Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Help! My Low Back Pain and Sciatica Are Killing Me!


The pain in your low back drops you to your knees again. All you did was bend over to pick up the pen you dropped on the floor. This time is different, though. It's worse than it's been in the past. This time you feel pain shoot down the back of your leg. A white-hot dagger is stabbing you in the rear end and you feel numbness and tingling in your leg, perhaps all the way down to your foot. You can't straighten up to walk and you are limping along like you've been shot. You remain still and pray the pain goes away...but it doesn't go away. In fact, it's getting worse. Your thoughts come in rapid-fire succession, "what is happening to me, what should I do, who do I call, should I go to the emergency room, will I need surgery?" Good questions.

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, chances are you have a herniated disc in your lower back, one of the causes of mechanical back pain. The swelling from inflammation or the disc itself can cause an impingement or "pinching" of the spinal nerve root. The lower lumbar nerve roots eventually form the sciatic nerve in your leg. Inflammation of this nerve is commonly known as sciatica. "Mechanical low back pain is one of the most common patient complaints expressed to emergency physicians in the United States accounting for more than 6 million cases annually. Approximately two-thirds of adults are affected by mechanical low back pain at some point in their lives, making it the second most common complaint in ambulatory medicine and the third most expensive disorder in terms of health care dollars spent, surpassed only by cancer and heart disease." 1

But just because you have these symptoms, doesn't necessarily mean that you need to rush to the surgeon. According to a landmark study published in the medical journal Spine, "an operation should not be performed if other treatment will give equivalent results within an acceptable period of time...the patient with low back pain and sciatica should not automatically be referred to the surgeon." 2 If that's the case, then what are some of your other options? If you are like most people, the first place you will think to visit will be your family doctor's office (or an emergency room, if you are really in a panic). Traditionally, medical doctors will prescribe medications, such as pain killers, muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories or any combination of these. There are three problems with taking medication, if this is all that is done.


  1. Medication only treats the symptoms.

  2. Medication only provides temporary relief.

  3. Medication has many unhealthy side-effects. Take the time to read the warning insert with any of these medications and you will know what I'm talking about.

By contrast, chiropractic care has been shown to be more effective in treating chronic low back pain than traditional medical care. In one study published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), it concluded that "...the improvement for chiropractic patients was 5 times greater [than for medical patients]. Patients with chronic low-back pain treated by chiropractors show greater improvement and satisfaction at 1 month than patients treated by family physicians." 3

Are there times when surgery is necessary? The answer is, most definitely, yes. Absolute signs for surgical intervention are those patients with cauda equina syndrome (which is rare), in the presence of severe motor deficits resulting from a large extruded or migrated disc fragment, and in patients with intractable pain. Unless one of these conditions is present, chiropractic care for the treatment of discogenic or mild to moderate sciatic pain from intervertebral disc herniation has been proven to be safe and effective. One study shows that chiropractic treatment (in this case in the cervical spine) is 100 times safer than using Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like asprin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. 4 Another study shows patients had an 86% improvement in chronic low back pain after a course of chiropractic care. 5

As a side note, let me also say that medical care and chiropractic care are not mutually exclusive ways to treat mechanical low back pain and sciatica. In my experience, I have seen great results with the most severe cases when managing these conditions cooperatively with a patient's primary care doctor or pain management specialist. In these cases the medication is useful or necessary in order for the patient to tolerate conservative care; for example, when it is extremely difficult for the patient to move or to be moved.

Lastly, not every case of sciatica is caused by a herniated disc. A condition called piriformis syndrome can cause impingement of the sciatic nerve as it exits the pelvis. Basically, the piriformis muscle attaches at the sacrum, passes through the greater sciatic notch of the pelvis, and attaches to the top of the femur (the upper leg bone). Atheletes who participate in sports where they are sitting, such as rowing or cycling are particularly vulnerable to strains of the piriformis. Runners who overpronate are also susceptible to piriformis injury. When the muscle is injured, it causes swelling due to inflammation, which can then irritate or compress the sciatic nerve as it exits the pelvis. It is important to rule out spinal injury as the cause of sciatica, but the following video will demonstrate a stretch for the piriformis muscle. If your symptoms resolve after performing the stretch for a week or two, then you probably had piriformis syndrome and should continue this stretch as part of your daily routine to help prevent future injury. However, if you are still experiencing the same symptoms or if they intensify, seek professional help as soon as possible.


  1. Kinkade S. Evaluation and treatment of acute low back pain. Am Fam Physician. Apr 15, 2007;74(8):1181-8.

  2. Weber H. Lumbar disc herniation: a controlled prospective study with ten years of observation. Spine 1983;8:131-40.

  3. Nyiendo J, Haas M, Goodwin P. Patient characteristics, practice activities, and one-month outcomes for chronic, recurrent low-back pain treated by chiropractors and family medicine physicians: A practice-based feasibility study. JMPT 2000 May;23(4):239-245.

  4. Hurwitz EL, Aker PD, Adams AH, Meeker WC, Shekelle PG. Manipulation and mobilization of the cervical spine. A systematic review of the literature. Spine 1996 Aug 1/21(15):1746-59.

  5. Harrison DE, Cailliet R, Harrison DD, Janik TJ, Holland B. Changes in sagittal lumbar configuration with a new method of extension traction: nonrandomized clinical controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2002 Nov;83(11):1585-91.

Sitting Down All Day Can Lead To The Following Problems


Sitting All Day Can Lead To Problems

There are a lot of people suffering from lower back pain these days. Many of these people work in office settings or spend the majority of their times in the sitting position. It has been suggested that this is not the best thing for your lower back. Our muscles and other tissues are affected in a negative way when we just sit at a desk or in a car. Cramped into a small space and not able to do a whole lot of physical activity causes our muscles to shorten and get tight.

But, it's not just our muscles. The entire body slows down because of the general lack of movement. This goes for systems such as the circulatory, digestive, and even our mental abilities. When we move, it helps increase all the fluid movements in our bodies. Not only fluids, but also solid materials like those that we eat are better digested when we move around. One reason for this is that our muscles help push all the fluids and solids through our systems. When this happens, our various organs are better able to digest, metabolize, process, etc. all of this "stuff" and we feel better.

Muscles Get Tight If They Never Get A Chance To Move

Another thing happens when we sit for prolonged periods of time. Our muscles get really tight. This has an indirect effect on all the things that I was mentioning so far in this article. Having tight muscles makes it difficult to move around when we actually get the chance to do so. You may know someone who has a difficult time walking for any distance. Back pain, knee pain, ankle pain and more are frequent results of having tight muscles.

A simple remedy for this last problem is starting a basic stretching program. When done correctly and consistently, this can help to relieve many aches and pains that come along with a sedentary life or work routine. Before actually starting a stretching program it's very important to have a good understanding of how to stretch your muscles efficiently and effectively.

Your body will respond more favorably to gentle prolonged stretching. This type usually lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute in duration. You should be able to relax into the position and hold it for a period of time. Maintaining a calm breathing patterns with full respirations will also help your muscles relax and lengthen. When you focus on your breath rather than on the stretch, you less likely to "tighten up" and work against yourself.

Muscle Strains Can Lead To Lower Back Pain

Many people are unaware that many low back pain causes can be due to a number of muscles being in a shortened state. Prolonged sitting can cause your muscles to shorten. There are several lower back, pelvic, and lower extremity muscles that can contribute to these types of aches and pains.

Herniated Disc Treatment - Brace Your Lower Back For Pain Relief & Support


Are you experiencing excruciating pain in your lower back area?

Is this keeping you from doing your daily activities?

Are you barely able to move because every single motion causes you pain?

If your answers to these questions is a yes, then, it is quite possible that you are suffering from a slipped disc or what is commonly known as a herniated disc. Most people believe that whatever form of muscular or back pain they have can easily be relieved by taking pain relievers or just sleeping. But what if the pain you are feeling is the result of a serious injury or sickness that you do not know of?

The people who are afflicted with a herniated disc, or slipped disc, often think or pass the pain they are feeling as just lower back pain. But if the lower back pain you are experiencing is consistent and the pain you are feeling can no longer be treated by the pain relievers you are taking, then, it is quite possible that it is the result of a lower back injury.

Herniated discs are one of the most common and painful forms of lower back injuries. It is not easily detected by a simple x-ray or medical examination, which is why you should always make sure to consult a doctor if you are experiencing lower back pains. Only your doctor can rule out that you have a slipped disc or provide you with the proper treatment ideas if you are indeed suffering from this ailment.

The common misconception about herniated disc treatment is that it involves surgery, but surgery is only needed for severe cases wherein the neurological development or system is severely impaired. If you are suffering from a herniated disc, chances are that your doctor will be advising you to take a long break from your daily activities - especially ones that cause strain to your lower back area.

Wearing back braces is another form of treatment for people who are suffering from herniated disc. The back brace can help provide suppor to a hurt back and this can help reduce your back pain on the spot! This is something that can definitely help your lumbar spine as it is trying to recover from the herniated disc as well as help you get through your day to day activities just as though you are not suffering from back pain at all.

Back Pain - Dorn Spinal Therapy, a Revolutionary Treatment for an Old Problem


85% of people suffer from some kind of back pain, with numbers rising every year. Australians spend a staggering $9 billion/year for back pain related costs - treatments, medication, loss of productivity etc. I used to be one of them, not here in Australia, but in Germany where the problem is similar. Until I found out about a German farmer who had developed a technique called Dorn Spinal Therapy.

