Hi to all my many readers.
I thought I would touch on the part I feel emotional "baggage" plays in back pain, or any pain for that matter.
This came about as a result of one om my regular clients presenting with her usual problem. The client is my Daughter, the treatments, always free of cost. She should read back pain loss, but is always too busy.
Her particular problem is an ankle bone containing a small spur of bone tissue. Three operations and a lot of discomfort and she is no better off than when we first investigated her pains in the foot. The only change is she knows traditional medicene cant help. The best offer was to fuze the bones of the anklf. This would have lead, eventually to a need to fuze the knee and finally the hips. As I may have said in this Blog, she chose pain.
Where does emotion come in? Elizabeth is temperamental, some say she has a firey personality. She has a habitof collecting emotional baggage like some Women collect hanbags. Though she would deny this, her emotions affect her health and she suffers.
I offer, and the offer is accepted, physical mobilisation and some energy work, we have not done any real emotional work. Till we do, the problem will remain a physical one needing physical intervention.
I have noticed on several occasions when dealing with a client, sometimes a shoulder wont go back, "because its' been like that for years" another time someone would not respond to Hypnosis and loose weight, because it turned out "my partner like me this shape".
Unless a person is prepared to find the underlying cause to a problem, then we are only scratching the surface, fixing a sympton, not the cause.
Hope this makes some sense to someone. Enjoy the weekend
Paul
Saturday 28 March 2009
Back Pain and commuting
This should be popular with everyone interested in back pain loss
Learn how to reduce back pain caused by commuting by car
25 Mar 2009
Ask long distance commuters, salespeople or delivery people who spend more than three hours a day in their car how they feel about freeway driving. The probable answer for many: "it's a pain in the back."
Studies have found that workers who spend at least half their time in an automobile are three times more likely than average workers to have back pain. It's freeway back misery when you add traffic, tension, adjusting a Bluetooth headset, shuffling CDs, or changing the dial on your iPod as you manage the wheel.
Do you give up your job and home commute? "Ideally yes, but this is not a practical solution. Better yet, educate yourself to a back care preventive program that will allow you to cope with life in the fast lane," stresses Dr Kam Raiszadeh, a spine surgeon and director at Alvarado Hospital.
Dr Raiszadeh offers these easy "good back" tips for road-weary commuters:
Stretch out slowly in the morning. Avoid vigorous exercise because it is at this time that discs are most filled with fluid and especially prone to injury.
If you are headed out the door for your commute, put your wallet in your breast pocket. The bulk of a wallet can press on the sciatic nerve when you sit and drive.
If you use your mobile phone in the car, remember to use your Bluetooth headset, don't cradle the phone on your neck while you drive as it can increase your build-up of back and neck strain. Also, if your seat is too soft it could be adding more stress to your back.
While you are driving, learn to recognise tension. Put on relaxing music. Try reducing muscle tension by stretching one leg and arm at a time. But be careful not to fall asleep at the wheel.
Park your car the farthest possible from where you work. The walk will do you and your back good, and it may be the only exercise you'll grab before you begin the commute home again.
(Source: Alvarado Hospital: March 2009)
More information at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Learn how to reduce back pain caused by commuting by car
25 Mar 2009
Ask long distance commuters, salespeople or delivery people who spend more than three hours a day in their car how they feel about freeway driving. The probable answer for many: "it's a pain in the back."
Studies have found that workers who spend at least half their time in an automobile are three times more likely than average workers to have back pain. It's freeway back misery when you add traffic, tension, adjusting a Bluetooth headset, shuffling CDs, or changing the dial on your iPod as you manage the wheel.
Do you give up your job and home commute? "Ideally yes, but this is not a practical solution. Better yet, educate yourself to a back care preventive program that will allow you to cope with life in the fast lane," stresses Dr Kam Raiszadeh, a spine surgeon and director at Alvarado Hospital.
Dr Raiszadeh offers these easy "good back" tips for road-weary commuters:
Stretch out slowly in the morning. Avoid vigorous exercise because it is at this time that discs are most filled with fluid and especially prone to injury.
If you are headed out the door for your commute, put your wallet in your breast pocket. The bulk of a wallet can press on the sciatic nerve when you sit and drive.
If you use your mobile phone in the car, remember to use your Bluetooth headset, don't cradle the phone on your neck while you drive as it can increase your build-up of back and neck strain. Also, if your seat is too soft it could be adding more stress to your back.
While you are driving, learn to recognise tension. Put on relaxing music. Try reducing muscle tension by stretching one leg and arm at a time. But be careful not to fall asleep at the wheel.
Park your car the farthest possible from where you work. The walk will do you and your back good, and it may be the only exercise you'll grab before you begin the commute home again.
(Source: Alvarado Hospital: March 2009)
More information at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Back Pain
From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle
A Memoir of Surviving Pain
by Brooklyn Eagle (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 03-24-2009
Q&A With Author Greenberg
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Lynne Greenberg was lucky in life. Happily married, she and husband Eric were raising their young son and daughter on idyllic Garden Place. She taught literature, with passionate interest in the material, at Hunter College. Her injuries from a horrific car crash at age 19 had “miraculously” healed.
Twenty-two years after the accident, an onset of chronic pain revealed that the vertebra — precariously close to the brain stem and spinal cord — had never healed. Unable to walk her kids the five blocks to school, always at a “three or higher on a pain scale of one to five,” Greenberg began an exhaustive search for the doctor who could help her reclaim her life.
This is a facinating article that can be read at
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=27&id=27158
You can also read more abot back pain at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
A Memoir of Surviving Pain
by Brooklyn Eagle (edit@brooklyneagle.net), published online 03-24-2009
Q&A With Author Greenberg
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Lynne Greenberg was lucky in life. Happily married, she and husband Eric were raising their young son and daughter on idyllic Garden Place. She taught literature, with passionate interest in the material, at Hunter College. Her injuries from a horrific car crash at age 19 had “miraculously” healed.
Twenty-two years after the accident, an onset of chronic pain revealed that the vertebra — precariously close to the brain stem and spinal cord — had never healed. Unable to walk her kids the five blocks to school, always at a “three or higher on a pain scale of one to five,” Greenberg began an exhaustive search for the doctor who could help her reclaim her life.
This is a facinating article that can be read at
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/categories/category.php?category_id=27&id=27158
You can also read more abot back pain at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
More about Exercise and Back Pain loss
From Abs Fat Burning Tips, no accredeted aurthur
Simple Exercises To Relive Pain From Back Pain With This Great Plan
People live a very busy life these days. As a result of this they don’t get a lot of time for exercising and relaxing. Due to this specific people get into different problems. One of these problems is getting a back pain. Due to sitting for long hours in a single position many people get pain in there lower back. This can be very annoying as you won’t be able to work effectively, you won’t be able to sleep well and all the time you will be uncomfortable.
How to Get your body in shape faster by using the new P90x Workout and the new Chalean Extreme to do it with. If you feel that you need a little more then you can always go with the 10 Minute Trainer today and start your work out faster and spend less time doing it. If you need more you can always go to Xtreme Body Fitness to get more Xtreme and better results.
What you need in this situation is some kind of therapy that can help you get rid of this problem. You can go to a doctor or you can look for cheaper option like starting an exercise session specifically for back pain. Here are some effective exercises that you can try at your home. These will help you get rid of back pain.
1.Traditional treatment: the main purpose of lower back exercises is to provide more flexibility to your back muscles. This helps in strengthening them and to provide more support. Traditionally people think of doing crunches and sit ups for this purpose. They are effective but you need more exercises if you want to get rid of the pain.
2.Bridge: this is a simple exercise for which you will need a small bench. Place your feet on the bench and lift your pelvis upwards. This exercise helps to release any stress from your lower muscles and helps in strengthening your hamstring.
3.Hip Flexor: stand erect and lift one of you leg. Fold you knee, this will have your foot pointing upwards. Hold it there for a couple of second before switching to the other leg. This exercise helps you to relax your lower back muscles located above and near the hip. You should feel a stretch on the front and back of your thigh. This means that your body is felling the stretch; make sure that your breath heavily while you are doing this exercise.
4.Crunches: you can also try basic crunches if you want to get rid of back pain. All you need to do is lie down on the floor facing upward. Bend your knees making a small pyramid. Place both your arms under you head before beginning the crunch. Bend upwards and try to touch you head with your knees. Try to use you body weight to lift, this will make the crunch more effective.
Interesting article. There is more information about back pain and exercise at www.backpainloss.com
Regards
Paul
Simple Exercises To Relive Pain From Back Pain With This Great Plan
People live a very busy life these days. As a result of this they don’t get a lot of time for exercising and relaxing. Due to this specific people get into different problems. One of these problems is getting a back pain. Due to sitting for long hours in a single position many people get pain in there lower back. This can be very annoying as you won’t be able to work effectively, you won’t be able to sleep well and all the time you will be uncomfortable.
How to Get your body in shape faster by using the new P90x Workout and the new Chalean Extreme to do it with. If you feel that you need a little more then you can always go with the 10 Minute Trainer today and start your work out faster and spend less time doing it. If you need more you can always go to Xtreme Body Fitness to get more Xtreme and better results.
What you need in this situation is some kind of therapy that can help you get rid of this problem. You can go to a doctor or you can look for cheaper option like starting an exercise session specifically for back pain. Here are some effective exercises that you can try at your home. These will help you get rid of back pain.
1.Traditional treatment: the main purpose of lower back exercises is to provide more flexibility to your back muscles. This helps in strengthening them and to provide more support. Traditionally people think of doing crunches and sit ups for this purpose. They are effective but you need more exercises if you want to get rid of the pain.
2.Bridge: this is a simple exercise for which you will need a small bench. Place your feet on the bench and lift your pelvis upwards. This exercise helps to release any stress from your lower muscles and helps in strengthening your hamstring.
3.Hip Flexor: stand erect and lift one of you leg. Fold you knee, this will have your foot pointing upwards. Hold it there for a couple of second before switching to the other leg. This exercise helps you to relax your lower back muscles located above and near the hip. You should feel a stretch on the front and back of your thigh. This means that your body is felling the stretch; make sure that your breath heavily while you are doing this exercise.
