Just occasionally one can find a site with some really reliable and genuine information on the subject of your choice. In our case back pain.
One such site is BUPA, the international private healthcare group with which I'm guessing most of us are familiar with.
They have an excellent set of pages with almost everything you want to know about backpain, with loads of up to date stuff, frequently asked questions, and resources.
Not quite sure why I haven't found this before, but I have now and thoroughly recommend it. You can find it here.
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Fitness Shoes Could Damage Your Back
I have posted in the past about orthotic footwear which is supposed to help wearers with back problems by improving posture.
However, an article by Peta Bee on the mail online website seems to suggest that wearing the current trendy "fitness sandals" such as fitflops and skechers could in fact lead to ligament strain and muscle injuries, and even cause back pain rather than alleviate it.
This footwear, costing anything up to £150 a pair, usually have heels lower than the toe, creating an unstable rocking sole that is supposed to make your muscles work harder in the buttocks, calf and thigh. Rather like walking uphill permanently.
Problems have been highlighted by chartered physiotherapist Lucy Macdonald, who has seen an increase in problems, including back pain, at her musculo-skeletal clinic.
She warns that this type of footwear is not suitable for everyone, and if you are unfit or have existing problems with you back, knees or hips they are best avoided altogether.
Interesting. If you want to read the full article in detail go here.
However, an article by Peta Bee on the mail online website seems to suggest that wearing the current trendy "fitness sandals" such as fitflops and skechers could in fact lead to ligament strain and muscle injuries, and even cause back pain rather than alleviate it.
This footwear, costing anything up to £150 a pair, usually have heels lower than the toe, creating an unstable rocking sole that is supposed to make your muscles work harder in the buttocks, calf and thigh. Rather like walking uphill permanently.
Problems have been highlighted by chartered physiotherapist Lucy Macdonald, who has seen an increase in problems, including back pain, at her musculo-skeletal clinic.
She warns that this type of footwear is not suitable for everyone, and if you are unfit or have existing problems with you back, knees or hips they are best avoided altogether.
Interesting. If you want to read the full article in detail go here.
Friday, 6 June 2014
Your Back Pain Could Be Trying To Tell You Something Serious
Now I don't want to scare you all on such a lovely day (well, it is here anyway), but a very interesting article on the Mail Online website by Louise Atkinson certainly made me think.
It's not particularly new knowledge but body organs such as the kidneys and bladder, quite often refer their pain to the back when they are having problems .
This pain is naturally enough by many sufferers regarded as just that, back pain pure and simple. When in fact the underlying cause could be something more serious such as pancreatitis, kidney stones, or even cancer.
Now of course we are not all going to rush off to get tested when we get a back twinge, as the majority of back problems are indeed back related. However it may not hurt to bear this in mind if your back pain changes, or seems to move area.
This article is well worth a read as it lists back pain by certain areas which may relate to other areas which could be worth getting looked at. You can check out the full article at this link.
It's not particularly new knowledge but body organs such as the kidneys and bladder, quite often refer their pain to the back when they are having problems .
This pain is naturally enough by many sufferers regarded as just that, back pain pure and simple. When in fact the underlying cause could be something more serious such as pancreatitis, kidney stones, or even cancer.
Now of course we are not all going to rush off to get tested when we get a back twinge, as the majority of back problems are indeed back related. However it may not hurt to bear this in mind if your back pain changes, or seems to move area.
This article is well worth a read as it lists back pain by certain areas which may relate to other areas which could be worth getting looked at. You can check out the full article at this link.
Thursday, 5 June 2014
Check Your Feet If You Have Back Pain
Yes, I think we may have covered this in an early post but, as I am fond of saying, it never hurts to recap. There is now so much information available that it's easy to overlook or forget things.
The premise here, as outlined in an article on the trinidad express website, is that if your body is misaligned then you probably will be disposed toward back problems, probably shoulder and neck problems also.
Misalignment can occur through various causes, accidents, bad posture, stress, sporting activities, and yes, poor and/or ill fitting footwear. Many instances of misalignment start at the bottom (no not that bottom - the feet) and can be corrected by orthotics. Relatively inexpensive and very effective.
You can find out if you fall into this category by using a simple checklist in the article. Which then goes on to describe what orthotics are and how you can use them to fix your back pain.
One of the better articles I have seen on this subject. Keeps it simple and offers practical advice. Well worth a read, you can find it here.
The premise here, as outlined in an article on the trinidad express website, is that if your body is misaligned then you probably will be disposed toward back problems, probably shoulder and neck problems also.
Misalignment can occur through various causes, accidents, bad posture, stress, sporting activities, and yes, poor and/or ill fitting footwear. Many instances of misalignment start at the bottom (no not that bottom - the feet) and can be corrected by orthotics. Relatively inexpensive and very effective.