Having studied Natural Therapies in Germany of course I was open to alternative approaches to treat back pain. Although I must say I didn't really think of having the pain treated as it just lived with me. It wasn't anything really really bad, I just couldn't stand or walk comfortably for prolonged periods of time. And I didn't give it much attention as I knew so many other people with back problems not finding any relieve.

And just because back pain is so common many people tend to believe it is normal to have it, to live with it. Back pain is not normal, it is your body's cry for help!

Then a friend told me about this new treatment that she had experienced and with her history of back pain, being excited about a treatment must be something worthwhile taking a closer look at.
The workshop I attended showed me an easy to learn and to apply way to approach and resolve back pain, neck pain and headaches. Although I felt a bit sore and stiff after the weekend workshop it took only 3 days before I realised that my pain had gone and that I now could stand and walk without feeling my lower back aching. It took a while to sink in but I knew this was a treatment I definitely wanted to make my main focus in my work.

Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is often related to a difference in leg length. Many people have some kind of leg length difference without knowing about it or they get their shoes built up or simply inlays to balance the difference. But instead of a mechanical solution Dorn Spinal Therapy uses a manual approach by bringing the joints back into their optimal position, reconnecting them, and by doing so regulating the leg length difference. The idea behind this approach is that due to what ever we do, exercises, walking in a funny way, sitting with crossed legs, sitting in soft chairs or in cars for prolonged periods of time, the joints become "unconnected". This movement in the joints then creates a little gap in the joint which ultimately leads to different long legs. Reconnecting the joints of the longer leg with easy exercises helps in most cases, where the difference is not due to a measured bone length difference.

What happens when you walk on different long legs? The longer leg pushes against the hip and the hip consequently moves either forward, backward or up which creates an instability in the entire hip area and therefor an unstable base for the spine. This instability will lead to lower or upper back pain, even to neck pain and/or headache.

When I heard all this it made my head spin but eventually I understood the concept behind it - and found it quite simple. Just as simple as working with the technique for the leg length balancing which anyone can do. And sometimes it might just be that little movement that helps relieving back pain.

When the legs are balanced the hip sometimes will balance itself out as well. But if not there is a simple way for the practitioner to do so. And then of course there is the spine itself and the individual vertebrae that need attention. And when I felt my course buddy working along my spine I couldn't believe how many spots there were where my vertebrae were not exactly in the position they should be in - all contributing to my general back problem. Every time I felt such a sore spot, I was asked to swing my opposite leg or arm whilst my buddy massaged this deviated vertebra back into alignment. He explained me that the movement relaxes and distracts the muscles and the spine and that then it is much easier for the deviated vertebra to make its way back into the right spot. And that it could not move too far as the muscles on the opposite side were working with the movement and therefor presented a natural barrier. Seemed very logical and nearly too easy to be true. But again - reality proved the technique right and that is what in the end counts: losing pain, the easier the better.

The last part was the neck, no major problem in my case, but in many people it is a big problem and again, Dorn Spinal Therapy offers a simple and very effective approach as I could learn later in many many life cases in my own clinic.

The alignment procedure finished, we finally got to the relaxing part of the treatment which is the Breuss massage. A spinal stretch massage after the famous Dr. Breuss to nourish and relax the spine and support the manual work that had been done prior. Very nice, very relaxing and it takes off the memory of the fact that there might have been a few sore moments during the alignment treatment.

Dieter Dorn, the founder of Dorn Spinal Therapy is a very simple man and found this technique by accident when he himself suffered from a terrible back. But he didn't leave it there, he was curious enough to go ahead and find out how it worked to spread the word and make it available to more and more people, practitioners as well as non practitioners. But as successful as the treatment may be, it still is the individual that has to look after their body, take responsibility for their own wellbeing. A good posture, healthy diet, enough water, good night sleeps, exercise and emotional balance are just as important in treating back problems as the actual treatment itself. Dorn Spinal Therapy includes a number of easy to do exercises, which support the work a practitioner has done and hands back responsibility to the client. In the end we cannot fix anyone who does not take on their own part in the getting better process.

Today Dorn Spinal Therapy is available in more and more countries around the world and therefore more and more clients can benefit from it. In Australia there are around 100 practitioners but this is only the start of a big change in addressing back and neck pain treatment. For more information on treatments and trainings please go to http://www.dornspinaltherapy.com

Learn How To Treat Lower-Back Pain In Early Pregnancy


Congratulations! You are now on your way to have one of the greatest blessings the world may well over, giving birth to your child. One of the challenges you may face is lower-back pain in early pregnancy. The bump in your tummy may cause you to have a very bumpy ride.

Statistics show that about 50 % of pregnant women experience pain in lower parts of their back during their first trimester. Some experience it all throughout their pregnancy while some don't experience it at all. To learn how to treat this pain in early pregnancy, you must first know what causes it.

One of the major causes for back pain in early pregnancy is the growing of your uterus. You may not notice it, but the center of your body gravity changes. It shifts forward because you become heavier in front. Another reason for these pains is the hormonal changes that are happening within your body. Some hormones, such as Relaxin, cause your pelvic bones to soften and prepare you for the natural labor. In return these changes make your backache.

Of course, now that you are pregnant, you are no longer allowed to ingest pain relievers as it can potentially harm the normal development of the fetus. Here are few suggestions on how to treat lower-back pain in early pregnancy in a natural way.

1. You can combat the gravity issue by practicing your posture. The pain will worsen as your baby becomes bigger. You may start practicing good posture now to reduce further pain from lower parts of your back in the coming stages of your pregnancy.

2. Modify your wardrobe. Keep your pumps and skinny jeans away for now. Choose anything comfortable to wear especially for your feet. Don't worry you won't be jeopardizing your style because there are a lot of maternity clothes that are still fashionable and at the same time convenient.

3. When you need to lift something, make sure that you bend your knees instead of bending your upper body towards the floor. Most of all don't lift heavy things as this could lead to a miscarriage. You should learn when to ask for help. Even if you are excited to be a mom and care for everyone, this is the time that you should be well taken care off.

4. Don't sleep faced up. Sleeping on your side as well as bending your knees together will help relief the pain. There are special pillows made for pregnant women whom they can place in between their knees while sleeping in this position.

5. Be active. Being pregnant should not stop you from working out. Take long walks even when you are at work, just don't run. Stretch your body from time to time. Make sure though, that you do exercises that are allowed for the pregnant women. There are many DVDs you can watch or classes you can attend, to help you out.

There are many treatments for lower-back pain in early pregnancy. However, you must know a way to draw the line between treating yourself and seeking for help from a professional. Consult a doctor when needed.

Back Pain After A C-Section


About one-third of babies born in the U.S. are delivered by Cesarean section, or C-section. Many women experience back pain both during and after pregnancy, and those who have had C-sections often wonder if their postpartum pain is related to this form of delivery.

The changes a woman's body undergoes during pregnancy create a ripe situation for back pain. The muscles of the abdomen and pelvic floor are stretched, causing the lower back muscles to bear the burden of stabilizing the spine and supporting the upper body without adequate assistance. This burden is increased by the fact that your center of gravity shifts and you are carrying substantially more weight in your belly during pregnancy. While anyone may experience back pain after birth, there are a couple potential causes more likely among women who have delivered by C-section.

Anesthetic Complications

Epidural anesthesia is used in many births, but almost always for women who are having Cesarean sections. Complications associated with these injections are rare, but they have been known to occur.

The epidural space is located in your spine between the vertebrae and the spinal cord, the bundles of nerves that runs from your brain to the top of your lower back. The epidural space consists of blood vessels and fat. When you receive an epidural injection, the needle pierces the epidural space and a catheter is slipped through. Steroid solution runs through the catheter and bathes the spinal cord, numbing the nerves. The needle is removed while the catheter remains in place throughout delivery.

It is normal to experience soreness at your injection site after receiving an epidural, but pain that lasts more than a couple weeks may indicate a complication. One main concern associated with epidurals is infection which, in the epidural space, is called epidural abscess. This problem is characterized by the buildup of pus between the vertebrae and the spinal cord. It can cause nerve compression and severe, prolonged pain. Other than pain, nerve compression is usually associated with weakness, numbness and tingling along the affected nerve path. The cause of abscess is often not identified. It is important to treat infections of the spine; an MRI is sufficient to confirm or rule out epidural abscess.

Another epidural-related cause of back pain is nerve damage; this is a very rare occurrence and results from either administering an epidural to someone with a blood disorder, which can result in excess bleeding in the epidural space, or a careless injection.

Abdominal Muscle Weakness

All pregnant women experience a stretching and weakening of the abdominal muscles as their bellies stretch out. The muscles of the pelvic floor are also stretched as your baby grows. As mentioned above, these muscles are very important for proper posture and spinal stabilization. Back pain related to muscle weakness likely results from the combination of two factors: slackened posture and overburdened lower back muscles.

With less support from the front and base of the trunk, the body is more likely to slump forward. This changes spinal alignment and muscle length throughout the torso. The lower back muscles are left alone to support the upper body and spine, leading to chronic tension. Tense muscles are weak, as they do not get the rest and recuperation they need to take in nutrients and stay strong. As the whole core grows weaker, posture further suffers and the spine grows more unstable. This cycle can only be broken by exercise and postural awareness.

While core muscle rehabilitation is important for all women who have been pregnant, it is particularly important for those who have had C-sections. C-sections require extra trauma to the abdominal muscles; during the procedure, the muscles are pulled apart so that your surgeon can obtain access to your uterus. Pregnancy stretches the muscles outward, and the C-section procedure pulls them apart to the sides. This extra stretching may necessitate extra strengthening upon recovery.

