By Choll Kim
Thousands of patients undergo sciatica surgery each and every year around the world. There are times when this surgery should be considered. The first time you and your surgeon may decide it's time to consider this surgery is when you have been in constant paid for more than four to six weeks.
Before you consider sciatica surgery, it is important that you note that this is entirely your decision. Your surgeon, doctor and family cannot make the decision on your behalf, this is down to you, how much pain you are in and whether you can manage with the pain moving forward.
Your doctor is likely to recommend you consider sciatic surgery in the event your pain is unbearable and has been constant for four to six weeks. They may also advise you consider this surgery when the pain medications have been useless and you are still in ongoing pain.
Leg weakness often results in urgent surgery and the surgeon may not give you the option to go ahead or not as this can result in problems moving forward. There are two options that you need to know about when it comes to sciatica surgery; there is open surgery and then there is endoscopic surgery, both of which an provide you with improved results and ensure that you reduce the pain and give you your life back.
During open surgery a piece of disc is removed. The piece removed is the portion that is irritating the nerve, leaving the rest of the disc to reduce ongoing and further damage. Open surgery comes with a number of risks that you do need to be aware of, such as muscle damage, irritating muscles surrounding the area. Of course the benefit to the open sciatica surgery is that up to ninety five percent of patients experience relief after surgery.
With the closed or lumber laminectomy surgery, a small incision is made with a piece of bone or disc material is removed which is pinching the nerve. With this surgery the risk may be reduced when it comes to muscle damage and up to eighty percent of patients experience relief after this sciatica surgery.
Remember that having sciatica surgery is completely your decision and there are a number of important factors to take into consideration to ensure that you make the best decision to meet your particular needs and ongoing requirements. If you are in constant pain and you are living on pain killers, then having the surgery can eliminate all of this, enabling you to live a normal life completely pain free.
In addition to this, it is important that you discuss the options with your surgeon to identify which of the sciatica surgery options is the right choice for you. Discuss the outcomes and speak with your surgeon to see which of these two surgeries they feel is going to benefit you the most now and in the future.
Don't be shy to ask your surgeon questions about your sciatica surgery. Take someone to your appointment with you so that they can take notes, if there is anything you have forgotten later, then ensure that they have the answers for you. Questions such as how long you will have to remain in hospital, how long recovery takes and when you can return to work should be the most important questions to ask.
You may also want to ask about success rates and recovery rates, ensuring that if you elect to go ahead with the sciatica surgery, you can have peace of mind that your chances of a speedy and full recovery are high.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Sciatica-Surgery---What-You-Need-to-Know&id=9195134
Saturday, 17 October 2015
Thursday, 8 October 2015
Topical Remedies: The Right Way to Let You Avoid Surgical Procedures for the Knee
By Harshad J
http://ezinearticles.com/?Topical-Remedies:-The-Right-Way-to-Let-You-Avoid-Surgical-Procedures-for-the-Knee&id=9184052
One of the best and most effective ways to overcome knee joint pain is by use of topical medications. Topical treatments are applied externally on the affected area, which ensures that they act locally and have an analgesic effect at the point where one may be suffering from pain.
There are some very basic advantages of going for a topical medication.
- These medications are mainly preferred because they relieve discomfort without affecting the rest of our body.
- These treatments have a minimum chance of side effects, as they are not consumed orally and work by bypassing the digestive track altogether.
- Topical medications are absorbed by the skin, and render a soothing effect to our knees by penetrating through to the bones and muscles.
There are multiple mechanisms by which topical medications work, and effectively so. For healing ailing joints, inducing heat in the applied part of the body (mainly joints), to ensure a higher supply of synovial fluid is an important mechanism by which topical medications work.
What is Synovial fluid?
Synovial fluid and its proper regeneration is a must for proper functioning of joints. It is a viscous fluid which nourishes the articular cartilage.
In our bodies, the bones are cushioned at the ends by cartilage cushions called articular cartilage, a gelatinous substance that covers up the bones. If the cartilage is healthy, it would have a slick surface that prevents friction between bones and enables smooth motion.
As the degree of impact sustained by articular cartilage is high, there are no blood vessels present here. And in absence of blood vessels, the cartilage is nurtured by a fluid present around the joints, which is called the synovial fluid.
The synovial fluid is produced by synovial membranes. It fills up the microcavities and articular cartilage, and prevents friction by acting like a wet sponge.
What causes knee joint pain?
In most medical conditions, knee joint pain is triggered when there is an inadequate amount of synovial fluid in microcavities or articular cartilage. Topically applied medications that are especially meant for joint pain often work by increasing the circulation of blood around the joints. This stimulates synovial membranes to produce synovial fluid, which ensures smooth movement of joints. Using topical medications can thus be very helpful for rendering relief in all types of joint pains, including discomfort arising from everyday fatigue, to conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Regular use of topical medications for discomfort in joints not just helps us overcome pain, but also makes the joints stronger over time. These medications are also useful for repairing the damaged parts of joints.
Sandhi Sudha Plus: The miracle of Ayurveda
If you have been diagnosed with any of the medical conditions like sciatica, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or have been afflicted by joint pain in any form, Sandhi Sudha Plus is the right remedy to go for.
