Back Pain Relief

Weight Training Effectively Relieves Back Pain, According to Study

cmaynard — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:35:12 -0700

July 21, 2009
by: Sylvia Marten

More specifically, a University of Alberta study promotes the progressive building of strength in not only the back but the chest, arms and legs to make it easier for patients to complete everyday activities and to build the body's resistance to future instances of [url:896,type=|node|,content=|lower back pain|].

During the course of the 16-week study, back pain patients started out slowly, working with low levels of weights and fewer repetitions. As the patients built up strength during the first three weeks, the amount of repetitions and weight increased, eventually reaching 75 percent to 83 percent of the maximum amount of weight.

Researchers noted that back pain and disability decreased as patient strength increased while doing bench presses for the chest, lateral pull-downs for the back, and leg presses.

Specifically, back pain decreased by:

28 percent in patients who exercised four days a week
18 percent in patients who exercised three times a week
14 percent in patients who exercised two times a week.

In relation, quality of life – defined in the study as the person’s physical and mental well-being—respectively rose by 28, 22 and 16 percent.

According to the study, these developments support strengthening exercises that loosen the joints as effective treatments for back pain and promote the importance of having strong chest, back and leg muscles when dealing with back pain.

Of course, it should be advised that any person experiencing back pain should not just dive into a series of [url:1183,type=|node|,content=|back exercises|] and other strengthening exercises.

Rather, it is important that patients speak with a trusted medical professional who can observe their symptoms, evaluate different courses of treatment, and then develop an exercise program for back pain.

Still, with that said, the University of Alberta study further validates the benefits that exercise may have on back pain, a notion that may still seem counterproductive or dangerous to patients worried that such activities will only exacerbate their back pain.

Source: University of Alberta; Courier-Journal

More on This Topic:

[url:2518,type=|term|,content=|Back Exercises for Back Pain|]
[url:1185,type=|node|,content=|Back Strengthening Exercises|]
[url:1130,type=|node|,content=|Back Exercises and Abdominal Exercise Recommendations|]
[url:1723,type=|node|,content=|Physical Therapy Benefits for Back Pain|]
[url:1187,type=|node|,content=|Exercise and Fitness to Help Your Back|]
[url:1246,type=|node|,content=|Sciatica Exercises for Sciatica Pain Relief|]

Pain Killers Scrutinized after Shocking Death of Michael Jackson

cmaynard — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:55:00 -0700

July 1, 2009
by: Sylvia Marten

It’s been nearly a week since pop singer Michael Jackson’s sudden death from cardiac arrest, and questions still remain as to what led to his death.

According to various news reports, Jackson was addicted to the narcotic pain killer Demerol for more than 20 years and also received daily doses of another pain killer, Oxycontin. According to an unnamed senior law enforcement official in an ABC News report, Los Angeles police were told that Jackson did in fact receive a Demerol injection an hour before his death.

A lawyer for Jackson’s physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, has said that his client did not prescribe Jackson with any of these pain killers, but many medical experts think that Demerol and possibly other drugs played a role in the death.

Whether this is true or not, Jackson’s death provides a sad but absolutely necessary forum to talk about pain killer addiction.

While pain killers like Vicodin, OxyContin, Norco and Hydrocodone are typically prescribed to treat pain, what is often forgotten or not known with patients is that pain killers cause changes in the brain’s chemistry that are not under their control.

More specifically, the brain increases the number of receptors in response to the specific pain killer, and its nerve cells stop functioning. Since the body is receiving opiate pain killers, it stops producing endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers). Consequential degeneration of the nerve cells often auses a physical dependency for these opiates.

What is also not known by many patients is that taking pain killers over a long period of time may actually increase a person’s sensitivity to pain, possibly causing them to up their doses, become addicted and put their health in serious danger.

An overdose of pain killers can lead to respiratory arrest (when breathing slows and stops). Low blood oxygen may then cause the heart to quiver and not circulate blood, and lead to cardiac arrest (when the heart stops circulating blood).

Pain killer addiction is a very real problem in the United States. It has been estimated that more than 4.7 million Americans (roughly 2% of the U.S. population) are dependent on prescription pain killers.

