Tips To Overcome Back Pain During Pregnancy




Posted on December 6, 2011 by Jack Woo

Back pain during pregnancy is something unavoidable in the nine months that women

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back Pain During Pregnancy

have to bear to carry the full term. Women tend to gain weight and work out new ways of carrying out activities. Changes in hormones, muscles and ligaments throughout the body can result in severe back pain that makes the process of delivering a child all the more difficult. The back pain cannot be eliminated completely but can only go away with time. However there are a number of ways women can overcome the back ache during pregnancy.

Learning The Correct Posture

The first thing to learn is the correct posture to carry out activities. Whether it is standing, sitting, walking or bending it is important to put less strain on the back while doing things. Often women let their back pulled forward without realizing the consequences. The center of gravity during this time is also changed so as they move around their backs get affected. Standing up straight with shoulders back is the recommended way. It is important to gain support of things as much as possible to relax the back and avoid back pain during pregnancy. This also includes having support while sitting through pillows and while bending through holding something and squatting down.

Staying Active During Pregnancy

Practicing some light exercises can also help in overcoming back pain during pregnancy. Stretching exercises focusing on the back and abdomen or prenatal yoga can help greatly. The health care provider can guide well here since not all types of exercises are suitable for everybody. If exercising is not possible then some sort of physical activity will also work well. Staying active helps in keeping the back strong and avoid pain.

Pamper and Relax

Relaxing the back with gentle massages and treatments is helpful in avoiding back pain. Oil massages or hot/cold pack treatments impact well but must be done with caution. The more relax women find themselves in this time the better are the chances of overcoming back pain during pregnancy.

Wearing Right

The right clothes and shoes can also be useful in avoiding back pain during pregnancy. Wearing loose clothes that allow moving easily will keep the body stress free and comfortable. Shoes greatly impact the lower back even when women are not pregnant. High heels are definitely not the right gear to wear. Soft pumps and flat shoes that support the body well should be worn. Heels can also cause pain in the legs and feet along with the back therefore it is better to let them go for this time.

Avoiding back pain during pregnancy also comes with self care and precaution. Acquiring these habits and taking care of yourself will quicken the healing process. Staying lazy and feeling dull will only make the back pain worse. The back pain will eventually go away if these tips are considered and adopted in a routine manner. It is important to understand that the body is going through several changes and many factors can result in back pain.

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What You Should Know About Lower Back Pain



Posted on December 5, 2011 by Jack Woo

The various causes of lower back pain require understanding of the anatomy of the low

Lower back pain

Lower back pain

back. The structure of the low back can be related to the symptoms of pain that occurs. This pain in the lower back area is very common with many people and almost 80% of people suffer from it. The pain is the effect of malfunction in the spine, discs between the spine, ligaments, spinal cord, nerve muscles or internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen.

However how we move, bend, extend, rotate or lie down our lower back plays an important role in supporting our body. The common causes of lower back pain are associated with how we move in our daily routine. Some of these causes can include lumbar strain, nerve irritation, bony encroachment and lumbar radiculopathy. The physician analyses the patient based on looking into these causes.

Lumbar strain is the most common cause of lower back pain. It occurs mostly in people above 35 years of age. The treatment is done through medication reducing muscle spasm, heat applications, resting and light exercises of abdomen and back.

Nerve irritation is usually caused by mechanical pressure on the bones and tissues which can result in some kind of injury. It can also be a cause of inflammation of the nerves and bony encroachments in the back. Lumbar radiculopathy is also a form of nerve irritation. Disc damage can also cause nerve irritation as the wear and tear of the outer rings on the disc occurs. This type of rupture can also cause herniated disc and inflicts pain that can reach from the lower back down to the legs.

Bony encroachment is the result of growth of the vertebrae of the lumbar spine. This limits the space between the spinal cord and the nerves. People suffering from arthritis are the victims of bony encroachments causing them lower back pain. The treatment of such pains can lead to surgery to remove the bone that compressing the nerve tissues.