You can find out if you fall into this category by using a simple checklist in the article. Which then goes on to describe what orthotics are and how you can use them to fix your back pain.
One of the better articles I have seen on this subject. Keeps it simple and offers practical advice. Well worth a read, you can find it here.
Wednesday, 4 June 2014
Pneumatic Vest for Back Pain
I seem to recall finding information about pneumatic vests a while ago. These are very simple devices that appear to be aimed at those of us who suffer from middle/lower back pain.
The fact that many instances of back pain will get better on their own seems to be the basis for this device.
If you can get through the pain, moderate exercise will help a lot of lower back pain, as I can state from personal experience.
Of course there are some times when the pain is just too bad. This pneumatic vest can be inflated to varying degrees to support the back and keep you moving, whilst allowing nature to do its thing.
The key here as I see it is finding just the right level of support to enable you to keep moving, whilst allowing the muscles to work. The temptation I imagine would be to crank it up to minimise the pain, thus getting little or no benefit.
In various trials these vests have proved effective. I think these trials are funded by the manufacturer although being done in reputable institutes.
I'm not sure about this. Seems a good idea in principle, and you can wear the device as long as you feel it helpful, again perhaps the temptation would be to use it too much, not allowing your muscles to regain their strength.
Anyway if you want to read all about it you can find the full article, including results of trial to date on the spine health website at this link here.
The fact that many instances of back pain will get better on their own seems to be the basis for this device.
If you can get through the pain, moderate exercise will help a lot of lower back pain, as I can state from personal experience.
Of course there are some times when the pain is just too bad. This pneumatic vest can be inflated to varying degrees to support the back and keep you moving, whilst allowing nature to do its thing.
The key here as I see it is finding just the right level of support to enable you to keep moving, whilst allowing the muscles to work. The temptation I imagine would be to crank it up to minimise the pain, thus getting little or no benefit.
In various trials these vests have proved effective. I think these trials are funded by the manufacturer although being done in reputable institutes.
I'm not sure about this. Seems a good idea in principle, and you can wear the device as long as you feel it helpful, again perhaps the temptation would be to use it too much, not allowing your muscles to regain their strength.
Anyway if you want to read all about it you can find the full article, including results of trial to date on the spine health website at this link here.
Thursday, 8 May 2014
More Natural Back Pain Remedies
This post is really just a link to a page on the fox news website, where an article by Christine Mattheis details 15 of the best expert-approved natural back remedies that anyone with back problems can try.
I have covered some of these in detail in previous posts, but there may be one or two that some of us haven't tried, so check it out here and maybe find something that helps you.
I have covered some of these in detail in previous posts, but there may be one or two that some of us haven't tried, so check it out here and maybe find something that helps you.
Sunday, 4 May 2014
Now Could be The Time to Try Accupuncture For Your Back Pain
I say this because this week here in UK is National Accupuncture Week, and I'm betting there will be some deals going to get you to try this treatment.
You can read an article here from the Sutton Coldfield Observer about a particular case study of a lady having accupuncture for her bad back with good results.
I won't go into the ins and outs here as I'm thinking most readers of this blog will be familiar with accupuncture, even if you haven't tried it.
I have tried it myself, with pretty convincing results, although they didn't last long with me. Everyone is different.
As I say, with this being National Accupuncture Week, now could be the time to give it a go at the right price.
You can read an article here from the Sutton Coldfield Observer about a particular case study of a lady having accupuncture for her bad back with good results.
I won't go into the ins and outs here as I'm thinking most readers of this blog will be familiar with accupuncture, even if you haven't tried it.
I have tried it myself, with pretty convincing results, although they didn't last long with me. Everyone is different.
As I say, with this being National Accupuncture Week, now could be the time to give it a go at the right price.
Saturday, 3 May 2014
Stomach Fat Could Fix Your Chronic Back Pain
There, I always thought a bit of a paunch can't be too bad. An article by Roger Dobson on the Daily Mail website tells the story of a new treatment for chronic back pain involving injecting a patients stomach fat into spinal discs.
Sounds interesting, and as damaged discs are apparently a major cause of chronic back pain, could prove to be a valuable treatment. It is already showing great promise.
Stomach fat contains stem cells, which we have all heard much about in recent years. So the basic principle is to inject this fat into damaged discs, and the stem cells then get to work repairing the damaged areas.
The fat is harvested by liposuction, so I suppose there is an added benefit of losing a bit of belly fat, although only about a fifth of a pint is needed for this procedure, taking about 20 minutes.
So far this is just a clinical trial, being tested on 100 chronic back patients in the good old USA. Definitive results will be a while in coming but looking good so far.
Read the full article here.
Sounds interesting, and as damaged discs are apparently a major cause of chronic back pain, could prove to be a valuable treatment. It is already showing great promise.