Learn more about pain killer addiction and treatment in the following resources:

[url:808,type=|node|,content=|Pain Medications|]
[url:6639,type=|node|,content=|How Pain Killers Sometimes Increase Chronic Pain|]
[url:1924,type=|node|,content=|Pain Killer Addiction Treatment|].

In related news, Jackson’s death comes at a time when the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) wants a specific pain killer off the market and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering major changes to the use of one pain reliever.

The EMEA has said that the pain killer dextropropoxyphene (known as propoxyphene in the United States) should be withdrawn from the European market because a “significant” number of patients have allegedly been overdosing and dying from it (although the EMEA did not provide a specific number of casualties, according to a Wall Street Journal story).

Propoxyphene (e.g. Darvocet) has been used in the United States to treat mild to moderate pain since the late 1950s. It is marketed today by many drug manufacturers, and the FDA is reportedly considering whether to withdraw this pain killer.

For back pain patients who use or are considering taking a pain medication, especially medications with addiction potential, it is essential to understand and carefully monitor the use of that medicine. Do the upfront research to understand the medication options for your particular type of back or neck pain, and work closely with your medical professional to watch for side effects and risks of dependency. Some medicines are safe for short term use, but become potential dangers when used longer than indicated or in combination with other drugs.

Update: The FDA announced on July 8 that it would not withdraw Darvocet, Darvon and other pain killers with propoxyphene from the market despite calls from one consumer group to remove them. The FDA added that it would require a boxed warning of propoxyphene overdose risks and force manufacturers to study the fatality rates from overdoses.

9 Quick Back Pain Tips for Airplane Rides

cmaynard — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:22:42 -0700

June 26, 2009
by: Sylvia Marten

Looking forward to that much-awaited summer vacation but worried about dealing with chronic lower back pain, especially on a long flight?

If so, follow these lower back pain management tips -- courtesy of Spine-health’s continuing series on dealing with [url:145,type=|term|,content=|back pain|] on summer vacation -- to make your trip as painless, comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Let’s get started with some things you can do prior to your flight.

Utilize Your Doctor

As Haglandc of the Spine-health forum wonderfully points out, your doctor is one of your best advocates when preparing for a vacation. Here’s why.

A doctor may be able to provide a letter about your [url:896,type=|node|,content=|lower back pain|] to the airline and flight crew, which may then make accommodations for your needs. In the case of one forum member, that meant getting upgraded to business class, allowed to lay on the floor and rest during long flights, provided with a bunch of blankets for cushions, and afforded the opportunity to get up and walk around when others remained in their seats.
A doctor may provide you with prescription drugs like narcotics or muscle relaxants to help make the plane ride easier on your lower back pain. If this is the case, be sure to keep all of your prescription drugs in their original bottles (for airport security reasons) and bring a doctor’s note with you that specifies the medications you are on and the medical necessity.

Contact the Airline

Generally speaking, it usually cannot hurt to contact the airline a couple of weeks prior to the flight and let them know of your back pain. In the case of one forum member, speaking with the airline prior to flight made boarding much easier.

With a letter provided by a physical therapist, this passenger was allowed to bring on his [url:1940,type=|node|,content=|Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation|] (TENS) unit, a portable, pocket-sized device that blocks pain signals by sending electrical impulses to certain parts of the body, and go through security without have to take it off.

You may be surprised that the airline may be able to make accommodations for your back pain, especially when you give them a decent notice of your condition. As just a couple of examples, the airline may be able to:

Provide you with medical attention (if necessary) via wheelchair assistance and early boarding
Have airline personnel carry your luggage for you and/or lift it into the overhead bin for you
Accommodate you with special shuttles and elevator platforms for boarding
Allow non-medical assistants to accompany you through security and boarding.

Put More Thought into Scheduling Your Flight

Take into account how you can make your flight less stressful on your back rather than rushing to book tickets by:

Exploring the possibility of taking a flight when there will be less people on board and more room for you to lie down across seats.
Contacting the airline prior to scheduling a flight and let them know of your back pain. They may be able to provide you with more insight on when flights tend to be very crowded and much lighter.
Trying to limit the down time between in-flight connections or layovers, if applicable.

Now that you’ve done some work prior to your flight, here’s what you can do to curtail back pain during it.