Sandhi Sudha Plus is a 100% herbal remedy that has proved to be highly effective for healing all strains of joint pain, and has enable people to lead a normal life, all over again.
Sandhi Sudha Plus: Letting you avoid surgery for ailing joints
If you have been recommended to go for an operation or any of the surgical procedures for ailing joints, you must try out Sandhi Sudha Plus first. This would make sure that you are able to recover from the condition and return back to normalcy without having to go for surgery.
There are some very basic advantages of going for a topical medication.
- These medications are mainly preferred because they relieve discomfort without affecting the rest of our body.
- These treatments have a minimum chance of side effects, as they are not consumed orally and work by bypassing the digestive track altogether.
- Topical medications are absorbed by the skin, and render a soothing effect to our knees by penetrating through to the bones and muscles.
There are multiple mechanisms by which topical medications work, and effectively so. For healing ailing joints, inducing heat in the applied part of the body (mainly joints), to ensure a higher supply of synovial fluid is an important mechanism by which topical medications work.
What is Synovial fluid?
Synovial fluid and its proper regeneration is a must for proper functioning of joints. It is a viscous fluid which nourishes the articular cartilage.
In our bodies, the bones are cushioned at the ends by cartilage cushions called articular cartilage, a gelatinous substance that covers up the bones. If the cartilage is healthy, it would have a slick surface that prevents friction between bones and enables smooth motion.
As the degree of impact sustained by articular cartilage is high, there are no blood vessels present here. And in absence of blood vessels, the cartilage is nurtured by a fluid present around the joints, which is called the synovial fluid.
The synovial fluid is produced by synovial membranes. It fills up the microcavities and articular cartilage, and prevents friction by acting like a wet sponge.
What causes knee joint pain?
In most medical conditions, knee joint pain is triggered when there is an inadequate amount of synovial fluid in microcavities or articular cartilage. Topically applied medications that are especially meant for joint pain often work by increasing the circulation of blood around the joints. This stimulates synovial membranes to produce synovial fluid, which ensures smooth movement of joints. Using topical medications can thus be very helpful for rendering relief in all types of joint pains, including discomfort arising from everyday fatigue, to conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Regular use of topical medications for discomfort in joints not just helps us overcome pain, but also makes the joints stronger over time. These medications are also useful for repairing the damaged parts of joints.
Sandhi Sudha Plus: The miracle of Ayurveda
If you have been diagnosed with any of the medical conditions like sciatica, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or have been afflicted by joint pain in any form, Sandhi Sudha Plus is the right remedy to go for.
Sandhi Sudha Plus is a 100% herbal remedy that has proved to be highly effective for healing all strains of joint pain, and has enable people to lead a normal life, all over again.
Sandhi Sudha Plus: Letting you avoid surgery for ailing joints
If you have been recommended to go for an operation or any of the surgical procedures for ailing joints, you must try out Sandhi Sudha Plus first. This would make sure that you are able to recover from the condition and return back to normalcy without having to go for surgery.
Go for Sandhi Sudha Plus, if you have been suffering from knee joint pain or have a loved one who has been suffering from any of the joint pains, including shoulder pain, back pain or hip joint pain.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Topical-Remedies:-The-Right-Way-to-Let-You-Avoid-Surgical-Procedures-for-the-Knee&id=9184052
Saturday, 3 October 2015
Discectomy Spine Surgery: Will It Cure Your Chronic Sciatic Nerve Pain?
By Choll Kim
Suffering from sciatica is no joke and leaves thousands of people in pain each year. When a patient seeks out medical intervention for sciatic nerve pain, they are typically referred to a physical therapist before any surgical or invasive procedures are performed. Sometime, anti-inflammatory and pain medications will also be prescribed.
If the aforementioned treatments do not produce a significant decrease in pain, a surgical procedure called a discectomy might be in order. This is something a patient and their surgeon will discuss together and weigh the risks versus the benefits.
Most people are more than happy to go under the knife when they have sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain extends from the lower back and shoots down the back of the legs. This pain can be severe and produces sensations of numbness, weakness, tingling, and other undesirable symptoms.
When a patient has a ruptured or herniated disc, a discectomy is typically the main course of action. These problems affect the lumbar spine and when patients have not responded to medication, physical therapy, traction, spinal decompression, or epidural steroid injections, surgery becomes almost inevitable.
When a disc becomes herniated, the exterior of the disc becomes compromised, weakened, and can sometimes tear. When this happens, jelly-like fluid leaks out of the disc and puts pressure on the surrounding sciatic nerve tissue. This is why sufferers feels pain and other symptoms in their lower backs and legs.
Traditionally, an open discectomy is performed, which involves an incision being made in the patient's back over the herniated disc. During the procedure, muscle tissue is cut away from the herniated disc and removed. In some cases, a retractor might be utilized in order to keep the muscle tissue and flesh pulled back so they surgeon has an easier way of performing the surgery.