Stomach fat contains stem cells, which we have all heard much about in recent years. So the basic principle is to inject this fat into damaged discs, and the stem cells then get to work repairing the damaged areas.
The fat is harvested by liposuction, so I suppose there is an added benefit of losing a bit of belly fat, although only about a fifth of a pint is needed for this procedure, taking about 20 minutes.
So far this is just a clinical trial, being tested on 100 chronic back patients in the good old USA. Definitive results will be a while in coming but looking good so far.
Read the full article here.
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Implant Gives Relief From Age Related Spinal Stenosis
A spinal implant developed in Israel has given almost total relief to a 74 year old farmer, who was previously disabled with severe lower back pain due to age related spinal stenosis. Who had resigned himself to a painful old age.
Just a weekend in hospital for this spinal surgery (Total Posterior Arthroplasty) gave Yehuda Schwartz a new lease of life, and is now back working on his farm.
As regular readers will know I am no fan of spinal surgery, but this does seem rather special. The excellent results so far achieved stem from the implant allowing normal movement of the affected area of the spine instead of the more usual treatment of spinal fusion.
You can watch a short (3 minute) video here which explains the process in more detail. One to watch out for!
Just a weekend in hospital for this spinal surgery (Total Posterior Arthroplasty) gave Yehuda Schwartz a new lease of life, and is now back working on his farm.
As regular readers will know I am no fan of spinal surgery, but this does seem rather special. The excellent results so far achieved stem from the implant allowing normal movement of the affected area of the spine instead of the more usual treatment of spinal fusion.
You can watch a short (3 minute) video here which explains the process in more detail. One to watch out for!
Friday, 18 April 2014
Hooks And Nails As A Cure For Chronic Back Pain
Sounds like something out of a DIY manual, but, as a case study reported on the Mail Online website by Roger Dobson, this is pretty much how surgeons have all but cured a 41 year old man's three year chronic back pain.
It's a simple enough premise. The type of back pain the man was suffering from is believed to stem from a stress or fatigue fracture of the spine. Untreated this gradually gets worse, ultimately leading to debilitating chronic back ache.
This procedure, the first of its kind in Britain, was performed by consultant spinal surgeon Raymond Ross, who carried out the operation at the Manchester BUPA Hospital.
In very simplistic terms it involves using what can be called nails and hooks to hold a small piece of bone across the defect, which eventually over a few weeks grafts itself into place, eliminating the stress causing the pain.
Interesting stuff, and I'm sure we will be seeing more of this type of operation in the future if the long term results prove favourable. To read the full article use this link.
It's a simple enough premise. The type of back pain the man was suffering from is believed to stem from a stress or fatigue fracture of the spine. Untreated this gradually gets worse, ultimately leading to debilitating chronic back ache.
This procedure, the first of its kind in Britain, was performed by consultant spinal surgeon Raymond Ross, who carried out the operation at the Manchester BUPA Hospital.
In very simplistic terms it involves using what can be called nails and hooks to hold a small piece of bone across the defect, which eventually over a few weeks grafts itself into place, eliminating the stress causing the pain.
Interesting stuff, and I'm sure we will be seeing more of this type of operation in the future if the long term results prove favourable. To read the full article use this link.
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Foot and Hand Reflexology to Relieve Back Pain
Just a quick post today. As I'm sure all readers of this back pain blog know, reflexology has been gaining in popularity over recent years for all sorts of ailments.
I chanced upon this article on wikihow which explains the methods of relieving your back pain using pressure points in the hands and feet using easy to follow illustrations.
I have to say I have not tried this myself, however it is non invasive, and something you can do for yourself almost anywhere at any convenient time.
Seems to be similar to acupuncture, without the needles (acupuncture for wimps). Could be worth a try. If you want to read how to do it go here.
I chanced upon this article on wikihow which explains the methods of relieving your back pain using pressure points in the hands and feet using easy to follow illustrations.
I have to say I have not tried this myself, however it is non invasive, and something you can do for yourself almost anywhere at any convenient time.
Seems to be similar to acupuncture, without the needles (acupuncture for wimps). Could be worth a try. If you want to read how to do it go here.
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Prolotherapy, The "Secret" Cure For Back Pain Returns
Sorry about the headline, but I have to get you to read these posts somehow!
Todays gem comes in an article by Nigel Summerly on the Daily Mail website. Prolotherapy has been around since the late 1950's. It had a bit of a rocky start when two of the early patients died after things went wrong.
Since then the procedure has been refined and made safer, in fact it is now one of the safest invasive treatments for not only back pain but chronic sacroiliac dysfunction, where the pelvic ligaments have been strained, whiplash injuries and sports injuries also, with not one serious problem for 40 years.