It may be a couple months before you are able to start exercising. Start slow and make sure to obtain the okay from a health professional before exercising after delivery. See the post-C-section exercises at http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/cesarean/post-c-section-strengthening-exercises/.

Back pain after a C-section may indicate epidural complication or the need to recondition your core muscles. Eliminating pain and getting back into shape will help you enjoy your time with your new child.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Myofascial Pain Syndrome Of the Low Back and Hips


Myofascial pain syndrome of the low back and hips is caused by pain producing "trigger points"(TrP) in the gluteus medius muscle. Some patients will refer this as "a pain in the butt". It is important to stress that myofascial pain syndrome can affect any muscle in the body, and in any area of the body. A common area affected can be in the upper back over the shoulder blade (scapula) area that is caused by trigger points in the trapezius muscle. The myofascial pain syndrome can even affect the side of the face, causing pain in the jaw, commonly affecting the tempero-mandibular joint TMJ).

For now we will focus on the low back and hip myofascial pain syndrome. To understand what causes the myofascial pain syndrome, we need to understand what causes it. The pain is caused by nodules (knots) causing areas of irritation in the muscle or fascia associated with the muscle. These trigger points (TrP) are areas of irritation within extremely tight bands of muscle and or fascia.

These irritations are caused by various traumas, such as engaging in sports, aerobic exercises, working out with weights and sudden falls. Another cause can be standing on one leg for extended periods of time without changing positions. This causes the muscles of the leg you are standing on to be become tired making them work harder so that they go into spasm. This spasm sets up areas of irritation that become trigger points. Another precipitant can be when the muscle becomes chilled. The chilling of a muscle can cause it to go into spasm, resulting in the same phenonemen that will result in trigger points.

One of the muscles that are very often affected in this manor is the gluteus medius. This muscle starts at the top of the ilium (hip bone) and is attached to the outside head of the thigh bone (femur). The function of this muscle is mainly to stabilize and keep the pelvis level while the individual is walking. This prevents the pelvis from dropping when raising the foot on the opposite side.

Pains are not always localized at the trigger point area. These trigger points can also cause radiating pain in surrounding tissues, or radiate into areas further from the trigger point site. Pains in the buttock, back of the thigh, the sacral area (the large triangular bone between the hips), and up into the side of the lumbar spine, are commonly affected sites.

Structural instability of the lower spine and pelvis is the foremost cause for the myofascial syndrome. When there is a tilt or rotation of the pelvis and/ or a shortness of one of the legs, will set up the weakness that that makes the individual more prone to injuries. Once being prone to this type of situation produces injuries while engaging in sports, aerobic exercise, weight lifting, running, golf, tennis, or even sitting in a slumped position. Even lying on the affected side for a length of time can be a causative factor. This causes the gluteus medius muscle to become shortened and loose it's flexibility. It is the muscles loss of flexibility that makes it more prone to injury, and set up one or more trigger points within that muscle.

The pains, once they occur can last for extended periods of time, or there can be remissions that can last from hours to days, or even longer. The patient sustaining a myofascial pain syndrome may be prone to future episodes even after the initial occurrence is resolved, especially if there is a spinal imbalance unless it is properly diagnosed and treated. A spinal imbalance can best be diagnosed and treated by a Chiropractor. The Chiropractor will not only correct the spinal instability, but will treat the primary pain symptoms so as to give the patient the needed relief from pain.

The patient must also take an active part in their treatment if they wish to lessen the pain and length of disability. Home health care by the patient will determine how soon they will be pain free and able to get back to their normal daily activities. At first they should curtail any and all strenuous sports, exercise, and the more difficult household chores, such cleaning windows, mopping floors, vacuuming, ironing, etc. Applying heat (preferably moist), 3 or 4 times daily for 20 minutes will soothe and relax the muscles. After the heat, rub in a good analgesic gel.

As the symptoms subside, the degree of activities can be increased. If, when they are increased, pain reoccurs or increases, then that particular activity should be stopped. When the individual is pain free, they then can resume their normal daily activities. At this point an exercise should be started. Exercise is the single most important component in the strengthening of the abdominal and low back muscles. Strengthening these muscles will help stabilize the back and prevent future episodes of this debilitating syndrome.

The type of exercise program must be carefully selected. A wrong type of program can reactivate the pain. A no impact exercise program would be best. and is excellent for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles. The program picked, even though it is a no impact program, it still gives you a total body workout. The exercise should permit the individual to set their own pace and set their goals higher as their muscles become stronger and their strength increases. With the increase of strength will come a more flexible physique that will enable the individual to live a vigorous and a more vital lifestyle!

Overnight Relief From Lower Back and Neck Pain


Have you ever considered changing your sleep habits to relieve lower back pain, neck pain or other general aches and pains? If not, it is time you did. Your sleep position and pillow choice could be the very culprit to your daily discomfort. If you follow these next 4 tips you could put an end to your lower back pain overnight.

1. Sleep on your back. Sleeping on your back helps maintain a neutral spine position thus easing any pressure on your lower back and neck. By keeping a straight spine you are not forcing any extra curves in your body. When sleeping on your back you should choose a puffy pillow, one that supports your head and neck without propping you up too much. A wonderful pillow I have found to be the answer to my prayers is the Chiroflow Waterpillow. I am able to adjust the amount of water to perfectly support my head and neck.

2. Become a side-sleeper. Sleeping on your side is the next best position if you simply can't sleep on your back. Side-sleeping also keeps your spine elongated and free from curves. In addition to relieving lower back and neck pain, it also is great for reducing acid reflux and decreasing snoring. If you choose to sleep on your side, like I do, it is best to choose a thick pillow, one that will fill the space above your shoulder so your head and neck are supported in a neutral position.

3. Sleeping in a fetal position is not ideal. If you are prone to sleeping in the fetal position with your knees pulled up tight and your chin tucked, you may be setting yourself up for chronic back and neck pain. An easy alteration to this sleep position is to simply straighten yourself out and sleep more in the side position. Again choose the same pillow as you would for side-sleeping.

4. Do NOT sleep on your stomach. Sleeping on your stomach is the absolute worst sleep position. Maintaining a neutral spine is near impossible when on your stomach and even worse is the pressure it imposes on your nerves and joints. Irritated nerves can lead to pain, numbness and tingling. Think if you kept your neck turned to one side for even 30 minutes during the day; it would cause extreme discomfort and pain. Now think what sleeping on your stomach with your neck turned to one side for 7-8 hours would do, not to mention the discomfort to the lower back and hips.

As you can see, the way you sleep has a lot to do with how you feel. Although training yourself to sleep in a proper position may take some time, it will be well worth it. If a simple alteration can relieve lower back pain and neck pain overnight, it is definitely worth your time and effort.

Effective Lower Back Pain Treatment


Lower back pain is one of the commonest problems afflicting people around the world at some point of time in their life. In the initial stages of pain, stretching exercises work effectively as lower back pain treatment. The lower back supports the upper body and allows the body to turn, twist, bend, lift and walk. It plays a very important role in mobility. The lower back takes a lot punishment, as we tend to overuse or misuse it. There are many options available for lower back pain treatment, depending upon the problem.

Medication and Therapies for Lower Back Pain Treatment

The commonest lower back pain treatment in case of severe back pains is acetaminophen. It is an over-the-counter medicine for oral consumption. If the pain is very intense and chronic in nature, the doctor may prescribe additional oral medicines including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants or opium-derived narcotic drugs (OPIOIDs).

Alternative therapies may also be used for lower back pain treatment, as they are quite effective. These therapies are recommended by physicians when medication does not provide the desired relief. These therapies include manipulation, traction, acupuncture, massage or biofeedback. Manipulation involves adjusting the spinal vertebrae for alignment, while acupuncture involves inserting of very fine needles into certain specific points in the body, which are believed to be located on the channels that carry subtle life-energy. If these methods do not provide with relief from pain, epidural steroid injections or anti-inflammatory medicines are directly introduced to the spine to control pain.

Lower back pain treatment may also include surgical procedure. Problems related to alignment of the spine and other degenerative disc problems may require surgical treatment. Spinal fusion surgery is the standard surgical procedure for degenerative discs. The damaged disc is removed from the spine, and replaced by a device filled with bone pieces taken from the patient's hipbone. Now, the hipbone option is replaced by a genetically engineered protein called infuse bone graft.

However, the best lower back pain treatment is regular exercise coupled with a healthy diet.

Benefits of Doing Back Exercises for Lower Back Pain


Low back pain issue is a common saga a result of the poor way of life many people are following in today's times. The reality is, it is one of the most popular lower back conditions causing missed work. Americans devote approximately $50 billion every year on back pain relief treatment program. In spite of everything, many people endure the pain, and wrongly reckon that have grown to be strong enough for much more vigorous training, ending up to a lot more prolonged pain.

Oftentimes, muscles on the lower back are placed in threat of stress when you do just about any combination of flexion, side to side flexion, and turning after which stretches and moves the spinal column back into its neutral location. Back muscles perform a huge role in your everyday life. Any one thinking about embarking on an exercise routine should include back exercises into their exercise program in order to reinforce the lower back.

Lumbar pain or a worn out back can be a common problem for working individuals. The majority of adults endure lumbar pain at some point however for some, it is much more hurting and debilitating. Chronic pain in higher levels can cause despair, loss of job function, wherewithal to accomplish everyday activities and extremely huge health and social expenses caused by medical care and compensation for loss of earnings. If you have lumbar pain, it is necessary that the cause is clinically determined prior to making an attempt any back exercises for lower back pain.

