Posts Tagged ‘Muscles’
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal resulting in a lack of space to accommodate the nerves.
The spinal canal contains the nerves that connect to the skin and muscles of the legs. A normal size canal has sufficient space to hold these nerves. But, as a person ages, the canal is subject to narrowing. The narrowing may not always result in problems. But if the narrowing causes pinching of the spinal nerves, problems will develop.
Spinal stenosis isn’t always caused by degeneration due to age. It can also be due to tumors, herniated discs, and injuries resulting from accidents. Spinal stenosis can even be present at birth but this is rare.
The symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending upon the location of the compressed nerve. If the nerves in your neck or shoulder are pinched, you will experience pain in this area.
If the pressure is on the nerves that control your balance, you will tend to be clumsy or fall easily.
When the stenosis results from a herniated disc, the pain will begin in your hip or buttocks and travel down the back of your leg. In this case, the pain is confined to one side of your body but increases when you sit.
If the pinched nerves are in your lower lumbar region, you can have a condition known as false claudication. People with this problem have pain and cramping in their legs make it difficult to stand straight in one position for long periods of time. Sitting down relieves the discomfort. Walking is easier when bending forward which is why many people with spinal stenosis prefer to shop at stores that have shopping carts. Leaning forward on the cart makes walking much easier. False claudication also makes downhill walking difficult.
There is another form of claudication called vascular claudication, which is a blockage in the arteries in the legs. This also causes pain and cramping but unlike false claudication, it gets worse when walking up hill and gets better when you stand still.
Other symptoms of spinal stenosis are numbness in the arms, hands, feet, or legs and loss of bladder or bowel control. People who experience the numbness need to be careful, as it is possible to injure the body part and not be aware of it due to reduced sensitivity.
Anyone have problems with bowel or bladder control need to consult their physician immediately.
Doctors use radiographs and MRI’s (magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose spinal stenosis. The radiographs show whether arthritis is present and if there is any slippage of the vertebrae. The MRI scan is needed to detect whether or not there is any pinching of the nerves. There are also special tests available for people who cannot have an MRI.
There are two basic types of treatment for spinal stenosis – surgical and nonsurgical.
Nonsurgical treatments involve physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and epidural steroid injections.
People need to be cautious about the anti-inflammatory medications as many of these have serious side effects. They should be thoroughly discussed with the doctor prior to taking the medications.
The steroid medication is injected directly into the nerve roots within the spinal canal. There are less side effects with this treatment and sometimes it will allow patients to avoid surgery.
The non-surgical treatments are only useful for providing relief from symptoms. They do not decrease the narrowing of the canal.
There are two types of surgical treatments. One, called decompression, consists of removing the bone and soft tissues that are pinching the nerve.
The other involves a spinal fusion during which two or more vertebrae are permanently fused together.
Surgery is usually viewed as a last resort to be attempted when all other treatments fail. However, if there is loss of bladder or bowel control, surgery will be performed immediately.
Brenda Williams
Understanding Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal resulting in a lack of space to accommodate the nerves.
The spinal canal contains the nerves that connect to the skin and muscles of the legs. A normal size canal has sufficient space to hold these nerves. But, as a person ages, the canal is subject to narrowing. The narrowing may not always result in problems. But if the narrowing causes pinching of the spinal nerves, problems will develop.
Spinal stenosis isn’t always caused by degeneration due to age. It can also be due to tumors, herniated discs, and injuries resulting from accidents. Spinal stenosis can even be present at birth but this is rare.
The symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending upon the location of the compressed nerve. If the nerves in your neck or shoulder are pinched, you will experience pain in this area.
If the pressure is on the nerves that control your balance, you will tend to be clumsy or fall easily.
When the stenosis results from a herniated disc, the pain will begin in your hip or buttocks and travel down the back of your leg. In this case, the pain is confined to one side of your body but increases when you sit.