4.Crunches: you can also try basic crunches if you want to get rid of back pain. All you need to do is lie down on the floor facing upward. Bend your knees making a small pyramid. Place both your arms under you head before beginning the crunch. Bend upwards and try to touch you head with your knees. Try to use you body weight to lift, this will make the crunch more effective.
Interesting article. There is more information about back pain and exercise at www.backpainloss.com
Regards
Paul
Saturday 21 March 2009
Warm answer to Back Pain
This from the Macon County news
Avoiding back/neck pain with warm weather activities
Thursday, 19 March 2009
As the weather gets warmer, many people abandon their winter hibernation and begin to participate in outdoor activities such as gardening, golf, and yard work. Unfortunately, jumping into activities that you are not physically prepared for can often exacerbate an underlying, and sometimes unknown, back or neck problem. What many people don’t understand is that neck and back pain are rarely the result of one incident or injury. Factors such as physical conditioning, poor posture/body mechanics, deceased flexibility, and stressful living and working habits (not enough sleep, poor nutrition, smoking) all contribute to neck and back disorders.
In many cases, a spinal problem begins to develop long before the first episode of pain is experienced, and the underlying problem actually continues after the initial episode of pain subsides. Participating in activities one is unprepared for often causes a painful episode of muscle spasm and inflammation. This often causes a person to become protective and inactive. Unfortunately, limited movement then causes stiffness and weakness which makes the original problem worse. Thus a vicious cycle is established.
The most current research suggests that bed rest and other forms of passive treatment are at best, of limited value, and at worst, can actually be harmful. Careful activity and the right kind of exercise are very important in the treatment of neck and back pain. It is important to start exercise early, usually within a day or two after the pain is experienced, to break the cycle of pain, stiffness, and weakness. In rehabilitation, the focus of treatment is preventing the next painful episode while dealing with the present problem.
A regular exercise program is important for preventing back and neck problems. A good program should incorporate aerobic exercise (such as 20 minutes or more of walking) and exercises for both strengthening and flexibility. A physical therapist specializing in the treatment of orthopedic problems can help design a plan that will meet individual exercise needs.
There are many steps you can take to lessen your risk of back and neck injury as you become more active this spring. These include proper aerobic conditioning, using good posture and body mechanics, maintaining a reasonable level of flexibility and strength, and controlling stress. When problems do occur, careful activity and the right kind of exercise are essential to both rehabilitate the current injury and prevent future flare-ups.
This information provided by the professional staff of HealthWorks Physical Therapy Specialists. HealthWorks is a private, Outpatient Physical Therapy Center.
I like this, does it mean I can tell my wife we should move to southern Spain?
Failing that go to www.backpainloss.com
Regards
Paul
Avoiding back/neck pain with warm weather activities
Thursday, 19 March 2009
As the weather gets warmer, many people abandon their winter hibernation and begin to participate in outdoor activities such as gardening, golf, and yard work. Unfortunately, jumping into activities that you are not physically prepared for can often exacerbate an underlying, and sometimes unknown, back or neck problem. What many people don’t understand is that neck and back pain are rarely the result of one incident or injury. Factors such as physical conditioning, poor posture/body mechanics, deceased flexibility, and stressful living and working habits (not enough sleep, poor nutrition, smoking) all contribute to neck and back disorders.
In many cases, a spinal problem begins to develop long before the first episode of pain is experienced, and the underlying problem actually continues after the initial episode of pain subsides. Participating in activities one is unprepared for often causes a painful episode of muscle spasm and inflammation. This often causes a person to become protective and inactive. Unfortunately, limited movement then causes stiffness and weakness which makes the original problem worse. Thus a vicious cycle is established.
The most current research suggests that bed rest and other forms of passive treatment are at best, of limited value, and at worst, can actually be harmful. Careful activity and the right kind of exercise are very important in the treatment of neck and back pain. It is important to start exercise early, usually within a day or two after the pain is experienced, to break the cycle of pain, stiffness, and weakness. In rehabilitation, the focus of treatment is preventing the next painful episode while dealing with the present problem.
A regular exercise program is important for preventing back and neck problems. A good program should incorporate aerobic exercise (such as 20 minutes or more of walking) and exercises for both strengthening and flexibility. A physical therapist specializing in the treatment of orthopedic problems can help design a plan that will meet individual exercise needs.
There are many steps you can take to lessen your risk of back and neck injury as you become more active this spring. These include proper aerobic conditioning, using good posture and body mechanics, maintaining a reasonable level of flexibility and strength, and controlling stress. When problems do occur, careful activity and the right kind of exercise are essential to both rehabilitate the current injury and prevent future flare-ups.
This information provided by the professional staff of HealthWorks Physical Therapy Specialists. HealthWorks is a private, Outpatient Physical Therapy Center.
I like this, does it mean I can tell my wife we should move to southern Spain?
Failing that go to www.backpainloss.com
Regards
Paul
Exerxise for the back
Hello.
Here is an inter sting article from the Columbus Times, enjoy.
exercise
Strengthening back stabilizes core
Monday, March 16, 2009 3:03 AM
By Jeannine Stein
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Christina House | Los Angeles Times
The move known as the Superman: Lift the arms and legs for at least 10 seconds.
LOS ANGELES -- The back often gets short shrift in pursuit of strength and conditioning because people tend to focus on muscles more prone to easy definition: arms, abs and chest.
But neglecting the back can lead to aches, stiffness and chronic pain.
A healthy back is flexible, allowing you to bend, turn and reach without a twinge. A strong back stabilizes the rest of the body.
"Having a strong back is huge," said Torri Shack, a trainer at Sky Sport & Spa in Beverly Hills, Calif. "The stronger your back, the more weight-bearing exercise you can do. . . . The stronger your back, the stronger your stomach."
To help restore backs to their proper shape, we asked trainers to suggest exercises. Always get a doctor's OK before beginning an exercise program.
"I tell my clients to do the front plank (the name of an exercise) in the morning and before they go to bed," Shack said.
Here are some of the trainers' recommendations:
• The front plank: Face the floor, support your body on your lower arms and your toes and hold it for a minute; progress to a minute and 15 seconds, a minute and a half, etc. To create more instability, raise the right leg, then the left leg, holding for 10 seconds. That strengthens the overall core. The front plank helps people begin to increase the weight they lift because they will have a stronger back.
• The Superman: Lie on your stomach, with hands and legs outstretched. Lift the arms and legs at the same time, hold for 10 seconds, relax, then do it again. Work up to a minute of 10-second intervals.
• Dumbbell pullovers on a stability ball: Rest the upper shoulders and head on the ball and place feet on the floor. Hold one dumbbell with both hands, arms extended overhead over the chest. Squeeze the lats (wide triangular muscles on each side of the spine) and keep the elbows straight, lower the weight over the head, then bring the weight back up.
Rob Sham of Bally Total Fitness in Culver City, Calif., said most people sit hunched, and when the shoulders slump forward, that stretches the muscles in the upper back. Sitting that way for a prolonged period shortens the muscles in front. To offset that habit, he suggests:
• The upper-trapezius stretch: Sit in a chair facing forward while maintaining good posture. Hold onto the chair with the left arm, gently pull the head toward the right shoulder with the right hand. You should feel a mild stretch, but it shouldn't hurt. Repeat on the other side.
For more on exercise for the back, please look at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Here is an inter sting article from the Columbus Times, enjoy.
exercise
Strengthening back stabilizes core
Monday, March 16, 2009 3:03 AM
By Jeannine Stein
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Christina House | Los Angeles Times
The move known as the Superman: Lift the arms and legs for at least 10 seconds.
LOS ANGELES -- The back often gets short shrift in pursuit of strength and conditioning because people tend to focus on muscles more prone to easy definition: arms, abs and chest.
But neglecting the back can lead to aches, stiffness and chronic pain.
A healthy back is flexible, allowing you to bend, turn and reach without a twinge. A strong back stabilizes the rest of the body.
"Having a strong back is huge," said Torri Shack, a trainer at Sky Sport & Spa in Beverly Hills, Calif. "The stronger your back, the more weight-bearing exercise you can do. . . . The stronger your back, the stronger your stomach."
To help restore backs to their proper shape, we asked trainers to suggest exercises. Always get a doctor's OK before beginning an exercise program.
"I tell my clients to do the front plank (the name of an exercise) in the morning and before they go to bed," Shack said.
Here are some of the trainers' recommendations:
• The front plank: Face the floor, support your body on your lower arms and your toes and hold it for a minute; progress to a minute and 15 seconds, a minute and a half, etc. To create more instability, raise the right leg, then the left leg, holding for 10 seconds. That strengthens the overall core. The front plank helps people begin to increase the weight they lift because they will have a stronger back.
• The Superman: Lie on your stomach, with hands and legs outstretched. Lift the arms and legs at the same time, hold for 10 seconds, relax, then do it again. Work up to a minute of 10-second intervals.
• Dumbbell pullovers on a stability ball: Rest the upper shoulders and head on the ball and place feet on the floor. Hold one dumbbell with both hands, arms extended overhead over the chest. Squeeze the lats (wide triangular muscles on each side of the spine) and keep the elbows straight, lower the weight over the head, then bring the weight back up.
Rob Sham of Bally Total Fitness in Culver City, Calif., said most people sit hunched, and when the shoulders slump forward, that stretches the muscles in the upper back. Sitting that way for a prolonged period shortens the muscles in front. To offset that habit, he suggests:
• The upper-trapezius stretch: Sit in a chair facing forward while maintaining good posture. Hold onto the chair with the left arm, gently pull the head toward the right shoulder with the right hand. You should feel a mild stretch, but it shouldn't hurt. Repeat on the other side.
For more on exercise for the back, please look at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Back pain and Tiredness
Here is an article from the Sunday Times,Sunday March 15 2009 hope you like it.
Mediscene
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pain and tiredness? It could be Fibromyalgia
By Dr. Kaleel Cassim
The word fibromyalgia means pain ('algia') coming from the muscles ('my') and fibrous tissues ('fibro') such as tendons and ligaments. Most people with fibromyalgia also have other symptoms in addition to the pains - see below. Therefore, fibromyalgia is sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS. It is a chronic (persistent) condition.
