Posts Tagged ‘Bed Rest’
Is Spinal Stenosis the Source of Your Sciatica Pain?
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a medical condition where the spinal canal becomes narrow. This narrowing can put additional pressure and compression on the spinal cord and can cause a pinching of the nerve roots. If the narrowing is in the lower part of spinal cord it is referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis and if the narrowing is in the upper part of the spinal cord then it is referred to as cervical spinal stenosis. While stenosis can also occur in the thoracic or upper back region, the lumbar and cervical areas are the most common.
Who Can Get Spinal Stenosis?
Although some people are born with spinal stenosis, the condition is usually seen in people over the age of 50 who already have some disc degeneration. Often, spinal stenosis results from the wearing down on the spine from normal activities. As we get older, our spinal ligaments can calcify, bone spurs may form, and we can get herniated or ruptured discs. All these conditions can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal which can compress and pinch the spinal nerves.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include back pain radiating to the legs, numbness or Pain in the buttocks that worsen when walking or exercising, leg weakness, decreased physical endurance, loss of balance, and leg and neck pain.
Treating Spinal Stenosis
In general doctors tend to take a conservative approach when initially treating spinal stenosis. Drug therapy such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling are usually prescribed first, along with bed rest and reduced physical activity. Steroid injections can also be use to help reduce swelling although the pain relief is normally temporary. Traction and spinal decompression may be prescribed, along with physical therapy which can be used to help increase flexibility as well as build endurance.
If the pain is acute, then surgery may be needed in order to widen the spinal canal and to correct the conditions that are contributing to the nerve compression. Some of the surgical procedures used to treat spinal stenosis are:
Decompressive laminectomy. This is used for treating lumbar spinal stenosis and involves removing the top of the vertebra to create more space for the nerves.
Laminotomy. This is a partial removal of the lamina which can be done to widen the spinal canal and relieve compression on the nerve roots.
Foraminotomy. Removal of bone, scar tissue, or other obstructions that are compressing the nerve root exiting the spinal canal.
Due to the risks involved, many doctors will resort to surgical treatments only after non-surgical treatments have been tried first.
This article is not meant to replace the sound advice of a personal physician. Patients should discuss with their doctor all their treatment options before taking any medical course of action.
Dan Raymond
Related Articles
- Sciatica Treatment Wichita: KS …
- Fibromyalgia: Migraine & Sciatica Treatment …
- Spinal Disc Herniation & Sciatica : How to Know If You Have a Herniated Disc …
Trackbacks
Myths and Truths About Back Pain
Copyright (c) 2008 Stephen Lau
Back Pain is common, affecting about 60 to 80 percent of people in Western countries. Other than injury, if the Pain lasts only a day or two, it is most probably due to muscle strain. However, if the Pain is lasting and continual, it may be attributed to disk degeneration, resulting in the vertebrae crushing against one another.
One of the myths about back Pain is that it can be cured by back surgery.
The truth is that back surgery may not be the best option in treating back pain for various reasons:
Back surgery – removing a disk – is a very invasive procedure, often with various complications.
Back surgery does not stop or reduce the pain.
Research studies have shown that X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs on healthy individuals with no complaint of any back problems reveal that as many as 20 percent of them are in fact having protruding disks and other problematic abnormalities. These findings indicate that back pain may be more than just back problems requiring back surgery.
Without back surgery, damaged disks may often improve by themselves. Even tissue having herniated out from the interior of a disk may be resorbed on its own.
Back surgery may not be necessary in many cases, except where nerves may be further damaged. A recent review of eleven countries showed that surgery rates are determined not by how badly operations are needed, but by the availability of orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, with the United States being at the top of the list.
Another myth is that bed rest is good for back pain.
The truth is that bed rest may delay recuperation.
A research study in the United Kingdom showed that both groups of patients with and without bed rest improved their conditions – which is typical in any acute back pain. However, the patients who stayed active showed faster recovery than those who took bed rest. The reason is that staying active not only keeps the back flexible but also improves blood flow, which helps alleviate the pain.
Immobilization may not be good for your back.
Could it be a myth that back pain originates from the back muscle spasms and sprains?
The reality maybe that your back problems could be linked to artery blockage. As a matter of fact, according to research studies in Finland, many patients with chronic back pain also have artery problems. The truth is that clogged lumber arteries, often a result of smoking and stress, contribute to poor blood circulation – a major factor in chest pain and back pain.
For thousands of years, the Chinese have been using acupuncture to treat back problems because they believe that when the “qi” (internal life force or energy) is blocked, there is stagnation in the blood (that is, artery blockage according to Western medicine), which causes pain and a host of health problems. Acupuncture is the application of needles to unblock the blood flow. This concept explains why artery blockage may be one of the causes of back pain, rather than the back muscles causing the problem.
