Cervical Spondylosis and Its Detection

A stressed body usually has headache, body ache and neck pain. These are the usual symptoms you will feel when you are tired and experiencing fatigue. You often tagged this as a common feeling and often neglect it. But actually, these three symptoms might be common and its sources are so surprising. These three symptoms might be telling you that they come from an underlying disease or condition, like Cervical Spondylosis.

Neck pain is the most famous symptom of cervical spondylosis. It is very common that you don't usually go to the doctor to be examined if you experience neck pain. Worst, you will just consult the doctor if the pain is really severe that you cannot bear it anymore. To prevent this from happening, try to learn what are the possible diagnostic examinations used to detect cervical spondylosis.

In determining if you have cervical spondylosis, it is very important to be assessed and examined by your doctor. Your doctor will ask for your complete medical history and other vital information such as family history, vices and even occupation. These aspects are the usual risk factors associated with cervical spondylosis. After that, your doctor will perform complete physical examination especially with your neck, lower and upper extremities. Swollen glands or tender points may also be assessed by exerting pressure on your shoulders and neck.

Blood tests may also be included in your assessment. This will add information to your doctors' initial examination to you. There are also other tests used to determine if you have cervical spondylosis. This includes X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan), Myelography and Electromyelography.

X-rays

X-rays are conventionally ordered as an initial procedure in spine imaging. It will present changes in aging like the formation of bone spurs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography scan (CT scan)

Compared to X-rays, MRI can produce better pictures of soft tissues as discs, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves. It is more expensive than X-ray but it can give you a more accurate description of your condition. Computed Tomography scan (CT scan), conversely, is a specialized X-ray. It permits thorough assessment of the spinal canal and bones.

Myelography and Electromyelography (EMG)

Myelography is also an X-ray procedure. The only difference is that it injects contrast or dye into spinal cord. It also permits thorough evaluation of the nerve roots and the spinal canal. On the other hand, Electromyelography (or EMG) is done to search for nerve pinching or nerve damage.

If you are feeling the symptoms now, find a doctor. Ask for an advice and have some tests. Remember, prevention is better than cure and early detection is better that your later solution.

Complications of Cervical Spondylosis

Our surroundings are full of busy people. You usually work from morning until night (and worst, until dawn) just to earn a living. Oftentimes, you forgot to take good care of your body. You tend to push yourself to the limit even if your body is telling you to stop. When your body cries, you neglect it. You might think that mild to moderate pain, such as headache, neck pain and body aches are simple. But, it's not all the time. Take for example Cervical Spondylosis.

Cervical Spondylosis is the injury directed to the neck's vertebrae and is due to the aging process. It commonly affects older people from ages 55 and above. This spinal dysfunction often occurs with osteoarthritis. The progressive damage augments along with time. Symptoms like stiffness and pain in the neck exacerbate as the deterioration of cervical joints continues. Its symptoms might be so common that you often grin and bear it. However, its complications will not only make you suffer temporarily but in worst cases, permanently.

The damage to the neck bones can exert tension on the roots of the spinal nerves. This leads to a condition called cervical radiculopathy. In cervical radiculopathy, various symptoms can arise depending on the affected nerves. Possible symptoms you will experience include weakness, tingling and numbness of the lower extremities, walking difficulties, atypical spinal reflexes, loss of bowel or bladder control and general absence of coordination. Because of nerve compression, spinal nerves, which make your muscles move, are unable to stimulate the muscles anymore to contract. The pain felt can be compared to an electric shock, and aggravates with sneezing or coughing or even with movements involving the spine.

In another condition, the vertebrae's structure changes and bone spurs blocks the space surrounding the spinal cord. This condition is called spinal stenosis. As narrowing of the spinal cord space occurs, damages to the spinal cord also begin to surface, leading to another condition called cervical myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy, like cervical radiculopathy, can cause you those tingling sensations and pain felt in the chest, legs and shoulders. You might also experience loss of control or weakness in the upper and lower extremities.

Your chance of having cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy increases with continuing injury to the spinal column (cervical vertebrae). You may become too powerless to walk and may even experience difficulty in performing your activities of daily living due to the pain felt with Cervical Spondylosis. You can suffer temporarily from these symptoms. However, there is also a big possibility that you can experience this condition permanently.

If you are experiencing a simple neck pain for some time now, try to consider visiting your doctor the soonest. What you think as just a simple neck pain may already be something else such as Cervical Spondylosis.

How Does Cervical Spondylosis Occur?

