Back in January I published a post "The top ten back pain myths" if you didn't get to read it you can find it at this link.
That proved to be quite popular, so when I discovered another article on the same subject by Hannah Jones, on the walesonline.co.uk website I thought I would pass it on.
Interestingly enough it does not cover the same ground, these are different myths, explained well by Garry Trainer, osteopath to the stars (Sir Paul McCartney, Emma Thompson, and Gwyneth Paltrow amongst others) based at Vale Healthcare, Hensol, Nr. Cardiff, Wales.
This is good stuff, and I have been guilty of subscribing to one or two of them. I won't spoil it for you here, but you may be surprised, as I was. Read it here.
Monday, 29 July 2013
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Yoga no better than stretching for back pain.
Well, today's back pain data blog post illustrates yet another example of the inconsistencies in the world of back pain advice.
In an article by Nadia Gilani on the dailymail.co.uk website she reports on research at the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle, Washington, which apparently shows that Yoga is no better than simple stretching for easing back pain.
I don't know about you but I find myself getting increasingly frustrated by these contradictions in advice by the medical profession and other "experts". I know that things progress and the world is not flat, but goodness me it seems that we are told that something is the best, most amazing treatment for a bad back one week, and the next it's rubbish.
Maybe it's just a sign of the speed of medical advances these days and my increasing lack of tolerance as I get older. I suppose we should be grateful for all this research and maybe, just maybe, in the not too distant future we will be presented with the definitive cure!
I won't be holding my breath. Anyway you can read the article here and make your own mind up. It does make quite an interesting read.
In an article by Nadia Gilani on the dailymail.co.uk website she reports on research at the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle, Washington, which apparently shows that Yoga is no better than simple stretching for easing back pain.
I don't know about you but I find myself getting increasingly frustrated by these contradictions in advice by the medical profession and other "experts". I know that things progress and the world is not flat, but goodness me it seems that we are told that something is the best, most amazing treatment for a bad back one week, and the next it's rubbish.
Maybe it's just a sign of the speed of medical advances these days and my increasing lack of tolerance as I get older. I suppose we should be grateful for all this research and maybe, just maybe, in the not too distant future we will be presented with the definitive cure!
I won't be holding my breath. Anyway you can read the article here and make your own mind up. It does make quite an interesting read.
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
3 Great Lower Back Exercises.
Continuing on the exercise theme I have found three excellent exercises on livemint.com that can be done pretty much anywhere, with a minimum of equipment, in just a few minutes.
One does require an exercise ball, but I would guess that most long term back pain sufferers already have one, if you don't then get one, there's loads of stuff you can do for your back using it and they are not expensive. For an excellent quality, inexpensive exercise ball, complete with pump and DVD try this link.
Lower back exercises are a valuable weapon in our constant war on back ache. They strengthen and stretch the muscles of the lower back, and it is these that are often the most troublesome. They keep us upright, define your posture, and are the platform for almost any activity you can think of.
We hear a lot about the benefits of strengthening your core muscles these days. Mainly the benefit of having sexy abs. But I reckon the benefit of having a pain free lower back is much more important to most of us.
You can find the illustrated exercises here.
One does require an exercise ball, but I would guess that most long term back pain sufferers already have one, if you don't then get one, there's loads of stuff you can do for your back using it and they are not expensive. For an excellent quality, inexpensive exercise ball, complete with pump and DVD try this link.
Lower back exercises are a valuable weapon in our constant war on back ache. They strengthen and stretch the muscles of the lower back, and it is these that are often the most troublesome. They keep us upright, define your posture, and are the platform for almost any activity you can think of.
We hear a lot about the benefits of strengthening your core muscles these days. Mainly the benefit of having sexy abs. But I reckon the benefit of having a pain free lower back is much more important to most of us.
You can find the illustrated exercises here.
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Recover from Back Pain Quicker With Exercise.
When we get back pain usually our first reaction is to rest and take it easy, maybe lie down, until it lessens.
In fact that used to be the very advice that your doctor would give you not so long ago. I was told that by my own doctor when my back problems started many years ago.
Of course most of us know now that rest often makes matters worse. A fact borne out by recent research done at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
According to an article by Sue Meredith on the naples news.com website researchers discovered that inactivity undermines the healing process as it "locks up" the body's movement, worsening the pain and slowing recovery.