Bring Over-the-Counter Pain Medication

Utilize over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or [url:1917,type=|node|,content=|NSAIDS|] ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and Nuprin) or naproxen (Aleve), to provide back pain relief on your flight.

Take your pain medication one hour before your flight to give it time to get into your system.
Carry your pain medications together in a clear plastic bag and have them on you at all times, in case you need to resort to them during the flight.
Inform flight attendants that you are on medication. This way they can monitor you if necessary.

Provide Support to Your Back While in the Air

For lower back pain, providing support behind your lower back, often with a back roll or even a couple of pillows (which a flight attendant may be more than willing to give you), is a good way to prevent slouching that may lead to back pain and to keep your spine straight.

One forum member talked about how he brings a neck pillow on board to help with his [url:912,type=|node|,content=|neck pain|].
Back braces, tube-shaped pillows with microfibers inside and other materials providing support are common companions of passengers with back pain and can be purchased inexpensively at many stores.

Watch How You Are Sitting

Airplane rides can be a bit tight and uncomfortable at times, especially if you’re not in a luxury class.

If your legs are not positioned at a right angle when you sit in an airplane seat, ask for something (pillows, blankets) to prop up your feet and keep your knees at a right angle. Doing so keeps stress off the lower back.
If you have long legs, request an exit row or bulkhead seat, which generally has more leg room.

Get Up, Move & Stretch as much as possible

Staying stationary for prolonged periods of time stresses the spine and can make back pain much worse.

See if there is room at the back of plane to do some quick stretching, which can provide more flexibility to the back and ease stiffness. Just be sure not to get up and move when there are jerking movements.

Alternate between Heat and Ice

Stock up on inexpensive heating options like ThermaCare heat wraps or warm gel packs and apply them while in the air.
Bring an empty hot water bottle and ask the flight attendant to fill it up during your flight.
Carry a small gel pack on the plane and have the flight attendant store it in the fridge when you are not using it.
Have a Ziploc bag on hand and ask the attendant to fill it up with ice that you can apply to your back.

Of course, do not apply heat or ice directly to the skin and be sure to check in with the airline to see what items are acceptable to carry on.

Relax and Try to Get Some Rest

A long flight provides plenty of time to [url:1080,type=|node|,content=|relax|], with just some suggestions including:

Getting comfortable via a back or neck support, sitting properly or reclining your seat, and maybe even taking some pain medication prior to your flight
Breathing slowly (inhale deeply, count to five, exhale slowly and repeat 10 times) to relax your muscles and nerves
Listening to some soothing music on an iPod
Bringing a novel or some other reading materials that can stimulate your mind and divert your attention away from your back pain
Staring out at the clouds and scenery (if you have a window seat) and letting your mind drift
Thinking about your vacation destination and how long you’ve waited for this day.

Hopefully these tips will help and even spark some more ideas as you prepare to deal with your back pain on a vacation plane ride.

Thanks again to those forum members who provided ideas with how they’ve dealt with back pain on airplane rides in the past.

Feel free to provide us with any other tips that you feel may be helpful to others, and be sure to check in at the Spine-health blog for future tips on dealing with back pain during summer vacation.

Happy travels to you.

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[url:6713,type=|node|,content=|5 Tips for Flying Back Pain Free|]
[url:22230,type=|node|,content=|Effective Tips for Curtailing Back Pain on Plane Rides|]
[url:22226,type=|node|,content=|Top 7 Back Pain Treatments for Summer Vacation Car Rides|]

Top 7 Back Pain Treatments for Summer Vacation Car Rides

cmaynard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 08:06:30 -0700

June 17, 2009
by: Sylvia Marten

Well, it’s that wonderful time of year when school is letting out, the weather is getting beautiful and the days are much longer and brighter. For most people, the summer is an ideal time to get away from the grind of the 9-to-5 and take a vacation with family.

With money tighter and the economy what it is, more families vacationing this summer may decide to travel by car, which may not present the most ideal situation for people dealing with a history of lower back pain.

Still, [url:896,type=|node|,content=|lower back pain|] doesn’t have to throw a wrench in your summer travels. In fact, if you keep the following tips in mind, you may very well make your trip a comfortable one.