If back pain is due to artery blockage, then to prevent it is to adopt a healthy lifestyle: a healthy-heart diet, which is low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium; a regular exercise regimen; and stress-control living.
It is also a myth that back pain has to be treated with painkillers, such as Aspirin.
The truth is that nutritional supplements can act as painkillers. For example, vitamin B6 not only increases your pain control but also prevents a relapse. The amino acid tryptophan (not available in the United States) increases the amount of serotonin in your brain, thereby enhancing your pain control. Ginger, a spice, helps block inflammation in joint pain.
Back pain is a complex physical condition, requiring both conventional and unconventional treatments.
Stephen Lau
Trackbacks
Proper Sciatica Exercises to Reduce Sciatica Pain
Exercise plays a leading role in treating sciatica. There are many sciatica Exercises. These Exercises are one the best ways of treating sciatica. They specifically target the muscles in lower back, thighs and abdomen area. Though doctors advise bed rest in case of acute sciatica pain, the muscles are still weak and this again brings back pain if physically demanding activities are performed.
Benefits Of Sciatica Exercises
These specifically targeted exercise work because they work on the muscles that are crucial for supporting the back and reducing the pressure that affects sciatic nerve. These Exercises lead to increased blood circulation. This results in healthy and supple spine and increased supply of oxygen and other vital nutrients to spine.
Types Of Sciatica Exercises
Sciatica exercises are divided into three categories. Though their main purpose is to relieve pain, each category targets a specific aspect of reducing sciatic nerve pressure so that the pain can be reduced. The exercise which stretch the muscles are called stretching exercises. Exercises which stabilize and strengthen muscles are called stabilizing and strengthening exercises. The third category of exercises called general conditioning exercises. These exercises are stretching hamstrings, stretching of lower back, and making the core muscles strong. These exercises specifically target muscles in the torso, abdomen and back. An exercise regimen that combines the exercises from these three categories is very effective in reducing sciatica pain and in preventing it from recurring.
Sometimes even one form of exercise is good enough to get rid of the pain. However, finding that right exercise and doing it regularly to get rid of the pain depends on the exact cause of sciatica. Your sciatica may be due to herniated disc or it may be due to piriformis syndrome that occurs due to the contraction of piriformis muscle in the area around the hips. You can stretch these muscles slowly to reduce contraction, loosen the tight muscles and reduce pressure on sciatic nerve.
There are exercises which target these areas to relieve pain. In case of substantial sciatica pain, doctors only recommend exercises that are mild in nature and do not cause discomfort. Lying prone, trying to touch the chest with both knees and pelvic tilt are the most common exercises that are suggested at this stage. You can lie on your stomach with a pillow for supporting you hips. Pelvic tilt requires that you lie down on your back, bend your knees to contract the abdominal muscles.
There are alternative forms of sciatica exercises too like Yoga. Yoga has many postures that can be used to provide relief from sciatica pain. All these yogic postures keep the muscles flexible and strengthen them which lead to faster healing.
Exercises are one of the most frequently used forms of sciatica treatment. They help a great deal in strengthening the muscles in the affected areas. However, it is very important to choose the correct type of sciatica exercises based on the underlying cause of sciatica in individual cases. It is always good to exercise with care and not to exercise when the pain is acute. Otherwise you will end up aggravating your pain.
Always consult your doctor before you start on any form of exercise.
Neil Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/proper-sciatica-exercises-to-reduce-sciatica-pain-756296.html
Trackbacks
Back Pain And Considerations
When back pain occurs, the process of consideration must start. Back Pain can emerge from various causes, yet when the pain is severe, one should seek medical advice immediately. When injuries occur and the Back delivers messages that signal us that a problem exists, one must also seek medical advice. Injuries often cause neurological conditions.
When to visit your doctor.
If you are in an accident or fall and cause injury, seek medical assistance instantly. Delaying the problem can lead to further complications. If you lift a heavy object and your back starts to ache, seek help. If the Muscles in your legs cannot provide you support and stability to stand erect on your toes, seek help.
If slapping of your feet start when you begin walking, you will need medical support also. At the lower trunk, legs, and back, if you feel weakness, tingling, or numbness you will need medical assistance. During sleep hours if your back gives you problems, you endure fevers, and if you experience chills, seek help. If you loose control of your bladder and bowels, medical treatment is needed.
If you notice pain traveling down your arm or leg, in addition to back pain, seek help. If you notice joint pain or swelling in all areas, including the back seek help. If you have back pain and perform home treatment, such as bed rest and taking over-the-counter meds, seek help.
If you feel pain in the back, which you believe is not an emergency; you should rest your back. When pain starts from common activates, it is often because you have over-exerted the joints, muscles, etc. When treating the problem at home, rest in a comfortable position. Lie on your back and place a pillow under your knees. You can also try resting on your back while placing your feet on your couch or chair. The knees should bend at a 90-degree angle. Roll a towel up and situated it so that it supports your neck.
