******************ARTICLE #1*******************
Chronic Back Pain: The Best Approach for Tolerability and
Treatment
Managing chronic back pain effectively can have both physical and emotional
advantages. The emotional side of handling chronic pain may include anxiety,
anger, depression, and the fear of re-injuring yourself, which may ultimately
hamper your ability to enjoy certain activities or return to work.
The emotional toll of enduring chronic pain may result in actually making the pain
worse. Fatigue, irritation, despair, and stress can all interrelate with chronic pain in
such a way that it diminishes the body's normal production of innate painkillers.
Furthermore, these pessimistic emotions may ultimately boost the substance levels
that increase your awareness of pain, producing a hopeless cycle of pain.
It is crucial to get the help you need if you are suffering from chronic back pain.
There are a number of useful treatments available to effectively relieve pain in
order to get your life back and start living the way you used to - pain free.
Generally, there are two different kinds of chronic pain problems:
1. Chronic pain due to a previous injury
2. Chronic pain due to an unidentifiable source
Successfully Managing Chronic Back Pain
The best approach for managing chronic pain is to look at a person's emotional,
physical, and mental requirements. Positive treatment requires selecting a wellness
plan that will last throughout your lifetime. Some of these may include:
-
Physical Therapy
Physician Services
Occupational Therapy
Psychological Counseling
If you struggle with chronic pain issues, the best thing to do is to make an
appointment with your doctor and get treatment. Also, there are other actions you
can take right now that will make tolerating chronic pain somewhat more bearable.
- Establish small goals for yourself without overdoing it; learn how to pace yourself
- Relax physically and mentally by performing deep breathing techniques and/or
meditation
- Keep an open and positive mindset; engage yourself in positive self-talk and
encouraging thought patterns
- Understand your medications, including both positive and negative side effects. If
a certain medication is losing or lost its effectiveness, ask your doctor about
switching to one that may work better for you
- Schedule-in times for relaxation, rest, and exercise throughout your day
- Stop smoking. Cigarettes can hinder the body's natural ability to heal. Also, they
are recognized as a potential risk factor in the development of several diseases;
one of which may include degenerative disc disease - a primary cause for lower
back pain
- Reduce or stop alcohol consumption. Pain frequently disturbs sound sleep and
alcohol can disrupt it even further
- Join a support group that offers helpful advice on managing chronic pain
Pain management may employ a wide variety of useful techniques to effectively
deal with chronic painful disorders. The fundamental basis for these particular
approaches range from those that are entirely without scientific foundations to
those whose successes have been well documented in clinical trials; however, all
seem to incorporate some degree of effectiveness.
Connect to Others who Suffer with Chronic Pain
Several people feel somewhat better when they can relate to others who are going
through similar ordeals. If you don't have someone you can adequately relay your
specific physical and emotional challenges to, consider connecting online via
message boards to those who can best relate to your condition. Although it may not
eliminate your physical pain, it can do wonders for emotional state of mind. Other
people in similar circumstances may offer useful insights or share their experiences
to ease your burden of enduring chronic back pain.
******************ARTICLE #2*******************
Back Pain: When You Should Worry and What To Do
Most everyone will complain of back pain at least once in their lifetime. It is one of
the top ten reasons people call-off work or visit the doctor.
On a better note, you can take action to either prevent or lessen most bouts of
back pain. If all else fails, easy at-home treatments and appropriate body
applications will usually heal your backache within a couple of weeks, and keep it in
top-working order for a good long while. Fortunately, surgery is hardly ever
required to cure an aching back.
Symptoms of Back Pain
-
Acute stabbing or shooting pain
Incapability to stand fully erect
Pain radiating down one or both legs
Achy muscles on or near the back
Partial range of motion and/or limited flexibility of the back
Causes of Back Pain
Backache pain typically develops without an exact cause that your doctor can
detect with an imaging study or standard test. Disorders generally associated with
pain in the back include:
- Arthritis
Osteoarthritis may have an effect on the lower back. Sometimes, arthritis in the
spine may result in a shrinking of the space surrounding the spinal cord - a disorder
known as spinal stenosis.
- Osteoporosis
If the bones become brittle and porous, compression fractures of the spine's
vertebrae may result.
- Ligament or Muscle Stress
An unexpected awkward movement or a constant heavy lifting motion may cause
undue tension in the spinal ligaments and/or back muscles. Physically unfit people
may suffer from painful muscle spasms due to constant strain on the back.
- Abnormal Skeletal Structure
Pain may occur in the back if the spine abnormally curves. Scoliosis is a disorder
where the spine curves to one side or the other. It may result in chronic pain, but
usually only in severe cases.
- Ruptured or Bulging Disks
Disks are literally cushions between each vertebrae of the spine. Occasionally, the
soft matter within a disk may rupture or bulge out of alignment and push on a
nerve. However, if an X-ray illustrates the presence of a ruptured or bulging disk, it
doesn't automatically equal pain. Disk disease is quite often discovered by accident;
several people who do not suffer from back pain end up learning they have a
ruptured or bulging disk found in an X-ray that was performed for an entirely
different reason.