One of the main practitioners of this technique is Dr John Tanner, a musculoskeletal physician and sports injury specialist based in Chichester, West Sussex, one of a handful of specialists who use prolotherapy in the UK.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a fluid mixture (details in the full article) into each of the two ends of a damaged ligament near to where it joins the bone. This apparently triggers a proliferation of healthy new connective tissue in damaged areas.
This treatment, especially effective for chronic lower back pain, is described as "secret" by Dr. Tanner due to the fact so few doctors or patients know about it.
This article is worth a read. I'm not sure if I would go for it, but interesting nonetheless, and a couple of case studies show it in a positive light.
Have a look here and make up your own mind.
Todays gem comes in an article by Nigel Summerly on the Daily Mail website. Prolotherapy has been around since the late 1950's. It had a bit of a rocky start when two of the early patients died after things went wrong.
Since then the procedure has been refined and made safer, in fact it is now one of the safest invasive treatments for not only back pain but chronic sacroiliac dysfunction, where the pelvic ligaments have been strained, whiplash injuries and sports injuries also, with not one serious problem for 40 years.
One of the main practitioners of this technique is Dr John Tanner, a musculoskeletal physician and sports injury specialist based in Chichester, West Sussex, one of a handful of specialists who use prolotherapy in the UK.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a fluid mixture (details in the full article) into each of the two ends of a damaged ligament near to where it joins the bone. This apparently triggers a proliferation of healthy new connective tissue in damaged areas.
This treatment, especially effective for chronic lower back pain, is described as "secret" by Dr. Tanner due to the fact so few doctors or patients know about it.
This article is worth a read. I'm not sure if I would go for it, but interesting nonetheless, and a couple of case studies show it in a positive light.
Have a look here and make up your own mind.
Friday, 4 April 2014
Crushing Your Bones Can Cure Your Disc Problem
An article by David Hurst on the Daily Mail website reports the story of how a lady that had suffered with back pain due to a split prolapsed disc for almost 15 years finally found relief with an operation which used crushed pieces of spine to support the spine when the damaged disc was removed.
Actually this was in 2012 but I only just found the article, which I thought readers might be interested in.
This lady had a discectomy at the age of 25 which, as is the way with much back surgery, was of limited help, and was in fact pretty much back where she started after 6 months. Taking up to 36 tablets a day at one stage.
Fortunately for her she was eventually referred to spinal surgeon Manoj Krishna, who diagnosed Post Discectomy Syndrome (where the part of the disc that was left after the original operation had disintegrated and become inflamed) and suggested completely removing the damaged disc along with two tiny joints alongside it, and replacing them with a small cage of carbon fibre, filled with crushed bone from the removed joints.
Manoj Krishna is one of several surgeons now using this procedure in the UK. And the results in this particular case were nothing short of miraculous with this patient now 100% better. Even to the point of wearing high heels, trampolining, ice-skating and snowmobiling. Plus, no more medication.
This is really quite inspiring and makes an interesting read. If you have disc problems this could be worth checking out. Read the article here.
Actually this was in 2012 but I only just found the article, which I thought readers might be interested in.
This lady had a discectomy at the age of 25 which, as is the way with much back surgery, was of limited help, and was in fact pretty much back where she started after 6 months. Taking up to 36 tablets a day at one stage.
Fortunately for her she was eventually referred to spinal surgeon Manoj Krishna, who diagnosed Post Discectomy Syndrome (where the part of the disc that was left after the original operation had disintegrated and become inflamed) and suggested completely removing the damaged disc along with two tiny joints alongside it, and replacing them with a small cage of carbon fibre, filled with crushed bone from the removed joints.
Manoj Krishna is one of several surgeons now using this procedure in the UK. And the results in this particular case were nothing short of miraculous with this patient now 100% better. Even to the point of wearing high heels, trampolining, ice-skating and snowmobiling. Plus, no more medication.
This is really quite inspiring and makes an interesting read. If you have disc problems this could be worth checking out. Read the article here.
Thursday, 27 March 2014
8 Natural Remedies to Treat Your Back Pain
The inquisitr.com website has some decent hints and tips on treating back pain a more natural way. The article points out that the over the counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory preparations that many people go for as soon as they get a bad back may well relieve the pain but do not treat the root cause of the back problem.
There is also the fact to consider that some folk do not tolerate these substances well, sometimes causing stomach irritation and other unwanted side effects.
There are simple basic things we can do to a) prevent a back injury in the first place and b) look after your back if you already have a problem.
I'm not going to list all their eight recommendations here, just, as usual, point you to the article with this link. You may well be aware of some or all of these but it's worth a read in my opinion.
There is also the fact to consider that some folk do not tolerate these substances well, sometimes causing stomach irritation and other unwanted side effects.