For stressed and busy people, neck pain is very common. It can be due to many things you do and oftentimes, it is mostly related to your age. As you age, your intervertebral discs little by little degenerate just like other of the parts of your body. Usually, this leads to arthritis. Neck arthritis is also known as Cervical Spondylosis. It is the deterioration of the neck's joints, and is common in old. High percentage of people older than the age of 60 is at risk or is affected by this condition. Cervical spondylosis uncommonly becomes a disabling type, though it's a type of arthritis.

Loss of water content and disc degeneration of your spine can cause arthritis. When you were younger, water content is higher in your spinal discs. However, as you age, the discs start to weaken and dehydrate. This leads to a problem resulting from the decreased height and settling of the disc spaces.

Increased pressure in the surface joints can result to the degeneration and development of arthritis which also happen in hip arthritis or knee joint. The cartilage that wraps and shields your joints is destroyed. Complete destruction of the cartilage can lead in rubbing bones (bone colliding with another bone). Bone spurs may grow in the surface joints as a reaction of the body to the worn-out cartilage. This happens to better support the spinal cord. As time passes by, this overgrowth of the bone, which are called bone spurs, may constrict the gap for the nerves to cross. The narrowing of the space in between the spinal cord is called stenosis.

Cervical spondylosis can attack anyone, especially the elderly. If you're wondering if you are one of them, take a look at the following risk factors.

Genetics

Oftentimes, people who have family history of neck pain may acquire Cervical Spondylosis. A handful of studies show that the occurrence of cervical spondylosis increases with patients who has a family history of neck pain. Confirmation for this information is still pending with continuing research.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes stimulates constriction of the blood vessels due to its nicotine content. This may cause you different symptoms, one of which is neck pain.

Occupation

What you do in your job affects your body. A job that uses many overhead work and strenuous movements involving the neck is linked with the development of cervical spondylosis.

Mental Health Issues

Not only strenuous physical activity can make you susceptible to cervical spondylosis. Even mental and emotional imbalances can result to neck pain. Anxiety and depression is highly associated with cervical spondylosis.

Trauma or Injury

The most common and immediate cause of neck arthritis is trauma or injury to the neck, head or trunk area. Some examples are car accidents, job injury and accidental fall from high places.

Chances of having cervical spondylosis increase if you have these symptoms. Assess yourself if you have these risk factors. If you think you are a candidate for this condition, take the initiative to change those things or activities that you can modify. It's never too late.

How to Find Effective Back Pain Relief

Back pain relief can be achieved through a number of different treatment options. If individuals have merely tweaked a muscle and are looking to coax it back to optimal health, then they might simply ice down the area for a few minutes at a time until it returns to normal. Men and women who have suffered more extensive injuries, however, will likely have to consult with a professional and submit themselves to physical therapy on a regular basis. The extent of the injury, of course, will determine how long people will have to abstain from their regularly scheduled activities.

There are some crucial ways that short-term relief can be provided. Acupuncture, which has long been considered effective by Eastern mystics, uses needles to activate pressure points within the body and relieve pain. Back pain sufferers who would rather go a more traditional route might try a bit of heat therapy. For example, soaking in a hot tub for a few minutes can relax the back muscles and allow them to limber up. Hot tub users, it should be mentioned, should vacate the water after a few minutes. Otherwise, they might be doing more harm than good.

Massage therapists can also help with this kind of pain. Because professional therapists have been schooled formally and have obtained licenses within the field, they will have a working knowledge of muscular anatomy and physiology. By working the knots out of the back muscles, the relief should be measurable. Getting massages once every few weeks or so should relieve tension and reduce discomfort.

Men and women may also want to build up their muscular prowess by engaging in some exercises to improve their overall strength. When the muscles themselves become stronger, they will be less likely to sprain or strain. Residents who have memberships at local gyms will likely find it easier to get in a good workout at least two or three times every week.

Beds and pillows are also good options. Some mattresses are specially designed for those people who have long had back pain problems. They are generally more sturdy, which helps to improve posture over the long haul. Special pillows might also be incorporated into the sleeping routine.

In the end, back pain relief can be found in a number of ways. As long as people rely on their local medical experts whenever they are unsure of how to proceed, they should eventually return to a healthy baseline. With their bodies free of pain, they can engage in their usual activities whenever they would like.

How to Choose a Chiropractor for Optimum Care

The 5 Traits You Should Look For:

1. Convenient Appointments with Respect for Your Time

Have you ever gone to a doctor's appointment where the office requested for you to show up early, for you to only wait 10, 15, 30, or even 60 minutes past your appointment time for the doctor! In my opinion this is unacceptable and should not happen. Of course sometime things will happen in an appointment where the doctor will get behind schedule. I my opinion the office staff should advise the patient that the doctor is running late by 10, 15 or how many ever minutes and ask the patient if they would like to reschedule their appointment.