In the first installment of Spine-health’s summer series of tips for limiting back pain on vacation, we examine how you can “have the back” of your back during that long car ride to the destination of your dreams.

1. Cover Your Bases by Getting Comfortable Immediately.

Whether you’re going to be driving or sitting in a car on your vacation trip, chances are you’ll be in the vehicle for extended periods, likely hours at a time. While this may sound extremely basic, make sure you’re comfortable from the get go.

Unfortunately, not all cars include built-in lumbar support or other ergonomic features. With that said, here are some tips for making your car more ergonomically-friendly for your back.

If your car seat provides little back support, roll up a towel, pillow or back support and place it between your lower back and seat for some more support. There are many different types of cushions and pillows (including but not limited to ones for sciatica, the [url:149,type=|term|,content=|neck|], lumbar spine, bottom and full body) that you can also purchase to alleviate your back pain.
Don’t sit on your wallet, cell phone or anything else that may throw your spine out of whack.
Reduce reaching (which places more stress on the lumbar spine, neck, shoulder and wrists) by sitting as close to the steering wheel as possible without compromising your safety.
Sit up straight with your knees slightly higher than your hips, and keep your chin pulled in.
Since staying still is bad for your back, don’t just pick a position and stay in it. Rather, adjust your seat and make slight adjustments to your position every 15-20 minutes.
Perhaps you’ll be renting a car for your vacation. If so, seek a car that provides lumbar support, is high enough for you to see past other vehicles without having to cringe your back and neck, and allows an easy way to get in and out without having to do much bending.

2. Bring a Small Cooler & Stack an Ice Pack.

Chances are you’ll already be bringing a small cooler with little snacks and beverages for yourself or the kids as you begin your vacation trek in the family car, so you might as well store a small ice pack in there as well.

[url:1664,type=|node|,content=|Applying ice|] to where you’re experiencing back pain – most often for no more than 20 minutes – is typically a good way to curtail any pain.

As most back pain is accompanied by inflammation, ice therapy can slow back swelling, numb sore tissues, slow the nerve impulses in the affected area, and decrease tissue damage.

Just remember that you should never apply ice directly to the back, but should rather keep it in a towel or another protective barrier to avoid ice burn.

3. Alternate Ice with Heat Therapy via These Inexpensive Means.

Alternating ice and heat is often an effective way to combat back pain, so be sure to bring something that can provide some warmth to your back.

Since lower back pain typically develops from strains and over-exertions that place tension in the muscles and soft tissues around the lower spine, hence leading to a lack of proper circulation and the transmission of pain signals to the brain, [url:1662,type=|node|,content=|heat therapy|] may reduce such signal calling and decrease stiffness by stretching the soft tissues around the spine.

Here are just a few options for how you can “light a fire” under your back during your summer vacation car ride.

Right before you leave, fill up a hot water bottle that you can place on your back. Be sure to refill your water bottle when you make bathroom breaks at rest stops.
While you’re preparing for your vacation by buying new clothes and snacks, be on the lookout for a heating pad with a car adapter that can simply plug into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter.
If you have leather seats with heating power, turn this function on for a few minutes at a time.
Gear up with other less expensive heating options, like warm gel packs and heat wraps. As an example, something like a ThermaCare heat wrap can be used to deliver low level heat to your back for several hours.

As you can see, there are plenty of affordable ways to provide heat therapy to your lower back pain. Just remember, that like ice packs, you should never apply heat directly to your skin.

4. Make Rest Stops So Much More – Utilize the Open Space for Back Exercises.

While this may seem counterintuitive, exercise is often a good treatment for lower back pain. Specifically, active [url:1183,type=|node|,content=|back exercises|] keep discs, muscles, ligaments and joints healthy by distributing nutrients into the disc space and soft tissues in the back.

Now if you have been to one rest stop, you’ve likely been to them all. In addition to providing lovely facilities to use the rest room and being stocked full of vending machines where you can get some of the oldest coffee in the world, rest areas are typically known for having plenty of flowing, green space.

After taking care of business at the rest stop, be sure to utilize its open space by making it a point to do some back exercises, including stretching and working on your hamstrings (FYI: you should stretch your hamstrings twice a day when dealing with low back pain).

Even walking around a bit is a good way to stretch out the muscles.