Whatever method you choose and if it is right for you, allow your back to rest until the pain vanishes. If the pain continues however, seek medical assistance. Sometimes you have to rest the back a few days before it ceases aching. Ultimately, you can visit a massage therapist, chiropractor, or someone who performs acupuncture to seek help.
In fact, many doctors and mental health experts are incorporated acupuncture into their treatment plans. The process includes needles, which treats the disorder by inserting the injections into the skin at points believed to cause the pain. Acupuncture originated in China, which blocked flow of energy is believed to create pain.
When you rest the back, make sure that you lay on a firm surface, especially if you are resting for a day or so. If you lie on soft mattresses for a length of time, it could cause problems to the muscles that support the back. During the wake hours, you want to continue lying on your back, rather than sitting up to read a book. You can continue the treatment at home by moving around every couple of hours. You want to focus on balancing the body when walking around and use hard surfaces to support your weight.
When you lie back down to rest, make sure you move gradually in position. If you have a back mattress at home, lie on the mattress and allow the heat and vibration motions comfort your aching back.
How to lie in bed properly.
Whichever side your pain is, sit on the edge of your bed and lower the head, so that it balances with your trunk. Raise the legs and slowly turn over onto your back. Use your arms to erect from bed rest.
John Pawlett
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/back-pain-and-considerations-97227.html
Trackbacks
Depression And Back Pain Problems
Back pain includes Depression, which emerges from fractures. Fractures include pathologic, complete/incomplete, avulsion, comminuted, depressed, compression, and oblique, greenstick, simple, compound, spiral, and transverse. The conditions noted in hip fractures include intracapsular, Intertrochanteric, and extracapsular.
Each problem rests within the blood vessels, yet it starts with fractures. Blood vessels make up the arteries, capillary, and veins. As you can see chest pain can lead to back pain, since the blood vessels travel. Overexerting the bones can cause fractures, which lead to depression and related symptoms.
In fact, damage here may derive from osteomyelitis, Cushing’s syndrome, bone tumors, aging, Malnutrition, immobility, multiple myeloma, osteoporosis, trauma impacts, and so on. Fractures can lead to serious back pain. When fractures break the bones, it affects the bone covering known as penosteum. The covering is transparent and has a rich outlay of neurons. Fractures often are caused by trauma impacts, such as car accidents, falls from horses, etc.
The signs:
If neurological conditions are, involved the patient will feel toe numbness. The legs and feet may feel weak. Abolish reflexes are reduced if the fracture is at the lower region of the back. Muscle spasms and muscle reflexes often occur at the higher area of the back. If you have such fracture, bed rest is recommended to reduce the pain. If acute back conditions exist, experts will need to assess the problem. Broken back is an acute condition, which you should avoid rolling, or logrolling.
Fractures include the stable and unstable breaks. If the fracture is unstable, it can severely damage the spine. In such case, the doctor will surgically correct the problem or recommend that the patient wear a cast. The damage can tear the nerves. If you feel you have broken your back, you are wise to avoid atypical movement, since it will progress the problem when pressure is applied to the area.
If the fracture is spontaneous, the doctor can help minimize the pain by prescribing a brace. You will need to avoid applying weight to the area where the fracture rests. Bad falls can break the coccyx, which can sit in coccygodynia. Below the triangular bones at the lower back and near the baseline of the spinal column, the hips are joined with bones that set on either side and form parts that connect to the pelvis. (Sacrum) This area joins with five merging bones, which are fused with the sacrum and is commonly known as the coccyx.
Fractures emerging from the coccyx may include bruising of the periosteum, which is treated by steroid injections. Periosteum is a membrane, which the connective’ tissues meticulously empower each bone within the skeletal structure, excluding the articular exteriors.
Fractures can also invent bursitis. When one of the bursa is disrupted it will inflame, swell, and cause pain. The problem emerges from friction. Friction is often increased when bursitis starts, since instead of separating particular tissues, the fluids emerging from bursa stand in the way. Bursitis includes obturator internis, trochanteric, and ischial. Bursa conditions such as the named rest near the buttocks, lower back, and hip.
To avoid bursitis you may want to avoid sitting, standing, or lying in one position at all times. Instead, shift your resting states. Doctors will often inject a mixture of anesthetic lidocaine and steroids to correct bursitis.
In addition to fractures and bursitis, back pain can start from gynecological conditions. The condition is related to reproductive organs and disease. Females are the prime targets who experience pain from this condition. The condition causes pain, swelling, and inflammation. The condition will affect the spinal cord.
John Pawlett
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/depression-and-back-pain-problems-98626.html
Related Articles
Trackbacks