I feel that an office should attempt to decrease this above situation from happening in the first place. So when you choose a chiropractor, please make sure you are working with someone that will respect your time. In today's busy world everyone is on a schedule, and your time should be respected.

2. Looking Out for the Best Interest of the Patient

No one wants to be taken advantage of, not at the auto dealer, and not at the doctor's office. If there is a problem it is my opinion that the doctor should be upfront and give you the straight truth.

In my office we promise to respect your interest, and look out for you wellbeing. The way that we do this is by performing a detailed examination and explaining the results of the tests performed so you can understand the extent of your problem. After your exam we will go through the results and give you a straight answer to your questions, and treatment options. I believe that the patient should be empowered with knowledge to make informed decisions about their health needs. I think we have all been to doctors that don't give you a straight answer, or a structured plan to correct your concerns.

3. Testimonials and Referrals

In my opinion the best way to find any type of doctor is to receive a referral from a friend or family member. If your friend or family member is happy with how they have been treated they would be happy to return to the doctor, so you can likely have the same results.

In today's world we can easily look up reviews on Google, or other sites. If you take a look at our Google maps page we have a very happy patient base.

4. Look for Red Flags

One of the most important take a ways from this article is how to identify any red flags, and in my opinion this should be applied to all healthcare providers.

Avoid offices that require for you to sign long-term contracts for treatment. I believe that chiropractic is a wonderful paradigm to be treated from, but what I don't like is that many offices will require contracts for treatment. I feel that you have the right to choose if you would like to continue. Now it is not uncommon for office to recommend 2-8 month long treatment plans, depending on how you interact with the doctor and the staff you many want to opt for a treatment, but if you do sign a contract be sure this is what you want.

Avoid offices that discourage you to see other providers for care, as this is could be a business tactic. I feel that a team approach is the best for any health condition.

Avoid offices that use scare tactics to convince you that you need more care than you really need.

These are some of the most common signs that a office is less concerned about the health of the patient and is more concerned about profit.

5. Speed of Service

I can remember when I first started seeing patients when I was finally done with school and licensed. I would want to spend as much time as I needed and before I know it I had spent 2 hours with someone. Now, I would never want to not fully explain or answer a patients questions or concerns, but as I stated above it is important to respect the time of the patient. Now that I have been in practice for some time I have a much better handle on working with new patients and providing quality care, and being sure to answer all questions or concerns.

Herniated Disc Healing - Information You Must Know About Herniated Disc Healing

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc occurs when one of the spinal discs fails to act as a shock absorber for the spine due to damage, injury, wear and tear, or rupture. On its own, this condition doesn't cause any pain. The actual back pain that a person with a herniated disc is due to the shift in pressure from the ruptured disc to the actual spinal cord. This results in numbness or pain.

How is a herniated disc healed?

Fortunately, about 90% of people suffering from this condition heal within 6 months following non-surgical treatment. Doctors usually recommend non-surgical therapies first before considering surgery in order to reduce side effects and complications that surgery brings about. Bed rest, exercise, medication, and therapy for the pain are usually done in order to alleviate the symptoms of a herniated disc. An example of a common therapy is the spinal decompression therapy that is known to aid faster herniated disc healing.

What is spinal decompression therapy?

A very popular choice among those looking to usher in faster healing for their herniated disc is the spinal decompression therapy. This therapy is done by a chiropractor, and is a non-surgical aid to help the spinal column heal the ruptured disc faster than the normal recovery period.

How is spinal decompression therapy done?

Spinal decompression therapy involves the use of a computer-controlled mechanism that targets the affected area of the back and soothes the pain by the use of a series of computer-aided methods. First, the patient is positioned on the treatment table and adjusted so that the correct area of the back can be targeted. The process largely involves the simulation of anti-gravity and the pulling of surrounding discs so that fluid and other spinal nutrition can flow more smoothly into the affected area. This is a painless and gentle process where patients typically feel only a slight pulling sensation intermittently. This is usually followed by the application of an electronic muscle simulation to prevent pain of the surrounding muscles.

How often is this treatment supposed to be done?

Some patients report a drastic improvement after just one session; others feel a huge pain lifted away from their backs after a couple of sessions. In general, the advised number of sessions runs from 15 to 20, depending on the individual case of each patient. Should you choose to opt for spinal decompression as an alternative therapy for herniated disc healing, you can choose to discontinue at any time, depending on how well you feel. If you think you do not need any more sessions, you can stop your therapy anytime.

