Posts Tagged ‘Blood Flow’
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
Lower Back Pain Treatment Solutions
There are many different exercises and stretches you can do for lower back pain Treatment. Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments. It doesn’t matter what age you are back pain can be a problem. Lower back pain Treatment can be in the form of exercise and physical therapy or professional treatment as it all depends on the severity of the back problem. The back is one of the most important areas to keep healthy in order to have the ability to move around without pain.
One of the most effective things you can do if you feel a bit of strain in your back is simple stretches. By stretching your back and Abdomen muscles those muscles will become stronger. When those muscles are strengthened there is less chance of the occurrence of back troubles considering the strength of the muscles to begin with. Lower back pain treatment, in terms of stretching, will also loosen the muscle up making them warm and letting the blood flow throughout the muscle. There are many different types of stretches for lower back pain treatment. You doctor will be able to suggest several that should help you.
If stretching isn’t working you may consider consulting a chiropractor. Many times lower back pain can be caused by different parts of the back not being aligned. By consulting a chiropractor they can tell you if everything in your back is how it should be. Not being aligned is one of the biggest causes of back problems. Lower back pain treatment is a specialty of many chiropractors as there are so many back problems that people have.
If you are feeling pain in your back because of an injury try applying heat to the area. Using heat loosens up the back and causes the back to become less stiff. This form of treatment generally alleviates the pain at first but finding out what is wrong with your back will only help the healing process in the long run.
The last option is surgery. This is definitely the final option if stretching and exercises do not work. Surgery for lower back pain treatment is only contemplated if there are no other option or if the other options do not work. Any type of surgery comes with risks so it’s important to be certain that it’s the only choice that is left. Lower back pain treatment is all about alleviating the discomfort you feel in the back which can be the most uncomfortable and annoying back problem. If stretching and exercising do not work something more drastic such as surgery may be your best option.
Dave W Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lower-back-pain-treatment-solutions-63710.html
Related Articles
Trackbacks
Inauguration Provided Much Needed Pain Relief
Last Monday I sought and secured an apt with an Acupuncturist seeking Relief from excruciating leg and back pain. I’ve had some pain these past months, but Sunday it flared up in a new way–uber pain–and I needed Relief. The highly trained and expert Acupuncturist explained to me that in a perfectly healthy body oxygen and blood flow freely through our veins and arteries to feed our organs and muscles. Yet when blockages occur in our arteries and veins, the potential for disease erupts, often followed by symptoms; i.e., pain. Well, yes, I was definitely in the pain category!
After pressing on various locations on my leg, ankle and hip he nearly had to scrape me from the ceiling where I rocketed to from the pain. He deduced that I had obstructed circulation. Basically a narrowing of the all important arteries & veins was causing poor circulation and the pain was symptomatic of that. Always curious I asked, “What are the principal causes of these narrowed arteries?” He replied, “Well genetics is #1, followed by a couple other potential causes.” I leaned forward, “what’s #2?” He answered, “Stress.” I didn’t feel any need to ask about #3; the conversation turned another direction from there.
He warned me that one treatment wouldn’t be viable. I would need to commit to at least 3 treatments, to which I readily agreed. He inserted several needles and immediately I felt relief. He chattered about the different treatments-pain relief or symptom cure-listed on his intake form. Not being an acupuncture specialist, I had checked the box stating, “Whichever the doctor recommends” so we agreed on both pain relief and addressing and curing the cause of the blockage(s).
One day later as I luxuriated in all the TV coverage of the inauguration of our 44th United States’ President, it dawned on me. Of course! We, in the United States of America were in pain of one sort or another-lost job, foreclosed home, inability to afford health care, failure to sell our homes, battered investment portfolios, general depression or dismay at our downward slide as a nation on so many fronts.
We had managed to obstruct the healthy circulation of money in our banking systems and on Wall Street. We had also managed to obstruct the healthy circulation of truth and honor in our government such that we were as a nation suffering from VERY poor circulation indeed. Our collective organs were suffering and our muscles weakened.