Back exercises for women are definitely vital to make sure overall back health. Womens' exercises for the back must comprise greater than the over-used cord pull-down, given that the muscles on the back have diverse joints in the body, and the way those muscle fibers are generally structured is for it to get ignited through different motions.

Another one of the best back exercises for women is the bent over row, which enables them to attain a total back exercise with no much strain. Typically, it is one of the easiest exercises to perform, also it can be performed with a free weight barbell.

Back exercises for lower back pain can help give relief and help you to recover to a phase when you execute more strenuous workouts. Such exercises really don't simply involve stretching. For a strong back, you can do back exercises specific for its muscle group three days a week. For a much healthier back, do not forget that the key is actually to do the suitable type of workout.

Back Pain Sufferers - Are You Doing The Wrong Exercises?


Are you suffering from back pain? If so, you're not alone. It's estimated over 40% of adults, both male and female, will experience back discomfort during their lifetime. Primarily, adults experience lower back pain, which is difficult to diagnose and treat. Worse, the cause of the pain is extremely hard to pin down.

Most people have tried some form of exercise to ease their back problems. Exercise is a tried and true strategy for many problems, both physical and mental. However, people with back problems need to be especially cautious in choosing the proper exercises, lest they worsen their condition. Let's take a closer look at some exercises that will help - and potentially hurt - your back.

Here's Three Exercises To Ease Your Lower Back Pain

1. Swimming: Swimming is one of the best exercises to help loosen and stretch your lower back. Further, swimming is an excellent cardio workout with no impact, pounding, or bouncing. Start slowly with just a few laps, and work your way up to 20 laps. Not only is swimming good for your back, it's one of the best for your heart and lungs.

2. Partial Curl: This exercise is very good for both your back and abs, and it's simple to perform. Lie on the floor or a mat with your knees bent and your feet completely on the floor. Now, push your lower back into the floor and curl up, with your arms stretched in front of you, until your shoulders are off the ground. Hold for five seconds and release. Try doing 3 sets of 10. The partial curl will tighten your core muscles, strengthen your lower back, and flatten your abs.

3. Hamstring/Lower Back Stretch: This one is also easy to do. Lie on the floor with your left leg flat and your right leg bent at the knee. Now, lift your right leg and straighten it, locking your fingers behind your thigh (or calf if you're more flexible). Hold for 10 seconds and repeat with the left leg. You'll feel the stretch in your hamstring and lower back. For an advanced stretch, lift both legs straight up and hold the back of each leg, one hand on each leg. This stretch will really loosen your back, but be careful to start slowly and gently and work your way up as your back is gradually stretched.

Here's Three Exercises NOT To Do

1. Sit Ups With Legs Straight: I cringe whenever I see someone doing this at the health club. Doing sit ups with legs straight is just about the worst thing to do to your lower back, short of improperly lifting a heavy object. The partial curl is so much more effective for your abs anyway.

2. Hip Or Oblique Twists: This is another exercise seen far too often. Herky jerky twisting of the core and spine does serve any purpose and only increases the odds of injuring your back.

3. Running On Concrete: If you like to run, use a high quality treadmill. If you run outside, look for a track or at least run on asphalt, which has a bit more give than concrete. Running on concrete is tough on your ankles and knees, and jarring for your back. Consider lower impact cardio options like swimming or indoor cycling classes.

If you suffer from back pain, a good rule of thumb is to avoid high impact exercise or any exercise movement that isolates and strains your back. You can still derive optimal benefit from cardio exercise via low impact alternatives such as swimming or indoor cycling. A little common sense and preventive maintenance should help you avoid further lower back pain and keep your back strong and healthy.

Sore Lower Back - What Are the Treatment Options?


A common complaint that arises is a sore or injured lower back. And, what you will discover when you have suffered from a sore lower back is that there are an overwhelming array of options available to repair the damage and alleviate the pain. Every person you meet will have a different opinion on what you should do about your back pain. So, I am going to try and explain what some of the alternative treatments mean to help you better understand your options.

Physiotherapy

The first time you injure your back, you are most likely to end up at the physiotherapist. Their technique will typically revolve around muscle manipulation to correct the issue. They will use a range of massage and stretching techniques around the affected area and into your legs as well. You will typically be given a range of exercises that you then complete on a regular basis to try and maintain ongoing muscle movement.

Osteopath

An osteopath will work on a combination of your muscles and bones to fix the problem and relieve your symptoms. You will find an osteopath will be very interested in your personal history to understand where the problem started, even going back to childhood. They will also look at your stance and posture, particularly the positioning of your hips relative to your spine and legs. Most treatments typically involve a combination of massage and spinal adjustment. Similarly to a Physiotherapist, you will be given some exercises to stretch and strengthen the area between appointments.

Chiropractor

A Chiropractor is interested in your spine. After an assessment of your problem, a Chiropractor will manipulate your spine to attempt to correct the problem over time. There are two techniques for manipulation that I have seen, although there may be more. Any Chiropractors that are out there feel free to chime in! The first technique I have seen is physical manipulation where they use their body to adjust your spine. The second is the use of a small device that pushes into the area they wish to treat. It has a flat, round end that applies a small amount of pressure to a targeted area so it doesn't hurt.

Massage

Remedial massage or myotherapy is also commonly used to treat back pain. Essentially, the massage therapist will attempt to reduce tension around the affected area and release toxins that have built up in the muscles over time. This typically treats the symptoms rather than the cause itself. Having said that, massage is an effective way to regain movement and reduce pain. Many people also use it as part of a maintenance strategy to prevent further injury in the future. It is probably worth mentioning at this point, that once you injure your back, it is very rare not to experience problems again.

Pilates

Pilates is a good preventative and long term repair strategy for people with lower back pain. It is focused on building the muscles that support your spine, commonly referred to as core strength. In doing so, you are managing the risk of further injury as your body starts to gain strength in the right areas. There are two types of Pilates to choose from called clinical or classic.

Yoga

Similarly to Pilates, yoga is another preventative strategy. Many people actually start yoga to help alleviate or manage lower back pain. Yoga provides a structured approach to stretching of the muscles and helps build strength over time.

These are just a few of the treatments and management strategies that you will hear about. Others will include Acupuncture, Bowen Therapy and lots, lots more. It goes without saying that your choice of treatments will need to be one that is right for you but I hope that this has given you a better understanding of the spectrum of alternatives. It is also worth mentioning that many people end up using a couple in parallel and if that is the case just make sure you tell whoever is treating you, so they have the full picture. Best of luck with finding a treatment that is right for you!

Monday, July 29, 2013

Stem Cell Therapy for Low Back Pain


Why Do We Have Back Pain?

There are many reasons why people have back pain, but one of the most common causes is degeneration of discs in the spine. As we age, there is a normal amount of expected "wear and tear" of our spinal discs; however, arthritis in our spine can accelerate this process and can in turn lead to low back pain, stiffness, weakness, and eventually, loss of function.

What Treatment Options Are There?

Current treatment for low back pain includes exercise and physical therapy, medications such as anti-inflammatories, therapeutic injections, and ultimately surgery. These treatments are aimed at maximizing function, and returning the patient to as normal a life as possible.

As science progresses, we are gaining further understanding of how the degeneration process occurs in the spine. At a cellular level, there is continual loss of healthy cells inside the disc that is responsible for the degeneration of the disc's structure. Eventually, normal cells are replaced with fibrotic cells, and the walls of the discs break down. This could lead to bulging discs, protrusions, and bone spurs from neighboring vertebrae begin to form. This process leads down its own pathway of natural degeneration, but what if there was a way to reverse this and return normal, healthy cells to our discs?

A New Option for Back Pain

Every person carries inside their bodies cells that have the ability to form new and healthy tissues. In fact, adult stem cells are found throughout the body and exist in order to replenish dying cells and regenerate healthy tissue. Muscles, bones, cartilage and tendons all come from a certain kind of cell called Mesenchymal stem cells. The main reservoirs of these are bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue.

Scientists have known about these stem cells as early as 1993 and were deemed safe for therapeutic use in humans shortly thereafter. Since then, research has continued to show that they can aid in the repair of tendon ruptures, bone fractures, diseased muscles, and degenerated cartilage. Even more recent research has shown that adult Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to produce new cells in lumbar discs, which are able to bring new healthy tissue to a degenerating disc.

If the procedure is performed by a specialist in the field, adult stem cells can be transferred into a person's degenerated disc safely and effectively in an outpatient setting, without resorting to surgery. Completed in the safe and sterile environment of an outpatient center, a small volume of stem cells can be easily harvested from a person's bone marrow. It is then spun down in a centrifuge to concentrate the stem cells. These cells are then injected into a lumbar disc utilizing x-ray technology to guide the injection.

The physicians at Southwest Spine & Sports are all well-qualified, fellowship trained experts on disc disorders, and have the experience to complete this stem cell transfer into degenerated discs. In fact, our team is at the beginning stage of initiating a research study for stem cell treatments into lumbar discs, the first of its kind ever in Arizona and one of only a handful in the entire United States.

The Cause of Lower Back Pain... Five Primary Problems


A Holistic View Points Toward Skeletal Muscles

It is often stated in conventional literature that the cause of lower back pain cannot be precisely identified. This perspective derives from a mechanistic, non-integrated view of the body which has been our legacy since the scientific revolution. When the body is viewed as a collection of isolated parts rather than an elegant, integrated whole, the cause of lower back pain becomes a bewildering puzzle.

However, a holistic view of the body can begin to sort out the confusion. By evaluating the relationship between the body's overall structure in gravity and it's function in movement, the causes of lower back pain begin to reveal themselves.

