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
Sunday, 8 March 2009
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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