There are simple basic things we can do to a) prevent a back injury in the first place and b) look after your back if you already have a problem.
I'm not going to list all their eight recommendations here, just, as usual, point you to the article with this link. You may well be aware of some or all of these but it's worth a read in my opinion.
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Low Back Pain in The Genes
I'm not sure if I've covered this before but I just found an article from 2012 on the bbc website which states "Scientists have identified a gene flaw linked to disc problems that are a common cause of lower back pain."
This comes from a study of 4,600 people, which is a considerable sample, that found the PARK2 gene is linked to age related disc problems.
The discovery " could lead to new treatments being developed." And it could even be possible in future to turn this gene off.
Looks promising, if you want to read the full article click here.
This comes from a study of 4,600 people, which is a considerable sample, that found the PARK2 gene is linked to age related disc problems.
The discovery " could lead to new treatments being developed." And it could even be possible in future to turn this gene off.
Looks promising, if you want to read the full article click here.
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Handy Tips to Avoid Back Injuries
According to an article on the Daily Mirror website this week, and I quote: "Back injuries are consistently the single most common work-based injuries recorded in the UK and around the world. And they are almost always avoidable."
So far, so good. Probably nothing new there (is there ever?) It then goes on to list half a dozen or so "secrets" to avoiding back pain. Principally in the workplace as this article is more of an advertorial promoting a personal injury claims company.
That doesn't mean to say there isn't some good stuff here. Which is why I mention it and give you the link here where you can read the full article. There are some decent tips here.
Don't worry, I'm certainly not promoting any personal injury outfit, you can just read the article for the info.
So far, so good. Probably nothing new there (is there ever?) It then goes on to list half a dozen or so "secrets" to avoiding back pain. Principally in the workplace as this article is more of an advertorial promoting a personal injury claims company.
That doesn't mean to say there isn't some good stuff here. Which is why I mention it and give you the link here where you can read the full article. There are some decent tips here.
Don't worry, I'm certainly not promoting any personal injury outfit, you can just read the article for the info.
Thursday, 13 March 2014
Welcome to the Back Pain Show - Free Tickets
Well it's that time of year again here in UK where we have the annual Back Pain Show. This year it's being held between the 4th and 6th July at the usual venue, Olympia, London.
This show bills itself as "the UK’s only event dedicated to anyone living with back pain and the many related conditions."
This is a great event to visit with areas dedicated to back pain relief products, a yoga zone, exercise & therapy zone, learning theatre and relaxation zone.
I won't be able to make it this year but I can recommend it. Especially as you don't have to pay the standard ticket price of £7.50 if you use this link, where you can get free tickets just by submitting your basic details and printing it out.
You never know, you might even learn something new. Check out the show website here where you can find full details.
This show bills itself as "the UK’s only event dedicated to anyone living with back pain and the many related conditions."
This is a great event to visit with areas dedicated to back pain relief products, a yoga zone, exercise & therapy zone, learning theatre and relaxation zone.
I won't be able to make it this year but I can recommend it. Especially as you don't have to pay the standard ticket price of £7.50 if you use this link, where you can get free tickets just by submitting your basic details and printing it out.
You never know, you might even learn something new. Check out the show website here where you can find full details.
Saturday, 8 March 2014
The "Muscle Whisperer" Says Back Pain is All In The Mind.
Just found this quite controversial article by Sarah Barns on the Daily Express website. In a nutshell Sophia Kupse, a holistic practitioner also known as the "Muscle Whisperer" is saying that back pain is all in the mind, caused by subconscious thought-patterns and the difficulties of modern life.
Sophia has noticed over 20 years in practise that 80% of the patients that presented to her with back pain had suffered no physical reason to account for it. It just appeared.
She has developed a holistic back pain treatment called Langellotti Tri-Therapy (LT Therapy) which is apparently giving good results. This therapy uses essential oils, massage, heat and ice to release the emotional and physical trauma of the muscles.
I'm personally not at all sure about this. If your back pain is all in the mind then why would you need a physical therapy to treat it?
Anyway I'm nothing if not open minded so if it works for some it's another treatment for back pain which could be explored. If you want to read the full article go here.
Sophia has noticed over 20 years in practise that 80% of the patients that presented to her with back pain had suffered no physical reason to account for it. It just appeared.
She has developed a holistic back pain treatment called Langellotti Tri-Therapy (LT Therapy) which is apparently giving good results. This therapy uses essential oils, massage, heat and ice to release the emotional and physical trauma of the muscles.
I'm personally not at all sure about this. If your back pain is all in the mind then why would you need a physical therapy to treat it?
Anyway I'm nothing if not open minded so if it works for some it's another treatment for back pain which could be explored. If you want to read the full article go here.