Fibromyalgia does not affect the joints, and is not arthritis.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms are pains, tender areas and tiredness. Some people also develop other symptoms. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. The severity can also vary from day to day in the same person.
Pain
The pain can occur in the muscles and fibrous tissues of any area of the body. However, most commonly the pain is in the neck and back. Many areas can be affected, and some people feel the pain 'all over'.
The pain can vary from day to day, and may be made worse by stress, cold or activity. After a night's sleep, you may also feel quite 'stiff' for a few hours.
Tender areas
There are usually several small areas which are quite tender ('tender spots'). If someone presses on one of these it is likely to make you wince. The common sites for these are shown in the diagram. However, most of the body is not tender, and it is not known why some small areas become so tender.
Tiredness
Tiredness (fatigue) is common, and is sometimes severe. In some cases it is more distressing than the pain. It is also common to have a poor sleep pattern. You may wake feeling exhausted. Many people feel worst first thing in the morning, but improve in the afternoon. Even a small amount of activity may make you tired. The tiredness may cause you to have poor concentration, and so you may appear to be forgetful.
Other symptoms that may also develop include:
Headaches.
Irritable bladder - you may need to go to the toilet more frequently than usual.
Symptoms similar to 'irritable bowel syndrome' - with abdominal pains, sometimes with diarrhoea, constipation or bloating.
About 1 in 5 people with fibromyalgia also have restless legs syndrome.
Painful periods.
Pins and needles in fingers and/or toes.
Feeling as if your hands or feet are swollen (although they are not actually swollen).
Depression, weepiness or anxiety. It is not clear whether these symptoms are part of 'fibromyalgia syndrome', or develop as a result of having this condition.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The cause is not known. There are various theories. An abnormal sleep pattern may be a factor. People with fibromyalgia often have an altered pattern of one of the stages of sleep. One theory is that there may be an abnormal amount of certain nerve chemicals (neurotransmitters). These are involved in transmitting messages between nerves and in the brain. This may explain both the abnormal sleep patterns and pain associated with fibromyalgia. Another theory is that the symptoms may be a reaction to an unknown virus infection. There may not be any one cause, and it may be that several factors interact to cause fibromyalgia.
Who gets it?
About 1 in 100 people develop fibromyalgia at some stage. About 9 in 10 cases are in women. In most cases it first develops between the ages of 40 and 60. It is less common in younger adults, and is rare in children.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by the typical symptoms. A doctor's examination will usually be normal, apart from finding tender areas described above. There is no 'test' that confirms the condition. However, tests are advised in some cases to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms. For example, your doctor may do some blood tests to rule out an underactive thyroid, early arthritis, etc. In fibromyalgia, tests such as blood tests, x-rays, scans, etc, are normal.
Note: it is common to have fibromyalgia in addition to other diseases. For example, you may have osteoarthritis in a hip or knee which causes pain. You may then also develop pains in many areas of the body. At first you may think this is due to arthritis affecting many joints. However, it is often due to fibromyalgia with the osteoarthritis remaining confined to one or two joints.
Is fibromyalgia serious?
Fibromyalgia is not arthritis, it is not due to cancer, and does not damage any joint or tissue. It does not shorten your expected lifespan. In some cases, symptoms ease or go after a few months. However, in many cases it is a chronic (persistent) condition which tends to wax and wane in severity. Your quality of life can become affected by the persistent symptoms.
What is the treatment?
There is no simple 'cure'. Treatments aim to reduce symptoms as much as possible.
Exercise
If you are able, consider gradually building up to more and more exercise. The aim of the exercise is to improve sleep patterns, and improve fitness. Aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling and swimming are thought to be the best forms of exercise to improve symptoms. 'Stretching' exercises such as yoga may help, but are not thought to be as effective as 'aerobic' exercises at easing symptoms.
Exercise does not always help, but studies have shown that it improves symptoms in a number of cases. The goal is to exercise safely and without increased pain. The target is to exercise 4-5 times a week for at least 20 to 30 minutes, but it may take months to build up to this level.
Note: Pain and stiffness can get worse for a short while when you first start on an exercise programme.
Antidepressants
An antidepressant drug is a common treatment for fibromyalgia. Although they are called antidepressants, these drugs are used to treat various conditions apart from depression. Low dose antidepressants have an action to ease pain, and help with disturbed sleep. A trial of 4-6 weeks is often advised, and continued if found to be helpful.
Sleeping tablets are not used as they do not help with fibromyalgia, and can be addictive.
Other painkillers
Painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers may help to ease pain. However, they often do not work very well in fibromyalgia.
Injections
An injection of a local anaesthetic into a particularly tender spot may ease pain and allow you to exercise more freely.
Coping strategies
Some people are helped by counselling, relaxation exercises, or 'talking treatments' such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). These aim to help you to take control of the extent to which pain, tiredness, or other symptoms interfere with your life.
Treatment for depression or anxiety
Sometimes depression or anxiety which develops as a reaction to having fibromyalgia, or caused by other problems, can make symptoms worse. If they do develop, treatment (such as full dose antidepressants or anxiety management) may be advised.
Alternative/complementary treatments
Some people try acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, etc. There is little evidence that such treatments relieve the underlying cause of fibromyalgia. However, some people find that certain treatments help them to relax, feel less stressed, and feel better in themselves which helps them to cope better with their condition.
(The writer is Consultant Rheumatologist, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital)
For more back pain information, please goto www.backpainloss.com
Mediscene
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pain and tiredness? It could be Fibromyalgia
By Dr. Kaleel Cassim
The word fibromyalgia means pain ('algia') coming from the muscles ('my') and fibrous tissues ('fibro') such as tendons and ligaments. Most people with fibromyalgia also have other symptoms in addition to the pains - see below. Therefore, fibromyalgia is sometimes called fibromyalgia syndrome, or FMS. It is a chronic (persistent) condition.
Fibromyalgia does not affect the joints, and is not arthritis.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms are pains, tender areas and tiredness. Some people also develop other symptoms. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. The severity can also vary from day to day in the same person.
Pain
The pain can occur in the muscles and fibrous tissues of any area of the body. However, most commonly the pain is in the neck and back. Many areas can be affected, and some people feel the pain 'all over'.
The pain can vary from day to day, and may be made worse by stress, cold or activity. After a night's sleep, you may also feel quite 'stiff' for a few hours.
Tender areas
There are usually several small areas which are quite tender ('tender spots'). If someone presses on one of these it is likely to make you wince. The common sites for these are shown in the diagram. However, most of the body is not tender, and it is not known why some small areas become so tender.
Tiredness
Tiredness (fatigue) is common, and is sometimes severe. In some cases it is more distressing than the pain. It is also common to have a poor sleep pattern. You may wake feeling exhausted. Many people feel worst first thing in the morning, but improve in the afternoon. Even a small amount of activity may make you tired. The tiredness may cause you to have poor concentration, and so you may appear to be forgetful.
Other symptoms that may also develop include:
Headaches.
Irritable bladder - you may need to go to the toilet more frequently than usual.
Symptoms similar to 'irritable bowel syndrome' - with abdominal pains, sometimes with diarrhoea, constipation or bloating.
About 1 in 5 people with fibromyalgia also have restless legs syndrome.
Painful periods.
Pins and needles in fingers and/or toes.
Feeling as if your hands or feet are swollen (although they are not actually swollen).
Depression, weepiness or anxiety. It is not clear whether these symptoms are part of 'fibromyalgia syndrome', or develop as a result of having this condition.
What causes fibromyalgia?
The cause is not known. There are various theories. An abnormal sleep pattern may be a factor. People with fibromyalgia often have an altered pattern of one of the stages of sleep. One theory is that there may be an abnormal amount of certain nerve chemicals (neurotransmitters). These are involved in transmitting messages between nerves and in the brain. This may explain both the abnormal sleep patterns and pain associated with fibromyalgia. Another theory is that the symptoms may be a reaction to an unknown virus infection. There may not be any one cause, and it may be that several factors interact to cause fibromyalgia.
Who gets it?
About 1 in 100 people develop fibromyalgia at some stage. About 9 in 10 cases are in women. In most cases it first develops between the ages of 40 and 60. It is less common in younger adults, and is rare in children.
How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by the typical symptoms. A doctor's examination will usually be normal, apart from finding tender areas described above. There is no 'test' that confirms the condition. However, tests are advised in some cases to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms. For example, your doctor may do some blood tests to rule out an underactive thyroid, early arthritis, etc. In fibromyalgia, tests such as blood tests, x-rays, scans, etc, are normal.
Note: it is common to have fibromyalgia in addition to other diseases. For example, you may have osteoarthritis in a hip or knee which causes pain. You may then also develop pains in many areas of the body. At first you may think this is due to arthritis affecting many joints. However, it is often due to fibromyalgia with the osteoarthritis remaining confined to one or two joints.
Is fibromyalgia serious?
Fibromyalgia is not arthritis, it is not due to cancer, and does not damage any joint or tissue. It does not shorten your expected lifespan. In some cases, symptoms ease or go after a few months. However, in many cases it is a chronic (persistent) condition which tends to wax and wane in severity. Your quality of life can become affected by the persistent symptoms.
What is the treatment?
There is no simple 'cure'. Treatments aim to reduce symptoms as much as possible.
Exercise
If you are able, consider gradually building up to more and more exercise. The aim of the exercise is to improve sleep patterns, and improve fitness. Aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling and swimming are thought to be the best forms of exercise to improve symptoms. 'Stretching' exercises such as yoga may help, but are not thought to be as effective as 'aerobic' exercises at easing symptoms.
Exercise does not always help, but studies have shown that it improves symptoms in a number of cases. The goal is to exercise safely and without increased pain. The target is to exercise 4-5 times a week for at least 20 to 30 minutes, but it may take months to build up to this level.
Note: Pain and stiffness can get worse for a short while when you first start on an exercise programme.