Remaining immobile for extended periods of time weakens the muscles, leaving the spine prone to furthur injury.Therefore exercise is crucial for recovery from backache, and also for protection against future damage.
Sue, a certified personal fitness trainer, recommends various exercises that you can do that will not strain or jolt impacted areas. You can find the article and what she recommends here.
My personal experience is that if you can work through the pain recovery is much quicker and lasts longer. Of course there will be times when the pain is such that rest is the only option, but don't rest any more than absolutely neccessary.
In fact that used to be the very advice that your doctor would give you not so long ago. I was told that by my own doctor when my back problems started many years ago.
Of course most of us know now that rest often makes matters worse. A fact borne out by recent research done at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
According to an article by Sue Meredith on the naples news.com website researchers discovered that inactivity undermines the healing process as it "locks up" the body's movement, worsening the pain and slowing recovery.
Remaining immobile for extended periods of time weakens the muscles, leaving the spine prone to furthur injury.Therefore exercise is crucial for recovery from backache, and also for protection against future damage.
Sue, a certified personal fitness trainer, recommends various exercises that you can do that will not strain or jolt impacted areas. You can find the article and what she recommends here.
My personal experience is that if you can work through the pain recovery is much quicker and lasts longer. Of course there will be times when the pain is such that rest is the only option, but don't rest any more than absolutely neccessary.
Friday, 19 July 2013
The McKenzie Method for Treating Back Pain.
I'm sure that many people reading this will be aware of, and know all about The McKenzie Method for treating back pain. Some of you may even be using it, or have used it. I'd be keen to hear about that.
Equally there will be others who have not heard of this method, so here's a little information.
Robin McKenzie, now in his 80's, was a young physiotherapist in Wellington, New Zealand in the 1950's when he unwittingly left a back pain patient he was treating on a bed with his back arched in extension. The bed had been adjusted for a previous patient.
Upon returning and seeing the situation McKenzie rushed to move the man, as this position was thought to be very damaging for the back. However, the patient said that his pain was much improved, and in fact the next day the patient reported he was symptom free.
This was the start of many years of research, resulting in The McKenzie Institute having branches in some 26 countries helping back pain sufferers to effectively treat themselves.
The method is relatively inexpensive, can be done pretty much anywhere, home or work. It takes only a minute or so to do a set of exercises, which are designed not to strengthen, but to reverse any distortion within the joints.
Like all therapies, this method will not suit everyone, which is why it is wise to find a clinic near you for an initial assessment where "a systematic progression of applied mechanical forces utilizes pain response to monitor changes in motion and/or function. The underlying disorder can then be quickly identified through objective findings for each individual patient".
Sounds a bit brutal, but is not as bad as it sounds and clinic practitioners can then identify those cases where the method will be appropriate.
Once taught the techniques most patients can go on to successfully treat themselves safely and effectively.
I have not tried this myself yet, but it is something I may well look at in the future. There are about 70 clinics qualified to offer The McKenzie Method in the UK alone at present. For more details of the method and where the clinics are go here.
If you'd like to read the full background story of Robin McKenzie, and it is fascinating, click here.
Equally there will be others who have not heard of this method, so here's a little information.
Robin McKenzie, now in his 80's, was a young physiotherapist in Wellington, New Zealand in the 1950's when he unwittingly left a back pain patient he was treating on a bed with his back arched in extension. The bed had been adjusted for a previous patient.
Upon returning and seeing the situation McKenzie rushed to move the man, as this position was thought to be very damaging for the back. However, the patient said that his pain was much improved, and in fact the next day the patient reported he was symptom free.
This was the start of many years of research, resulting in The McKenzie Institute having branches in some 26 countries helping back pain sufferers to effectively treat themselves.
The method is relatively inexpensive, can be done pretty much anywhere, home or work. It takes only a minute or so to do a set of exercises, which are designed not to strengthen, but to reverse any distortion within the joints.
Like all therapies, this method will not suit everyone, which is why it is wise to find a clinic near you for an initial assessment where "a systematic progression of applied mechanical forces utilizes pain response to monitor changes in motion and/or function. The underlying disorder can then be quickly identified through objective findings for each individual patient".
Sounds a bit brutal, but is not as bad as it sounds and clinic practitioners can then identify those cases where the method will be appropriate.
Once taught the techniques most patients can go on to successfully treat themselves safely and effectively.