The powerful Wall Street executives had blocked the flow of capital; lies had obstructed and narrowed the flow of truth, such that we were plenty diseased, and plenty pained. No longer is that pain reserved primarily for ENRON, WorldCom, Lucent or Lehman employees. I hearken back to April 13, 1958 when Harry Truman stated in the Observer, “It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose yours.” Ouch! Indeed our nation and many of her people are pained amidst disease; the perfect storm of the confluence of our financial, regulatory and government impotency and failures.
Yet on this day, this 20th day of January, we gathered together-amidst our pain-in spirit and flesh to witness the swearing in of Barack Obama, the people’s president.
Over a million (maybe 2) people-some famous, most commoners–somehow planned ahead, fought traffic and security check points, and reassured their bodies of their warmth amidst freezing cold temperatures, to attend. No, they weren’t crazy; they were committed. They exchanged emails and texts and formed community in a few short hours.
I digress to the analogy that we rally behind our athletic teams or sport stars because it interests us, and it focuses us/joins us together, we share a common bond. We’ll not be “in their league” yet we find ways to relate. I, for one, bought a #10 NY Giants Official NFL blue jersey after watching Eli Manning deftly dodge that sea of New England Patriots’ defenders last Super Bowl and I don it when I need or want a confidence boost.
Somehow however I felt differently about an Obama jersey…kinda like it wasn’t adequately “befitting” to honor my President by wearing his image on a jersey. Mind you, I don’t begrudge anyone’s buying Obama paraphernalia-God knows the economy sorely needs consumer spending-and moreover it certainly did seem to unite people, allowing folks to display their unwavering support.
Yes he is; President that is. Yes, this President IS different. In the past weeks, we’ve seen a man who despite his polish and cloak of calm, chattered freely about the verdict on what breed of dog that he and Michelle will give to Malia and Sasha, to fulfill their campaign promise. We’ve seen a man who despite the continued swirl of economic ills and world unrest since his resounding victory on November 4th reminded us respectfully that we have only “One president at a time.” We’ve seen a President-Elect that has been uncharacteristically committed to bi-partisanship within his cabinet. And on the eve of the Inauguration President-Elect Obama graciously hosted a dinner honoring his general election rival, John McCain.
This time we see a President who more than tapped into young people’s social networking-he actually evoked and enlisted the interest of our youth and they responded….VOILA! Mutuality at work. I’m jumping ahead of myself here, yet as President Barack & Michele Obama danced at the Inauguration Youth Ball-wasn’t that a 1st?-he paid a very gracious and more-than-fitting thank you to those under age 35 in his speech. Apparently his new interactive White House website (another first) was up before he even uttered the oath.
Yes, this Inauguration was different. While millions watched what otherwise was an expertly choreographed MEGA event (during which not 1 arrest was made) it was the brilliant Chief Justice John Roberts who flubbed” his once-memorized 35 word President’s oath of office. Wasn’t that graceful how Barack stopped, allowing the Chief Justice to correct himself? I think Barack’s rolling with Roberts’ colossal misstep bodes confidence for his handling future “mistakes”.
The speech was crafted with Kennedy, Lincoln and FDR overtones and was delivered with a masterful balance of force and feeling. It was a speech that expertly addressed both the pain and the proposed symptom cures. Forget the nation’s expectations. Forget Black American’s expectations. Forget non-black American’s expectations. Malia’s words delivered to her father atop the steps of the Lincoln Memorial last weekend were, “First African-American President. Better be good!”
The media nearly immediately fed us the line, “not a Home Run acceptance speech” which I will comment on in a separate blog. “He got millions there,” one commentator aptly retorted. Malia beamed. Even my father, a right-wing Christian fundamentalist, who surely has voted Republican every election including this one, uttered “good job” immediately after Obama uttered, “God bless the United States of America.” I was so moved and relieved—THAT gave me hope right there in my own living room! A `Morrison microcosm’ of hope over fear that regardless of whomever we campaigned or voted for, we can indeed put aside our differences and come together as one nation under God.