Apart from these mechanical faults in the human body, kidney problems, tumors, ovary problems and even pregnancy can cause lower back pain. The treatment of back pain is based on precise diagnosis of these causes. Some common symptoms can include pain radiating from back to the spine or the legs, numbness and weakness in legs, any prolonged activity making the pain worst, difficulty in moving, bending or sitting. Back pain can also be a result of some accident or injury in the body.

It is important to consult a physician before opting for any treatment of lower back pain.  The treatment can include medication of analgesic and pain killing nature, topical treatments, physical therapies, massages and muscle relaxing techniques. Taking caution and keeping fit can be helpful in avoiding the eruption of pain in lower back area of the body. Lower back aches are not something that cannot be treated but can stay for a long time as the body gets weak with age.

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Common Neck Pain Causes



Posted on December 4, 2011 by Jack Woo
Neck Pain Causes

Neck Pain Causes

There are many common neck pain causes and some are the result of injury to soft tissues like muscles, tendons and ligaments. Neck pain goes hand in hand with shoulder pain and both can be experienced based on a number of reasons. There are three major reasons for neck pain namely the activities people acquire in routine life, injury on or near the neck and other medical conditions.

Activities Causing Neck Pain

Most people suffer from neck pain because of repeated or prolonged postures while carrying out activities. These postures put strain on the neck and shoulder region causing strain, sprain or spasm in the neck muscles and joints. A few positions that can result in a number of neck pains include the following:

–          While working, reading, writing or just watching TV some people hold their head in a forward position. This happens unknowingly and results in neck pain requiring treatment.

–          Sleeping in a pillow at the neck is not comfortable in. This varies in different people as some find it easy to lie on a flat pillow and some on a high pillow. The sleeping position can cause the neck to twist and bend causing strain in the neck muscles. Jobs like painting ceilings or working with heads bent backward while looking up is also a common cause of neck injury.

Apart from these routine activities that people perform taking too much stress or tension can also result in muscle strain that connects the head, neck and shoulders. Numerous neck pain causes are a result of taking too much pressure on the head.

Injuries Causing Neck Pain

Several injuries can also result in neck pain like whiplash, falling from heights, sports related incidents, blows on the face or strangulation. These injuries can affect the cervical spine that connects the head and neck to the back. Whiplash is the most common neck injury that results in neck pain.

Medical Conditions Causing Neck Pain

Many people do not know this fact but several medical problems are the common causes of neck pain that result in damage running through the neck region. A common medical condition is age. Mostly people suffer from condition of arthritis which results in cervical spondylosis – changes in the bones, joints and discs of the neck. Apart from this narrowing of the spinal canal can also result in a prolonged case of neck pain.

Meningitis and flue also tend to put pressure on the neck and head region. This results in inflammation of tissues around the spinal cord. Other conditions like muscle tightness, rheumatoid arthritis and infection around the neck can also result in sever neck and back pain.

Neck pain causes must be analyzed for successful treatment. Certain tests and x-rays might also be required to know the exact condition of the spine. Injuries require patients to undergo CT scans and MRI scans. Neck pains and injuries can also result in chronic headaches which can only be cured through oral medications. Neck pain must be taken care or immediately because it can greatly impact the routine life.

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Taking Care Of Back Pain During Pregnancy



Posted on December 3, 2011 by Jack Woo
Back pain during pregnancy

Back pain during pregnancy

Back pain during pregnancy is a common thing you should not panic about; it happens on all expectant women. While it’s inevitable to suffer back pains, it’s quite possible to alleviate the problem and enjoy your expectancy period.

The source of the aches originates from the production of excess progesterone in the female body. This only occurs during pregnancy and leads to softening of the ligaments and spinal discs. The strain resistance of lumbar muscles will then reduce which will trigger spasms or aches at the early stages of pregnancy.

Back aches during expectancy can be taken care of in a number of ways; one of them is exercising. We are not talking about weight lifting, just simple exercises that ensure the back muscles are stretched and relaxed to make them stronger as well as get blood flowing in the spinal region. Doctors prescribe exercising for pregnant mothers more than taking medication. It is safer for the baby this way than swallowing pain relief pills. Some low impact workouts we can prescribe are bridging and walking. Bridging involves lying on the floor with your backs, bending your knees and performing a series of lifts on your backside.