I have not tried this myself yet, but it is something I may well look at in the future. There are about 70 clinics qualified to offer The McKenzie Method in the UK alone at present. For more details of the method and where the clinics are go here.
If you'd like to read the full background story of Robin McKenzie, and it is fascinating, click here.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Reiki as a Treatment for Chronic Back Pain.
During my internet wanderings in search of material for the back pain data blog I come across all manner of weird and wonderful things. I'm not quite sure how I would classify this item, but I thought it worthy of inclusion.
I found an article by Pamela Miles on the reikiinmedicine.org website, in which she tells how she was able to relieve her sisters chronic back pain, which she had suffered from for twelve years, after only a month of practising daily Reiki self-treatment.
Reiki is a technique developed by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui in 1922. It is a stress reduction and relaxation method that also promotes healing. It is apparently easily and quickly learnt and is very suitable for self administration.
So far so good. It gets a little strange when we are told that you can also use it on inanimate objects such as food and drink, even your car and computer!
Well I like to think I am open minded. I'm certainly a great believer in the power of the human mind and Pamela's story makes an interesting read, you can find it here.
You may also find this video worth a watch if you want to know more (I'm afraid you'll have to sit through a short ad first). It's by Reiki master teacher Stephanie Kraft, who explains how it works. There's actually a series of videos if you get into it.
If any back pain data blog reader has experience of Reiki that they would like to pass on I'd be delighted to hear from them at: thebackman@live.com
I found an article by Pamela Miles on the reikiinmedicine.org website, in which she tells how she was able to relieve her sisters chronic back pain, which she had suffered from for twelve years, after only a month of practising daily Reiki self-treatment.
Reiki is a technique developed by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui in 1922. It is a stress reduction and relaxation method that also promotes healing. It is apparently easily and quickly learnt and is very suitable for self administration.
So far so good. It gets a little strange when we are told that you can also use it on inanimate objects such as food and drink, even your car and computer!
Well I like to think I am open minded. I'm certainly a great believer in the power of the human mind and Pamela's story makes an interesting read, you can find it here.
You may also find this video worth a watch if you want to know more (I'm afraid you'll have to sit through a short ad first). It's by Reiki master teacher Stephanie Kraft, who explains how it works. There's actually a series of videos if you get into it.
If any back pain data blog reader has experience of Reiki that they would like to pass on I'd be delighted to hear from them at: thebackman@live.com
Friday, 12 July 2013
Spinal Manipulation for Back Pain.
Spinal manipulation has been a valuable tool in the treatment of back pain and associated conditions for many years.
It's had a varied press over recent times with the very occasional chiropractic session that's gone wrong (even resulting in paralysis) receiving lots of attention.
However these instances are extremely rare, and spinal manipulation remains a very effective and safe option for back pain treatment with a properly trained and qualified practitioner.
Knowledge is a powerful thing, and I found a most useful article all about spinal manipulation by Joe DiVincenzo, a physical therapist and clinical specialist in manual therapy, on the gloucester times website.
If you are considering this therapy then I would suggest you give this a read and learn why your back may crack, the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist, how long you can safely have the treatment, and lots more.
It's had a varied press over recent times with the very occasional chiropractic session that's gone wrong (even resulting in paralysis) receiving lots of attention.
However these instances are extremely rare, and spinal manipulation remains a very effective and safe option for back pain treatment with a properly trained and qualified practitioner.
Knowledge is a powerful thing, and I found a most useful article all about spinal manipulation by Joe DiVincenzo, a physical therapist and clinical specialist in manual therapy, on the gloucester times website.
If you are considering this therapy then I would suggest you give this a read and learn why your back may crack, the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist, how long you can safely have the treatment, and lots more.
Friday, 5 July 2013
5 Secrets to Easing Back Pain.
Brief and to the point today, I'm going to point you towards an excellent article on the caring.com website.
It's quite lengthy at five pages but has lots of what I think is really useful stuff to help get rid of and remain pain free. There are five basic ideas/suggestions, together with a few ways to implement each one.
Well worth a read. I have printed them out and will certainly try a few. Find them here.
It's quite lengthy at five pages but has lots of what I think is really useful stuff to help get rid of and remain pain free. There are five basic ideas/suggestions, together with a few ways to implement each one.
Well worth a read. I have printed them out and will certainly try a few. Find them here.
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