Many people looking for herniated disc healing therapies go to a chiropractor to undergo spinal decompression. It has also been found out through numerous clinical studies and researches that there is a high correlation between this therapy and faster herniated disc healing. Aside from its non-surgical nature, this therapy promotes back strength and natural healing through supplemental exercises and muscle strength enhancement to support back weight and pressure that may cause more pain.

Low Back Pain - How To Find Relief For Low Back Pain

Suffering from low back pain can be a real detriment to accomplishing daily tasks. Low back pain, also called lumbago, is a fairly common disorder that 80% of us will likely experience at some point in our lives. In fact, it is the primary cause of work-related disability in the US. Low back pain is caused by a number of potential factors, all of which involve some form of strain or sprain, infection, pressure, and swelling of the muscle, bone tissue, or the bone itself.

What do I do with this pain?

Most people suffering from lumbago do not consider surgery as their first choice in addressing their back pains. Doctors may recommend therapy, medication, changes in posture, adjustments in diet, and may even recommend surgery for more serious cases. However, if you're among those looking to hasten their recovery period from back pain, you may choose to undergo additional therapy, in addition to what your doctor recommends you to do.

What is the fastest way to support the recovery of my back pain?

A very highly successful alternative support to alleviate back pain symptoms is known as non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. It is a very technologically advanced form of traction which provides alternative relief of symptoms brought about by lower back pain.

What is spinal decompression therapy?

Decompression therapy is a non-surgical procedure that serves as a form of therapy for relieving pain due to lower back pressure, strain, disc displacement, and other faulty functions on one's lower back that cause pain. This form of therapy serves to effectively enhance the process of healing and hastens pain relief, enabling you to go back to your active lifestyle faster than the normal recovery period. Several clinical studies and research have already shown a high correlation between faster healing and spinal decompression therapy.

How does a spinal decompression therapy work?

A patient about to undergo spinal decompression lies on the treatment table. Then, a support system is fitted in order to stabilize the body. A highly advanced mechanism that is computer-controlled then adjusts the back to a certain angle in order to facilitate the next steps. The computer system will then generate an anti-gravity simulation effect on the patient's spine in order to reduce pain and pressure--essentially decompressing the affected area to relieve it of any tension. This process is painless, gentle, and patients feel only a pulling sensation every now and then. After the session, a cold pack paired with electric simulation of the muscles are then applied to the area to speed up the process of healing.

How long do I have to undergo decompression therapy?

Normally, a patient undergoes 15 to 20 sessions in order to maximize the effects of the therapy. Each session lasts for about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on each patient's special case. However, some patients report immediate relief even after only a few sessions. Others also report a huge reduction in the amount of pain after only one session. A patient doesn't have to fulfill a commitment of a particular number of sessions--it can be discontinued at the patient's discretion.

Spinal decompression therapy may produce favorable results on its own, but a typical program usually encourages the patient to engage in a couple of exercises. These exercises, to be specified by the decompression clinic, serve to strengthen the lower back muscles in order to avoid future recurrence of lower back pain.

Understanding The Root Cause of Sciatica Pain

It is very important for a person to understand in detail about sciatica. The reasons, symptoms and causes differ from person to person. Due to this sole reason, the origination of sciatica changes accordingly. Sciatica pain is caused due to compression of nerve roots at the end of the spinal canal. Medical term for sciatica is Radiculopathy - a condition where a nerve root experiences pinching, compressed and irritated. Finding the exact root cause for the occurrence of sciatica will be helpful in providing the right treatment. Current article discusses about the common causes that elevate the pain.

Provided below are few of the important sciatica pain causing factors.

1. Degenerative disc disease:

Occurrence of degeneration in a disk is due to aging. One or more degenerated discs in the lower spinal region can cause irritation to the nerve root resulting in development of sciatica. Diagnosis for a degenerative disc carried out when a person is experiencing excessive micro-motion and inflammation. Proteins present inside the disc are exposed which is the root cause for inflammation and irritation. It is a natural aging process and requires attention in its early stage to prevent its growth.

2. Isthmic spondylolisthesis:

One or more vertebral body slips forward into another vertebral body (example: L5 vertebra slips to S1 vertebra). Due to this situation, a small stress is developed that causes pinching effect on the nerve root. When a combination of disk space collapse, a fracture and the slipping of vertebral body occurs, the pinching effect is elevated causing the development of sciatica.