In extreme cases, the surgical team will take away some of the vertebrae bone, which is referred to as the lamina. When this happens, the procedure is called a laminectomy. Once all bone fragments have been removed, the surrounding tissue is repaired and put back into place and the surgeon closes the incision up with stiches.
A less invasive procedure that only the most equipped surgeons are using is called a micro-discectomy. This surgery is far less invasive than the traditional discectomy. The procedure only requires a small incision to be made on the patient's back as a small instrument called an endoscope is inserted into the area.
An endoscope is a very small tube that has an even smaller camera attached to the end of it. The tube is inserted into the incision and allows the doctor to see inside of the spinal cavity via TV screen that the scope is attached to. Sometimes, other small instruments are also attached to the endoscope that the surgeon utilizes.
This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical suite. Having a minimally invasive micro-discectomy comes with fewer risks than a traditional procedure does and the recovery time is often weeks to months shorter. Most patients are able to leave the hospital the same day the surgery was performed or at least within a few days.
Determining whether a patient can have a micro-discectomy is dependent upon the type of problem being treated. Most people suffering from sciatica are prime candidates for the procedure but need to discuss the ins and outs of having the surgery before any decisions can be made. In most cases, a patient who opts for an endoscopic surgery achieves the results they are looking for.
In order to determine the severity of a patient's sciatica problem, a surgeon will most likely order an MRI to be performed or a CT scan. These procedures allow a surgeon to see inside of the patients back by using special imaging devices and will help the doctor make an informed decision.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Discectomy-Spine-Surgery:-Will-It-Cure-Your-Chronic-Sciatic-Nerve-Pain?&id=9168659
Suffering from sciatica is no joke and leaves thousands of people in pain each year. When a patient seeks out medical intervention for sciatic nerve pain, they are typically referred to a physical therapist before any surgical or invasive procedures are performed. Sometime, anti-inflammatory and pain medications will also be prescribed.
If the aforementioned treatments do not produce a significant decrease in pain, a surgical procedure called a discectomy might be in order. This is something a patient and their surgeon will discuss together and weigh the risks versus the benefits.
Most people are more than happy to go under the knife when they have sciatica. Sciatic nerve pain extends from the lower back and shoots down the back of the legs. This pain can be severe and produces sensations of numbness, weakness, tingling, and other undesirable symptoms.
When a patient has a ruptured or herniated disc, a discectomy is typically the main course of action. These problems affect the lumbar spine and when patients have not responded to medication, physical therapy, traction, spinal decompression, or epidural steroid injections, surgery becomes almost inevitable.
When a disc becomes herniated, the exterior of the disc becomes compromised, weakened, and can sometimes tear. When this happens, jelly-like fluid leaks out of the disc and puts pressure on the surrounding sciatic nerve tissue. This is why sufferers feels pain and other symptoms in their lower backs and legs.
Traditionally, an open discectomy is performed, which involves an incision being made in the patient's back over the herniated disc. During the procedure, muscle tissue is cut away from the herniated disc and removed. In some cases, a retractor might be utilized in order to keep the muscle tissue and flesh pulled back so they surgeon has an easier way of performing the surgery.
In extreme cases, the surgical team will take away some of the vertebrae bone, which is referred to as the lamina. When this happens, the procedure is called a laminectomy. Once all bone fragments have been removed, the surrounding tissue is repaired and put back into place and the surgeon closes the incision up with stiches.
A less invasive procedure that only the most equipped surgeons are using is called a micro-discectomy. This surgery is far less invasive than the traditional discectomy. The procedure only requires a small incision to be made on the patient's back as a small instrument called an endoscope is inserted into the area.
An endoscope is a very small tube that has an even smaller camera attached to the end of it. The tube is inserted into the incision and allows the doctor to see inside of the spinal cavity via TV screen that the scope is attached to. Sometimes, other small instruments are also attached to the endoscope that the surgeon utilizes.
This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical suite. Having a minimally invasive micro-discectomy comes with fewer risks than a traditional procedure does and the recovery time is often weeks to months shorter. Most patients are able to leave the hospital the same day the surgery was performed or at least within a few days.
Determining whether a patient can have a micro-discectomy is dependent upon the type of problem being treated. Most people suffering from sciatica are prime candidates for the procedure but need to discuss the ins and outs of having the surgery before any decisions can be made. In most cases, a patient who opts for an endoscopic surgery achieves the results they are looking for.
In order to determine the severity of a patient's sciatica problem, a surgeon will most likely order an MRI to be performed or a CT scan. These procedures allow a surgeon to see inside of the patients back by using special imaging devices and will help the doctor make an informed decision.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Discectomy-Spine-Surgery:-Will-It-Cure-Your-Chronic-Sciatic-Nerve-Pain?&id=9168659
Thursday, 24 September 2015
5 Ways To Decode Back Pain
By Ziakhn Khan
1: Radiating pain in your arm and leg
Cause: Radiating pain can be a result of poor posture or sedentary lifestyle causing the muscles around the spine to become weak. This leads to increase in the pressure on the spine and thereby on the discs (present in between two vertebrae) causing some pressure on the nerves leading to the radiating pain.
Treatment: Correcting the posture and performing spinal muscle strengthening exercises.