Antidepressants
An antidepressant drug is a common treatment for fibromyalgia. Although they are called antidepressants, these drugs are used to treat various conditions apart from depression. Low dose antidepressants have an action to ease pain, and help with disturbed sleep. A trial of 4-6 weeks is often advised, and continued if found to be helpful.
Sleeping tablets are not used as they do not help with fibromyalgia, and can be addictive.
Other painkillers
Painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers may help to ease pain. However, they often do not work very well in fibromyalgia.
Injections
An injection of a local anaesthetic into a particularly tender spot may ease pain and allow you to exercise more freely.
Coping strategies
Some people are helped by counselling, relaxation exercises, or 'talking treatments' such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). These aim to help you to take control of the extent to which pain, tiredness, or other symptoms interfere with your life.
Treatment for depression or anxiety
Sometimes depression or anxiety which develops as a reaction to having fibromyalgia, or caused by other problems, can make symptoms worse. If they do develop, treatment (such as full dose antidepressants or anxiety management) may be advised.
Alternative/complementary treatments
Some people try acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, etc. There is little evidence that such treatments relieve the underlying cause of fibromyalgia. However, some people find that certain treatments help them to relax, feel less stressed, and feel better in themselves which helps them to cope better with their condition.
(The writer is Consultant Rheumatologist, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital)
For more back pain information, please goto www.backpainloss.com
Implants and back pain.
Hi, sorry I have been lazy with these blogs, last few days I could not access Google, some new Google Map feature.
Here is an article from Cincinati News, looks interesting.
Implant brings relief of back, leg pain
By Peggy O'Farrell • pofarrell@enquirer.com • March 8, 2009
• • Print • ShareThis • Type: A A • Click-2-Listen
An electronic implant about the size of an Oreo cookie is bringing big relief to chronic back and leg pain sufferers.
The Eon Mini, manufactured by St. Jude Medical Inc., is the latest spinal cord stimulator available for patients who haven't gotten relief after surgeries, medications and other treatments for pain from degenerative disk disease and other back and nerve problems. Previous versions of the technology have been implanted in about 45,000 people worldwide, said Denise Landry, a spokeswoman for St. Paul, Minn.-based St. Jude Medical.
The device, billed as the world's smallest, is similar to a cardiac pacemaker, but the electrical impulses it sends out along the spinal cord block the pain signals transmitted by the nerves.
"Instead of the pain, patients feel a pins-and-needles sensation, or a vibration," said Larry Zeff, an interventional pain medicine specialist with Freiberg Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, which has offices in Kenwood, Westwood and Mount Airy.
Patients can program the implant to match their particular pain patterns, Zeff said, and can use a handheld control to turn the device on and off, and to turn the level of pain control up or down.
Cost of the device ranges from $15,000 to $24,000. It's covered by most health insurance plans.
Along with less pain, patients who use the implant also get the benefit of using fewer painkillers, he said.
Melissa York, 46, of Villa Hills received the implant in September after two surgeries failed to correct the pain of degenerative disk disease.
"It's enabled me to get back to a halfway normal life," York said.
She's been battling chronic back pain for about three years.
"It just started hurting, and as the years progressed, it kept getting worse and worse," she said.
Before the implant, York relied on the painkiller Vicodin, a prescription narcotic, for relief.
"Now there are days when I don't take but maybe one and a half Vicodin the whole day," she said. "Before, I would have to take at least three to get through the day."
York uses four programs to control her pain, which starts at her hips and runs down both legs to her feet.
She uses the implant several hours a day, and takes pain medicine in between.
Tim Sigafoose, 51, of Colerain Township got the implant in December for chronic low-back pain.
"I should have done this years ago," he said. "I can do anything now. I can cut grass. Walk."
He's been able to cut back from six pain pills a day to "maybe two."
York recently bought an exercise bicycle and is starting to use it regularly.She's also looking forward to getting back to a regular walking routine.
The device is battery operated, but the battery lasts for 10 to 15 years, Zeff said.
The device is also useful for patients with interstitial cystitis, diabetic neuropathy and other chronic pain conditions, he said.
Interesting article.
If you want more information on back pain releif, go to www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Here is an article from Cincinati News, looks interesting.
Implant brings relief of back, leg pain
By Peggy O'Farrell • pofarrell@enquirer.com • March 8, 2009
• • Print • ShareThis • Type: A A • Click-2-Listen
An electronic implant about the size of an Oreo cookie is bringing big relief to chronic back and leg pain sufferers.
The Eon Mini, manufactured by St. Jude Medical Inc., is the latest spinal cord stimulator available for patients who haven't gotten relief after surgeries, medications and other treatments for pain from degenerative disk disease and other back and nerve problems. Previous versions of the technology have been implanted in about 45,000 people worldwide, said Denise Landry, a spokeswoman for St. Paul, Minn.-based St. Jude Medical.
The device, billed as the world's smallest, is similar to a cardiac pacemaker, but the electrical impulses it sends out along the spinal cord block the pain signals transmitted by the nerves.
"Instead of the pain, patients feel a pins-and-needles sensation, or a vibration," said Larry Zeff, an interventional pain medicine specialist with Freiberg Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, which has offices in Kenwood, Westwood and Mount Airy.
Patients can program the implant to match their particular pain patterns, Zeff said, and can use a handheld control to turn the device on and off, and to turn the level of pain control up or down.
Cost of the device ranges from $15,000 to $24,000. It's covered by most health insurance plans.
Along with less pain, patients who use the implant also get the benefit of using fewer painkillers, he said.
Melissa York, 46, of Villa Hills received the implant in September after two surgeries failed to correct the pain of degenerative disk disease.
"It's enabled me to get back to a halfway normal life," York said.
She's been battling chronic back pain for about three years.
"It just started hurting, and as the years progressed, it kept getting worse and worse," she said.
Before the implant, York relied on the painkiller Vicodin, a prescription narcotic, for relief.
"Now there are days when I don't take but maybe one and a half Vicodin the whole day," she said. "Before, I would have to take at least three to get through the day."
York uses four programs to control her pain, which starts at her hips and runs down both legs to her feet.
She uses the implant several hours a day, and takes pain medicine in between.
Tim Sigafoose, 51, of Colerain Township got the implant in December for chronic low-back pain.
"I should have done this years ago," he said. "I can do anything now. I can cut grass. Walk."
He's been able to cut back from six pain pills a day to "maybe two."
York recently bought an exercise bicycle and is starting to use it regularly.She's also looking forward to getting back to a regular walking routine.
The device is battery operated, but the battery lasts for 10 to 15 years, Zeff said.
The device is also useful for patients with interstitial cystitis, diabetic neuropathy and other chronic pain conditions, he said.
Interesting article.
If you want more information on back pain releif, go to www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Sunday 15 March 2009
My son finally gives in to Back Pain
A strange title you may think.
On my profile I have said that the only member of my family not to have a treatment from me is mt son. Well today he was due to take a driving lesson. So like most young men, I suppose, he had a shower and changed into " good" clothes.
Unfortunately he got out the shower, reached for some clothes and experienced severe Back Pain.
He did nothing unusual, no heavy lifting, just a slight twist. His mother, who has read Back Pain Loss diagnosed a trapped nerve, just from listening to him!
I was volunteered to put him right, cook the dinner, two different sorts of pie, meat eater and veggie, and am muse my Granddaughter, burn some paperwork outside. A typical Sunday.
I first carried out a very quick and superficial balance to align his spine as the fist step to relieve his back pain, followed by work on the reflex for Sciatic nerve issues and finished with a Reiki treatment. He still had some back pain, so downstairs for an EFT treatment and some NLP visialization.
It would have cost a small fortune, he had about 4 - 5 treatments from 2 therapists, but is worth it, his pain was reduced, he had his lesson on time. Not only that, he enjoyed it and is now back to his normal spirits.
He still has not been to weww.backpainloss.com for the exercises he could use.
Till next time
Paul
On my profile I have said that the only member of my family not to have a treatment from me is mt son. Well today he was due to take a driving lesson. So like most young men, I suppose, he had a shower and changed into " good" clothes.
Unfortunately he got out the shower, reached for some clothes and experienced severe Back Pain.
He did nothing unusual, no heavy lifting, just a slight twist. His mother, who has read Back Pain Loss diagnosed a trapped nerve, just from listening to him!
I was volunteered to put him right, cook the dinner, two different sorts of pie, meat eater and veggie, and am muse my Granddaughter, burn some paperwork outside. A typical Sunday.
I first carried out a very quick and superficial balance to align his spine as the fist step to relieve his back pain, followed by work on the reflex for Sciatic nerve issues and finished with a Reiki treatment. He still had some back pain, so downstairs for an EFT treatment and some NLP visialization.
It would have cost a small fortune, he had about 4 - 5 treatments from 2 therapists, but is worth it, his pain was reduced, he had his lesson on time. Not only that, he enjoyed it and is now back to his normal spirits.
He still has not been to weww.backpainloss.com for the exercises he could use.
Till next time
Paul
Sunday 8 March 2009
Muscle Pain
Article from AG news
March 06, 2009
Writer(s): Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5600,SKledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact(s): Andrew Crocker, 806-677-5600, abcrocker@ag.tamu.edu
AMARILLO – An estimated five million Americans age 18 or older are affected by fibromyalgia – a chronic condition causing pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialist.
Although fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-related condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis because it does not cause inflammation or damage to joints or muscles, said Andrew Crocker, AgriLife Extension gerontology specialist.
The tender points are places on the body where people with fibromyalgia feel pain from even the slightest pressure, Crocker said. These places include the neck, shoulders, back and hips.
Between 80 percent and 90 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women, he said, and most are diagnosed during middle age.
Signs and symptoms can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day, Crocker said. The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles.
Scientists do not know what causes fibromyalgia, he said. It is not progressive and does not lead to other conditions or diseases. It can, however, lead to pain, depression and lack of sleep.
“These problems can then interfere with your ability to function at home or at work as well as maintain close family or personal relationships,” Crocker said. “Because many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to other disorders, you may see several health providers before receiving a diagnosis.”
The American College of Rheumatology has established two criteria for diagnosis: widespread pain lasting at least three months and at least 11 of 18 tender points positive for pain..