Debra L. Morrison
http://www.articlesbase.com/politics-articles/inauguration-provided-much-needed-pain-relief-745923.html
Trackbacks
Treat, Relieve, Cure Back Pain Now
Ouch! Your back hurts. You’ll go to a doctor if it doesn’t let up soon, but meanwhile, what can you do to treat back pain? Better yet, since you don’t want to simply treat it, what can you to relieve back pain? Wait a minute. What can you do to cure back pain – now?!
While back pain can be excruciating, it is common. It is one of the leading reasons people visit doctors each year. Add those who don’t want to visit a doctor, and the numbers are staggering.
Question is: how can you truly cure back pain?
You Don’t Want to Hear This!
My own doctor told me last week that the best way to cure back pain is to begin, and consistently maintain, regular Exercises to strengthen core muscles.
After telling me that, he gave a short laugh, and added, “But most people don’t want to hear that.”
How about you? If my doctor is right, you probably don’t want to hear that you can cure back pain with regular exercise. You would rather hear that…
* a new chair will cure back pain while you watch TV
* a new prescription drug will cure back pain with daily doses
* a month in bed (paid sick leave) will cure back pain
* you should not exercise at all
I’m sorry, but what you and I really need is exercise that specifically targets the core muscle groups that support our backs.
Exercises to Cure Back Pain
The Texas Back Institute tells us that research shows more than two days of inactivity is harmful when you have back pain. Lying in a bed or reclining chair will only cause your muscles to weaken and become less flexible. As you move around, exercise improves blood flow to discs, joints, and muscles. Exercise relaxes spasms that are causing you pain, and speeds healing.
You need to get up and get gentle exercise if you expect to cure back pain.
The following daily routine will go far toward helping you actually cure back pain and keep it from recurring.
* Morning Rising: Begin your day by getting out of bed with this exercise. Roll on one side. Gently swing your legs to the floor while pushing up with your arms. When you are in a sitting position, stand up. This exercise will remind you every morning of your desire to cure back pain forever.
* Warm-up: Warm up your back before beginning Exercises or rushing around getting ready for your day. Bend at the waist, and let your arms hang toward the floor. Do not stretch or bounce. Simply bend and hang, feeling your back lengthen. Then reach slowly for the ceiling, gently stretching upward. A brief, relaxed walk will finish your warm-up.
* Six Exercises:
1. Slippery Heels – Lie on your back on the floor, legs straight. Slowly slide your left heel toward your body, knee bent upward. Then slide the heel back away from your body until your leg is straight again. Repeat 10 times for each leg.
2. Slippery Lap – Stand with your back touching a wall, feet 12″ from the wall. Tighten abdominal muscles, hold, and slowly bend both knees, sliding downward until you form a lap. Hold 30 seconds, and slowly slide up again. Repeat 10 times.
3. High Heels – Stand facing a wall, about 18″ away. Balance your weight evenly on both feet. Slowly lift up only your heels – as though wearing high heel shoes. Then lower your heels slowly back to the floor. Repeat 10 times for each foot.
4. High Legs – Lie on your back, left leg straight, right leg at right angle. Tighten abdominal muscles, and slowly lift straight leg 6 to 12 inches, keeping it straight. Hold 5 seconds, and slowly lower. Repeat 10 times for each leg.
5. Reverse High Legs – Do “high legs” while lying on your stomach on the floor. Hold for 10 seconds, and slowly lower the leg to the floor. Repeat 5 times for each leg.
6. Brake Pedals – Lie on your back on the floor, legs straight. Push toes away as though pushing on 2 brake pedals. Pull the toes back toward your body, as though letting up on the brake pedals. Work your brake pedals up and down. Repeat 10 times.
* Cool-down: Cool down before going on with your day. A brief, relaxed walk is all you need.
Additional Secrets to Cure Back Pain
You can cure back pain by adding these additional secrets to your exercise program. First of all, remember that you should see your health care provider to learn exactly what type of back pain you have, and whether home care is sufficient.
With your physician’s approval, add these steps to cure back pain.
* If you must sit at a computer all day, sit with feet flat on the floor, or use a footrest to relieve back strain and cure back pain.
* Get up and move around for at least 5 minutes out of every hour.
