Pain Relief
Archive for January, 2010
Back Pain Los Angeles
Recently Viewed Back Pain LinksHerniated Disc, Sciatica
Pinched Nerve, Pain Relief
Upper Back Pain, Back Surgery
Back Pain Los Angeles information, tips, secrets, services and products.
Harrington makes slow start in California
Jan 29th
Harrington makes slow start in California
Padraig Harrington got his season up and running with a 72 at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles. Phil Mickelson put the wedge controversy behind him but his bid for a third successive victory at the event also got off to a slow start.
Read more on RTÉ News
YOGA FOR NECK PAIN.
Jan 26th
Esther shows you a routine to help to keep the neck flexible and release tensions.
What is Sacro-iliac Joint Dysfunction?
Jan 20th
The S-I joint is one of the most misunderstood areas of the human body. It has been the source of much controversy in the medical community for many years. Much of the debate relies on the fact that there are few reliable evaluation methods for the S-I joint.
Contrary to disc injuries, which can be evaluated using many types of diagnostic tools, examining the S-I joints has proved to be quite unreliable. Clinicians need to rely mostly on their experience rather than simple methods used to examine the low back. Most medical professionals do not acknowledge it as a source of pain and dysfunction. So patients leave a medical office with an incomplete evaluation and often times, an inaccurate diagnosis.
The S-I (Sacro-Iliac) joint is comprised of two bones; the sacrum and the ilium. You have two S-I joints (left and right). They are located basically where the spine meets the pelvis. Look for the two dimples in your low back. These two joints allow for very little movement overall as compared to other more prominent joints such as your hip or shoulder. The pelvic girdle is generally described as the two S-I joints, the pubic symphysis (pubic bone in front), the two hip joints, and the bottom two vertebrae (L4, L5).
What do you feel?
Pain located at or near the S-I joint on one side or both sides. Pain located in the low back, buttock, and/or groin area. Another common symptom of a S-I joint dysfunction is “sciatica”. Sciatica is best described as a sharp, often shooting pain that begins in the buttocks and goes down the back of one leg. S-I joint dysfunction may also cause nerve irritation of the nerves that supply the groin or front of your thigh.
Other symptoms include:
• Weakness in one leg or both legs; difficulty standing on one leg and raising the other leg (like marching)
• Numbness and tingling in one leg (pins & needles)
• A burning pain located near the “dimples”
• Difficulty raising from a chair
• Muscle discomfort in the buttock, hip, or low back (over 30 muscles attach to the pelvis; from the hip, buttock, thigh, low back.
How does this happen?
S-I joint dysfunction is usually caused by an imbalance in the muscles of the hips and glutes and it can also be caused by a fall or other traumatic event, such as a car accident.
A condition known as “hypermobility” may also predispose an individual to S-I joint dysfunction. “Hypermobility” is best described as a condition in which the joints have too much mobility. This condition generally affects women more than men. Different hormone levels present in women, specifically “relaxin”, can influence hypermobility. This hormone is released to prepare the body for pregnancy, and its level in the blood changes throughout pregnancy process. It basically causes the ligaments to “relax” and allow for more movement to occur in the pelvic girdle region.
The best treatment options
First of all, the evaluation is critical to the success of treating a S-I joint dysfunction. Most dysfunctions can be treated with manual techniques that generally involve “mobilizations”, “manipulations”, or “muscle energy techniques”. These techniques must be applied by a skilled medical professional, such as a physical therapist. These techniques can prove to be quite helpful when utilized appropriately following a thorough evaluation.
Once appropriate manual techniques have been administered, a comprehensive exercise program must be implemented to address the following areas, specifically muscle imbalances:
• Lumbar stabilization program: strengthening abdominals and buttock muscles
• Improve flexibility in lower extremity musculature
Some cases may only need a detailed exercise program that addresses the muscle imbalances. You can learn more about how to identify and address your muscle imbalances by visiting http://www.losethebackpain.com
Some S-I joint dysfunctions may linger on for months and even years. Remember, if you are engaged in a current treatment plan with little to no improvement, seek other options. If you think you may have a S-I joint dysfunction, the first step is to find a healthcare professional who is skilled and experienced in addressing muscle imbalances.
Dr. Robert V. Duvall, Dpt, Mpt, Atc, Mgfi
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-is-sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction-98261.html
Miracle Shoes
Jan 20th
Who knew that shoes could do so much? Usually when we think about correcting medical conditions, we think about popping pills and surgery, in the most serious situations. Shoes are a fashion item, not something you need to consult your doctor about. And besides, we all know that by definition a stylish shoe must hurt your feet. Why do you think they invented the stiletto and the pointy-toed high heel? After all, there is no beauty without pain. Right?
Lucky for us, no matter how much damage we have done, there are orthopedic shoes that we can wear to help fix the problem (or at least make our feet feel better for a little while). Nothing like buying fancy shoes that hurt our feet only to buy fancy shoes that fix our feet! Orthopedic shoes can provide extra lift when our feet are too flat. They can cushion our bunions, and grow wide just where our hammertoe spreads out and would be pinched by an ordinary shoe.
Specialty shoes also exist for more serious conditions. There are shoes designed specifically for people with Diabetes, for example. These shoes help increase blood flow in the foot and prevent nerve damage, which can lead to serious long-term effects. Some shoes actually help correct foot deformity. They are shoes that help gently shape the foot so that it functions normally again. These corrective shoes can help undo birth defects, such as clubfoot, that make mobility difficult.