People at risk of developing fibromyalgia include those who have leg muscle spasms at night, restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea; those with a relative with fibromyalgia; and those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or other similar disorders.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a medication to treat fibromyalgia, and it may help reduce the pain and improve sleep, Crocker said.
“Your health provider may also treat you with other forms of medications, such as pain relievers,” he said. “Exercise may help restore muscle balance and may reduce pain. Stretching techniques and the application of hot or cold also may help. Ask your health provider about his or her recommendation for physical therapy to help with your fibromyalgia.”
Several alternative treatments may help relieve stress and reduce pain; however, these treatments are somewhat unproven because they have not been studied thoroughly, Crocker said. Consult a health provider about the risks and benefits of treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic therapy and massage therapy.
“Behavioral therapy also may help strengthen your belief in your abilities and teach methods for dealing with stressful situations,” he said. “Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia.”
Some key factors in self-care may include:
-- Stress reduction. Take time each day to relax. Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation.
-- Sleep. In addition to getting enough sleep, try going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and limit napping.
-- Exercise. Consult a health provider or physical therapist about an exercise program. Exercises may include walking, biking and water aerobics.
-- Take time. Keep activity on an even level. Don’t do too much, however; those that drop all activity tend to do worse than those who remain active. -- Healthy lifestyle. Eat a diet varied with lean meats, fish, fruits and vegetables. Also, limit caffeine intake as it may cause sleep problems.
“In addition to having to deal with pain and fatigue, you may have to deal with the frustration of having a condition that is often misunderstood,” Crocker said. “Educate yourself, your family, friends and co-workers about your condition.”
Several groups, including The Arthritis Foundation and the American Chronic Pain Association, provide educational classes and support groups.
“Support groups may provide help and advice that you might not find anywhere else,” he said. “They may also be able to put you in touch with others who have had similar experiences and understand what you are experiencing.”
For more information, go to Web site of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health: http://www.niams.nih.gov .
Hope this is of interest. More about back pain at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
March 06, 2009
Writer(s): Kay Ledbetter, 806-677-5600,SKledbetter@ag.tamu.edu
Contact(s): Andrew Crocker, 806-677-5600, abcrocker@ag.tamu.edu
AMARILLO – An estimated five million Americans age 18 or older are affected by fibromyalgia – a chronic condition causing pain in muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialist.
Although fibromyalgia is often considered an arthritis-related condition, it is not truly a form of arthritis because it does not cause inflammation or damage to joints or muscles, said Andrew Crocker, AgriLife Extension gerontology specialist.
The tender points are places on the body where people with fibromyalgia feel pain from even the slightest pressure, Crocker said. These places include the neck, shoulders, back and hips.
Between 80 percent and 90 percent of those diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women, he said, and most are diagnosed during middle age.
Signs and symptoms can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day, Crocker said. The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles.
Scientists do not know what causes fibromyalgia, he said. It is not progressive and does not lead to other conditions or diseases. It can, however, lead to pain, depression and lack of sleep.
“These problems can then interfere with your ability to function at home or at work as well as maintain close family or personal relationships,” Crocker said. “Because many of the signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia are similar to other disorders, you may see several health providers before receiving a diagnosis.”
The American College of Rheumatology has established two criteria for diagnosis: widespread pain lasting at least three months and at least 11 of 18 tender points positive for pain..
People at risk of developing fibromyalgia include those who have leg muscle spasms at night, restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea; those with a relative with fibromyalgia; and those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or other similar disorders.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a medication to treat fibromyalgia, and it may help reduce the pain and improve sleep, Crocker said.
“Your health provider may also treat you with other forms of medications, such as pain relievers,” he said. “Exercise may help restore muscle balance and may reduce pain. Stretching techniques and the application of hot or cold also may help. Ask your health provider about his or her recommendation for physical therapy to help with your fibromyalgia.”
Several alternative treatments may help relieve stress and reduce pain; however, these treatments are somewhat unproven because they have not been studied thoroughly, Crocker said. Consult a health provider about the risks and benefits of treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic therapy and massage therapy.
“Behavioral therapy also may help strengthen your belief in your abilities and teach methods for dealing with stressful situations,” he said. “Self-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia.”
Some key factors in self-care may include:
-- Stress reduction. Take time each day to relax. Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation.
-- Sleep. In addition to getting enough sleep, try going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and limit napping.
-- Exercise. Consult a health provider or physical therapist about an exercise program. Exercises may include walking, biking and water aerobics.
-- Take time. Keep activity on an even level. Don’t do too much, however; those that drop all activity tend to do worse than those who remain active. -- Healthy lifestyle. Eat a diet varied with lean meats, fish, fruits and vegetables. Also, limit caffeine intake as it may cause sleep problems.
“In addition to having to deal with pain and fatigue, you may have to deal with the frustration of having a condition that is often misunderstood,” Crocker said. “Educate yourself, your family, friends and co-workers about your condition.”
Several groups, including The Arthritis Foundation and the American Chronic Pain Association, provide educational classes and support groups.
“Support groups may provide help and advice that you might not find anywhere else,” he said. “They may also be able to put you in touch with others who have had similar experiences and understand what you are experiencing.”
For more information, go to Web site of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, a division of the National Institutes of Health: http://www.niams.nih.gov .
Hope this is of interest. More about back pain at www.backpainloss.com
Paul
Exercise and weight loss
Use Exercise to Manage Back Pain
by Andrew Mitchell
Exercise is an easy way to treat back pain. For many patients, the last thing they want to do risk increasing the amount of pain they feel. Strenuous work-outs are not the best idea for patients suffering from back pain. Mild work-out routines, however, can prove to be quite beneficial. Remember to consult a physician before beginning any type of exercise program. It is also important to understand your individual injury and your personal limits.
The majority of patients fear that exercise will only increase the level of pain they experience. This is a valid concern. Upon beginning a fitness regimen, pain levels may increase. When muscles are first put to use, they are forced to stretch and adapt to being put to use. These minor aches will prove to be worthwhile in the long term. As long as you stay within your limits and heed your physicians advice, there is little to worry about.
Simple exercise routines help to tone and maintain the core muscles located around the spine. These muscles support the spine and reduce nerve pain. A strong core strengthens the spine and provides additional flexibility. Core exercises reduce pain and help to prevent discomfort in the future. A strong core and spine may also help to prevent common injuries that can prove to be fatal for older patients.
Exercise also teaches patients to manage their own pain. If you suffer from extreme pain, you may be skeptical but it has been proven to be true. Exercise can teach you to manage and even, overcome pain. This is not to say that all pain will disappear, but it will become manageable. Exercise is a form of pain management, not complete pain removal.
In addition to improving your physical well being, exercise can provide a number of psychological benefits. For many patients going out to exercise makes them feel better about themselves. Just getting up and getting active can greatly improve ones self-esteem. Noticeable weight loss or a drop in clothing size can further boost self-esteem. These positive changes often help patients keep up with their exercise routine.
Exercising can be a great way to meet other people who share your interest in personal fitness. You can meet people at the neighbourhood gym or on a walk down the street. Meeting others can make exercise more interesting. Many people choose to work-out with a friend. Having a work-out partner helps remove the monotony from exercise. Friends will also help to keep you on track and committed to your fitness routine.
Oftentimes, patients just do not know how to get started. Walking can be a great way to get active. It is free and can be done virtually anywhere. A bit of sun and fresh air can do a world of good. Walking can also help you to gain confidence and motivate you to increase the intensity of your workout over time. Remember not to move too quickly. Learning to manage your back pain is a slow process that requires plenty of patience and time.
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopaths Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Leeds osteopath. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.
For more information on exercise, go to www.backpainloss.com
Stay well
Paul
by Andrew Mitchell
Exercise is an easy way to treat back pain. For many patients, the last thing they want to do risk increasing the amount of pain they feel. Strenuous work-outs are not the best idea for patients suffering from back pain. Mild work-out routines, however, can prove to be quite beneficial. Remember to consult a physician before beginning any type of exercise program. It is also important to understand your individual injury and your personal limits.
The majority of patients fear that exercise will only increase the level of pain they experience. This is a valid concern. Upon beginning a fitness regimen, pain levels may increase. When muscles are first put to use, they are forced to stretch and adapt to being put to use. These minor aches will prove to be worthwhile in the long term. As long as you stay within your limits and heed your physicians advice, there is little to worry about.
Simple exercise routines help to tone and maintain the core muscles located around the spine. These muscles support the spine and reduce nerve pain. A strong core strengthens the spine and provides additional flexibility. Core exercises reduce pain and help to prevent discomfort in the future. A strong core and spine may also help to prevent common injuries that can prove to be fatal for older patients.
Exercise also teaches patients to manage their own pain. If you suffer from extreme pain, you may be skeptical but it has been proven to be true. Exercise can teach you to manage and even, overcome pain. This is not to say that all pain will disappear, but it will become manageable. Exercise is a form of pain management, not complete pain removal.
In addition to improving your physical well being, exercise can provide a number of psychological benefits. For many patients going out to exercise makes them feel better about themselves. Just getting up and getting active can greatly improve ones self-esteem. Noticeable weight loss or a drop in clothing size can further boost self-esteem. These positive changes often help patients keep up with their exercise routine.
Exercising can be a great way to meet other people who share your interest in personal fitness. You can meet people at the neighbourhood gym or on a walk down the street. Meeting others can make exercise more interesting. Many people choose to work-out with a friend. Having a work-out partner helps remove the monotony from exercise. Friends will also help to keep you on track and committed to your fitness routine.
Oftentimes, patients just do not know how to get started. Walking can be a great way to get active. It is free and can be done virtually anywhere. A bit of sun and fresh air can do a world of good. Walking can also help you to gain confidence and motivate you to increase the intensity of your workout over time. Remember not to move too quickly. Learning to manage your back pain is a slow process that requires plenty of patience and time.
About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopaths Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Leeds osteopath. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.