Here are just some [url:1246,type=|node|,content=|lower back pain exercises|] that may work for you (with that said, a physical therapist or spine professional can provide you with more back exercises).

If you have done back exercises in the past to curtail lower back pain, you’ll want to keep your routine, even when going on vacation, which is all about breaking routines.

Make it a point to spend a couple of minutes doing back exercises at a rest stop before getting back on the road with the Joads, and be sure to get to a stop every couple of hours.

5. Make Good Use of the Back Seat (if available).

If your back pain is proving unbearable and the back seat is available, use it to lie down and rest.

Simply lie down in the back seat (obviously when the car is parked and not moving) with your knees slightly bent. Put a blanket on the seat and rest a pillow under your head.

In simple terms, try to get as comfortable as possible and adjust your positioning when necessary.

6. Substitute Your Pain Medications with Tylenol, Ibuprofen or Naproxen.

Taking your pain medications is not advisable when driving. With that in mind, you can always alternate with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and Nuprin) or naproxen (Aleve).

These [url:1917,type=|node|, content=|NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs|] are often effective in limiting inflammation associated with back pain and typically don't produce the gastrointestinal side effects of aspirin.

7. Sit Back, Relax and Rest.

There’s a reason why passenger seats recline. And there’s usually no better time to catch up on some sleep than during a long car ride.

If your lower back pain is nagging, taking a nap may be an effective way to limit the pain.

While sleeping in a car may be difficult for some people, most people are able to adapt and find a good way to nap and get some much needed refreshment and back pain relief.

Here are some general tips for doing so.

Recline the passenger seat in a position that is most comfortable to you.
Depending on how you feel and what you prefer, you may want to use a comfortable pillow to rest your head on and a back brace to support your back.
Throw on a pair of headphones, simply stare out the window at the wonderful scenery passing by, and drift off into your own place of contentment.

Well, hopefully you find these tips helpful as you treat back pain during your summer vacation car ride.

If you have any tips that you would like to add, feel free to let us know in the “Comments” section.

With that said, be on the lookout for next week’s tip on dealing with back pain on plane rides to your summer vacation hot spot.

Back Pain Overview: A Guide for Understanding Back Pain

Ben Parr — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:23:52 -0800

The back and spine are designed to provide a great deal of strength, protecting the highly sensitive spinal cord and nerve roots, yet flexible, providing for mobility in all directions.

Watch Your Back!

Ben Parr — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:07:25 -0700

July 21, 2008
by: Sylvia Marten

Do you sit in front of a computer nearly every day? Then you need to watch this important video to learn helpful [url:1092,type=|node|,content=|ergonomic tips|] to protect your back!

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Also share and favorite this video on YouTube

Additional Reading

[url:1092,type=|node|]

[url:1106,type=|node|]

[url:1099,type=|node|]

[url:1111,type=|node|]

Ahh...Ice Massage Therapy for Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:08:50 -0800

Ice massage therapy

For patients experiencing back pain, ice massage therapy is quick, free, easy to do, and it can provide significant pain relief for many types of back pain.

Office Chair: Choosing the Right Ergonomic Office Chair

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:29 -0800

Costovertebral Block

mlepore — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:08:51 -0700

A costovertebral block is an outpatient injection procedure designed to alleviate upper back pain caused by damage to one or more of the costovertebral joints.

Specific Hamstring Stretches for Back Pain Relief

Ben Parr — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 07:28:02 -0700

The hamstrings run through the back of each thigh. Tightness in this muscle limits motion in the pelvis which can increase stress across the low back and corrupt correct posture. Stretching the hamstrings with these following exercises (or as part of a routine of back exercises) can gradually lengthen them and reduce the stress felt in the lower back.

Options for hamstring stretching exercises, listed from most difficult to least difficult, include:

Upper Back Pain During Sleep

Ben Parr — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:40:00 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about relieving upper back pain during sleep.

Question: How to alleviate upper back pain during sleep?

I currently see a chiropractor for my upper back problem. In the past 5 months, I have been experiencing upper back pain during sleep, and I often awake in such pain that it is difficult to move around.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Disc Problems

Ben Parr — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:25:59 -0800

A physician answers patient questions about accurately diagnosing and treating discogenic pain.