Risk Factors
Virtually anyone can develop back pain including young children and teenagers.
Although constant heavy lifting, lack of exercise, and excess weight are frequently
blamed for backaches, research has not yet definitively proved any of these causes.
When You Should Call a Doctor
In some instances, an intense backache can be a forewarning to a more serious
condition. In such cases, you should seek medical attention when:
-
Acute or chronic pain follows a fall or other injury to the back
New bladder or bowel issues arise along with a backache
Pain is associated with a fever or pulsating (throbbing) pain in the abdomen area
Pain is unrelenting or severe, especially when you lie down or at nightfall
Pain is present along with unexplainable weight loss
Pain occurs with redness or swelling in the back area
Pain extends down both or just one leg; especially if it spreads beyond the knee
Pain produces tingling, numbness, or general weakness in both or just one leg
Note: Visit a doctor if you are over the age of 50 and experiencing back pain for the
first time; or have a history of steroid use, osteoporosis, cancer, or alcohol and/or
drug addiction.
Relieve Your Pain Prior to Visiting Your Doctor
In the meantime before your visit your doctor, you may find relief from pain by
applying heat to your affected area by using a heating pad or taking a hot bath.
Applying a cold gel pack or ice can additionally provide relief. Find which one works
best for you.
Unless your daily routine requires heavy lifting, try to maintain your regular
activities/schedule as much as possible. If a certain task intensifies your pain,
immediately stop what you are doing and rest.
******************ARTICLE #3*******************
Top Techniques to Follow to Ensure Back Pain Relief
A variety of activities can induce a backache such as sitting at a desk too long,
lifting something too heavy, or getting a bit carried away while swinging a golf club.
Nonetheless, you may now be experiencing back pain and wishing for something,
simply anything that will bring about immediate back pain relief.
Nearly everyone suffers from a backache during some point in their life. On the
downside, it's likely your doctor will be unable to help you other than providing
some prescription pain medication and recommending rest. On the other hand, you
should be back on your feet relatively quickly and feeling better by following a few
simple steps. What's more, you can ensure you won't end up feeling similar pain in
the future.
How to Improve Your Back Pain Now and in the Future
As previously stated, almost everyone will experience a painful backache someday.
For most people, their injury may be caused by a demanding activity such as lifting
weights or excessive stooping in the garden. Others may simply bend over to pick
up something off the floor and without warning - their back goes out.
Here are some helpful ways to effectively generate back pain relief:
1. Be Aware of Your Posture
Pressure on the back can be intensified by as much as 50% just by incorrectly
bending over the sink while brushing your teeth. Maintaining the correct amount of
back curvature removes the pressure from the nerves and ultimately diminishes
back pain.
2. Develop Your Flexibility
Built-up tension and stiffness may produce an unnecessary backache. By increasing
your flexibility, it will equalize your weight throughout your body starting at your
feet all the way to your head.
Practice sitting on the edge of your bed while extending one leg out in front of you
and placing the other on the floor. While positioning your back in a neutral pose,
stretch out your hamstrings by slowly leaning forward.
3. Exercise Routinely
Physical action is frequently the best solution for back pain. An exercise as simple
as walking can be very beneficial. Putting your body in an upright position from a
sitting one is the first step to helping the back.
4. Strengthen Your Core Muscles
Doctors agree that most people would greatly benefit and probably eliminate the
majority of their back pain by building strong core muscles. When the abdominals
are weak, it's up to the other areas of the body to pick up the slack. As the core
muscles increase in strength, the stress on the lower back is often reduced.
5. Restrict Your Amount of Bed Rest
When your lower back is injured, it's easy to want to spend more time in bed and
simply rest. However, studies prove that people with temporary back pain who rest
too much actually experience more pain and have a difficult time performing
everyday chores than people who remain active.
6. Apply Heat and Ice
Heating pads and cold gel packs can tremendously soothe tender torsos. Many
doctors suggest applying ice for the initial 48 hours following an injury (especially if
it's swollen), and then switch to a heat application.
Incorporating some or all of these helpful techniques into your lifestyle will increase
the probability of maintaining a strong and pain-free back.
******************ARTICLE #4*******************
Major Physical Signs of Lower Back Pain
If you visit your doctor seeking lower back pain relief, they will likely ask you about
your medical history along with the nature of the work you perform, your hobbies,
and your general activities. This will give your doctor somewhat of a picture as to
how the pain first began. A complete physical exam will typically follow.
Your age is also a contributing factor regarding the diagnosis of your back pain.
People over the age of 50 years tend to suffer with back pain due to certain lifestyle
issues including obesity, sedentary activities, and smoking. Those under 50 years of
age are likely to sustain an injury relative to physical strain at work, while people
40 - 49 are more inclined to develop back pain due to sleep disorders or mental
stress.
Top Five Physical Signs of Stressful Back Pain
1. Inflammation
Back pain with inflammation poses symptoms that frequently come and go, feel
different depending on the time of day, and are connected with pain in other areas
including upper limbs, hips, and fingers.