If the pinched nerves are in your lower lumbar region, you can have a condition known as false claudication. People with this problem have pain and cramping in their legs make it difficult to stand straight in one position for long periods of time. Sitting down relieves the discomfort. Walking is easier when bending forward which is why many people with spinal stenosis prefer to shop at stores that have shopping carts. Leaning forward on the cart makes walking much easier. False claudication also makes downhill walking difficult.
There is another form of claudication called vascular claudication, which is a blockage in the arteries in the legs. This also causes pain and cramping but unlike false claudication, it gets worse when walking up hill and gets better when you stand still.
Other symptoms of spinal stenosis are numbness in the arms, hands, feet, or legs and loss of bladder or bowel control. People who experience the numbness need to be careful, as it is possible to injure the body part and not be aware of it due to reduced sensitivity.
Anyone have problems with bowel or bladder control need to consult their physician immediately.
Doctors use radiographs and MRI’s (magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose spinal stenosis. The radiographs show whether arthritis is present and if there is any slippage of the vertebrae. The MRI scan is needed to detect whether or not there is any pinching of the nerves. There are also special tests available for people who cannot have an MRI.
There are two basic types of treatment for spinal stenosis – surgical and nonsurgical.
Nonsurgical treatments involve physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and epidural steroid injections.
People need to be cautious about the anti-inflammatory medications as many of these have serious side effects. They should be thoroughly discussed with the doctor prior to taking the medications.
The steroid medication is injected directly into the nerve roots within the spinal canal. There are less side effects with this treatment and sometimes it will allow patients to avoid surgery.
The non-surgical treatments are only useful for providing relief from symptoms. They do not decrease the narrowing of the canal.
There are two types of surgical treatments. One, called decompression, consists of removing the bone and soft tissues that are pinching the nerve.
The other involves a spinal fusion during which two or more vertebrae are permanently fused together.
Surgery is usually viewed as a last resort to be attempted when all other treatments fail. However, if there is loss of bladder or bowel control, surgery will be performed immediately.
Brenda Williams
How To Treat Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain is primarily a result of irritation of muscles and while it is not as common as lower back pain, it can be very painful and restrictive.
Many people are suffering upper back pain caused by work conditions, and poor posture and stress are often the cause.
Here’s a quick test. Next time you are at your computer just pause for a second and take note of your posture. Chances are your shoulders are hunched and you are leaning forward.
Now sit with your back straight. Even better get a chair that allows you to sit comfortably with your back in it. See how different your posture is now?
Try to pay attention to your posture on a regular basis. You’ll be surprised how often you catch yourself in the wrong position, but are able to self-correct and help your back.
You might on occasion find yourself waking up with upper back pain. If it’s a common occurrence, chances are that it’s your pillow that’s at fault.
When you first get a pillow, you head is a couple of inches off the mattress. But over time, the pillow gets flattened, and your head may only be half an inch off the mattress. This shift in position could be what’s making you more susceptible to upper back pain.
Aggressive treatment for upper back pain
A great way to treat upper back pain, especially throbbing upper back pain, is icing. Ice your upper back 3-4 times per day for 10 – 15 minutes, for two days.
Talk with your doctor about anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen. My experience has been that the doctor will advise a stronger dosage than what’s on the label and that can accelerate your recovery.
Exercises for upper back pain
If your pain is bad and lasts for a few days, go and see your doctor. Chances are that he will start you on exercises for your upper back to help recover from injury. Exercises that are often recommended include the following which should only be done after being advised by your doctor:
1.Standing in the corner of a room, about two feet or so from the wall. Put your hands on the walls at chest height. Then lean in to the corner until your shoulders are level with your hands. You will feel the stretch across your upper back and shoulders. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. Don’t lean in past your shoulders though since this can cause injury.
2.Stand or sit up straight. Now pull back your shoulder blades so that it feels that you are trying to touch them. Feel the stretch across your chest and shoulders.
Don’t try and rush your recovery from upper back pain. Follow your doctor or physiotherapist’s advice and you’ll increase your chances of being pain free sooner rather than later.
Frank Thornton
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/how-to-treat-upper-back-pain-119980.html
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
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