Do you love massages? Who doesn’t? It’s also a great way of reducing back pain during pregnancy. Your spouse could help you with a series of soothing rubs every evening after a long day’s work. You can position yourself sideways with your back facing your spouse and not with the abdomen down (unless the bump hasn’t already appeared). Here is more good news, your spouse doesn’t have to be a professional massager to give you a good rub; you only need some ointment and you pointing to where the pain is.

Resting is also a good way of alleviating back problems during expectancy. It’s impossible for a pregnant woman to get a good rest, especially if they have to work during the day and still come back and take care of the smaller kids at home. This is where your spouse comes in; he can take over the kids at intervals while you sneak away for a nice snooze. Getting some rest at intervals during the day helps you to cope better and can even prevent back ailments in the first place.

Ever heard of Chiropractic care? It’s one of the relevant lines in medicine that deal with therapy on the spine and body pelvis. From a chiropractic point of view, the body is prone to misalignments in the joints due to some factors; one of these factors is pregnancy. Pregnancy causes strains on the spine which can lead to pinching or trapping of nerves around the spine region. Of course pain will come from that. Chiropractic care is thus vital at such stages. The chiropractors can also personalize their care upon a patient’s request so as to reap the maximum benefits from the process.

Back pain during pregnancy may not be avoided, but it can sure be taken care of and make pregnancy a joyful experience.

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Causes Of Upper Back Pain and Treatment Tips



Posted on December 2, 2011 by Jack Woo
Upper Back Pain

Upper Back Pain

Do you suffer from upper back pain? You are not alone as about 90% of adults are suffering or will suffer the same kind of condition at some point of their life. The idea here is to know what causes upper spinal problems and ways of taking care of you before things get out of hand.

Before we get to the remedy, we look at some of the causes of upper back pain. Bad body posture is one cause that can never be missed on the list. A good number of us have a bad sitting posture, standing posture and an inappropriate posture when typing in front of our desktops. What we should realize is that we are subject to standing or sitting for long hours every day and if we are always in a bad position, back problems always ensue.

Poor body strength is also a major contributor to upper back pain problems. People suffering from osteoporosis are most likely to suffer upper lumber problems. This is because your body has to work and straining the muscles to keep you in position. The spine may also suffer slip discs or herniation since the ligaments aren’t that strong enough to hold everything in place.

Third, upper spinal pain can result in people who always work with weights; this involves lifting heavy objects or if your occupations require you to carry stuff often. Where we are not careful is how we lift those weights. If we do it in a hurry the back muscles will always strain so will the whole spine. If the routine is carried for longer period, complications will then develop in the spinal region which will trigger symptoms, among them sharp or gradual build up of pain.

These three conditions are always on the frontline in causing upper back aches in many people. The problem is we are always oblivious in the kinds of pressure we subject our backsides to. However there is relief in all these. One of the key solutions to handling upper spinal problems is maintaining a good body posture all the time. This is not easy and requires discipline. We can easily maintain a good posture over time but then slip back to our old habits once the problem is solved. Try and see the bigger picture all the time; if you hold a straight position on your back, you will never suffer any problems in future.

Poor body strength can only be rectified through work outs. What you should note is that the exercises should not strain the muscles a lot and you should always get a rest whenever you are done with a routine. Osteoporosis patients always have a simple workout program to keep their skeletal structure in shape. They also have a supplementation of body building foods for the bones.

Lastly mind how you lift your weights if you don’t want an upper back pain condition. If you work with weights always maintain a steady posture and lift the weights gently and not abruptly. It’s also a wise decision if you got to rest the back after a long day’s work.

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What You Need To Know About Back Pain Treatment



Posted on December 1, 2011 by Jack Woo

Back pain treatmentis a commonly sought-after medical care in doctors’ offices

Back pain

Back pain

nowadays. Back pain can come suddenly or build up over time; they may be mild or excruciating. Either way it’s a discomforting condition which if left untreated may worsen and affect the rest of the body.