Question: Other options for treating a bulging disc?

I was out of work for 17 months with lower back pain. After two years, I am still experiencing the lower back pain, and my MRI scan shows that I have a bulging disc. So far, the exercises prescribed by my doctor have not helped with lower back pain relief.

What are some other options for treating a herniated disc?

Cold Laser Therapy Pain Management Treatment

Ben Parr — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:19:12 -0800

Cold Laser Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and is thought to help accelerate the healing process. It can be used on patients who suffer from a variety of acute and chronic conditions in order to help eliminate pain, swelling, reduce spasms and increase functionality.

Review of Clinical Studies for X-STOP

Ben Parr — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:19:57 -0800

Suffering from Spinal Stenosis?

Visit the Spinal Stenosis Clinical Trials section for the latest developments.

Back Pain Medication Overview: Understanding Medication for Back Pain Relief

Ben Parr — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:24:16 -0800

There are multiple over-the-counter (non-prescription) and prescription medications that can provide back pain relief. Patients considering taking any type of medication for back pain should first meet with their physician to determine their individual risk factors and appropriate treatment options.

Back Pain Treatment: Non-Surgical Options for Pain Relief

Ben Parr — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:24:12 -0800

Prior to starting any type of treatment, it is always advisable to first see an appropriately trained spine specialist to develop an appropriate treatment program for your specific condition and medical history.

The main goals for managing back pain in the lumbar spine (lower back) usually include:

Pain Management Techniques

spine-health — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:17:10 -0800

Clinical research is continually being conducted to help determine which pain management therapies are the most effective in treating back pain and neck pain. Consult your physician if you have questions about a specific program.

Exercise Ball Therapy for Lower Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:18:35 -0800

Exercise ball introduction

The exercise ball - also called a Swiss ball or physio ball - is a conservative back exercise treatment option for back pain sufferers and is designed to help prevent further episodes of low back pain as part of a rehabilitation program. The exercise ball is effective in rehabilitation of the back because it helps strengthen and develop the core body muscles that help to stabilize the spine.

Injections for Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:10:00 -0800

Injections comprise another relatively conservative treatment option for low back pain. They are typically considered as an option to treat low back pain after a course of medications and/or physical therapy is completed, but before surgery is considered. Injections can be useful both for providing pain relief and as a diagnostic tool to help identify the source of the patient’s back pain.

Some Studies Have Linked Prolotherapy to Low Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:09:59 -0800

More than 20 clinical studies have documented the effects of prolotherapy on low back pain. Like many other treatments used for low back pain, the results of these studies have been somewhat mixed.³ This is due to several factors including the type of study, the methods used, and the scientific rigor of the studies.

How to Use Ice Massage Therapy for Back Pain

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:08:51 -0800

While any form of applying cold to the injured area—such as a bag of ice wrapped in a towel or a commercial ice pack—should be helpful, combining massage with ice application is a nice alternative for pain relief.

Applying ice massage therapy

To do ice massage therapy, a regular ice cube may be used, but it’s better to use a larger piece of ice. One easy way to do this is to freeze water in a paper or styrofoam cup, then peel the top inch or two of the cup to expose the ice surface.

Heat Therapy for Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:08:50 -0800

Ice massage and ice application is generally most helpful during the first 48 hours following an injury that strains the back muscles. After this initial period, heat therapy is probably more beneficial to the healing process. For some people, alternating heat therapy with cold application such as ice massage therapy provides the most pain relief.

Spinal Decompression for Back Pain Relief - Patients' Advice: Part I

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Back-to-Back: Patients share tips on experiences with spinal decompression

Want to know more about spinal decompression from those who have been affected most? In our Back-to-Back section, patients share tips and advice about using non-surgical spinal decompression to treat their back problems.

Choosing the Best Spine Surgeon for Your Back Pain Relief - Patients' Advice

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:12 -0800

Back-to-Back

Patients share advice about choosing the best spine surgeon for your back pain relief
In this section patients share their insights into how they chose the right back surgeon for their back pain relief, including seeking a second opinion, using the internet to research a surgeon, and what they are most (or least) pleased with in the surgeon they chose.