2: Periodic flare-ups of lower back or neck pain
Cause: You could suffer from recurrent symptoms in cases where the root cause of the pain is not corrected. This pain could initially start by travelling down the limbs and would sometimes give a tingling sensation that feels like pins and needles in the limb. In some cases you could also feel that the affected limb is weaker and heavier than the unaffected one.
Treatment: Correcting your posture, avoid staying in one posture for a long time, taking frequent breaks, spinal muscle strengthening
3: If your walking pattern has changed
Cause: This might be a symptom of one of your discs slipping out of your vertebral column. A common indicator of this is when your gait is stooped and crooked (tending to one side), which happens because your spine is unable to bear weight on one side. The severe muscle weakness caused due to increased pressure on the nerves leads to muscle weakness and a condition called foot drop, which makes you drag your feet when you walk. Another reason could be sciatica or obesity.
Treatment: If you are going through severe pain, altered sensation in the legs, motor weakness, difficulty in walking with or without back pain then you must visit your doctor.
4: If you have headache and dizziness
Cause: As people over the globe have become increasingly dependent on electronic gadgets, back pain has become a common problem. Habits like pinning the phone between your shoulder and ear while you multitask is an instinctive move and it puts a lot of pressure on your neck. Poor posture especially when who bend your head forward to use your phone leads to the degeneration of the upper cervical spine - both these are the most common causes for mechanical headache and dizziness. Apart from that dizziness could also be due to various other conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (disorder arising in the inner ear), low blood pressure etc.
Treatment: Visiting a physical therapist is a must if you get headaches and dizziness to find out whether it is mechanical or non-mechanical.
5: Upper back pain
Cause: Upper back pain can develop due to poor posture, chronic muscle tension and degenerative spine in the elderly. Poor posture is a common cause of upper back pain, particularly if you sit in front of a computer all day. Upper back pain may also develop from an unrelated condition like acid reflux or cardiac issues. This can also be due to muscular irritation (myofascial pain) or joint dysfunction.
Treatment: Taking breaks from your desk at regular intervals and stretching is important in order to address the pain.
http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-To-Decode-Back-Pain&id=9168089
1: Radiating pain in your arm and leg
Cause: Radiating pain can be a result of poor posture or sedentary lifestyle causing the muscles around the spine to become weak. This leads to increase in the pressure on the spine and thereby on the discs (present in between two vertebrae) causing some pressure on the nerves leading to the radiating pain.
Treatment: Correcting the posture and performing spinal muscle strengthening exercises.
2: Periodic flare-ups of lower back or neck pain
Cause: You could suffer from recurrent symptoms in cases where the root cause of the pain is not corrected. This pain could initially start by travelling down the limbs and would sometimes give a tingling sensation that feels like pins and needles in the limb. In some cases you could also feel that the affected limb is weaker and heavier than the unaffected one.
Treatment: Correcting your posture, avoid staying in one posture for a long time, taking frequent breaks, spinal muscle strengthening
3: If your walking pattern has changed
Cause: This might be a symptom of one of your discs slipping out of your vertebral column. A common indicator of this is when your gait is stooped and crooked (tending to one side), which happens because your spine is unable to bear weight on one side. The severe muscle weakness caused due to increased pressure on the nerves leads to muscle weakness and a condition called foot drop, which makes you drag your feet when you walk. Another reason could be sciatica or obesity.
Treatment: If you are going through severe pain, altered sensation in the legs, motor weakness, difficulty in walking with or without back pain then you must visit your doctor.
4: If you have headache and dizziness
Cause: As people over the globe have become increasingly dependent on electronic gadgets, back pain has become a common problem. Habits like pinning the phone between your shoulder and ear while you multitask is an instinctive move and it puts a lot of pressure on your neck. Poor posture especially when who bend your head forward to use your phone leads to the degeneration of the upper cervical spine - both these are the most common causes for mechanical headache and dizziness. Apart from that dizziness could also be due to various other conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (disorder arising in the inner ear), low blood pressure etc.
Treatment: Visiting a physical therapist is a must if you get headaches and dizziness to find out whether it is mechanical or non-mechanical.
5: Upper back pain
Cause: Upper back pain can develop due to poor posture, chronic muscle tension and degenerative spine in the elderly. Poor posture is a common cause of upper back pain, particularly if you sit in front of a computer all day. Upper back pain may also develop from an unrelated condition like acid reflux or cardiac issues. This can also be due to muscular irritation (myofascial pain) or joint dysfunction.
Treatment: Taking breaks from your desk at regular intervals and stretching is important in order to address the pain.
http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-To-Decode-Back-Pain&id=9168089
Pain Relief During Pregnancy: A Necessity Rather Than a Luxury
By Elinor Johnston
Congratulations! You're pregnant! In between planning all the exciting times ahead and satisfying those notorious pregnancy cravings, you will likely experience a level of discomfort you may not be prepared for. Pain relief during pregnancy is more than a luxury-it is an absolute necessity for the health of you AND your baby.