Friday, 7 March 2014
Two Thirds of Back Pain Sufferers Ignore Their Doctor
According to a recent article on the Daily Express website the majority of people suffering from back pain who go on to visit their GP then proceed to ignore the advice given.
These are UK figures, but with people being people wherever they are there is no reason to suppose the figures are much different anywhere else.
This surprised me personally, as back pain, as I know only too well, can be not only excruciating but can lead to other problems, including mental as well as physical. And if you feel bad enough to consult your doctor in the first place why would you then not at least consider any advice given?
As my dear old Grandmother would say "There's nowt so queer as folk."
To check out the full article use this link.
These are UK figures, but with people being people wherever they are there is no reason to suppose the figures are much different anywhere else.
This surprised me personally, as back pain, as I know only too well, can be not only excruciating but can lead to other problems, including mental as well as physical. And if you feel bad enough to consult your doctor in the first place why would you then not at least consider any advice given?
As my dear old Grandmother would say "There's nowt so queer as folk."
To check out the full article use this link.
Saturday, 22 February 2014
The Severity of Your First Back Pain Attack Is A Predictor of Long Term Outcome.
A study of 488 people who sought treatment for low back pain by the Arthritis Research U.K. Primary Care Centre over a period of five years showed that a high intensity of pain when the condition first started predicted a long term chronic back pain and even disability after five years.
This is not particularly good news, as in my personal experience, and that of many acquaintances with back pain, it nearly always starts suddenly with severe pain.
The study took in several factors including demographic, psychological, physical and occupational. A baseline (initial) high intensity of pain predicted a 12% higher risk of developing chronic low back in the future.
Patients who believed that their pain would persist long term were 4% correct (the power of the human mind at work again). These numbers may not seem particularly significant but bear in mind that 4% of 488 is 19 people and it is estimated that 65 million in USA suffer with back pain the numbers become huge.
Interesting stuff, you can read the article describing the study on science daily.com here.
This is not particularly good news, as in my personal experience, and that of many acquaintances with back pain, it nearly always starts suddenly with severe pain.
The study took in several factors including demographic, psychological, physical and occupational. A baseline (initial) high intensity of pain predicted a 12% higher risk of developing chronic low back in the future.
Patients who believed that their pain would persist long term were 4% correct (the power of the human mind at work again). These numbers may not seem particularly significant but bear in mind that 4% of 488 is 19 people and it is estimated that 65 million in USA suffer with back pain the numbers become huge.
Interesting stuff, you can read the article describing the study on science daily.com here.
Saturday, 15 February 2014
What You Need To Know About Slipped Discs
As many readers will know a slipped disc can be extremely painful.
However in many cases a slipped disc will gradually fix itself on its own, requiring nothing more than gentle exercise and perhaps a painkiller or two.
As I may have mentioned before the NHS uk site contains a wealth of information on all sorts of conditions and their link to slipped disc treatment is well worth a look.
It also contains a short video on lumbar surgery for the relief of pressure on the nerves of the lower back, most informative.
If you have, or think you may have, a slipped disc you could do worse than go here and check out what they have to say on the subject.
However in many cases a slipped disc will gradually fix itself on its own, requiring nothing more than gentle exercise and perhaps a painkiller or two.
As I may have mentioned before the NHS uk site contains a wealth of information on all sorts of conditions and their link to slipped disc treatment is well worth a look.
It also contains a short video on lumbar surgery for the relief of pressure on the nerves of the lower back, most informative.
If you have, or think you may have, a slipped disc you could do worse than go here and check out what they have to say on the subject.
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Curing Back Pain in 12 Minute Sessions
According to an article on The Daily Mail online, scientists have come up with a machine to treat back pain without the patient having to even move or put in any effort. Sounds wonderful, and case studies are promising.
The machine carries out continuous passive movement, applying traction at the same time, once the patient has lain on their back with their legs draped over a column situated behind the knees.
I seem to recall this machine, or something very similar, being promoted some time ago. Not sure if this is the same machine or a similar one.
The fact that several hospitals have trialed this machine with definitive improvements in back pain relief would tend to give credence to the claims, with one study in Israel reporting a 70% improvement in pain relief compared with just 8% for patients receiving a dummy treatment.
These machines can be purchased for around £250, which may not be a bad buy if they actually work.
For more details and to read the full article click here.
The machine carries out continuous passive movement, applying traction at the same time, once the patient has lain on their back with their legs draped over a column situated behind the knees.
I seem to recall this machine, or something very similar, being promoted some time ago. Not sure if this is the same machine or a similar one.
The fact that several hospitals have trialed this machine with definitive improvements in back pain relief would tend to give credence to the claims, with one study in Israel reporting a 70% improvement in pain relief compared with just 8% for patients receiving a dummy treatment.
These machines can be purchased for around £250, which may not be a bad buy if they actually work.