A holistic perspective guides us to one of the most overlooked sources, not only of lower back pain, but chronic pain in general. That source is skeletal muscles.

As Drs. Janet Travell and David Simons made explicitly clear in their exhaustive 2-volume work, Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, a vast proportion of chronic pain in the body is not due to problems with damaged nerves, disrupted bursae, and degenerative joints, but dysfunction in the soft tissue, especially skeletal muscles.

The cause of lower back pain can be broken down into five primary problems which interconnect with one another. The following breakdown is adapted from the St. John Neuromuscular Therapy training, a method of postural analysis and clinical massage therapy focused on musculoskeletal alignment and treating compensatory muscular patterns.

Five Primary Problems

1) Ischemia (pronounced: Iz skeem ee ah)

The first cause of lower back pain is ischemia. "Ischemia" means lack of blood. Without adequate blood to provide nutrients and oxygen, soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia build up lactic and other toxins and become painful. Ischemia occurs when muscles are chronically contracted over a period of time. The most prevalent cause of lower back pain, by far, is muscular strain and spasm due to ischemia.2) Trigger Points

The second cause of lower back pain is trigger points. A trigger point is an area of the soft tissue which, after chronic contraction and reduced blood flow, becomes an area of high neurological activity. For example, fibers in an ischemic muscle (a muscle with low blood) can become an active trigger point in response to biochemical changes in the tissue. Active trigger points cause referred sensation to other parts of the body. That sensation can be pain, tingling, numbness, thermal sensations (hot or cold), weakness, a general achy quality, or the feeling that "it just doesn't feel right." For example, you might have a trigger point in a muscle of your lower back which refers sensation down into your buttocks, or even down the leg. This is NOT same thing as the referred pain caused by nerve compression and nerve entrapment which will be covered next.

3) Nerve Compression and Nerve Entrapment

The third cause of lower back pain is nerve compression and entrapment. Nerve compression is the pressure put on a nerve by a bone or an intervertebral disc. Nerve compression occurs when the spine becomes misaligned for some reason (faulty movement patterns, injury, chronic muscular tightness) and one of the discs between the vertebrae get squeezed on one side so that it bulges out the other side. If the bulging puts pressure on a spinal nerve, then you've got pain! Nerve entrapment is when a nerve is caught or pinched by the soft tissues. For example, the sciatic nerve (the largest nerve in the body) runs down through the buttocks and can become entrapped by the piriformis muscle when that muscle is very tight. This can result in pain down the back of the leg.

4) Structural Imbalance, aka Postural Distortion

The fourth cause of lower back pain is structural imbalance or postural imbalance. In a sense, this issue is the most significant of all. The reason for that lofty status is due to the fact that structural imbalance is often the root problem responsible for ischemia, trigger points, and nerve compression or entrapment.

If the body is distorted off its center line of gravity, compensating muscular patterns can result. To illustrate the point, put your elbow on the table in front of you with your forearm pointed straight up to the ceiling. Now imagine you've got a bowling ball resting in your palm. If your forearm is completely straight up and down, the weight of the bowling ball will be supported by the bones of your forearm. Theoretically, you could hold that bowling ball there indefinitely.

But if you shifted off that center line, even a tiny bit, then the muscles of your arm would have to engage in order to hold up the bowling ball. Even the strongest human in the world wouldn't be able to hold that ball there for long. This is precisely what can happen with your body. If your alignment is off such that your head is not centered over your shoulders over your hips over you feet, then the core muscles of your body must perpetually engage in order to hold your body up!

5) Dysfunctional Biomechanics

The fifth cause of lower back pain is dysfunctional biomechanics. This is often a secondary result of structural imbalance and is evidenced by faulty movement patterns. For example, if you've got nagging lower back pain you might hold your body in a restricted way, walk differently, or reach for things with limited range of movement. It's logical to do that, and not recommended to fight against your body's self-imposed limitations. It's trying to protect you from pain. Until the structural imbalance is addressed, and the pain is relieved, there's wisdom in those limits. However, repetitive movements can become patterned into your nervous system such that, even after structural and muscular problems have been eliminated, you still move in a limited, protective way. This can revive structural and muscular imbalances. That's why even a minimum regime of daily stretches can be vital to full recovery.

Most Beneficial Exercises for Lower Back Pain


People who usually experience mid back pain need to include mild exercise as part of their regular routine. Most sufferers would certainly argue that workout Isn't an alternative as a slight movement is adequate to induce pain, and a lot a lot more when stretching. Bear in mind that lack of exercise is usually the biggest cause of this pain, because sitting or standing too long will generate a lot of tension upon your muscle tissues of the lower back. Continual weighty lifting is also the cause of low back problems.

Remember to consult a physician in the event of constant back pain issues. Also, exercise really should be moderated and also foreseen through a physical therapist to focus on the particular ailment much more accurately. Prior to the begin of a quality exercising system, bear in mind to warm up for a minimum of five minutes to stop further back injuries. A short jog or walk is adequate to ease the muscle tissue and prepare the low back for additional stretching. A brief run in the treadmill machine or elliptical machine can also generate a lot benefit.

A simple workout you could do at home would be to lie low back on the ground along with your knees up. Lie straight as well as regular while lifting your buttocks off the flooring. Make use of your own abdominal muscles to lift yourself as opposed to pushing the feet to the floor. Lift and hold for five repetitions until the low back is totally stretched. Perform this at least almost daily.

Lumbar pain exercise ought to be pain-free. If the symptom of discomfort is obvious even in the course of warm up, visit a medical doctor or therapist to diagnose the actual cause of the soreness. It could also provide you with a far better idea on what type of exercising and drugs to take to quickly target and treat the problem area. There are various unique exercises that may perhaps assist you along with your pain and offer you several pain relief. Your just will need to discover which workout routines work ideal for you.

Make certain to carry out one thing right now to support ease your suffering and to also enhance your low back thus upcoming issues are avoided.

How Your Sitting Posture Affects Low Back Pain


Few people would argue that modern life is more sedentary than in the past; one of the negative effects of this is an abundance of health-related issues such as lack of exercise and posture problems leading to low back pain.

The Modern Workplace

When we think of the workplace and back pain we normally think of manual tasks and workers over-stretching or not taking the necessary precautions before lifting loads.

But, whether it's simply sitting at desks or driving our cars, there are other related hazards in the modern workplace.

We simply spend more time sitting down nowadays and the stresses associated with not sitting properly can be a central cause of low back pain.

When we combine bad posture with lack of exercise, poor diet, becoming overweight and leading generally higher stress lifestyles, it can become a collision course for our poor old backs, which are asked to do the vital job of supporting our whole bodies.

Are You a Candidate?

One way to assess whether you are a candidate for bad posture is to do a snap test right now. As you are reading these words how is your posture? Don't straighten up and raise your head as you read these words - just freeze the moment in time and assess your posture.

If you are slumped with a curved spine and your head and shoulders forward, with legs crossed, reading this off a computer monitor that is lower than eye level then you could be in store for some nasty low back, upper back or neck pain problems in the future.

In fact, just one or two of these poor posture characteristics can lead to problems.

The Seat of the Problem

Being the central support mechanism of the body, our lower backs carry a heavy load and they rarely get the chance to rest.

Even when we are in bed our sleeping posture may put undue pressure on some areas of the back.

So carrying the right posture through our daily life and especially for those of us who spend long hours sitting, becomes crucial. If we don't, we may increase pressure on discs and ligaments in the spine, causing them to wear away faster and setting us up for low back pain in later life.

Unfortunately many physicians go straight to medication to address low back pain without addressing the root causes of the problem; this can just as easily be poor sitting posture, poor diet, lack of exercise or excess stress in our lives, as other common causes like overstretching or injury.

Posture and Core Strength

A slouched sitting posture can have a negative impact on the Transversus Abdominis muscle especially. This is one of the main deep abdominal muscles which are core to stabilising the spine and maintaining balance and support in the lumbar spine region.

Periods of poor posture and physical inactivity can mean that this muscle will contract less often and less naturally, hindering the spinal support mechanisms of the low back region.

Correcting Bad Posture

The good news is that, if you suspect your sitting posture to be a cause of the problem, then you can immediately take some steps to correct it.

Remember you are looking to find a position that suits the natural curvature of your spine.

If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer, try raising your computer monitor until the center of the screen is at eye level.

This will encourage you to sit more upright, with a straight back and shoulders further back, instead of slumping forward and downward to your monitor.

Sit with your feet flat on the floor for stability and resist the temptation to cross your legs.

You will probably fall back into old habits subconsciously at first - each time you do, correct yourself again; bad habits are learned, so good habits can just as easily be learned!

For more serious low back pain, seek the advice of a healthcare professional who understands the importance of posture and can help identify the issues creating your low back pain. For the rest of us, a good place to start is with increased attention to maintaining correct posture, eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercises for the back's core muscles.

How to Cure Lower Back Pain in Women


Lower backpain in women is quite common. In fact, any kind of back pain in both genders is quite common. Studies have shown that close to eighty percent of all people will experience back pain at least one time in their lives. There are a number of causes that could contribute to back-pain in women.

Some of the causes of pain in women are muscle, nerve and ligament stress in the lower back, a sudden injury like a fall or something caused by an automobile accident, arthritis, any job that requires repetitive movement or sitting in chairs that do not promote good posture or standing for long periods of time. There are also some distinctly female causes for low back pain in women like fibroid tumours, menstrual cramps, pregnancy and endometriosis.