Your life is about to change completely. Your body is overwhelmed with hormones, and you are struggling to adapt to a newly expanding body. But the good news is, there is help! Prenatal massage therapy can not only reduce any pain you're experiencing, it can also be a lifesaver for you and your growing baby.
Let's admit it. Massages feel good! But in addition to an overall sense of calm and well being, prenatal massage therapy can help reduce sciatic pain-a common source of physical discomfort in those who are expecting. Wouldn't you like to treat yourself to some much needed relief?
Say Goodbye to the Aches of Pregnancy and Hello to Pain Relief
Your sciatic nerve starts at your lower back and winds its way down through the back of your legs and into the feet. With sciatica, the pressure and inflammation of the lower back can leave women, especially pregnant women, in such intense pain that they actually become immobilized. Imagine the feeling of walking on pins and needles, numbness and intense bouts of pain. That's sciatic pain. Now, let's try to avoid that! Prenatal massage therapy has been proven to assist in relieving this pain and it's time you gave it a try.
Wait... There's More
While sciatic pain is one of the most frequently complained about pregnancy-related conditions, there are a number of other problem areas for pregnant women. Prenatal massage therapy has been shown to provide significant pain relief from all of the following conditions:
• Back pain: Weight gain, posture changes, hormone fluctuations, muscle imbalance, and stress can all cause back pain in pregnant women. Your body is adjusting to significant changes, and often the effects are felt in your lower and mid back.
• Neck and Shoulder Strain: As with back pain, neck and shoulder related pains are often a result of changes to a woman's posture while expecting. Not only can a massage therapist provide relief from these pains, they can also offer valuable advice on how to adjust your posture to alleviate pain.
• Edema: Otherwise known as ankle swelling, edema can be the result of water retention and increased pressure on a woman's veins. Prenatal massages can help relieve pressure from the veins while helping fluid travel more effectively through your body, assisting with fluid retention and swelling.
Wouldn't You Like to Fight Pain with a Relaxing Massage?
Prenatal massage therapy requires special training, an understanding of your growing fetus and a familiarity with the unique characteristics and needs of a pregnant woman's body. Make sure that you visit someone who understands the proper positioning of the body, the risks associated with pressure application on certain body parts and the common discomfort that come along with being pregnant. And most importantly, make sure they know what your body needs to feel better.
Your prenatal massage therapist will start with a background interview about your health and pregnancy before treatment. They should work from head to toe to regulate blood flow, align your systems and relieve the pressure on your lower back. By the end of your session, you should feel a marked difference in pain levels-and a whole lot more relaxed.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Pain-Relief-During-Pregnancy:-A-Necessity-Rather-Than-a-Luxury&id=9137541
Congratulations! You're pregnant! In between planning all the exciting times ahead and satisfying those notorious pregnancy cravings, you will likely experience a level of discomfort you may not be prepared for. Pain relief during pregnancy is more than a luxury-it is an absolute necessity for the health of you AND your baby.
Your life is about to change completely. Your body is overwhelmed with hormones, and you are struggling to adapt to a newly expanding body. But the good news is, there is help! Prenatal massage therapy can not only reduce any pain you're experiencing, it can also be a lifesaver for you and your growing baby.
Let's admit it. Massages feel good! But in addition to an overall sense of calm and well being, prenatal massage therapy can help reduce sciatic pain-a common source of physical discomfort in those who are expecting. Wouldn't you like to treat yourself to some much needed relief?
Say Goodbye to the Aches of Pregnancy and Hello to Pain Relief
Your sciatic nerve starts at your lower back and winds its way down through the back of your legs and into the feet. With sciatica, the pressure and inflammation of the lower back can leave women, especially pregnant women, in such intense pain that they actually become immobilized. Imagine the feeling of walking on pins and needles, numbness and intense bouts of pain. That's sciatic pain. Now, let's try to avoid that! Prenatal massage therapy has been proven to assist in relieving this pain and it's time you gave it a try.
Wait... There's More
While sciatic pain is one of the most frequently complained about pregnancy-related conditions, there are a number of other problem areas for pregnant women. Prenatal massage therapy has been shown to provide significant pain relief from all of the following conditions:
• Back pain: Weight gain, posture changes, hormone fluctuations, muscle imbalance, and stress can all cause back pain in pregnant women. Your body is adjusting to significant changes, and often the effects are felt in your lower and mid back.
• Neck and Shoulder Strain: As with back pain, neck and shoulder related pains are often a result of changes to a woman's posture while expecting. Not only can a massage therapist provide relief from these pains, they can also offer valuable advice on how to adjust your posture to alleviate pain.
• Edema: Otherwise known as ankle swelling, edema can be the result of water retention and increased pressure on a woman's veins. Prenatal massages can help relieve pressure from the veins while helping fluid travel more effectively through your body, assisting with fluid retention and swelling.
Wouldn't You Like to Fight Pain with a Relaxing Massage?
Prenatal massage therapy requires special training, an understanding of your growing fetus and a familiarity with the unique characteristics and needs of a pregnant woman's body. Make sure that you visit someone who understands the proper positioning of the body, the risks associated with pressure application on certain body parts and the common discomfort that come along with being pregnant. And most importantly, make sure they know what your body needs to feel better.