For more information on exercise, go to www.backpainloss.com
Stay well
Paul
Getting Back In the Saddle
Print this article - Email this article Getting Back In The Saddle
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Mary-ann Cerruti on Mar 8, 2009 - 3:53:17 AM
Getting Back In The Saddle: Fitness After Injury Or Illness…
It’s that time of year when lots of bugs are flying around the air such as cold, flu and all sorts of other horrid air-borne entities that make their way into our bodies and can leave us feeling low and run down. Equally, injury is common in the winter months; daylight is shorter, so the body tires earlier in the day than in the summertime, so as a result when we exercise or do any physical activity, our muscles can take longer to warm up, leaving us more prone to injury.
So how do you get back to fighting-fit after such a low?
The key is to build up your fitness and strength gradually.
Focus on improving your diet, get plenty of fresh air, steady exercise and sunshine wherever possible, and, most importantly, listen to your body. An injury or illness brings high levels of stress both mentally and physically and in the recovery period the body is at its most vulnerable. The blood stream is full of toxins that the body will be trying to get rid of, so keep water levels up to make sure fluids can flow freely around the blood vessels. Drinking plenty of water also ensures that all the vital minerals and nutrients can reach the necessary body parts; thus, allowing healthy function of the various organs and muscle groups.
The immune system will need to be brought back up to its former strength, so drink lots of fresh orange juice, cranberry juice and vegetable based juices to pack the body with vitamin C, D, E and the B vitamins. Vitamin B6 is of particular importance for the maintenance and development of a healthy immune system to fight against not only infection but also prevent cancer. It is heavily involved in the metabolism of protein along with the function of enzymes thus aiding heavily in the building and repair of muscle fibers. A diet rich in oily fish will provide this along with many other nutrients to bring the body back to health.
Sunshine is a natural source of the essential vitamin D, so taking steady walks or light jogs outdoors is a great way to increase fitness levels gradually whilst exposing the lungs to fresh clean air. Where possible avoid running on roads or hard surfaces that can cause jarring and further injury, particularly to the knees and joints. Beaches are a fantastic surface and give a great all-over workout, but be careful not to over strain when running in deeper sand. Gentle low impact exercise is best, such as cycling, while yoga is also a particularly good way of bringing back suppleness and flexibility to the joints and for relaxing the body and mind.
If you have undergone a particularly bad injury such as a strain or tear to the ligaments or tendons, then it is important you consult a good physiotherapist and/or sports massage therapist who will help you back on the road to recovery. Deep tissue and remedial massage will loosen the joints and relax the muscles, allowing the blood to move freely around the body whilst soothing any pain or discomfort. Injuries can take many months and often years to repair, so be prepared to put the hard work into your recovery plan at an early stage and avoid any short cuts—this will help to lessen the chances of any related problems reoccurring in the future. Consult your doctor before undertaking any strenuous exercise or diet plans and remember: build up gradually.
Slow is the way to go to ensure you will be back in the saddle and fighting-fit in no time!
For more info on exercise on back pain, please go to www.backpainloss.com
Best to you all
Paul
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Mary-ann Cerruti on Mar 8, 2009 - 3:53:17 AM
Getting Back In The Saddle: Fitness After Injury Or Illness…
It’s that time of year when lots of bugs are flying around the air such as cold, flu and all sorts of other horrid air-borne entities that make their way into our bodies and can leave us feeling low and run down. Equally, injury is common in the winter months; daylight is shorter, so the body tires earlier in the day than in the summertime, so as a result when we exercise or do any physical activity, our muscles can take longer to warm up, leaving us more prone to injury.
So how do you get back to fighting-fit after such a low?
The key is to build up your fitness and strength gradually.
Focus on improving your diet, get plenty of fresh air, steady exercise and sunshine wherever possible, and, most importantly, listen to your body. An injury or illness brings high levels of stress both mentally and physically and in the recovery period the body is at its most vulnerable. The blood stream is full of toxins that the body will be trying to get rid of, so keep water levels up to make sure fluids can flow freely around the blood vessels. Drinking plenty of water also ensures that all the vital minerals and nutrients can reach the necessary body parts; thus, allowing healthy function of the various organs and muscle groups.
The immune system will need to be brought back up to its former strength, so drink lots of fresh orange juice, cranberry juice and vegetable based juices to pack the body with vitamin C, D, E and the B vitamins. Vitamin B6 is of particular importance for the maintenance and development of a healthy immune system to fight against not only infection but also prevent cancer. It is heavily involved in the metabolism of protein along with the function of enzymes thus aiding heavily in the building and repair of muscle fibers. A diet rich in oily fish will provide this along with many other nutrients to bring the body back to health.
Sunshine is a natural source of the essential vitamin D, so taking steady walks or light jogs outdoors is a great way to increase fitness levels gradually whilst exposing the lungs to fresh clean air. Where possible avoid running on roads or hard surfaces that can cause jarring and further injury, particularly to the knees and joints. Beaches are a fantastic surface and give a great all-over workout, but be careful not to over strain when running in deeper sand. Gentle low impact exercise is best, such as cycling, while yoga is also a particularly good way of bringing back suppleness and flexibility to the joints and for relaxing the body and mind.
If you have undergone a particularly bad injury such as a strain or tear to the ligaments or tendons, then it is important you consult a good physiotherapist and/or sports massage therapist who will help you back on the road to recovery. Deep tissue and remedial massage will loosen the joints and relax the muscles, allowing the blood to move freely around the body whilst soothing any pain or discomfort. Injuries can take many months and often years to repair, so be prepared to put the hard work into your recovery plan at an early stage and avoid any short cuts—this will help to lessen the chances of any related problems reoccurring in the future. Consult your doctor before undertaking any strenuous exercise or diet plans and remember: build up gradually.
Slow is the way to go to ensure you will be back in the saddle and fighting-fit in no time!
For more info on exercise on back pain, please go to www.backpainloss.com
Best to you all
Paul
Pain is a real pain
Hi there
Bit of a strange title? My daughter, who with her own daughter is now living with us, attracts pain. Her last issue is a broken toe. How do you break your big toe?
Well in her case, walking around a cluttered room without footwear. All it takes is a quick tap on the leg of a bed. Add to that refusing to see an expert when the pain had continued for a week just compounded the problem.
After looking at her foot, I thought she had brused her toe, a visit to Hospital and an X- ray proved the real problem. As the foot continued to cause pain, the leg and back began to suffer.My daughter has gone off to Blackpool, a town on the NW coast of England. There she will forget her pain whilst attending an induction course, prior to a contract in Spain.
How does this help her foot? Well unless she tidies her room, wears slippers and stays alert, it wont. When her foot heals, she will walk properly and her spine will reajust and her back pain will ease. Till then she will moan and complain untill she is on the plane to Spain, then a miracle will occur and her mind will be on the sun and sea.
If you want to avoid back pain, go to www.backpainloss.com
Be well
Paul
Bit of a strange title? My daughter, who with her own daughter is now living with us, attracts pain. Her last issue is a broken toe. How do you break your big toe?
Well in her case, walking around a cluttered room without footwear. All it takes is a quick tap on the leg of a bed. Add to that refusing to see an expert when the pain had continued for a week just compounded the problem.
After looking at her foot, I thought she had brused her toe, a visit to Hospital and an X- ray proved the real problem. As the foot continued to cause pain, the leg and back began to suffer.My daughter has gone off to Blackpool, a town on the NW coast of England. There she will forget her pain whilst attending an induction course, prior to a contract in Spain.
How does this help her foot? Well unless she tidies her room, wears slippers and stays alert, it wont. When her foot heals, she will walk properly and her spine will reajust and her back pain will ease. Till then she will moan and complain untill she is on the plane to Spain, then a miracle will occur and her mind will be on the sun and sea.
If you want to avoid back pain, go to www.backpainloss.com
Be well
Paul
Friday 6 March 2009
Rxercise and Back Pain
An article from Enid New.com
The truth about stretching
By Judy Rupp, Columnist
When she’s home for holidays, Amy enjoys running with her father. But they always squabble about stretching.
Amy, 28, has read studies that found little or nothing to be gained from stretching. Her dad, 69, has been stretching religiously before and after runs for 30 years.
Stretching, according to traditional wisdom, improves flexibility and range of motion, makes muscles less vulnerable to injury and prevents the muscle soreness that occurs the day after a workout.
Amy showed her father an Australian study published in the British Medical Journal (Aug. 31, 2002). After reviewing five studies of moderate quality involving 77 healthy young adults, the authors concluded stretching produced only small effects on muscle soreness 24 hours later — “too small,” the authors concluded to recommend stretching for this reason.
Other studies have found only a small reduction in injuries for athletes who stretched, and some concluded static stretching may even have a negative effect on performance in some activities.
Amy’s father countered with a study published in the American College of Sports Medicine (Oct. 2007) concluding 40 minutes of stretching three days a week may actually make muscles stronger and enhance performance.
There are other studies supporting both sides of the stretching argument, but if you go to nearly any professional or university sporting event, you’ll see athletes doing their stretching routines before being sent into action. Their trainers would probably say the issue is not whether to stretch but how and when.
BEFORE VERSUS AFTER: In two of the five studies analyzed in the British Medical Journal review, athletes stretched before exercise. For both injury prevention and delayed muscle soreness, most authorities today agree stretching is less important than warming up before exercise. Only after the muscles are truly warmed up, should you begin some slow, relaxed stretching.
But it’s important not to be too vigorous. Too much of the wrong kind of stretching before exercise, in fact, can fatigue muscles, hinder performance and even increase the risk of injury.
It’s the stretching after exercise most authorities recommend for preventing delayed muscle soreness and injury.
HOW AND WHY TO STRETCH: When a muscle is strengthened through exercise or just daily activity, it tends to contract. Stretching elongates it again.
The goal is to stretch every muscle group in order to maintain a proper balance — such as between hamstrings and quadriceps, calves and shins. The stretch should be just strong enough to increase tension but not enough to cause pain. There should be no bouncing or forcing motions.
How long each stretch is maintained is a matter of disagreement. One study found subjects who stretched for 30 seconds per muscle has greater range of motion than those who stretched for 15 seconds. But a 60-second stretch did not increase the benefit.