Insights for Back Pain Sufferers

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:57:44 -0800

Dear Spine-Health Member,

With the huge amount of information available on back pain, we thought you might appreciate a newsletter with information distilled down to a few useful insights. The following summarizes a number of little known facts about back pain causes, prevention and treatment options.

Weight Loss for Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:09:00 -0800

The effects of obesity

Patients who are overweight or obese and suffer from back pain may not be aware that their excess weight is actually contributing to their back pain. While it has not been thoroughly studied exactly how excess weight can cause or contribute to back pain, it is known that people who are overweight often are at greater risk for back pain, joint pain and muscle strain than those who are not obese (1).

Easy Back Exercises for Pain Relief

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:47 -0800

Exercise is an integral part of almost all back pain treatment plans, but it's also the part of treatment that many of us have the most difficulty complying with. We advocate that exercise doesn't have to be difficult, costly or time consuming to be effective, and the payoff of doing at least some basic exercises at home-- including stretching, strengthening, and low impact aerobic exercise--is certainly well worth it in terms of pain relief, healing and prevention.

Stretching for Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:46 -0800

More Exercise Info

read more

Back Pain Relief: Patients' Advice for Exercise Equipment

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:45 -0800

Foam roll an inexpensive way to get relief

After several years of lower back pain, I found a product made by Go Fit called a foam roll. It comes with a foam roller and DVD It is a very inexpensive product and seems to have given me quite a bit of relief. Hope this helps.

From: Milo – North Carolina, USA

More Exercise Info

Overview: Sciatica Exercises
read more

Strengthening Exercise Program for Low Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:45 -0800

The next few exercises are examples of some basic stabilization exercises that aid in low back pain relief. Having strong midline support is critical to decreasing the stresses placed upon the lumbar spine (lower back) and pelvis. It should be noted, however, that often muscles that appear to be weak may actually be inhibited by an antagonist muscle (muscle on the opposite side of the joint) or by faulty lumbar facet joint mechanics.
read more

Easy Exercise Program for Low Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:04:45 -0800

In order to live a comfortable life in retirement, millions of Americans sacrifice now by putting money into their 401K and other retirement plans. One question to consider is: What good is it to have this nest egg when my hips and back hurt so badly that I can’t enjoy it? Like a financial plan, ensuring a future without low back pain and activity restrictions requires regular and consistent diligence.
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Practical Tips for Back Pain Relief

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:30 -0800

There are a number of back pain relief remedies that are for the most part under your control. And sometimes, it’s nice to know some options that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to help manage your pain. This newsletter provides a number of relatively simple back pain relief tips.
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Pain-Free Travel Tips

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:30 -0800

For many people with back pain or neck pain, the prospect of a long trip can be daunting. The seats in cars, airplanes, buses, and trains aren’t always the most comfortable and sitting still for an extended time can in and of itself aggravate painful areas in the back and neck. The following tips are offered to help reduce or avoid overall back pain and discomfort while traveling.
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Important Back Care Reminders

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:30 -0800

As you probably already know, the causes and treatment options for back pain are remarkably complicated - with this newsletter we hope to make it easy for you to stay informed and up to date on different types of effective back care.
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Office Chair: How to Reduce Back Pain?

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:30 -0800

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Gift Ideas for Chronic Pain Relief

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:29 -0800

Is your fondest wish for the holidays to have some relief from your back pain? Is this the year that you've resolved to exercise regularly? This newsletter can help by outlining some gift ideas designed to help relieve your pain. Whether it's a gift to yourself or you're hinting to your loved ones, these ideas can give your back a happier holiday.
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Good Posture Helps Reduce Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 23:01:29 -0800

Correct posture is a simple but very important way to keep the many intricate structures in the back and spine healthy. It is much more than cosmetic—good posture and back support are critical to reducing the incidence and levels of back pain and neck pain. Back support is especially important for patients who spend many hours sitting in an office chair or standing throughout the day.
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Take Control of Your Back Pain

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:22 -0800

Why not fulfill that New Year’s resolution and take an even more proactive role in managing your back pain this year?

In addition to finding the right type of specialist(s) to diagnose and treat the cause of back pain, there are lots of things you can do on your own to complement medical treatments. This newsletter profiles some lesser known things that have proven beneficial for many back pain sufferers.
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