Your prenatal massage therapist will start with a background interview about your health and pregnancy before treatment. They should work from head to toe to regulate blood flow, align your systems and relieve the pressure on your lower back. By the end of your session, you should feel a marked difference in pain levels-and a whole lot more relaxed.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Pain-Relief-During-Pregnancy:-A-Necessity-Rather-Than-a-Luxury&id=9137541
Wednesday, 19 August 2015
Lower Back Pain: Knowing The Causes And Preventive Measures Is Important
By Juanita Swindell
Knowing what causes lower back pain and what you can do to prevent it is the best way to deal with this common health complaint. This article addresses both of these aspects.
Why do People Suffer from Lower Back Pain?
One of the most common causes of this health problem is injury or wear and tear of the discs in your spine. When this happens, the weight of the upper part of your back becomes too much for your lower back to handle and it can cause you chronic pain or sudden, acute pain.
Common reasons include:
• Ruptured or bulging discs which put more pressure on the nerves
• Arthritis which leads to problems in the joints that is located in the hands, hips, lower back and knees
• Sciatica that is caused by a herniated disc which presses on the nerve
• Osteoporosis which makes the bones brittle and can lead to fractures
• Strain to the muscles or ligaments due to lifting of heavy objects
• Muscle spasms
• Infections to the spinal region, cancer and other conditions such as shingles
There are also a number of risks that could lead to a problem with your spine. These factors include but are not limited to extra stress, anxiety, depression, smoking, obesity, age, a sedentary lifestyle and strenuous physical work.
Lower Back Pain and your Genes
The difference between you suffering from this condition and your friend not suffering from it could often lie in your genes. For example, if you take an MRI of twins who have completely different lifestyles, where one does a lot more physical work than the other, you will still often see that their bodies are almost identical. This means that if you suffer from chronic pain in your lower back region, there is a strong possibility that you have inherited the tendency to suffer from this problem.
Effective Preventive Measures
The main way to prevent pain in your lower back is to exercise. If you exercise regularly, your body weight will decrease and you will also build up your strength. Low impact exercises are often suggested for people who suffer from back problems so as to cause the least amount of strain to their back. Exercises that aim to improve flexibility and strengthen your core are usually suggested but it is better to ask your doctor before starting an exercise plan.
Another thing you should do is check your posture. Always ensure that your pelvis is in a neutral position when you are standing. Stand straight with your legs straight and your weight distributed evenly so that you are properly balanced. You should also start sitting straight and make a conscious effort to maintain a good posture.
Other things you should do to prevent pain include maintaining a good body weight and quitting smoking.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Lower-Back-Pain:-Knowing-The-Causes-And-Preventive-Measures-Is-Important&id=9126804
Knowing what causes lower back pain and what you can do to prevent it is the best way to deal with this common health complaint. This article addresses both of these aspects.
Why do People Suffer from Lower Back Pain?
One of the most common causes of this health problem is injury or wear and tear of the discs in your spine. When this happens, the weight of the upper part of your back becomes too much for your lower back to handle and it can cause you chronic pain or sudden, acute pain.
Common reasons include:
• Ruptured or bulging discs which put more pressure on the nerves
• Arthritis which leads to problems in the joints that is located in the hands, hips, lower back and knees
• Sciatica that is caused by a herniated disc which presses on the nerve
• Osteoporosis which makes the bones brittle and can lead to fractures
• Strain to the muscles or ligaments due to lifting of heavy objects
• Muscle spasms
• Infections to the spinal region, cancer and other conditions such as shingles
There are also a number of risks that could lead to a problem with your spine. These factors include but are not limited to extra stress, anxiety, depression, smoking, obesity, age, a sedentary lifestyle and strenuous physical work.
Lower Back Pain and your Genes
The difference between you suffering from this condition and your friend not suffering from it could often lie in your genes. For example, if you take an MRI of twins who have completely different lifestyles, where one does a lot more physical work than the other, you will still often see that their bodies are almost identical. This means that if you suffer from chronic pain in your lower back region, there is a strong possibility that you have inherited the tendency to suffer from this problem.
Effective Preventive Measures
The main way to prevent pain in your lower back is to exercise. If you exercise regularly, your body weight will decrease and you will also build up your strength. Low impact exercises are often suggested for people who suffer from back problems so as to cause the least amount of strain to their back. Exercises that aim to improve flexibility and strengthen your core are usually suggested but it is better to ask your doctor before starting an exercise plan.
Another thing you should do is check your posture. Always ensure that your pelvis is in a neutral position when you are standing. Stand straight with your legs straight and your weight distributed evenly so that you are properly balanced. You should also start sitting straight and make a conscious effort to maintain a good posture.
Other things you should do to prevent pain include maintaining a good body weight and quitting smoking.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Lower-Back-Pain:-Knowing-The-Causes-And-Preventive-Measures-Is-Important&id=9126804
Monday, 10 August 2015
Spinal Stenosis Is Most Common in Men and Women Over 50 Years of Age
By Ziakhn Kahn
This disorder usually involves the narrowing of one or more of three areas of the spine:
The narrowing may involve a small or large area of the spine. Pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord (back area) or on nerve roots branching out from that area may give rise to pain or numbness in the legs. Pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord ( neck area) may produce similar symptoms in the shoulders, or even the legs.