3. Piriformis syndrome:

Irritation in the sciatica nerve is caused by piriformis muscle present at the rear. There is a chance that pinching effect is created by the muscle which leads to the development of sciatica. Though it does not represent true sciatica, the pain developed resembles the same as sciatica due to the irritation.

In order to overcome sciatica pain, it is important for a person to note down the symptoms experienced to find out the root cause of the problem. Based on this, a reputed spinal therapist will be in a position to provide treatment that comprises of medication and tailor made exercises. Diagnosis will also be helpful in finding out the root cause especially when patients opt for MR Neurography. Reducing the pain is an important factor to carry out regular activities in a day to day life without any trouble.

Low Back Pain Exercises - Superstitions About The Amazing Back Pain Cure Exposed

Everybody has experienced back pain at least once in their lives, but long time sufferers will know just how taxing it can be not only to the body, but also to one's emotions and finances. It makes simple tasks like lifting, bending, and carrying things difficult. In severe cases, it can even necessitate bed rest, which can compromise productivity, and eventually affect one's quality of life.

While there are many available treatments for lumbar ache, they each have their own drawbacks. For instance, regular physical therapies can be expensive and take too much of one's time, and use of analgesics may in the long run foster dependence. One treatment modality gaining popularity nowadays is the practice of low back pain exercises.

Not Just for Symptom Alleviation

The major advantage of this treatment system is its focus not only on alleviation, but also on the prevention of symptoms. When trunk muscles and its supporting ligaments are in tiptop shape, the spinal cord is afforded maximum protection; there is more support for range of movement; and proper posture will be easier to maintain. Protection of the spinal cord is very important as spinal nerve damage and nerve degeneration are two main causes of lumbar soreness.

In his instructional video, Tom Nicholson explains and demonstrates proper posture, effective body mechanics, and various low back pain exercises. These require no sophisticated equipment, and can be performed even in the comfort of one's home, significantly cutting back on one's medical expenses. Viewers are also given pointers for making sound health assessments, and tips for maximizing their mobility and comfort.

For Sufferers and Non-sufferers

Performing back exercises is recommended whether or not one is experiencing symptoms. As one grows older, the body undergoes normal degenerative changes. The stooping that occurs with old age is the effect of a decrease in bone density and muscle mass. Strengthening the spine's supporting muscles therefore can prevent the development of posture problems that come naturally with age. This is what makes the treatment system especially helpful: even when one is free from lumbar aches, he or she can still continue with the program to prevent recurrence in the future. It is a treatment and preventive measure in one, how great is that?

Long time sufferers should definitely try these routines, although it may not work well with everyone. People with severe symptoms may find some work out routines difficult to do, and people with no patience for regular exercise may not benefit much from the program. As with any other work out program, the rewards of low back pain exercises can only be felt if they are done regularly.

Try It Out

Back pain is a very subjective experience - its character, threshold, and even its measures of alleviation varying from one person to another. For those looking into an alternative means for back problem management, Tom Nicholson's low back pain exercise system is worth a try. It is inexpensive, readily available on the internet, and even has a money back guarantee. Sometimes the most effective treatments are neither the most expensive nor customary.

Consequences of Having a Poor Sitting Posture

Good posture is essential for overall well-bring. Prolonged sitting with poor posture will lead to negative effects such as back pain, muscle strain and improper alignment. Prolong sitting will cause the body to get into a slouchy position which seems to be more comfortable, but there are consequences in the long run. Being in a poor sitting posture for a long period of time will increase pressure on the intervertebral discs, increasing the chances of suffering a back injury.

Weak stomach muscles

Our stomach muscles are one of the core body muscles and they are important to help maintain proper posture of the body. The stomach muscles work hand in hand with our back muscles to support and hold the body in the proper alignment. Poor sitting posture will lead to us having weak stomach muscles and this will lead to cause improper alignment of the back and ultimately weakening the lumbar spine muscles, causing back pain.

Poor blood circulation

Poor sitting posture will lead to a lack of proper blood circulation around the body, causing degeneration of the intervertebral discs and eventually causing back pain.

Neck pain

Poor posture is responsible for more than 80% of neck pain as it will cause misalignment of the back, head and shoulders, causing tremendous strain on the ligaments and muscles, causing neck pain.

Spine curvature

Poor posture can cause the curving of the spine, adding pressure on the spine and reducing the ability of the spine to absorb shock. This will lead to a higher chance of injury. In the long term, it will also lead to neck pain, headache and lower back pain.

