Tag Archives: lower back pain

A Common Sense Guide to Back Pain Relief

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by Kim Archer

Every bone in your body plays a vital role in your health. When bones, muscles, or tendons are disturbed it can lead to serious back problems. This can include slipped herniated disks, a broken back, or fractures. Your lower back pain can result from any number of actions, activities, improper movements, overexertion, or even disease.

Lower back pain is complex, since there are so many contributing factors. For example, the central nervous system alongside the spinal column plays a vital part in back pain.

Well over a million people suffer both minor and severe back pain at one time or another. Half of these cases could have been prevented in the first place, without the need for medical intervention. The rest might have to suffer the pain for years to come unless they take a more proactive approach to back pain management.

In some cases, surgery is performed to correct the problem. Surgery often leads to major complications, including even more severe back pain. Even if you damage a shoulder ligament or tendon, you can take measures to relieve your pain without resorting to surgery.

Did you know that losing weight can reduce lower back pain? Obesity is spreading throughout the world. Excess weight adds pressure to the muscles, ultimately causing back pain. “My feet are killing me,” is a common complaint. What you probably fail to realize is that you may be overweight, wearing the wrong shoes, and overexerting the weight bearing joints and muscles.

If you have a slipped herniated disk, how do you get pain relief? Make sure you bend and lean safely, drop a few pounds if you’re overweight, get some shoes that fit properly, and use a curling technique to treat your pain.

Are you aware that by curling up in a fetal position you can reduce the pain caused by a herniated slipped disk? So, lie down on your side, curl your knees up towards your chest, and find out for yourself. While you’re curled, don’t fold up too tightly, and tuck a pillow or cushion between your knees. Don’t raise your hips.

Once you’re aware of the causes of back pain, you can start to take action and relieve your symptoms.

About the Author:
Millions of people suffer from back pain, whether it’s a single episode or an ongoing condition. Learn more about the problem, its causes and treatments at Back Pain Management.

What Are The Best Treatment Options for Sciatica?

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by Randall Pruitt, DC, DACNB, DAAPM, MUAC, CES-NASM

The condition known as sciatica is often used to describe any pain going down the leg. If you have lower back pain, it is likely you may suffer from leg pain at some point. The term sciatica while often used to describe these symptoms may not be the correct diagnosis.

The sciatic nerve is made of several spinal nerves combining together as they exit the spine. This nerve travels down the posterior thigh and splits into 2 nerves at the knee. Pain caused by sciatic irritation most often starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg and into the calf or foot. Sensations may include burning, stabbing, shooting and numbness. If the pain is high enough difficulty with movement or straightening the leg is often seen.

Having a herniated or bulging disc is the most common cause of sciatic nerve irritation. This can be caused by direct contact from the disc material or just inflammation from the disc causing chemical irritation.

The accurate diagnosis of sciatica is quite easy to make. A series of orthopedic and neurological tests are performed to determine the involvement of the sciatic nerve. If the diagnosis is made then I usually order an MRI to determine the cause.

Most treatments for sciatica are geared more towards symptom relief instead of actually fixing the problem. That’s why I use spinal decompression in most cases for the treatment of sciatica. As you recall sciatica is usually caused by direct pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve from the discs in the spine. Spinal decompression is the best way to deal with this as it actually heals the disc and reduces the pressure on the nerves.

If you have been diagnosed with sciatica then going through the necessary steps to confirm a diagnosis and move forward with a proactive treatment plan is your best chance of long term recovery. Many patients deal with it on their own and end up suffering repeat episodes, because the cause has not been addressed.

About the Author:
Dr. Randall Pruitt is the owner of The Arizona Back Institute a non-surgical spine clinic in Phoenix Arizona. Click on the following link to receive a free copy of Dr. Pruitt’s Guide to Herniated Disc Treatments In Arizona You can also learn more about Spinal Decompression in Phoenix at our web site www.ArizonaBackInstitute.com