Spinal stenosis is most common in men and women over 50 years of age. However, it may occur in younger people who are born with a narrowing of the spinal canal or who suffer an injury to the spine.
The normal vertebral canal provides adequate room for the spinal cord and cauda equina. Narrowing of the canal, which causes spinal stenosis, may be inherited or acquired. Some people inherit a small spinal canal or have a curvature of the spine (scoliosis) that produces pressure on nerves and soft tissue and compresses or stretches ligaments.
Acquired conditions of Spinal stenosis
Degenerative Conditions: Spinal stenosis most often results from a gradual, degenerative aging process. Either structural changes or inflammation can begin the process. As people age, the ligaments of the spine may thicken and calcify (harden from deposits of calcium salts). Bones and joints may also enlarge: when surfaces of the bone begin to project out from the body, these projections are called osteophytes (bone spurs).
When the health of one part of the spine fails, it usually places increased stress on other parts of the spine. For example, a herniated (bulging) disk may place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root. When a segment of the spine becomes too mobile, the capsules of the facet joints thicken in an effort to stabilize the segment, and bone spurs may occur. This decreases the space (neural foramen) available for nerve roots leaving the spinal cord.
Spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one vertebra slips forward on another, may result from a degenerative condition or an accident, or, very rarely, may be acquired at birth. Poor alignment of the spinal column when a vertebra slips forward onto the one below it can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots at that place.
Aging with secondary changes is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. Two forms of arthritis that may affect the spine are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is more likely to occur in middle-aged and older people. It is a chronic, degenerative process that may involve multiple joints of the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects people at an earlier age than osteoarthritis does and is associated with inflammation and enlargement of the soft tissues (the synovium) of the joints
Other Acquired Conditions
Tumors of the spine: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament occurs when calcium deposits form on the ligament that runs up and down behind the spine and inside the spinal canal. These deposits turn the fibrous tissue of the ligament into bone. (Ossification means "forming bone.") These deposits may press on the nerves in the spinal canal.
Spinal stenosis Symptoms: The space within the spinal canal may narrow without producing any symptoms. However, if narrowing places pressure on the spinal cord, cauda equina, or nerve roots, there may be a slow onset and progression of Spinal stenosis symptoms. The neck or back may or may not hurt. More often, people experience numbness, weakness, cramping, or general pain in the arms or legs. If the narrowed space within the spine is pushing on a nerve root, people may feel pain radiating down the leg (sciatica). Sitting or flexing the lower back should relieve symptoms. (The flexed position "opens up" the spinal column, enlarging the spaces between vertebrae at the back of the spine.).
People with more severe lumbar stenosis may have problems with bowel and bladder function and foot disorders. For example, cauda equina syndrome is a severe, and very rare, form of spinal stenosis. It occurs because of compression of the cauda equina, and symptoms may include loss of control of the bowel, bladder, or sexual function and/or pain, weakness, or loss of feeling in one or both legs. Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition requiring urgent medical attention.
Spinal stenosis Diagnosis
Medical history: A complete medical background check has to be conducted to rule out or identify if any other medical conditions is causing the pain. The history taking helps the treating doctor understand if the patient is suffering from any recurring health problems or has taken any past treatments and surgeries etc.
Physical examination: After taking your history, the Spine consultant will give you a physical examination to rule out possible causes of pain and try to determine the source of your back problem. A series of examinations along with a DSA test will be conducted to assess the Motion of Spine and Neck, Weakness of spinal muscles, Sensory and Motor Skills
Diagnostic Tests: After forming an opinion on the cause of the patient's pain, a diagnostic test may be required to confirm the disc problem and/or to gain additional information, such as the location of a herniated disc and impinged nerve roots. Diagnostic tests may include:
DSA: If the spinal stenosis is a soft tissue stenosis due to a slipped disc a DSA helps identify the root cause of the disc bulge causing this stenosis.
X-Ray: An X-ray helps diagnose a bony spinal stenosis and the degree to which the disc has slipped. It's not possible to diagnose a herniated disc with this test alone.
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides a sensitive and accurate assessment of the spinal nerves and anatomy, including disc alignment, height, hydration and configuration.
Treatment
Spinal Stenosis is a back problem that progresses slowly. Hence a conservative and non-surgical treatment approach should be the first step in treating spinal stenosis. While most back problems do not require a surgery; if the condition is acute, a surgery may be required.
Non-surgical treatment for Spinal stenosis
http://ezinearticles.com/?Spinal-Stenosis-Is-Most-Common-in-Men-and-Women-Over-50-Years-of-Age&id=9114029
This disorder usually involves the narrowing of one or more of three areas of the spine:
- The canal in the center of the column of bones (vertebral or spinal column) through which the spinal cord and nerve roots run
- The canals at the base or roots of nerves branching out from the spinal cord
- The openings between vertebrae through which nerves leave the spine and go to other parts of the body.
