The Lumbar Pain Scale
September 14, 2009 by Tucker · 5 Comments
Bearing in mind that pain is an early indication of potential back problems, knowing the difference in pain types is a must. Short-term pain is referred to as acute pain. The basis why acute pain subsists is to tell the body that there’s something wrong. This kind of pain may be caused by an injury or trauma. Occasionally, acute pain entails immediate attention due to the possibility of having tissue damage.
When pain is constant it is considered to be chronic pain. This means that it could be possible that both your body and mind are involved in this stage. With chronic pain, the body is frequently firing pain signals in the nervous system. Self-esteem and relationships could suffer while undergoing chronic pain. Unfortunately many chronic pain patients have become used to this sort of life. Nowadays, low back pain and neck pain sufferers have multiple treatment options available for the different pain types.
A somewhat new mid back pain treatment called non-surgical spinal decompression has been capturing popularity in the low back pain arena. Non-surgical lumbar decompression therapy provides relief of pain associated with herniated disks, bulging disks, degenerative discdisease and sciatica.
If you are suffering from chronic upper back pain and would like to learn more about non-surgical decompression therapy as an alternative treatment, please visit their AxiomPainSolutions.com. This information is not intended nor should be used as a substitute for professional medical help. Speak with your physician before considering any medical therapy method available.
10 Steps to Reduce Back Pain
April 27, 2009 by · 14 Comments
STEP 1 – Have a Medical Examination
Check out the possibility that your back problems are caused by poor posture, excess body weight, everyday stresses, and common causes such as these. However if you suffer from chronic back pain then it may be caused by a serious condition such as slipped or herniated disks, fibromyalgia, injuries to the neck or spine, and very rarely, other conditions such as cancer, kidney infection, and so on. Once you know what you’re dealing with then you are in a position to seek the correct remedies.
STEP 2 – Prevention
If you’ve already damaged your back you can’t go back in time and remedy it but not irritating those injuries further is very important. Be careful with daily activities like lifting, whether it’s something at work or your children and groceries, and jarring such as when you brake hard while driving. Make sure you have an ergonomic workstation at work and don’t remain in one position too long, and be selective with your exercises at the gym. Get advice from a gym instructor.
STEP 3 – Watch Your Posture
Don’t slouch or drape yourself over your desk or remain in one postion too long. Practice good posture both in your car and at home and work.
STEP 4 – Stretch Those Muscles
If you don’t use muscles they wither away and become weaker. Weaker muscles don’t provide the support the body requires and this is a recipe for damaging your back. Try some stretching exercises to get oxygen into your body and improve circulation while toning the muscles. Try to find some time first thing in the morning or before you go to bed.
STEP 5 – Relaxation
Stress can lead to tense muscles which in turn lead to a sore neck, shoulders, headaches, and even neck and back pain. Attack the source of the stress and try yoga, meditation or other relaxation methods.
STEP 6 – Exercise
Inactivity causes problems as we mentioned in step 4 so it’s important to get some exercise. Walking, biking and swimming are all good exercises, or you can use an elliptical machine at your gym. Anything that gets you active without putting strain on your back should be sufficient.
STEP 7 – Lose Weight
If you’re overweight then you’re putting extra strain on your body that it wasn’t designed for and creating long term health problems. As well as creating extra strain for your heart and wear on joints, you are also risking damage to your back. Make healthy eating and exercise a priority.
STEP 8 – Home Remedies
Try a heating pad or hot water bottle, use a recliner to invert, take a hot shower or hot bath, practice some yoga, and try other home remedies. As a one-off they may help reduce pain and longer term use they can help the body to heal.
STEP 9 – Massage
A good massage can reduce the discomfort of back pain, but be sure to advise the masseuse of your problems. If it’s available try a hot stone massage as well. The hot stones can improve the blood circulation and help your back muscles relax.
STEP 10 – Try Everything
One thing on its own may not be the solution but the incremental improvements created by trying multiple remedies may produce the relief from back pain you are seeking. If necessary talk to your doctor about medications or other treatment options. Sometimes taking medications can be the only way to get short term relief from chronic and consistent pain. Back pain is manageable and can be cured, if it receives the correct treatment.
Note: This information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to starting any new treatment