What happens when you seek medical advice for your back? Just like all other remedial conditions, a diagnosis must be carried out to determine the cause of the pains. Back aches may come due to an injury, strains in the vertebra, a slipped disc and a more severe case, internal infection. Diagnosis will first involve checking of muscle motions, nerve functions or several backside probes to locate the aching region. This applies to all back ache cases unless where the condition immobilizes the patient.

Where infection is suspected, the doctor may require your blood and urine sample to verify the case. An X-ray procedure may also be vital if the physician suspects a broken bone on the rear skeletal region. That known, we now move on to the more important part; the cure. Back pain treatment can be done in several ways. The simplest and most effective procedure is a nice rest to relieve the spinal region off strains or minute injuries. If the spinal ache condition is not a serious one, just a simple rest and perhaps an ice pack on the back will do; you can have a painkiller to reduce the pain as well.

Where the aches come from severe damage of the vertebral region, a more serious back pain treatment will be required.  Besides your regular doctor, you may also need to see a specialist, like a chiropractor to take you through the healing process. For severe vertebral dysfunction the back rest period should not exceed three days as these may hinder the healing process. Usually after two days of rest the patient may be required to do a few non-straining exercises like walking or a mild jog. Other special treatments will include physiotherapy where ultrasounds will be brought in as well as regular massages and occasional whirlpool bathing. A constant exercise regime will also be employed to help the vertebral region regain its power and mobility.

Back pain treatment is essential whenever cases arise concerning the back. One thing you should always avoid is failing to attend to the condition; a small mild ache if ignored could progress and eventually render the whole body immobile due to excruciating pain. In worst cases a spinal infection could find its way to the brain and lead to paralysis or dementia. The back is very delicate and thus should not be ignored when it is in discomfort.
Back pain treatment is suitable for all ages only that the physiotherapy part will vary with age brackets. A kid undergoing backside recovery will undergo lighter exercise routines compare to adults. All in all prevention is better than cure; learn to sit up straight as well as engaging in activities that strain the vertebral muscles. If strenuous activities cannot be avoided, it’s always good to take a rest at the end of work to help the back regain its composure.

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Effective Lower Back Pain Exercises



Posted on November 30, 2011 by Jack Woo
Lower Back Exercises

Lower Back Exercises

Lower back pain exercises are great especially if you don’t like painkillers as a treatment for your lumbar pains. Furthermore the routines are perfect for anyone to try it out and are good for babies in the womb since medication is not good for them.

The first thing you should know about the bottom lumber pain exercises is that they shouldn’t be strenuous. Whatever exercise routine you adopt shouldn’t stress your back more but should aim at relaxing it and facilitating free movement around that region.  The work outs are also designed to fix problems like herniation of the discs or when the discs are slipped. So here are some routines that will be great for your lumber pains.

Take a walk

Walking is a simple exercise yet it has a profound impact on reducing aches on your lower spine region. Walks are highly advocated for pregnant women who cannot get around to doing some of the other exercise we are about to look at. So how about taking a stroll every morning and evening round your neighborhood; whenever you complete a circuit try standing up and strolling, it’s a perfect check for back spasms.

The Bird Dog routine

This is one of the lower back pain exercises designed to reinforce the lumbar stabilizers known as transverse abdominus as well as multifidus. How to go about the routine; the patient should be on all fours with the hands and knees in a straight line. The back should be flat; a perfect neutral position. The patient should then stretch out one leg slowly as it moves away from the body while the shoulders are packed down with the opposite arm raised at a forty five degree angle. Your lower back gets activated this way and works the muscles around that region. Make sure your hips are stationed firmly for the routine to be effective.

The Hip expansion routine

This routine involves the butt muscles known as the glutes. The patient lies on the ground with the feet flat and the knees in a 90° position. The patient then raises their hips while the glutes are flexed for a period of five seconds. Next, the patients lowers the back steadily as they perform a series of 8 reps. All other muscles should remain relaxed while performing this routine.