Headache

Poor posture leads to muscle tension, reducing blood flow throughout the body. A decrease in blood flow can possibly lead to fatigue and headache. A proper posture instead will help increase the flow of blood throughout the entire body.

Inefficient breathing

Our body is designed in a way that the entire skeletal system and muscles are in a proper alignment and that helps to ensure every single component of our body is placed correctly for optimal health. A poor posture disrupts that and that will decrease the capacity of the lungs to take in oxygen and causing inefficient breathing.

Joint and muscle disorder

One of the causes of joint and muscle disorder is poor posture. Poor posture can cause pain in our face as well as earache.

Poor posture will add unwanted stress and pressure onto our body, causing pain, muscular disorders and spine problems. It doesn't hurt for us to sit in a proper posture and a good posture will increase our productiveness and our overall well-being.

How Do We Stop This Back Pain Epidemic?

A recent survey has shown that as many as one in three young adults suffer with some form of back pain. So, why is this the case?

Modern medicine is the most advanced it has been and technology is improving day on day so why is it that so many people suffer with back pain? One of the reasons is that technology has made us more sedentary. People spend much longer times at a desk without any breaks, which causes their muscles and joints to seize up.

It is important that we stay active in our daily lives as our bodies were constructed to move. It's like the age old saying - 'If you don't use it you'll lose it'. This is the same in regards to muscular strength, flexibility, and health in general. Not only does having a more sedentary lifestyle affect the spine causing neck pain, lower back pain, and headaches it can cause many other health issues with the heart, liver, and pretty much every organ in the body.

The following studies show how a little exercise a day can help with lots of health problems:

It decreased the pain and disability of those with knee arthritis by 47%

In older people exercise was shown to reduce the progression to dementia and Alzheimer's by 50%

People at high risk of diabetes had 58% less chance of progressing to frank diabetes when undergoing exercise

Reduced anxiety by 48%

30% of people were relieved of depression with regular, small exercises

So as you can see, as well as helping with back pain it also helps with general well being. It is suggested that 30 minutes of exercise a day is about optimum. This does not mean that you have to go to the gym and pump weights in order to improve your spinal health and health in general. It means to take the stairs instead of taking the lift, walk to the shop instead of driving, and take a break from the desk so your joints don't become seized up and eventually cause you pain.

If you are already suffering with back pain and you don't know what to do. Keep active and visit a chiropractor to sort out your problem. This will have a much better impact on your health than taking a painkiller a day. Although useful on occasion, painkillers are simply masking the problem. If you get to the root cause of the problem you won't have to worry about taking them.

Back pain shouldn't be as prevalent as it is today but it means we have to get off our bums (literally) and do some exercise. The fitter and healthier we are the much greater chance we have of not developing back pain.

Two Ways To Relax Tight, Knotted Muscles

Muscles that are chronically tense and knotted need more than passive stretching to regain flexibility. Since tense muscles are a main cause of chronic back pain and other pain conditions, it is important to be aware of how to relieve muscle tension.

Muscles become chronically tense due to injury, poor posture, repetitive use or improper training. Knots called trigger points often develop in tight bands of muscle fibers and the connective tissue surrounding muscles called myofascia. Trigger points are isolated spasms of tissue that can cause localized and referred pain, as well as making it even harder to relax the tense muscle.

Passive stretching, involving the use of a body part or other surface to hold our stretched muscle in position, is ineffective at relieving chronically tense muscles and trigger points. Examples of passive stretches are splits, where the floor is supporting the legs, or the popular quad stretch in which you hold your heel up to your buttocks with your hand. If anything, the spasmodic knots may tighten up even more in reaction to the attempt at lengthening the muscle fibers; this can be a form of self-protection to prevent tearing.

It is possible to restore length, strength and flexibility to tight muscles with the following techniques.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release can be sought from a practitioner or self-administered. A specialist trained in myofascial bodywork can locate trigger points and use hands-on techniques to release the spasmodic bundles of tissue. Bodywork techniques are also employed to lengthen the whole muscle.

Self-myofascial release (SMR) involves the use of a foam roller or other dense, round object. To practice SMR, you roll over the tense muscle with the roller between your body and the floor. Pause on the tenderest spots (the knots) and hold for 30-45 seconds. Done twice a day and before and after workouts, SMR can provide sufficient relief to some.

Active Stretching

Active stretching employs the principle of reciprocal inhibition. This principle plays out between what are called agonist and antagonist muscles. These muscle groups are situated on opposite sides of a joint and facilitate opposing motions. An example of such opposing muscles is the hamstring and quadriceps; the quadriceps extend the knee whereas the hamstring flexes it. The principle of reciprocal inhibition states that activation of an agonist muscle causes inhibition of the antagonist through nueronal communication. When the quadriceps activate, a motor neuron signal is sent from the quadriceps through the spinal cord to the hamstring inhibiting its activation. This encourages the hamstring to relax and stretch.