Most trainers recommend stretching your back, side and buttocks first; then your hamstrings, quads, calves, shins arms and chest. If your back and buttocks are still tight, you’ll never be able to stretch your hamstrings properly.
Flexibility and strength training go hand-in-hand. Weight lifters, perhaps more than any other athletes, benefit from stretching just as dancers and gymnasts benefit from strength training.
While there are many ways to stretch a muscle, some are considered risky and should be avoided. The time-worn practice of touching the toes with the legs puts excessive pressure on the lower back and the knee. The traditional hurdler’s stretch tends to stretch the ligaments of the knee and crushes the meniscus (cartilage). Torso twists, especially with weights, can also put strain on the knee.
Amy and her father both understand that, at his age, his muscles are less supple and take longer to loosen up. He also admits it’s a ritual for him that gets him mentally prepared for running.
When you see a young Olympic sprinter stretching before an event, injury prevention is probably not in her mind as such as the need to relax, concentrate and focus on the event at hand.
While athletes tend to stretch mainly in the context of an event, physical therapists think of stretching as something to do daily, regardless of exercise. In fact, sedentary persons probably benefit more than anyone else from increased flexibility.
Rupp is information and assistance case manager with the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging.
For more information please goto www.backpainloss.com
The truth about stretching
By Judy Rupp, Columnist
When she’s home for holidays, Amy enjoys running with her father. But they always squabble about stretching.
Amy, 28, has read studies that found little or nothing to be gained from stretching. Her dad, 69, has been stretching religiously before and after runs for 30 years.
Stretching, according to traditional wisdom, improves flexibility and range of motion, makes muscles less vulnerable to injury and prevents the muscle soreness that occurs the day after a workout.
Amy showed her father an Australian study published in the British Medical Journal (Aug. 31, 2002). After reviewing five studies of moderate quality involving 77 healthy young adults, the authors concluded stretching produced only small effects on muscle soreness 24 hours later — “too small,” the authors concluded to recommend stretching for this reason.
Other studies have found only a small reduction in injuries for athletes who stretched, and some concluded static stretching may even have a negative effect on performance in some activities.
Amy’s father countered with a study published in the American College of Sports Medicine (Oct. 2007) concluding 40 minutes of stretching three days a week may actually make muscles stronger and enhance performance.
There are other studies supporting both sides of the stretching argument, but if you go to nearly any professional or university sporting event, you’ll see athletes doing their stretching routines before being sent into action. Their trainers would probably say the issue is not whether to stretch but how and when.
BEFORE VERSUS AFTER: In two of the five studies analyzed in the British Medical Journal review, athletes stretched before exercise. For both injury prevention and delayed muscle soreness, most authorities today agree stretching is less important than warming up before exercise. Only after the muscles are truly warmed up, should you begin some slow, relaxed stretching.
But it’s important not to be too vigorous. Too much of the wrong kind of stretching before exercise, in fact, can fatigue muscles, hinder performance and even increase the risk of injury.
It’s the stretching after exercise most authorities recommend for preventing delayed muscle soreness and injury.
HOW AND WHY TO STRETCH: When a muscle is strengthened through exercise or just daily activity, it tends to contract. Stretching elongates it again.
The goal is to stretch every muscle group in order to maintain a proper balance — such as between hamstrings and quadriceps, calves and shins. The stretch should be just strong enough to increase tension but not enough to cause pain. There should be no bouncing or forcing motions.
How long each stretch is maintained is a matter of disagreement. One study found subjects who stretched for 30 seconds per muscle has greater range of motion than those who stretched for 15 seconds. But a 60-second stretch did not increase the benefit.
Most trainers recommend stretching your back, side and buttocks first; then your hamstrings, quads, calves, shins arms and chest. If your back and buttocks are still tight, you’ll never be able to stretch your hamstrings properly.
Flexibility and strength training go hand-in-hand. Weight lifters, perhaps more than any other athletes, benefit from stretching just as dancers and gymnasts benefit from strength training.
While there are many ways to stretch a muscle, some are considered risky and should be avoided. The time-worn practice of touching the toes with the legs puts excessive pressure on the lower back and the knee. The traditional hurdler’s stretch tends to stretch the ligaments of the knee and crushes the meniscus (cartilage). Torso twists, especially with weights, can also put strain on the knee.
Amy and her father both understand that, at his age, his muscles are less supple and take longer to loosen up. He also admits it’s a ritual for him that gets him mentally prepared for running.
When you see a young Olympic sprinter stretching before an event, injury prevention is probably not in her mind as such as the need to relax, concentrate and focus on the event at hand.
While athletes tend to stretch mainly in the context of an event, physical therapists think of stretching as something to do daily, regardless of exercise. In fact, sedentary persons probably benefit more than anyone else from increased flexibility.
Rupp is information and assistance case manager with the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority Area Agency on Aging.
For more information please goto www.backpainloss.com
Persistant Pain
Here is an article from Pennlive.com
Persistent pain? Find help in traditional and nontraditional treatments
by SANDY ECKERT for Body & Mind
Wednesday March 04, 2009, 8:00 AM
Cynthia is always in pain.
She can be so stoic that many people don't know she suffers from chronic pain. It's obvious only on the infrequent days she uses her stylish cane. But close friends can tell when Cynthia's pain worsens. It's the way she moves or the slight grimace she tries hard to wipe off her face or when she says, "I need a little rest."
She is stoic because she doesn't want anyone to exclude her from an activity thinking that she can't do it. And people who say, "How are you?" don't really want to hear about her pain, Cynthia said. "They just can't relate to it."
Cynthia is one of about 61 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, which can result from hundreds of disorders, including arthritis, back pain, cancer, headaches of any type, burns, muscle spasms, shingles, phantom pain from a missing limb and fibromyalgia.
"Pain that persists like this is a disease," said Ted Kosenske M.D., a pain specialist at Cumberland Valley Pain Management in Carlisle. "I think the nervous system gets rewired, and I think fibromyalgia is a type of chronic pain involving a brain disorder. With treatment the average chronic pain patient gets about a 22 percent improvement."
Nora Porter, M.D., uses guided imagery for pain in her Chambersburg practice. To relax a patient Porter asks her or him to focus on a well-liked place, say the beach. Once a patient is comfortable, Porter has him or her visualize an image of the pain. "If you can get an image -- can say it's like a wire with sparks coming out -- we can ask what can stop sparks. Maybe an insulator or duct tape," Porter said. In demanding intense focus, guided imagery is similar to meditation, hypnosis and biofeedback, Ostrov said.
Hypnotism puts people in a trance that "allows access to parts of the mind that aren't available consciously, and that allows for healing that doesn't happen without a trance," said George Hunter, a York psychologist and hypnotist. Hypnosis helps people move their focus from the pain.
Acupuncture, hypnosis and other complementary treatments, like chiropractic, electric nerve stimulation and hydrotherapy work for some people, just as certain drugs work for some people, Ostrov said.
Harrisburg acupuncturist Becky Thoroughgood said, "Western medicine is familiar with acupuncture as a pain treatment. It is a holistic method based on the premise that people have meridians that carry vital energy, called qi [chi], which can be blocked for physical or emotional reasons. Acupuncture gets to the underlying cause, so it would work after the needles are out."
Cynthia was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis 10 years ago, after experiencing chronic pain and fatigue. The persistent pain in her low back, knees and right hip sometimes spikes and can keep her in bed for as much as a week. "There was no precipitating event to cause the pain," Cynthia said. "So my family doctor hospitalized me at Mechanicsburg rehabilitation hospital HealthSouth Rehabilitation of Mechanicsburg, where I received prednisone treatments and a good education on how to work around my limitations."
The front-loading washer and dryer in her basement are set on risers to make them high enough for Cynthia, and she must put the laundry basket on a chair because she can't bend to the floor to get clothes from the basket. She folds laundry on a table that adjusts to counter height.
Barbara Ostrov, a rheumatologist at Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center, now manages Cynthia's pain. "Most common is back and musculoskeletal pain, and most of that is due to osteoarthritis, a wearing down of cartilage and the growth of bone spurs that try to heal the cartilage loss. About 50 percent of those between 50 and 60 years old have it, and the number goes up with age. "The American College of Rheumatology's standardized treatment is
weight loss and being active with muscles and joints," Ostrov said.
After taking glucosamine for three or four months Cynthia's knee started clicking, and she quit. Her current osteoarthritis medicines include a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine called Rheumatol, and Tramadol, pain medicine. Over-the counter nonsteroidals include Aleve and aspirin, Kosenske said. For Cynthia's fibromyalgia, she takes Flexeril, a muscle relaxant, and the sleep medicine nortriptyline because the lack of sleep and pain are related. Another aid is a lidocaine pain patch, but Cynthia doesn't use them continually because a three-month supply costs $1,600.
In keeping with Ostrov's recommendations, Cynthia has lost weight and is active. She did yoga now and then for a couple years, but a month ago "it put me in a pain that I never had before, except after surgery," she said. "Now, I do gentle stress exercises." Tai chi has given way to more knee pain, but she takes short walks -- and remembers when she couldn't walk from one end of the Harrisburg Mall to the middle. Reflexology, acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, hydrotherapy are among several complementary, or alternative, treatments for chronic pain.
Cynthia finds that a monthly reflexology treatment helps control her arthritis inflammation. "And when I do it regularly, meditation helps," she said. "I believe in a strong mind-body connection. If I get my mind in a good space, my body does pretty well."
Tips for receiving alternative, or complementary, care:
• Find a complementary-care doctor by talking with your family physician about the treatment you'd like to try and asking for a recommendation.
• Make a list of practitioners and their credentials, certifications and licenses.
• Find out the treatment's cost and see if your health insurance covers it.
• Make a list of questions to ask the first time you see the complementary care doctor. (Do the treatment benefits outweigh the risks?)
• Give the doctor your health history, including any prescriptions and supplements you take.
• After the first visit, decide if you want to go ahead with treatment and with the practitioner.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Mayo Clinic Guide to Alternative Medicine
Hope you liked this, fore more Back Pain information, tru www.bsckpainloss.com
Persistent pain? Find help in traditional and nontraditional treatments
by SANDY ECKERT for Body & Mind
Wednesday March 04, 2009, 8:00 AM
Cynthia is always in pain.