For more details and to read the full article click here.
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Ladies, Lose The Back Pain by Losing The Bra.
After a fifteen year study of 330 womens breasts (he got paid for this?) Professor Jean-Denis Rouillon of Besançon CHU has concluded that there is absolutely no benefit to wearing a bra.
He says his results in fact show that the benefits of going bra-less far outweigh any perceived benefit from wearing them.
As far as we are concerned in this blog, some of the women who were part of this study, and we are not told how many, actually reported that stopping using a bra had eased their back pain.
You can read into this what you will, but on a cautionary note, before all you ladies rush off to burn the offending article Prof Rouillon says that women who had been wearing a bra for a long while would gain no benefit from stopping now.
Maximum benefit is gained by not starting to wear one at all. Read the full story here.
The last actions that triggered your back pain are not the cause. Sounds hard to believe, but it's explained here.
He says his results in fact show that the benefits of going bra-less far outweigh any perceived benefit from wearing them.
As far as we are concerned in this blog, some of the women who were part of this study, and we are not told how many, actually reported that stopping using a bra had eased their back pain.
You can read into this what you will, but on a cautionary note, before all you ladies rush off to burn the offending article Prof Rouillon says that women who had been wearing a bra for a long while would gain no benefit from stopping now.
Maximum benefit is gained by not starting to wear one at all. Read the full story here.
The last actions that triggered your back pain are not the cause. Sounds hard to believe, but it's explained here.
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
Standing Desks To Relieve Back Pain.
It has been said there is nothing new under the sun, and in this instance it is certainly true that Thomas Jefferson, Leonardo DaVinci, and Winston Churchill amongst others, recognised the benefit of working standing up.
In an article by Deena Wang on the MIT online newspaper "The Tech" she tells her own story of her back pain due to long hours of sitting at her computer desk, and how she discovered for herself the benefits of a standing desk.
Interestingly, I knew a lawyer years ago who had placed his desk on bricks to raise it and swore it helped him. So it's not really necessary to spend upwards of $100 for a ready made one.
Deena makes the point that there are other benefits to be enjoyed by standing as well as back pain relief. Coupled with the fact that sitting for long periods can be detrimental to our health this may be an option worth exploring. Find the full article here.
In an article by Deena Wang on the MIT online newspaper "The Tech" she tells her own story of her back pain due to long hours of sitting at her computer desk, and how she discovered for herself the benefits of a standing desk.
Interestingly, I knew a lawyer years ago who had placed his desk on bricks to raise it and swore it helped him. So it's not really necessary to spend upwards of $100 for a ready made one.
Deena makes the point that there are other benefits to be enjoyed by standing as well as back pain relief. Coupled with the fact that sitting for long periods can be detrimental to our health this may be an option worth exploring. Find the full article here.
Thursday, 23 January 2014
Horse Rider Back Problems And Tips On How to Prevent Them.
As a very occasional horse rider over the years (I've fallen off a few) backpain caused by regular horse riding has not been an issue for me.
However I am aware that it is a very popular pastime and sport, and maybe a few readers of this back pain blog might find an article by Andrea Oakes on the horse and hound.co.uk website that I found today useful.
She asks just why it is that so many horse riders suffer from back pain, and is it something riders just have to accept and put up with as part and parcel of the activity, or are there positive steps that can be taken to curb it, or even avoid it altogether.
Andrea goes on to list seven of the most common back problems that affect riders, together with eight of her top tips for riders to maintain a healthy back.
Although obviously geared toward riders, there are a couple of tips the rest of us could find useful, and it's an interesting read anyway. You can use this link to find the article.
However I am aware that it is a very popular pastime and sport, and maybe a few readers of this back pain blog might find an article by Andrea Oakes on the horse and hound.co.uk website that I found today useful.
She asks just why it is that so many horse riders suffer from back pain, and is it something riders just have to accept and put up with as part and parcel of the activity, or are there positive steps that can be taken to curb it, or even avoid it altogether.
Andrea goes on to list seven of the most common back problems that affect riders, together with eight of her top tips for riders to maintain a healthy back.
Although obviously geared toward riders, there are a couple of tips the rest of us could find useful, and it's an interesting read anyway. You can use this link to find the article.
Friday, 17 January 2014
Exercise Might Not Always Be Best For Low Back Pain.
Readers of this back pain blog will know that for years we have been told that exercise is beneficial for those suffering with chronic back pain. Now, it seems that medical opinion has done another of it's famed u-turns.
In a story by Pauline Anderson on medscape.com she reports that randomized trials have shown no difference in pain, disability, or general health amongst patients with lower back pain and Modic Changes (MC's - oedema or fatty degeneration in the vertebral endplate) who followed an exercise regime, and those who adopted a routine of rest and load reduction.