Active stretching has an added advantage of strengthening agonist muscles (the ones being activated in the stretch). Muscle imbalances involve strength and length differences between muscles; the tighter muscle is shorter and stronger than the opposing muscle, which is weak and overstretched. In reality, both muscles are weak, since a strained, tense muscle cannot work hard. Active stretching restores length to overly tight muscles, which will lead to strength, and strengthens weaker opposing muscles by activating them.

Which Profession Is Most Likely To Get Back Pain?

If you were to picture someone with back pain you would assume them to be either a builder or an electrician that does a lot of heavy lifting. However, new research by the British Chiropractic Association shows that office workers are the ones who suffer the most with back pain.

Labourers put a lot of pressure through their spine day to day but because of this they also develop the surrounding muscles. Having strong muscles surrounding the spine decreases your chances of having back problems. This isn't to say that labourers don't get back problems. Poor postures and poor lifting techniques are the main contributors to back pain in labourers.

Most office workers, however, do not sit in the correct posture. Due to long times sitting at a desk people develop a classic posture of rounded shoulders and a forward head carriage. This forward head carriage can increase the weight that goes through the spine by up to 5 kilograms. This extra pressure can lead the joints, muscles, and ligaments to become overloaded thus increasing the chances of pain and tension in the surrounding muscles.

The best way to reduce your chances of developing a problem in your neck or back is to make the following adjustments:

Set your desk up correctly

Make sure your chair is at the right height. Your arms should be at right angles when using the keyboard.

Make sure the monitor is right in front of you. Turn your chair to face the monitor rather than turning your head.

Lift the monitor to the right height. When looking straight ahead your eyes should be in the centre of the screen.

Sit in the correct posture

Sit up and pull your shoulders back. Pull the shoulder blades towards each other and make sure that you are sitting straight. This means that there is much less chance of developing rounded shoulder and a forward head carriage and it also helps to correct poor postures.

Touch type. This may seem like a silly suggestion but touch typing means that you will look at the screen rather than looking down at the keyboard.

Get a good chair. Try to get a chair that doesn't allow you to slump so easily - gym balls are great.

Take regular breaks

You should take a break every 30 minutes. This simply means standing up, doing some shoulder rolls and walking around for 2-3 minutes. It will not take too much time out of your day but it will allow you to work easier and pain free.

Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment

Common Benefits of Chiropractic Care:

Body dysfunction is not selective to any group, race, sex, or any other classification of humans. Therefore, everyone can benefit from chiropractic care for it helps give relief to the tissues of the body, when the tissue becomes damaged, aged, or misaligned. This dysfunction can and will take a toll on the body's ability to perform at optimal level, when individuals are required to be active due to their profession or personal habits. This inability is likely due to what we call micro trauma or small repetitive injuries and can result in the body laying down scar tissue, creating pain, or degeneration of a joint surfaces creating arthritis.

These are some of the benefits you can see from chiropractic care:

Circulation to the body region in question

Reduction of waste product built up in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints

Increased flexibility

Reduced pain and soreness

Faster healing time

Decreased spasms in the muscles

Injury prevention

Relaxed muscle

Less muscle tension

Stacking Treatments

If you would like to increase the benefits from chiropractic care, you could combine or stack your treatments with other natural healing techniques. The relief from pressure and the source of pain will allow your body to heal and promote faster recovery times.

Stacking the results may include the following physical activities:

Drinking one half ounces of water per one pound of body weight

Eating a diet rich in nutrient dense foods

Performing specific stretch and exercises that have been developed for the body region in question

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care

There are far too many misconceptions among the public and medical community about chiropractic care. The most common that I hear is that there is not a form of treatment that is valid and is only used for mild aches and pains. However, this could not be farther from the truth. The benefits are far-reaching beyond musculoskeletal pain and as a doctor I treat many patients, which are looking for natural solutions, for many health ailments such as:

Prevention of acquired scoliosis in children

Asthma, ear infections, and bedwetting in children

Allergies and G.I related disorders

Migraine headaches, as well as most other headaches

Hormonal disorders

Weight loss

Now of course not all of the above are treated with classic chiropractic manipulation, but rather with a wide variety of natural healthcare methods such as diet, exercise, nutritional support, herbs, and hormones.

May people ask when do results become realized?