You should always see a doctor when you experience any lower back pain's. Even though most of the time it is caused by routine wear and tear on the muscles, sometimes back pain's in women (and men) is a sign of something more serious. A doctor can look you over and make sure that you are okay. You should always go to the emergency room if your lower backpain comes on suddenly or if it is accompanied by any sort of numbness in your extremities, flu like symptoms or if you experience a loss of control over your bowels. Those conditions when paired with lower back pain are a good reason to rush you to the nearest hospital's emergency room.

There are a great number of treatments for back- pain in women. Treatments can include rest, ice, heat, an over the counter medicine like Advil or Naproxen and regular exercise. There are specialists in lower back pain who advocate acupuncture, seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis and taking up muscle and strength building activities like Yoga and Tai-chi.

There are also plenty of ways to prevent back pain in women. Women should get regular exercise, even before the pain starts. Regular exercise will keep her muscles strong and help fend off any stress or strain on the muscles in the back. She should always practice proper posture. Her office chair should be ergonomically correct and she should always walk and sit with a tall, straight back. She should do her best to maintain a healthy body weight (this can be worked out with her doctor) and should not smoke. Smoking can lead to other health hazards that will increase the risk of her contracting lower-backpain. Above all else, she should always remember to lift with her knees, not with her back.

Back pain in women is quite common. As previously stated, eighty percent of the world's adult population will experience lower back pain at least once. As it turns out, our parents and teachers were right after all. Standing up straight, lifting with our knees and getting regular exercise really will be important in our adult lives.

Can Tight Muscles Cause Low Back Pain or Sciatica?


It's a question I am often asked, can tight muscles really cause low back pain or sciatica, and I always answer the same... absolutely.

The body relies on muscles for movement and stability. All muscles have what is referred to as an origin (where the muscle begins and this part of the muscle is typically attached to the bone that does not move when the muscle contracts) and an insertion (where the muscle ends and this part of the muscle is typically attached to the bone that does move when the muscle is contracted). When the muscle contracts i.e. we work the muscle, one of two things can happen:

Movement: The muscle shortens which brings the origin and insertion closer together. It is this action which creates movement e.g. your biceps muscle contracting and bringing your forearm up towards your upper arm/shoulder.

Stability: With this situation, the muscle is working, but no-where near to the intensity that it does when movement is required. It is more a case of there being increased tension in the muscle to help support the joint that the muscle passes across.

The muscles throughout our body are each designed for their own specific function, with some being primarily for movement and others stability. However, regardless of their specific role, if the muscle becomes tight, for whatever reason, there will be too much stress placed upon the joint it crosses and is supposed to move or stabilise. This increased stress will begin to aggravate the joint concerned, and/or adjacent structures, and consequently this will potentially lead to pain.

Low back pain or sciatica which results as a consequence of tight muscles can have a gradual or sudden onset. The reason for this is as follows:

Gradual onset: with the tight muscle(s) placing increased stress across the joint and associated structures, this stress will slowly but surely build up. Eventually, the threshold level at which you begin to feel pain will be breached and consequently you will feel pain. If you do not address the cause of this pain i.e. the tight muscle(s), then this pain is likely to increase further as time passes.

Sudden onset: this is more a case of 'the straw breaking the camel's back'. If you have tight muscles which are placing increased stress across the structures concerned, that stress will be creeping nearer and nearer towards your own pain threshold level, at which stage you will perceive pain. However, it may be the case that this stress is still a some way from causing you pain, yet you then perform a specific activity or movement which pushes the stress above your pain threshold level and therefore you will feel pain.

A classic example of this latter point is when people bend forward to put some socks or shoes on or maybe pick something up as innocuous as a piece of paper. I have had many patients say to me that 'all they did' was perform such an activity and they felt pain. The situation is that under normal circumstances a movement like that would not have caused them pain, however due to the tight muscles driving the stress across the structures of their lower back/sciatic nerve nearer and nearer to their own body's pain threshold level, what seems like an innocuous movement can be enough to cause severe pain.

I have no doubt that such pain can be quite straight forward to cure, however, it is imperative that the cause of the pain is addressed i.e. the tight muscles, and not just the signs and symptoms. If this is achieved, then not only will the pain be resolved, but the chances of such an occurrence happening again will also be greatly diminished, if not eliminated.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Microcurrent-Assisted Yoga For Low Back Disk Injuries


This article is about a very simple, yet remarkably effective method to help your patients who are suffering with low back pain (or yourself). This technique is an example of how acupuncture, microcurrent stimulation and physical therapy can be combined advantageously to treat a difficult condition.

It is estimated by the National Institutes of Health (N.I.H.) that 70-85% of all people have back pain at some time in their lives, and that it is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old. As people age, it is natural for the intervertebral disks to lose some of their flexibility and fullness, making people more prone to back pain. Postural stresses such as sitting at desks, extended driving and using sofas and beds that are too soft can aggravate pain. There are also many Internal physical and emotional causations or predisposing factors for back pain.

Sciatica is back pain with radiculopathy (radiation of pain or numbness down a limb). The protocol described in this article is appropriate for back pain with or without radiation.

In his famous paperback book "Treat Your Own Back", physiotherapist Robin Mackenzie details exercises that patients with back pain can perform that will gradually heal pain from most herniated disk conditions. The beauty of these exercises is that almost anyone can perform them, even those experiencing severe, acute symptoms. I highly recommend this book to my acupuncture colleagues and their patients as well as its companion volume "Treat Your Own Neck". These are inexpensively available on Amazon.com.

In 1998 I experienced severe back pain with radiation down my right leg. MRI scans revealed herniated disks at the L3-L4 and L5-S1 junctures. On one the disk material had extruded into the epidural space and was compressing the nerve. I was in frequent pain, and could not sit for more than a few minutes at a time. After receiving chiropractic work, acupuncture sessions and a series of medical epidural injections, the condition was not improving, and I started getting symptoms of drop foot. To my physician, this indicated a dangerous level of nerve damage, and he suggested back surgery.

I opted instead to practice the exercises in Mackenzie's book, and to give myself acupuncture and microcurrent interferential treatments with the Acutron Mentor device. After about a month of this regimen, the condition started improving, and was completely cleared up within 3 months. Since then I have done frequent intense physical exertion, including two treks in the Himalayas, without a recurrence. Many other patients have also significantly benefited from this combination therapy.

There are several valuable exercises in the "Treat Your Own Back" book, but the most essential one is a variation of the Cobra pose from Hatha Yoga. The patient is instructed to lie prone on the floor (face down). She then raises her upper body off the floor, resting on her elbows, and notes if this aggravates the back pain or sciatica. If not, the exercise can be continued. If aggravation is noted, the patient is instructed to experiment with moving her hips slightly to the right or left until she can find a position that allows the Cobra pose to be done without aggravation. When it is necessary, this slight shifting of the hips takes pressure off the sciatic nerve during the exercise.

This exercise is so valuable because most of the time we are biasing our bodies in the direction of leaning forward -toward computers, in chairs, listening to others, etc. The Cobra pose helps stabilize the torso through balancing muscular action of the torso. It can also help move a herniated disk back into more normal positioning.

I have experimented with adding acupuncture and electrical stimulation to this exercise with excellent results. Here is a suggested protocol:

1) Apply acupuncture needles or microcurrent polarized probe treatment to distal acu-points that are known to relieve low back pain and sciatica. These include UB 10 + 40, Kid 3, SI 3 + UB 62, UB 60, GB 44 or extra points Ling Ku + Zong Bai on the back of the hand opposite the painful side of the back. Apply strong stimulation on distal points for about 10 minutes with needles, or 12 - 30 seconds per set of points with microcurrent probes.

When polarized probe stimulation is utilized, the + probe can be placed on painful local points on the back, and the - probe used to treat sequences of distal points. Appropriate settings are 75 ¼A, 10 Hz, square waveform, negative polarity.

2) After acupuncture or microcurrent probes are applied, place 4 electrode pads on the patient's lower back in an "X" pattern. This requires two channels (circuits) on the Acutron Mentor, or other devices that offer microcurrent interferential therapy. This means that the two leads from Channel A connect to the upper right and lower left pads, and the leads from Channel B connect to upper left and lower right pads, in a criss-cross pattern (see photo). The pads should be placed so that the current between them will flow directly through the painful area of the lower back.

3) To yield the best results, use a sequence of milliamp and microamp interferential. Interferential is an electro-therapy treatment that utilizes four electrodes through two separate output channels, each set to different out-of-phase frequencies. This generates a deeply penetrating complex current pattern in the body with good pain relieving and muscle relaxing effects.

Milliamp is a higher intensity current that can cause muscle contractions and has strong analgesic effects. Microamp, or microcurrent, is subsensational, and works more on an energetic and regenerative level than milliamps. I suggest 8 minutes of milliamp I.F. followed by 15 minutes of microcurrent. The Acutron Mentor I.F. preset #5 works well for this purpose, as it sequences through both steps automatically.

4) After current flow is started through the pads, the patient can perform the Cobra exercise as described above. Thus she is receiving the benefit of simultaneous stimulation and exercise. McKenzie suggests 10 - 30 repetitions per session, with the upper body held up off the floor for about 30 - 60 seconds each time before gradually lowering down. The patient should rest and totally relax for about 30 - 60 seconds in between raises. The patient should raise her upper body as far as possible without pain, leaving her lower body completely relaxed on the floor. Only the arms and shoulders should be used to raise the body.

5) For the initial higher intensity milliamp portion of the stimulation, start the treatment and then turn the intensity up to a tingling level that the patient reports is comfortable. As long as there are no noticeable muscle contractions under the pads, it is OK to exercise during this phase. After switching the current to microcurrent, the Cobra repetitions can continue.