The narrowing may involve a small or large area of the spine. Pressure on the lower part of the spinal cord (back area) or on nerve roots branching out from that area may give rise to pain or numbness in the legs. Pressure on the upper part of the spinal cord ( neck area) may produce similar symptoms in the shoulders, or even the legs.
Spinal stenosis is most common in men and women over 50 years of age. However, it may occur in younger people who are born with a narrowing of the spinal canal or who suffer an injury to the spine.
The normal vertebral canal provides adequate room for the spinal cord and cauda equina. Narrowing of the canal, which causes spinal stenosis, may be inherited or acquired. Some people inherit a small spinal canal or have a curvature of the spine (scoliosis) that produces pressure on nerves and soft tissue and compresses or stretches ligaments.
Acquired conditions of Spinal stenosis
Degenerative Conditions: Spinal stenosis most often results from a gradual, degenerative aging process. Either structural changes or inflammation can begin the process. As people age, the ligaments of the spine may thicken and calcify (harden from deposits of calcium salts). Bones and joints may also enlarge: when surfaces of the bone begin to project out from the body, these projections are called osteophytes (bone spurs).
When the health of one part of the spine fails, it usually places increased stress on other parts of the spine. For example, a herniated (bulging) disk may place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve root. When a segment of the spine becomes too mobile, the capsules of the facet joints thicken in an effort to stabilize the segment, and bone spurs may occur. This decreases the space (neural foramen) available for nerve roots leaving the spinal cord.
Spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one vertebra slips forward on another, may result from a degenerative condition or an accident, or, very rarely, may be acquired at birth. Poor alignment of the spinal column when a vertebra slips forward onto the one below it can place pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots at that place.
Aging with secondary changes is the most common cause of spinal stenosis. Two forms of arthritis that may affect the spine are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is more likely to occur in middle-aged and older people. It is a chronic, degenerative process that may involve multiple joints of the body.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects people at an earlier age than osteoarthritis does and is associated with inflammation and enlargement of the soft tissues (the synovium) of the joints
Other Acquired Conditions
Tumors of the spine: Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament occurs when calcium deposits form on the ligament that runs up and down behind the spine and inside the spinal canal. These deposits turn the fibrous tissue of the ligament into bone. (Ossification means "forming bone.") These deposits may press on the nerves in the spinal canal.
Spinal stenosis Symptoms: The space within the spinal canal may narrow without producing any symptoms. However, if narrowing places pressure on the spinal cord, cauda equina, or nerve roots, there may be a slow onset and progression of Spinal stenosis symptoms. The neck or back may or may not hurt. More often, people experience numbness, weakness, cramping, or general pain in the arms or legs. If the narrowed space within the spine is pushing on a nerve root, people may feel pain radiating down the leg (sciatica). Sitting or flexing the lower back should relieve symptoms. (The flexed position "opens up" the spinal column, enlarging the spaces between vertebrae at the back of the spine.).
People with more severe lumbar stenosis may have problems with bowel and bladder function and foot disorders. For example, cauda equina syndrome is a severe, and very rare, form of spinal stenosis. It occurs because of compression of the cauda equina, and symptoms may include loss of control of the bowel, bladder, or sexual function and/or pain, weakness, or loss of feeling in one or both legs. Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition requiring urgent medical attention.
Spinal stenosis Diagnosis
Medical history: A complete medical background check has to be conducted to rule out or identify if any other medical conditions is causing the pain. The history taking helps the treating doctor understand if the patient is suffering from any recurring health problems or has taken any past treatments and surgeries etc.
Physical examination: After taking your history, the Spine consultant will give you a physical examination to rule out possible causes of pain and try to determine the source of your back problem. A series of examinations along with a DSA test will be conducted to assess the Motion of Spine and Neck, Weakness of spinal muscles, Sensory and Motor Skills
Diagnostic Tests: After forming an opinion on the cause of the patient's pain, a diagnostic test may be required to confirm the disc problem and/or to gain additional information, such as the location of a herniated disc and impinged nerve roots. Diagnostic tests may include:
DSA: If the spinal stenosis is a soft tissue stenosis due to a slipped disc a DSA helps identify the root cause of the disc bulge causing this stenosis.
X-Ray: An X-ray helps diagnose a bony spinal stenosis and the degree to which the disc has slipped. It's not possible to diagnose a herniated disc with this test alone.
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides a sensitive and accurate assessment of the spinal nerves and anatomy, including disc alignment, height, hydration and configuration.
Treatment
Spinal Stenosis is a back problem that progresses slowly. Hence a conservative and non-surgical treatment approach should be the first step in treating spinal stenosis. While most back problems do not require a surgery; if the condition is acute, a surgery may be required.
Non-surgical treatment for Spinal stenosis
- Education about the course of the condition and how to relieve symptoms
- Medicines to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy, to provide education, instruction, and support for self-care; physical therapy instructs on stretching and strength exercises that may lead to a decrease in pain and other symptoms.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Spinal-Stenosis-Is-Most-Common-in-Men-and-Women-Over-50-Years-of-Age&id=9114029
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