The answer to this question varies depending on the condition. However, your body will start to heal once it has the proper structural alignment and nutrition. You will see the function return to the body rather quickly. In most mild pain cases, there is often immediate relief or very soon after treatment. These are one of many reasons people should seek chiropractic care prior to any other forms of treatment.

In more chronic cases, is it not uncommon for patients to feel sore or achy following a treatment. However, as your body is realigned, you will likely feel better and have improved function. It is important to remember that your body has the ability to heal when it is supported correctly.

Physical Therapy Can Significantly Alleviate Chronic Back Pains

Physical therapy has assisted many people in finding amazing relief to their neck and back problems, after having spent a lot of time and resources trying out most of recommended medical solutions without success. Physical therapy presents not only an extremely efficient way of alleviating chronic back pains, but can also assists patients who need go through rehabilitation therapy after undergoing multiple restorative surgeries.

For the most part, back ailments can be categorized into two types: those that arise from unanticipated external injuries to the back tissues, and those that materialize from within the body, which are often what trigger chronic back pain. These disorders often attack the central nervous system by stimulating it to undertake detrimental actions, which should they persist can turn into permanent neural complications even if the original cause of the ailment disappears.

Normally, this culminates in intense and prolonged back pains that if not checked can appear in other parts of the body. The most probable cause of these chronic pain disorders is usually damage to the body of muscles, and tissues that surrounds the spine. Take for instance, the intervertebral discs which are exceptionally resilient tissues that play the role of the back's buffer against all external attacks. Despite their hardiness, intervertebral discs sometimes cannot accomplish this task if the back is exposed to grievous trauma or through gradual back tissue and muscle attrition.

Additionally, the tendons and sinews that link these back muscles play a proactive role in maintaining the perfect back and spinal stability. However, sometimes the fibers that connect these tendons, and sinews get stuck together and will usually tear off, which results in chronic back ailments.

The primary goal of physical therapy is usually to alleviate the intense discomfort most chronic back pain patient's experience, and ultimately to restore their mobility.

There are two physical therapy approaches to pain alleviation which normally precede each other, passive and active physical therapy. The former comprises of procedures such as application of electrical stimulus, heat or even ice application. This type of physical therapy is formulated to strengthen the patient before commencing the more vigorous active physical rehabilitation.

A competent physical therapist will after the initial assessment of the patient, develop and establish an infallible exercise schedule, which should significantly alleviate back pain. This can include aerobics, muscle strengthening or stretching training. A significant portion of these sessions should be dedicated to stretching exercises which are guaranteed to develop the back's lumbar stabilization, and have excellent results in chronic back pain alleviation. Other low impact aerobic exercises like cycling, swimming or plain old walking can also significantly alleviate chronic back pains.

States Enact Laws Regulating the Sale and Marketing of Pharmaceutical Products

Rising costs are a major issue facing America's health care industry. One concern is how both the advertising and excessive use of prescription drugs can add to the general inflation experienced throughout the industry. One survey conducted in 2000 showed a startling increase in the use of drugs that were heavily advertised. The rate of use was in fact some six times greater than that of other prescription and non-prescription drugs.

The marketing of various drugs is an important part of the pharmaceutical industry. Companies must follow certain guidelines as to how they promote them. Pharmaceutical compliance is dictated by the federal government. However, in recent years a number of states have on their own taken steps to deal with the prescription drug issue. Nine states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws pertaining to the marketing and sales of prescription drugs.

The states of Massachusetts, Minnesota and Vermont have introduced laws that require pharmaceutical companies to disclose payments that may be made to doctors who provide prescription drugs to their patients. Vermont also limited what it classified as the "fraudulent" advertising of prescription drugs to consumers and doctors, although this law was subsequently declared by a court of appeals to be a violation of free speech.

Maine has enacted more such laws than any other state. It has prohibited drug companies from placing advertisements in the electronic or print media unless they meet federal standards. Other laws enacted by the state specify guidelines on pricing information and prohibit the sale of drug information by pharmaceutical companies that identify the doctor who ordered the medication. Confidentiality is another aspect of laws introduced in Maine and other states that are designed to prevent drug companies from harassing health care providers with advertisements. Nearby New Hampshire prohibits the transferral of personal prescription information for any purpose other than the reimbursement of the pharmacy.

Some states have enacted laws designed to regulate who can market prescription drugs and how the marketing is done. Laws of this nature have been introduced in California, Florida and South Carolina. In West Virginia, an educational campaign on prescription drugs was written into the state's health law, while a similar public awareness effort was launched in Texas.