 The Press-ups routine

They are known as the McKenzie Pressups and are performed about 10 times in a workout routine. The workout pushes the spine discs to the front correcting a bulge in any of them. The routine is carried out by lying flat on your stomach with the hands under the shoulders. The shoulder blades should be low and behind. Gradually arch the back as you exhale; your hips should maintain ground contact. Next, lower your backside gently as you inhale; do this about 3 to 4 times and if you don’t feel a change try any of the other routines above.

The lower back pain exercises can be performed separately or incorporated into an exercise routine. Remember not to strain yourself and also find out which of the routines works better and faster than the rest. Once you find it, stick to it.

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Steering Clear Of Lower Back Pain



Posted on November 29, 2011 by Jack Woo

As our lifestyles get from bad to worse, lots of folks will suffer from muscle aches, one of

Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

them being a lower back pain. Medically, the condition is referred to as Sacro-lliac and is a common problem that affects the muscles on the lower back.

The commonly identified cause of a lower back pain is severe pressure to the muscles located on that region. If a strain is evident around the spine and pelvic bones, a bottom vertebral dysfunction will likely happen. This condition also cannot go untreated lest it sparks a series of unbearable aches; but how about preventing the condition all together.

You don’t have to wake up to an aching bottom if you can make a few changes in your lifestyle. Lower backside aches come as a result of muscle strains, and it is wise to adopt an exercise routine. Strengthening the bottom muscles help withstand straining better; so you can get a list of exercise procedures that target the lower spinal region to improve it. The trick here is to stick to the routine; a good number of us can’t stick to a simple routine, especially when it getting tedious and boring. But remember, we are trying to save ourselves unnecessary hospital expenses.

Secondly, have you considered changing your sitting or standing position? Believe it or not a good percentage of lower backside pains come as a result of straining due to poor sitting conditions; standing inclusive. When it comes to sitting, always make sure you are up straight with the feet flat on the ground. Your knees should be in line with your hips and avoid crossing of the legs often unless when you are getting a good stretch. A good standing position is when the ears, shoulders, hips and knees are in line with each other; always avoiding hunching when using your computer.

High heeled shoes are a good fashion statement in women but a disaster to your lower back. High heeled shoes do cause lower back aches since they strain your bottom rear a lot when you walk. So here is a simple remedy for you; the next time you go out shopping, why not reduce the six inch stilettos to a 2 inch or 3 inch size? You can even switch to flat shoes altogether. There is surely a solution to looking fashionable in them.

Lastly, lower back pain can be prevented if you just know how to lift stuff without getting the lower muscles on your rear strained. Try lifting things gently rather that abruptly; a slow lift will require less straining so that means your back is protected. One of the recent discoveries in preventing aches in the lower spine is investing in a lumber pillow. We do more sitting than standing so we are likely to strain the back more when sitting than standing. A lumber pillow can protect your rear as you type for hours on your desktop or when you are out driving. And it’s not that costly to buy but it saves you a costly medical bill for your back pain treatment.

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Top Five Neck Pain Causes



Posted on November 27, 2011 by Jack Woo
Neck Pain Causes

Neck Pain Causes

Neck pain causes are associated with the seven interlocking vertebrae of the neck. Neck pain is a very common medical condition and comes from disorders and diseases of tissues in the neck. It ranges from mild to severe pain leading to acute or chronic conditions.

There are a number of neck pain causes which can be avoided by taking appropriate measures. However some conditions are unavoidable and need to be taken care of through proper medical treatment. The five common neck pain causes can lead to chronic or acute pain in the neck area due to different factors.

Muscle Strain

One of the most common neck pain causes is the muscle strain which occurs because of a number of reasons. Sitting in a hunched position on the desk or during driving can trigger neck muscle strain. Even if such posture is maintained in a routine manner can cause overuse of neck muscles and chronic pain can develop. This type of neck pain can also be associated with headaches, muscle spasm and restriction in head movements.