Finding shoes for such diverse problems (and often different shoes for different feet since each foot has its own orthopedic needs) is not an easy task. In order to ensure that both feet get the support and care they need, customized shoes are often crucial. In recent years, shopping for orthopedic and corrective shoes has become as simple as surfing the net. OddShoeFinder, for example, allows customers to mix and match specialty shoes of all sorts. You can buy a single shoe or buy a mismatched pair. Orthopedic and corrective shoes are readily available. You can even sell your own specialty shoes online, making specialty shoe shopping a painless task done from the comfort of your home.
Kent Basson
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/miracle-shoes-713726.html
Lower Back Pain Treatment Solutions
Jan 20th
There are many different exercises and stretches you can do for lower back pain treatment. Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments. It doesn’t matter what age you are back pain can be a problem. Lower back pain treatment can be in the form of exercise and physical therapy or professional treatment as it all depends on the severity of the back problem. The back is one of the most important areas to keep healthy in order to have the ability to move around without pain.
One of the most effective things you can do if you feel a bit of strain in your back is simple stretches. By stretching your back and abdomen muscles those muscles will become stronger. When those muscles are strengthened there is less chance of the occurrence of back troubles considering the strength of the muscles to begin with. Lower back pain treatment, in terms of stretching, will also loosen the muscle up making them warm and letting the blood flow throughout the muscle. There are many different types of stretches for lower back pain treatment. You doctor will be able to suggest several that should help you.
If stretching isn’t working you may consider consulting a chiropractor. Many times lower back pain can be caused by different parts of the back not being aligned. By consulting a chiropractor they can tell you if everything in your back is how it should be. Not being aligned is one of the biggest causes of back problems. Lower back pain treatment is a specialty of many chiropractors as there are so many back problems that people have.
If you are feeling pain in your back because of an injury try applying heat to the area. Using heat loosens up the back and causes the back to become less stiff. This form of treatment generally alleviates the pain at first but finding out what is wrong with your back will only help the healing process in the long run.
The last option is surgery. This is definitely the final option if stretching and exercises do not work. Surgery for lower back pain treatment is only contemplated if there are no other option or if the other options do not work. Any type of surgery comes with risks so it’s important to be certain that it’s the only choice that is left. Lower back pain treatment is all about alleviating the discomfort you feel in the back which can be the most uncomfortable and annoying back problem. If stretching and exercising do not work something more drastic such as surgery may be your best option.
Dave W Jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lower-back-pain-treatment-solutions-63710.html
Oh, My Aching Back!
Jan 20th
Like humans, our canine friends can suffer back pain. It is especially prevalent in small breeds like Dachshund and Lhasa apso, but bigger breeds like German Shepherds and Great Danes can also suffer. Additionally, dogs that are overweight are more likely to have back problems than their leaner counterparts.
Some back injuries involve nothing more than sore muscles. However, for others, disc injury or degenerative disc disease may be the problem. This can cause extreme pain, lost muscle control, nerve damage and paralysis.
Like man’s, a dog’s spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae. They run from the base of the skull to the end of the tail. Flexible discs made of cartilage provide a cushion between each vertebra. Above the discs and running through the vertebrae is the spinal cord made up of nerve fibers. A disc can weaken with age or trauma, causing a portion of the disc to be pushed out of place, putting pressure on the spinal column.
A dog that has suffered a disc injury will exhibit symptoms such as:
Yelping when handled
Lethargy
Shivering
Whimpering
Poor appetite
Inability to urinate
Clumsiness
Reluctance to climb steps
Walking “drunk”
Unable to move
Paralysis of back legs
To tell the difference between a simple sore muscle and disc injury, check your pet’s “placing response.” While supporting him with one hand under his belly, flip one of his hind feet so that the top of his paw is touching the ground. He should quickly place the foot right side up when you let go. If he doesn’t, he could have nerve problems. Even if he passes the test, if pain lasts more than a day or two, consult your vet. Nerve problems don’t always show up right away.
Your vet will perform diagnostic tests to differentiate disc disease from other illnesses that may cause similar symptoms. A neurological assessment could include applying gentle pressure to the spine to localize the pain. He may check to see if only the back legs are affected, or also the front legs and head. A test the toes of the back legs indicates reflex responses and indicators of pain. He may also x-ray your dog’s spine, or obtain a myelogram or CT scan.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the clinical findings. Dogs with milder injuries may be treated with cortisone injections, steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and rest. This helps shrink the herniated disc and swollen tissue and at the same time relieves inflammation that has occurred within the spinal cord. Pain medication may also be prescribed.
Surgical treatment may be recommended if the signs are severe and do not respond to other management trials.
Whether medical, surgical or a combination of the two treatments is used, it may be several weeks before your dog recovers fully. Crate care may be recommended for at least four weeks when undergoing treatment. Rest is essential to allow the disc material to “scar over”. Early return to activity may worsen your dog’s condition. Don’t let him run around the yard or go for long walks.
Don’t be fooled by what appears to be a fast return to normal behavior. Dogs treated with cortisone injections and steroid treatment, may be relieved of their pain, but the injury is still present and caution must be observed.
Don’t allow your dog to jump up or down from objects such as the bed or the groomer’s table.
When lifting your pet, never use the front legs. Instead, use both hands, supporting him from underneath the rib cage and the back legs.
When walking your dog, use a chest harness instead of attaching a leash directly to the collar. Any jerking motion or sudden movement of the head can cause pain and reinjury.
Use a glucosamine and chrondoitin supplement to help speed recovery and strengthen damaged cartilage.
Help your pet keep his weight down. Check by lightly running your hands over his ribcage. If you can count each rib, he’s at a good weight. If all you feel is padding, it’s time to try a sensible weight-loss plan.
90% of all disc problems can be successfully treated with conservative medical management. Don’t hesitate to get your dog to the vet if you suspect a back injury.
Sherry Massey
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/oh-my-aching-back-85837.html
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