6) At the end of the set detach the pads and allow the patient to relax for a few minutes before getting up.

7) A variation of pad placement is anterior-posterior microcurrent stimulation through the torso. To do this place one pad of Channel A on the left lower belly and the other pad on the right lower back. Place Channel B pads inversely - right belly and left low back. I recommend microcurrent only for this variation, as milliamp can be uncomfortable when applied to the front abdomen. Acutron preset I.F. #2 is appropriate.

Place pads directly over points found to be tender on palpation.

It is best if the patient performs the repetitions of Cobra exercise 2 - 3 times a day, at least once with simultaneous microcurrent. The two variations of pad placement can be alternated for best results.

Other therapeutic exercises should be added to the regimen as the patient's condition improves. Please refer to McKenzie's book, or a qualified therapist, for more information on appropriate back exercises.

Lower Back Pain Relief Tips


Lower back pain is a common problem that can affect everyone, including you. The pain occurs when you do something over and over that causes repeat trauma to your spine. You may feel pain after doing a simple task but the cause can be something that you have been doing for many years. It is important for you to realize that you may already have lower back pain. At the moment, you may not feel any pain yet but it can be a time bomb that can explode anytime.

Your spines are very complex and strange parts of your body. However, don't worry if you are suffering from this problem. There are ways you can do to get rid of the pain easily. Below are some lower back pain relief tips to keep your back safe:

1. Watch Your Weight
Overweight is one of the back pain causes. Your spine's task is to carry the body's weight around. If you are overweight, then your spine has to take more burdens. Thus you need to keep your weight in normal level to avoid any worse pain.

2. Be Careful on Spine Mobility
Normally, people who are suffering from back pain try to move around and do some activities to train the spine. However, this is actually not very helpful for them. It is because when you move your lower back, you have higher risk of having injury. It is normal to move your hips and upper spine but don't do it too much. You can do some safe movements especially that involve your hips and thoracic spine. To help you broaden range of motions at your hips, you can do some stretching on the hips and perform exercises like hip flexor stretches or overhead squat.

3. Stand Up Straight
Stand up straight is one of the ways to prevent lower back pain. If you are often in a bent over position, your muscles tend to be weak and fatigued. When doing any tasks, make sure that you keep a correct posture to avoid the increase of shear force. It is not a good idea to sit bent over all day long since it causes shear force on your lower back.

4. Stop Your Sit-Ups
Having a six-pack abdomen is very tempting. Unfortunately, doing crunches will only increase the force on the lower back. You are actually still allowed to do sit up but don't do it too much. You can use a few more planks to reduce the stress on your lower back. This way enables you to make your abs stronger while at the same time you relieve the force on your back.

5. Visit the Specialist
If you finally still can't get rid of the pain, then it is suggested that you see a specialist. You can visit a massage therapist to obtain the right treatment for your pain. This treatment will relieve more than what you can do for yourself.

Is it Possible to Get Permanent Back Pain Relief?


Back pains are, well, a pain in the back. Once they start, it becomes very difficult to get rid of them. And when they start becoming acute, you may not even be able to move. This can be a very sorry situation, but you can seek solace in the fact that there are ways to get back pain relief.

First of all, you should know that there is no one reason why back pain occurs; there's a whole host of them. You may be suffering from backache because of lumbago, fibrosis or a slipped disk. It may also be because of your obesity or because of fractures and tubercular infections. Pregnant women get back pain almost all the time. Or, it can be due to something very simple such as not maintaining the proper posture or stress. However, in almost all cases, the main reason why back ache occurs is because there is some kind of misalignment of the back muscles or the spinal cord. It is important to correct these misalignments as soon as possible, or they can lead to chronic problems.

So, when you are looking at permanent pain relief for your back, you have to first know what caused the pain. Get a professional diagnosis done to understand the main cause of your problem. This will help you find the best solution for your condition.

Here are a few things that can help you get permanent relief.

1. Fortify your diet with higher amounts of vitamins of the B complex. Vitamin B deficiencies can trigger pains in the back. You need to include foods that are rich in vitamins B1, B6 and B12. Find a list of foods that are rich in these vitamins and make them an integral part of your diet.

2. Some herbs have exceptional qualities in treatment of backaches. Having ginger tea regularly is quite helpful. Ginger can reduce the effect of the inflammation that causes back pain. Another herb that has very good properties for back pain is turmeric. A paste of turmeric can be directly applied to the area where the pain is prevalent. Turmeric must also be included in the diet in copious amounts. For external application, eucalyptus oil is also known to have very good effects. One more option that you can use is cayenne pepper, which is meant for external application as well.

3. If the pain is highly acute and you are looking for some quick back pain relief, then you can use some of the Devil's Claw herb. This is particularly beneficial if the pain is in the lower back.

4. Hot water fomentation can also help when you are looking for immediate back pain relief. Continue this for some time till the pain eases out. When the pain begins to recur, do the fomentation treatment again. However, simply fomentation is not enough; you need to supplement it with other treatment methods such as the use of proper herbs and oils.

5. If you have consistent pains, then an herbal oil massage can help. Ask the masseur to give you a massage for removing the back pain. A professional chiropractor would also know how to trigger the right areas so as to help you out with your back pain problems.

Is There a Way to Treat Low Back Pain and Bowel Problems Together?


If suffering the agony and debilitating effects of back problems is not enough, some people have painful bowel problems on top of this. You may be thinking that this is just adding insult to injury, why me? One source of discomfort is bad enough. Don't worry, this article will show you that quite often the two are linked and curing one can cure the other.

One of the most chronic pains that people face today is lower back pain. This pain can be caused by a number of problems, including sports injuries, poor posture, degenerative or herniated discs, work injuries, or simple overuse in carrying large loads of heavy items, for example. Although common, it is also one of the most debilitating pains, especially when relief cannot be easily found. Low back pain and bowel problems have even been linked, making curing the low back pain even more of a priority for someone who suffers from it.

There are a few ways to try to alleviate the lower back problems. First, try sleeping on your left side with a pillow between your knees. A new mattress may also help. Wear flat shoes, and pay attention to proper posture during the day. Lifting with your legs instead of your back is also important. Heating pads and over the counter painkillers can also help. Beyond these home remedies, sometimes there is an underlying physical cause of the pain that needs to be addressed. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy are popular options to try to remedy these underlying problems.

Bowel problems are also quite common. Many people suffer from a condition known as IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. This non-specific name conveys much of what is known about the causes of IBS, which is not much. This condition causes bowel and abdominal pain which is non specific and which often cannot be remedied, leading some to think it is imagined or psychosomatic. One link that is interesting to consider is the link between Low back pain and bowel problems. Some researchers and medical practitioners hypothesize that nerve damage in the lower back, which is often responsible for lower back pain, can also affect the bowels and abdomen by causing muscular pain and by disrupting the nerve flow to the digestive tract and internal organs.

If there is such a link between Low back pain and bowel problems, it would stand to reason that fixing the cause of the lower back pain would also fix the bowel problems. Both of these remedies would be most welcome to those who suffer from both, or from either. Stress reduction therapy, along with the previously mentioned choices of chiropractic or physical therapy, can have a big impact on both problems for those who suffer in this way.

Discuss the facts in this article with your doctor you may be able to kill two birds with one stone and your path to perfect health may be easier than you think.

Chronic Low Back Pain Treatment - Guidelines For Effective Pain Relief


There is a wide range of treatments available and also varying costs are involved, while they all have the same end result, making it imperative for proper guidelines for treatment of chronic low back pain. The American College of Physicians as well as the American Pain Society have prepared a complete set of guidelines that doctors can use in case of patients with chronic low back pain. A range of factors have been defined by them to treat each patient correctly.

An important factor in the chronic low back pain treatment guidelines makes it necessary to state the cause of the back pain in a specific category, e.g. back pain caused by mechanical reasons like vertebra, facet joints, disc, spinous process, nerve root, and traverse process; or scoliosis, a congenital conditions. Other categories include infections, tumors and diseases apart from back pain due to injuries such as sports injuries or whiplash. When the chronic low back pain treatment guidelines were not defined, nearly all the back problems got the same treatment, with about the same outcome.

Another key recommendation in chronic low back pain treatment guidelines says that in case X-rays or other imaging tests have to be performed on the patient, their criteria should be clearly stated. These criteria should specify the nature of the back pain of the patient under treatment and its causes. Besides these, the chronic low back pain treatment guidelines also specify that the course of treatment and nature of medicines prescribed should be clearly explained, according to the nature of the back pain. For example, whether prescription, holistic, alternative, massage or physical therapy, whatever is recommended, should be determined by the type that works best for the back pain under advisement.

If the patients and doctors both use the chronic low back pain treatment guidelines as expected, the likelihood of early and successful treatment will be much more. Also the chances of having to go in for multiple treatments for chronic low back pain will be significantly reduced.

The cost of treatment will also be much lower if the chronic low back pain treatment guidelines are followed. As the increasing cost of providing healthcare over the years has been a matter of concern, for both the patients as well as the authorities and doctors, these guidelines are a step in the right direction. If correctly used in all cases, the chronic low back pain treatment guidelines will go a long way to help the patients understand the nature of their ailment as well as about the treatment plan.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

How Does Acupuncture Assist in the Relief of Lower Back Pain and Spasms?