She can be so stoic that many people don't know she suffers from chronic pain. It's obvious only on the infrequent days she uses her stylish cane. But close friends can tell when Cynthia's pain worsens. It's the way she moves or the slight grimace she tries hard to wipe off her face or when she says, "I need a little rest."
She is stoic because she doesn't want anyone to exclude her from an activity thinking that she can't do it. And people who say, "How are you?" don't really want to hear about her pain, Cynthia said. "They just can't relate to it."
Cynthia is one of about 61 million Americans who suffer from chronic pain, which can result from hundreds of disorders, including arthritis, back pain, cancer, headaches of any type, burns, muscle spasms, shingles, phantom pain from a missing limb and fibromyalgia.
"Pain that persists like this is a disease," said Ted Kosenske M.D., a pain specialist at Cumberland Valley Pain Management in Carlisle. "I think the nervous system gets rewired, and I think fibromyalgia is a type of chronic pain involving a brain disorder. With treatment the average chronic pain patient gets about a 22 percent improvement."
Nora Porter, M.D., uses guided imagery for pain in her Chambersburg practice. To relax a patient Porter asks her or him to focus on a well-liked place, say the beach. Once a patient is comfortable, Porter has him or her visualize an image of the pain. "If you can get an image -- can say it's like a wire with sparks coming out -- we can ask what can stop sparks. Maybe an insulator or duct tape," Porter said. In demanding intense focus, guided imagery is similar to meditation, hypnosis and biofeedback, Ostrov said.
Hypnotism puts people in a trance that "allows access to parts of the mind that aren't available consciously, and that allows for healing that doesn't happen without a trance," said George Hunter, a York psychologist and hypnotist. Hypnosis helps people move their focus from the pain.
Acupuncture, hypnosis and other complementary treatments, like chiropractic, electric nerve stimulation and hydrotherapy work for some people, just as certain drugs work for some people, Ostrov said.
Harrisburg acupuncturist Becky Thoroughgood said, "Western medicine is familiar with acupuncture as a pain treatment. It is a holistic method based on the premise that people have meridians that carry vital energy, called qi [chi], which can be blocked for physical or emotional reasons. Acupuncture gets to the underlying cause, so it would work after the needles are out."
Cynthia was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis 10 years ago, after experiencing chronic pain and fatigue. The persistent pain in her low back, knees and right hip sometimes spikes and can keep her in bed for as much as a week. "There was no precipitating event to cause the pain," Cynthia said. "So my family doctor hospitalized me at Mechanicsburg rehabilitation hospital HealthSouth Rehabilitation of Mechanicsburg, where I received prednisone treatments and a good education on how to work around my limitations."
The front-loading washer and dryer in her basement are set on risers to make them high enough for Cynthia, and she must put the laundry basket on a chair because she can't bend to the floor to get clothes from the basket. She folds laundry on a table that adjusts to counter height.
Barbara Ostrov, a rheumatologist at Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center, now manages Cynthia's pain. "Most common is back and musculoskeletal pain, and most of that is due to osteoarthritis, a wearing down of cartilage and the growth of bone spurs that try to heal the cartilage loss. About 50 percent of those between 50 and 60 years old have it, and the number goes up with age. "The American College of Rheumatology's standardized treatment is
weight loss and being active with muscles and joints," Ostrov said.
After taking glucosamine for three or four months Cynthia's knee started clicking, and she quit. Her current osteoarthritis medicines include a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine called Rheumatol, and Tramadol, pain medicine. Over-the counter nonsteroidals include Aleve and aspirin, Kosenske said. For Cynthia's fibromyalgia, she takes Flexeril, a muscle relaxant, and the sleep medicine nortriptyline because the lack of sleep and pain are related. Another aid is a lidocaine pain patch, but Cynthia doesn't use them continually because a three-month supply costs $1,600.
In keeping with Ostrov's recommendations, Cynthia has lost weight and is active. She did yoga now and then for a couple years, but a month ago "it put me in a pain that I never had before, except after surgery," she said. "Now, I do gentle stress exercises." Tai chi has given way to more knee pain, but she takes short walks -- and remembers when she couldn't walk from one end of the Harrisburg Mall to the middle. Reflexology, acupuncture, biofeedback, meditation, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, hydrotherapy are among several complementary, or alternative, treatments for chronic pain.
Cynthia finds that a monthly reflexology treatment helps control her arthritis inflammation. "And when I do it regularly, meditation helps," she said. "I believe in a strong mind-body connection. If I get my mind in a good space, my body does pretty well."
Tips for receiving alternative, or complementary, care:
• Find a complementary-care doctor by talking with your family physician about the treatment you'd like to try and asking for a recommendation.
• Make a list of practitioners and their credentials, certifications and licenses.
• Find out the treatment's cost and see if your health insurance covers it.
• Make a list of questions to ask the first time you see the complementary care doctor. (Do the treatment benefits outweigh the risks?)
• Give the doctor your health history, including any prescriptions and supplements you take.
• After the first visit, decide if you want to go ahead with treatment and with the practitioner.
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Mayo Clinic Guide to Alternative Medicine
Hope you liked this, fore more Back Pain information, tru www.bsckpainloss.com
Young People and Back Pain
Sorry for the absence of posts. Here we go with an article from the Gulf Times
Number of younger people suffering back pain on rise
By Chitra Datta
YOUNGER people are suffering in increasing numbers with an affliction more commonly associated with old age – back pain.
According to a doctor, nearly 60% of the patients he sees have orthopaedic complaints.
Dr Nanda Kumar P, of Al Rafa Polyclinic, said: “Over the years, the number of patients coming to me has definitely soared. Various reasons contribute to that. The upsurge in the population in Qatar also has a role to play.”
According to the doctor, back sufferers range in age from 20 years old to 50.
He said: “Faulty posture, long hours of standing, slouching while sitting, carrying heavy weights, bending and sitting for long hours in front of the computer. All of these account for the majority of back problems in Qatar.
“Pregnancy in women causes backache and so does a pot belly in men. Traumatic causes of backaches arise from injury, falls, accidents, abscesses and inflammatory causes. Slip discs mainly happen due to the lifting of heavy weights or due to some injury.”
Chronic pain in the lower back is also a continuous source of irritation for some suffers.
Dr Kumar said: “Smoking, psychological morbidity, cardio pulmonary diseases and poor work conditions seem to be staging such chronic back pains. The low income groups including the labour class and domestic help are also quite vulnerable to this problem.”
Another common problem is osteoarthritis, which mainly afflicts patients over the age of 45 due to cartilage wear and tear – a problem often exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle coupled with bad eating habits and obesity.
Dr Kumar explained: “Obesity is a crucial factor here. While standing the body weight is distributed equally on both legs. While in locomotion the weight-bearing joints take six times the weight of the whole body weight. So if the person is obese the hip, knees and ankles crumble under the pressure of excess weight. These people tend to develop osteoarthritis at an early age.
However, there is help available for back pain sufferers – and in some cases it is not too late to fix the damage.
Browny Mathew, a physiotherapist at Al Rafa Polyclinic, explained: “You can delay the degeneration process by physiotherapy and proper guidance. Wear and tear of joints is mitigated to a certain extent if correct postures, proper exercises, weight reduction and diet control are followed.”
Of course, the best way to prevent back pain is to live a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Siddiqui, a doctor from the UK, said: “Obesity leads to various medical problems. In a sedentary lifestyle there is not much movement of joints. If they stiffen up they will buy problems later on in life. Ankles, knees and hips are worst affected by excess weight. A lifestyle change is a must.”
Interesting article. For more information, please go to www.backpainloss.com
Number of younger people suffering back pain on rise
By Chitra Datta
YOUNGER people are suffering in increasing numbers with an affliction more commonly associated with old age – back pain.
According to a doctor, nearly 60% of the patients he sees have orthopaedic complaints.
Dr Nanda Kumar P, of Al Rafa Polyclinic, said: “Over the years, the number of patients coming to me has definitely soared. Various reasons contribute to that. The upsurge in the population in Qatar also has a role to play.”
According to the doctor, back sufferers range in age from 20 years old to 50.
He said: “Faulty posture, long hours of standing, slouching while sitting, carrying heavy weights, bending and sitting for long hours in front of the computer. All of these account for the majority of back problems in Qatar.
“Pregnancy in women causes backache and so does a pot belly in men. Traumatic causes of backaches arise from injury, falls, accidents, abscesses and inflammatory causes. Slip discs mainly happen due to the lifting of heavy weights or due to some injury.”
Chronic pain in the lower back is also a continuous source of irritation for some suffers.
Dr Kumar said: “Smoking, psychological morbidity, cardio pulmonary diseases and poor work conditions seem to be staging such chronic back pains. The low income groups including the labour class and domestic help are also quite vulnerable to this problem.”
Another common problem is osteoarthritis, which mainly afflicts patients over the age of 45 due to cartilage wear and tear – a problem often exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle coupled with bad eating habits and obesity.
Dr Kumar explained: “Obesity is a crucial factor here. While standing the body weight is distributed equally on both legs. While in locomotion the weight-bearing joints take six times the weight of the whole body weight. So if the person is obese the hip, knees and ankles crumble under the pressure of excess weight. These people tend to develop osteoarthritis at an early age.
However, there is help available for back pain sufferers – and in some cases it is not too late to fix the damage.
Browny Mathew, a physiotherapist at Al Rafa Polyclinic, explained: “You can delay the degeneration process by physiotherapy and proper guidance. Wear and tear of joints is mitigated to a certain extent if correct postures, proper exercises, weight reduction and diet control are followed.”
Of course, the best way to prevent back pain is to live a healthy lifestyle.
Dr Siddiqui, a doctor from the UK, said: “Obesity leads to various medical problems. In a sedentary lifestyle there is not much movement of joints. If they stiffen up they will buy problems later on in life. Ankles, knees and hips are worst affected by excess weight. A lifestyle change is a must.”
Interesting article. For more information, please go to www.backpainloss.com
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