-in period. They brought covered dishes to share during the video and discussion period. The women, all of them Hispanic, chat easily together, mostly in Spanish, although many are bilingual and slip quickly into English.
"We like this," Nadyeli Medina, 27, said, as the women beside her nodded. "I would tell my friends to do this."
She said she has learned the importance of healthy eating. "Instead of hamburgers," Medina said, "I like salads more than I did."
Some of the women in the six groups at the clinic are immigrants and are isolated during the day; their working husbands have the car and cell phone, said Sharon Lynch, clinical operations manager and a nurse at People's.
"The women are away from their families," Lynch said. "They exchange numbers and hold parties for each other. They hold relationships that develop into lifelong friendships."
Maria Ricario, 31, said a previous session taught her about massage for easing back pain. She taught her husband, and "he does it every night now," said Ricario.
Hello again
On the theme of Pregnancy, here is something a little differant, I do hope you all like it. From the Statesman .com
Wall started the discussion by asking what names women had chosen for their babies — she always tries to start on a positive note. Then she moved to a topic they asked for more information about — post-pregnancy birth control — and then moved to a video about the stages of childbirth. It featured real women going through labor and elicited grimaces, even from the women who have had babies.
Medina grabbed Hernandez when the baby in the video was born. Afterward, one woman asked whether an epidural can cause back pain months or years later. Wall said no, that was a common misconception.
The night ended with a relaxation exercise. Wall suggested the women massage one another's hands with lotion she provided. Each woman turned to the person beside her and gently slathered a hand. Flowery smells and giggles filled the room. The clock ticked past 8 p.m. No one got up.
More of the usual stuff at www.backpainloss.com
Regards
Paul
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