Every day people ask me about Acupuncture for relief of their lower back pain and back injury. For many people, the thought (let alone the action) of an acupuncture needle into your body would only increase pain. However, acupuncture is a very safe and effective method of pain relief, for acute and chronic conditions. I have found it particularly advantageous in the treatment and management of back aches, back spasms and back pain after a lower back injury.

Firstly, what is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is just one part of traditional Chinese Medicine. Whilst acupuncture is thought of in the Western World as simply a needling process, acupuncture has many forms in traditional Chinese Medicine. Yin and Yang breathing techniques and herbal medicines are also parts of the process of Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture has been around for 4500 - 5000 years now, and the Chinese were using Acupuncture for many things - not just pain relief - before steel was discovered. This means two main things for us - they were using 'Acupuncture' techniques for pain relief before the needle was invented (Thin bamboo shoots were used), and acupuncture was being used before scalpels were invented. This means that the Chinese were using Acupuncture and needling techniques on each other successfully before they knew what was underneath the 'needle' they were placing in the body.

Traditional Acupuncture is based upon the belief of 'Meridian Points' in our body. Acupuncturists believed that these meridian points were energy channels that related to different vessels in our body - the Liver, Large Intestine, Heart etc. These energy channels run all through our body. The traditional belief in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for pain relief, is that by tapping into these energy channels through the use of a 'needle', anything from acute to chronic pain, back aches, buttock pain and back spasms caused by these areas can be relieved. Because of this, the needle is often not placed anywhere near the actual point of pain.

In the case of lower back pain and back injury, traditional acupuncture has been shown to be effective in providing pain relief for both acute and chronic pain, back aches and back spasms. Acupuncture for lower back pain can assist in decreasing back spasm and chronic pain, along with assisting in decreasing the long term changes in the brain's pain processing.

Over recent years, Acupuncture has become more accepted in Western culture for its use in pain relief for anything from headaches to back pain to pregnancy. With greater research into the actual process of needling and how it works, a westernised form of Acupuncture known as Dry Needling has become more widely used and accepted. A westernised form of Acupuncture, Dry Needling works to relieve muscle spasm, giving almost instantaneous relief from back aches, back spasms and buttock pains caused by muscle spasm after back injury.

Muscle Spasm: Following back injury, the muscles of the back will spasm to protect the injury site, causing many people to suffer from back ache and back spasms. Many of the muscles around the pelvis will spasm after a back injury, leading to buttock pain particularly, along with back aches and lower back pain that will not show up on an x-ray or MRI.

When muscle spasm increases, it can lead to trigger points developing in the muscles. These trigger points are the main causes of back pain, buttock pain and back spasm, along with a major cause of back aches. The technique of dry needling is effective in ridding the body of these trigger points and leading to pain relief from lower back pain, back aches and back spasms.

After a back injury, a major cause of back pain is often the muscle spasm and trigger points, as the underlying problem can often heal itself. This is why for many people, their MRI or x-ray will show nothing, and their Doctor will not believe the cause of their back pain.

Dry Needling is used to safely and effectively break up these trigger points through rapid and fast needling of the area. Unlike Acupuncture, Dry Needling is only done for 5 - 10 seconds, where as Acupuncture Needles are often left in for 15 - 20 minutes. I have found this technique very effective in removing back aches, lower back pain, back spasms, buttock pains and spine pain. By removing the trigger point as the major cause for back pain after back injury, pain relief can be felt almost immediately.

Back Pain Relief Using Inversion Tables - Do They Work?


Spinal traction of any kind is a pulling force intended to stretch the ligaments and muscles in the spine and add to the space separating the vertebrae. It is used by physical therapists and chiropractors, along with other treatments, to ease lower back pain in general and treat sciatica in particular.

Inversion therapy

This form of traction has been used since ancient times, and it involves having the patient hang upside down to relieve pressure on the spine, Today, a well-known piece of equipment, the inversion table, is used for this purpose, and the patient's body weight is used to stretch the spine in the inversion process. Some people feel more comfortable with partial inversion, and an inversion table can be adjusted to tilt at different angles, even a slightly inverted level of 20 - 30 degrees.

As people adjust to the treatment, the slant can be increased to 60 degrees, which will automatically add to the stretch. There is also a psychological component to this treatment, and if they feel insecure in the optimum inverted position, the muscles will contract, which will defeat the purpose of the therapy.

Adjusting to the treatment

The amount of time people spend using an inversion table is correlated with the particular angle being used at the time. Ordinarily, they start by inverting for a few minutes and work up to 10 minutes as they adjust to the process and become more relaxed while doing it. (Many patients use the inversion table 2 or 3 times daily to relieve their lower back pain.)

As the back is stretched, pressure in the nerve roots and intervertebral disks lessens and back pain is reduced. This treatment can also be beneficial to individuals with poor posture as it elongates the muscles, and medical professionals sometimes rely on using the inversion table to increase the flow of blood to the brain and boost the patient's mental alertness.

Recommendations before using an inversion table

Always consult with your physician before taking this step, and note that it is not recommended for individuals with osteoporosis, coronary or circulatory problems, high blood pressure, or related conditions. Note also that it has not been proven scientifically that the use of any type of traction will ensure long-term benefits, but it is generally used and accepted as a means of providing temporary relief for people living with chronic pain in the lower back.

Low Back Pain and Sciatica: Chiropractic or Surgery?


Many people who suffer from low back pain also experience pain and numbness radiating into the leg. Some people even have muscle weakness in their leg or foot. This is called sciatica or sciatic nerve pain, and it is one of the most painful conditions one can experience. It can be debilitating, and causes many people to be disabled from their jobs and unable to enjoy spending time with family and friends.

If a person goes to their primary care physician they may first be given medication for the condition. If the medication is not effective they next may have an MRI of the lower back taken. If the MRI shows a lumbar disc herniation causing pressure on the sciatic nerve a referral to a surgeon may lead to a recommendation for back surgery called a "micro-diskectomy". But this is not the only treatment option to be considered.

Researchers have recently found that spinal manipulation of the lumbar spine is just as effective as micro-diskectomy for patients struggling with sciatica from a lumbar disc herniation. Overall patients who received spinal manipulation benefited to the same degree as those who underwent surgery. In United States, most spinal manipulation is performed by doctors of chiropractic. The research paper titled, "Manipulation or Micro-diskectomy for Sciatica? published October 2010, in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics noted that "after a year, no significant complications were seen in either treatment group, and the 60% of patients who benefited from spinal manipulation improved to the same degree as their surgical counterparts". The patient population, in the research study, included people experiencing chronic sciatica (symptoms greater than six months) that had failed traditional, medical management.

Another benefit from conservative treatment such as spinal manipulation is that it is less costly than surgery. One study noted that micro-diskectomy surgery in the United States averages $25,000 per procedure. The cost of chiropractic care for sciatica is usually much less than a 10th of the surgical amount. If chiropractic care for sciatic nerve pain was performed before surgery it could save the United States billions of health care dollars annually.

The research supports spinal manipulation performed by a doctor of chiropractic as a valuable and safe treatment option for those experiencing lumbar disc herniations and sciatic nerve pain. Those individuals experiencing sciatic nerve pain should consider spinal manipulation as the treatment to be tried first, only to be followed by surgery if unsuccessful.

The Connection Between Lower Back Pain and Lack of Sleep


Millions of people suffer with lower back pain. In fact, it's one of the leading reasons why many men and women call in sick to work. There are lots of things that can make your back hurt. Injuries, diseases, herniated disc and stress are at the top of the list of causes but lack of sleep may also be a factor. Most everyone knows that lack of sleep can cause fatigue and irritability but they don't know just how serious not getting enough sleep can be.

Did you know that if you went several days with no sleep at all that you'll begin to hallucinate and it would be impossible to function properly? Of course, it would be very rare for a person to go several consecutive days without any sleep but many people do make a habit of not getting enough sleep each night and this can take its toll on you as well.

After going a day or two with very little sleep, you'll begin to feel tired, become cranky and you may find it difficult to concentrate. The longer you go without the proper amount of sleep, the worse these symptoms become. For example, instead of being cranky, you may find yourself getting angry for no apparent reason or over little things that don't really even matter.

Instead of feeling tired, you may find yourself falling asleep in the middle of the day when you're at work or when driving. You won't be as coordination as you should be. Your ability to focus and concentrate can completely fade away if you go for a long period without getting enough sleep. Over time, your personality can even change and your immune system can be compromised.

Why Does Lack of Sleep Cause so Many Problems?

There is still much to learn about the importance of sleep but it is known that if you don't get enough sleep, it can cause a lot of health problems. Your body needs sleep to rejuvenate. This is when it heals sore muscles and repairs damaged tissues. Sleeping restores energy and so much more.

When you don't get enough sleep, your immune system has to work harder to try and compensate to keep your body functioning correctly. Before long, it starts to give out and you can get sick easier. Many people tend to overeat because they think they're hungry when in reality, they're just tired. Your body just can't function properly when you don't get at least eight hours of sleep a night and the longer you go without sleeping, the worse it will get.

How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Lower Back Pain?

Lack of sleep and lower back pain are connected. When you don't get enough sleep, your body begins to respond in a negative way and eventually you'll become anxious and depressed. Anxiety and depression are two of the main things that create stress in a person's life and stress can cause lower back pain. Therefore, lack of sleep can cause this type of pain in an indirect way.

It can also make your muscles weaker and you less aware of your surroundings. As a result, you're more careless when lifting and doing other activities, which can lead to injuries that can affect the lower back. It also makes it harder for your body to recover from injuries. The connection between lower back pain and lack of sleep is real and you may even be able to reduce or eliminate the pain you feel simply by getting more sleep each night.