A study involved 100 adult patients with chronic low back pain. One group, the rest group, were told to avoid hard physical activity and rest by lying down for an hour twice a day (lucky things). They were also allowed to use a flexible lumbar belt as required for up to 4 hours a day.
The other (exercise) group took part in supervised one-hour exercises once a week for the 10 weeks of the trial. This included exercises for stabilizing muscles in the low back and abdomen, exercises for postural stability, and light physical fitness training. They were also encouraged to continue with these exercises at home three times a week, and maintain a normal level of activity.
Without going into all the results here (they are in the full report which you can find here) at the end of the study no significant difference in general health scores was found between either group, also no serious problems or adverse effects.
So there you have it. You can ditch all your exercise equipment and loll about in front of the telly all day. I'm not convinced, they'll do another study soon that proves the opposite.
In a story by Pauline Anderson on medscape.com she reports that randomized trials have shown no difference in pain, disability, or general health amongst patients with lower back pain and Modic Changes (MC's - oedema or fatty degeneration in the vertebral endplate) who followed an exercise regime, and those who adopted a routine of rest and load reduction.
A study involved 100 adult patients with chronic low back pain. One group, the rest group, were told to avoid hard physical activity and rest by lying down for an hour twice a day (lucky things). They were also allowed to use a flexible lumbar belt as required for up to 4 hours a day.
The other (exercise) group took part in supervised one-hour exercises once a week for the 10 weeks of the trial. This included exercises for stabilizing muscles in the low back and abdomen, exercises for postural stability, and light physical fitness training. They were also encouraged to continue with these exercises at home three times a week, and maintain a normal level of activity.
Without going into all the results here (they are in the full report which you can find here) at the end of the study no significant difference in general health scores was found between either group, also no serious problems or adverse effects.
So there you have it. You can ditch all your exercise equipment and loll about in front of the telly all day. I'm not convinced, they'll do another study soon that proves the opposite.
Saturday, 11 January 2014
Brain Connectivity in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients.
If you can get through some of the jargon, and the inevitable acronyms (I hate them, they may just as well use the full wording each time as I always have to remind myself) you might find this story on the gnom.es website of interest.
It centers on research done at Harvard Medical School on the brain connectivity of chronic low back pain patients, using a new type of magnetic resonance imaging. Are you with me so far? OK, you're doing better than I did then.
In simple terms, as I understand it, the results obtained could lead to pain severity being objectively measured by examining brain activity.
So, instead of asking a chronic low back pain sufferer what their pain is like, it could actually be measured in a meaningful way.
Quite amazing, and could be pretty useful. Have a look here and see what you think. Good luck!
It centers on research done at Harvard Medical School on the brain connectivity of chronic low back pain patients, using a new type of magnetic resonance imaging. Are you with me so far? OK, you're doing better than I did then.
In simple terms, as I understand it, the results obtained could lead to pain severity being objectively measured by examining brain activity.
So, instead of asking a chronic low back pain sufferer what their pain is like, it could actually be measured in a meaningful way.
Quite amazing, and could be pretty useful. Have a look here and see what you think. Good luck!
Monday, 6 January 2014
13 Low Cost Drug Free Remedies to Beat Back Pain.
Firstly today may I wish all my readers a very happy new year. I'm back in harness after a fairly quiet Christmas. Except that over the past few days we have decided to move home and put our current house on the market.
When it actually happens I'm going to look after my back and get a removals firm to do everything. It might be an extra expense but I remember the last time we moved, and so does my back!
Found a great site the other day, well worth a look. aarp.org where there is lots of good information on all sorts of health subjects. Including of course back pain. So I thought I'd mention it to readers of this back pain blog.
The article that caught my eye initially was by Dorothy Foltz-Gray where she presents 13 ways you can help beat your backpain. It mentions low-cost, but in several cases these tips are no-cost, even better.
It also includes a short (just under 4 minutes) video presented by Martina Navratilova on the importance of a neutral spine, which I found pretty informative.
There is some good stuff in this article. Rather than go through it here I suggest you check out the full thing for yourself at this link if you are interested.
When it actually happens I'm going to look after my back and get a removals firm to do everything. It might be an extra expense but I remember the last time we moved, and so does my back!
Found a great site the other day, well worth a look. aarp.org where there is lots of good information on all sorts of health subjects. Including of course back pain. So I thought I'd mention it to readers of this back pain blog.
The article that caught my eye initially was by Dorothy Foltz-Gray where she presents 13 ways you can help beat your backpain. It mentions low-cost, but in several cases these tips are no-cost, even better.
It also includes a short (just under 4 minutes) video presented by Martina Navratilova on the importance of a neutral spine, which I found pretty informative.
There is some good stuff in this article. Rather than go through it here I suggest you check out the full thing for yourself at this link if you are interested.
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