2. Tumor
A tumor may be a good indicator of back pain. Apart from the back pain itself,
correlating symptoms may include weight loss, general discomfort, vaginal
bleeding, or gynecological cancers.
3. Weakness and Numbness
Weakness, numbness, and other acute symptoms may result due to serious back
pain problems.
4. Infection
Infection associated with back pain includes symptoms such as fever and chills,
appetite changes, and night sweats.
5. Trauma
Severe trauma resulting from a serious accident or injury is a strong indicator of
back pain.
Diagnostic Testing for Back Pain
If both your medical history and physical exam do not clearly show the reason for
your back pain, your doctor may perform a variety of diagnostic tests in order to
find the cause. Some of these may include:
- X-rays
X-rays identify bone problems and any arthritis if present.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagery)
An MRI is a unique radiology procedure designed to reveal the body's internal
structures in order to illustrate any problems regarding soft tissues, bones, and
blood vessels.
- CT (Computed Tomography)
A diagnostic device used to present views of internal structures of the body using
X-rays.
- Nerve Blocks
A nerve block is a numbing agent or injectable anesthetic incorporated directly
close to a nerve in order to block pain. It allows the doctors to determine the origin
of the pain.
- Bone Scans
A procedure that utilizes a tiny measure of radioactive matter to produce bone
images onto film or a computer screen. Although rarely used, this technique is able
to identify compression fractures and bone tumors associated with osteoporosis.
The Mind-Body Connection of Diagnosing Back Pain
Not every doctor assumes that lower back pain is entirely due to a physical cause.
Lower back pain has sometimes been defined as a psychosomatic illness.
Psychosomatic implies that the physical signs of back pain may be influenced or
caused by certain thoughts or feelings.
The idea here is that it doesn't really matter where your pain symptoms originated
from, help is indeed available. Visit your doctor to discuss your lower back pain
symptoms and what may be causing your pain. Work with your doctor to devise a
plan that will best suit your circumstances and relieve your pain as quickly as
possible.
******************ARTICLE #5*******************
Exercise for Back Pain: The Dos and Don'ts
Letting back pain stop you from doing the activities you most enjoy is no way to
live. In truth, adding exercise to your daily routine will actually discourage back
pain since it strengthens the core muscles of the body. Exercise for back pain could
essentially prevent your back from ever hurting again.
Exercising regularly along with living a healthy lifestyle can possibly counteract
some of the harm that produces back pain. Negative factors such as smoking, poor
muscle tone, excess weight, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to a weak back
and chronic pain.
Playing It Safe: Follow These Exercises To Avoid Back Pain
There are many exercises and activities that you can integrate into your daily
exercise routine that will keep you fit and healthy while still offering protection for
your back and provide relief from tension at the same time. Keep in mind to always
properly warm up and take it slow when introducing a new exercise to your body.
Here are a few ideas:
- Use an Exercise Ball
Several people find that performing exercises with an exercise ball is an effective
tool when it comes to training the core muscles of the body. Exercising your upper
body parts with free weights while sitting on an exercise ball is a wonderful option.
The innate unsteadiness of sitting on the exercise ball stimulates more muscle
tissue.
- Low Impact Activities and Sports
Try to do activities and sports that present a low risk factor of injury or impact and
do not jerk the back. These may include elliptical trainers, biking, swimming, or
simply walking.
Exercises To Avoid If You Are Experiencing Back Pain
It's not critical to avoid exercise altogether if you have back pain. However, you
should be aware that certain sports or activities are not safe to perform once your
back has already been hurt.
- High Impact Sports
Try to avoid any sports that may induce stress or cause an unexpected blow to your
back. Any sports that involve jumping or twisting such as football, snow-based
sports, soccer, weight lifting, or volleyball should be avoided - at least for now.
Other activities that may jerk the back such as trampoline jumping or rollerblading
should be put on hold as well.
- Certain Stretches
Do not perform any stretches and/or exercises that require you to raise your legs
while keeping them straight, arching your back, twisting your hips, or touching your
toes. Also, avoid sit-ups or crunches since they put a significant amount of strain on
the back.
Warning Signals You've Overdone It
Be fully aware of what your body is telling you and listen to it. You should feel good
both inside and out after exercising if done correctly. That's not to say you won't be
somewhat tired and sore. However, if you are not able to stand up straight, sleep
well at night, or must alter the way you sit or stand; you've done too much and
overdid it. Over-exercising may essentially be counterproductive to not only your
back, but to your overall health.
The best way to figure out if your pain stems from a good workout or from
overdoing it, is whether or not you are still hurting while resting. It's typical for
vigorously exercised muscle tissue to feel somewhat stiff and sore; however, this
should disappear within a couple of days. If it doesn't, it's likely you went a bit
overboard in terms of exercising.
In the long run, exercise for back pain will improve the integrity of your core
muscles along with your general health. Assess your current condition, make a
plan, and get started today.