Nerve Compressions

Some of the common causes of neck pain deal with problems in neck’s vertebrae which can reduce the amount of space available for the nerves to branch out. This can lead to conditions like stiffened disks, herniated disks and bone spurs. These conditions can cause cushioning disks, protrusions or bony growths which can press on nerves leading to spinal weakness and pain in the arms.

Whiplash

Neck pain causes associated with car accidents can lead to strain on neck muscles and ligaments in the neck to stretch and tear. This happens when the car is hit from behind while it is slowing down or at a halt. The situation causes the head to be thrown backwards with a jerk which leads to neck injuries. Such injuries get worse with movement and causes stiffness in the neck. This can also lead to dizziness, headaches, nerve pain, muscle spasm and shoulder pain.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Neck pain causes due to ageing are hard to cure. This happens when a space created between the vertebrae starts decreasing. Wear and tear of the cervical discs are common in older people. Like other joints in the body osteoarthritis in the neck is bound to occur. Bone spurs follows this degeneration of the spine.

Cervical Spinal Stenosis

Pressure on the spinal cord can lead to narrowing of the canal in which the spinal cord lies. Neck pain causes because of this condition can transfer to arms or legs also causing weakness in the body. People suffering from cervical spinal stenosis are hard to diagnose because of few symptoms to notice.

Neck pain causes are diagnosed based on patient history and physical examination. X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans may be required to determine the exact cause of neck pain. Neck pains can be serious if not taken care of at an early stage. They can also result into chronic headaches and stiffness that can hinder the daily activities of life significantly.

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Some Common Causes Of Upper Back Pain



Posted on November 25, 2011 by Jack Woo

Upper back pain usually occurs due to some muscular irritation or joint dysfunction

Upper back pain

Upper back pain

causing significant spinal discomfort in the upper back area of the body. Upper back pain can also occur due to some injury or poor posture or positions that the body remains for a maximum amount of time in a day.

Upper back is the most complex area of the spine because of the number of joints in the region and the way they operate. Placing strain on this structure can pull muscles or irritate them which will affect the day to day life significantly. In our normal routine there is little motion of the upper back area that is why conditions like herniated disc, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc diseases are extremely rare causes of upper back pain.

The two common causes of upper back pain are muscular irritation and joint dysfunction.

Muscular Irritation

Muscular irritation or myofascial pain normally occurs due to lack of strength (de-conditioning) or repetitive motions (overuse injuries). Putting strain on muscles in this area, sports injuries and accidents can result in muscular irritation that causes upper back pain. Muscle irritation can be treated with various types of manual treatments including:

–          Exercise or Physical Therapy

–          Chiropractic manipulation

–          Massage Therapy

–          Acupuncture

–          Trigger point injections

The upper back area is related to the shoulder muscles, that is why much of the treatment programs will include stretching and strengthening exercises. Pain relievers can also be used in certain conditions of upper back pain if the muscular irritation has developed some form of inflammation.

Joint Dysfunction

The upper back pain can also occur because of the malfunctioning of the two joints that connect with each side of the spine. The only way to get these joints into a proper functioning condition is by mobilizing the joints to reduce discomfort. The treatment of upper back pain caused by joint dysfunction will include the manipulation by osteopathic physician, chiropractor or physical therapist. Exercises and movements that stretch the spine and shoulders will help in maintaining the upper back pain relief.

Joint dysfunction might also require oral medications to reduce any inflammation in the upper back area. Some cases might also require epidural steroid injections to control upper back pain but usually it is not recommended.

Physicians generally recommend appropriate postures for avoiding the upper back pain. Putting strain on muscles, joints and ligaments can rupture the spinal disk causing osteoporosis that weakens the bones. People with heart diseases are also prone to upper back pain and need to consult specialists to avoid complexities.

Upper back pain can be treated more easily than lower back pain. The treatments are usually focused on removing the pain and the cause. Detecting spinal imbalances correctly at an earlier stage can help in controlling the intensity of upper back pain in a significant manner. Individuals should exercise regularly in order to avoid such cases to occur. Those with jobs or work that keeps them in a certain posture for a long time should take breaks to stretch their back.

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