* When standing for extended periods, shift your weight regularly.
* Wear shoes that have soft soles and low heels, preferably no more than 1.5 inches and square in shape. Place inserts in your shoes to correct any incorrect posture.
* Lose weight if you are too heavy. You can cure back pain more quickly if your muscles have less work to do.
* Avoid sitting on a thick billfold. A lot of money might buy back surgery, but you won’t cure back pain by sitting on it or a stack of credit cards and photos.
* Bend at the knees, not at the waist, when lifting something heavy.
* When your doctor says you are ready, begin a program of aerobic exercise to strengthen those core muscles in your back and abdomen. Choose from activities such as jogging, cycling, or swimming.
Cure Back Pain with Mind over Matter
Recent research indicates that mental gymnastics can do much to cure back pain. Although my doctor may not want to hear this, it appears to be true. Published in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, the study found that training the mind was just as effective as using more physical methods to deal with chronic lower back pain.
The secret is to consciously realize that pain does not necessarily mean harm. Learn about your pain and what causes it, allowing your brain to deal with the perceived pain.
As long as you try to avoid it, you cannot cure back pain. Talk to your physician and create an exercise program that is right for you and your pain.
Anna Hart
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/treat-relieve-cure-back-pain-now-110406.html
Trackbacks
Back Pain: Some Ways To Avoid And Treat It
Back problems are responsible for literally millions of lost working days throughout the World. What can you do to avoid becoming a victim of Back Pain?
Hot and Cold. Oddly enough, both hot and cold treatments are effective for back pain. Which one to use depends on the type and the cause of the pain.
Cold packs are useful for reducing inflammation and are good for relieving back pain in the first two days or so after minor back pain begins. Use an ice pack on the affected area for twenty minutes or so, leaving about 40 minutes between sessions.
Heat treatment is particularly useful for muscular pains in back, shoulder and neck areas. Apply a heat wrap – the wheat-filled ones that can be microwaved are good – or a covered hot water bottle to the area to bring relief. Heat increases blood flow to the affected area, which in turn delivers extra nutrients and oxygen to the injury, speeding recovery.
Become a careful gardener. Due to the bending involved, gardening can often trigger back pain – a reason why many people are wary of doing any garden activity. However, if long sessions are avoided and work done on a ‘little and often’ basis, different sets of muscles are exercised without straining any one group. Changing tasks regularly also helps spread the load.
Swimming and other water activities such as aqua-aerobics are also good for aiding back muscles. The water nullifies some of the effects of gravity, reducing spinal compression and loading. Again, the secret is to build up to greater levels of activity, letting your body become accustomed to the exercise whilst strengthening vital muscle groups.
Take care when reaching and bending. Sudden, unexpected movements are one of the most common causes of back injury – even sudden bending to tie a shoe lace can cause back trouble (take it from one who knows!) as muscle groups become ‘confused’ and act against each other. The results can be excruciating and immediate, so take extra care! Surprisingly, this type of injury can be as easily sustained by young people as by seniors.
Consider supplements and alternative remedies. Glucosamine Sulphate is accepted as being an aid to the rebuilding of cartilage and this includes the tissue supporting spinal discs. Magnetic wristbands are also known to give relief to back pain as well as pain from sprains and bruising.
One for the ladies – don’t wear high heels for long periods. They may make your legs look great but they also tip your pelvis and accentuate your natural spinal curve, which can lead to back and knee problems. Okay for a night out but try to wear lower shoes at other times.
One for the men – find a new home for that bulging wallet other than your hip! Sitting on a fat square of leather stuffed with cards and cash may be good for your credibility put it can play havoc with your sciatic nerve – and sciatica is no joking matter.
Whilst mild back pain caused by muscular strain is usually temporary and easily controlled, other back problems such as slipped discs can be debilitating and chronic, affecting the sufferer to such a degree that mobility is badly impaired. In these situations a mobility aid may well be useful, and a visit to your physician or osteopath is vital.
Steve Dempster
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/back-pain-some-Ways-to-avoid-and-treat-it-79454.html
Trackbacks
