Hi! My name is Robin Wakeham and welcome to Back Pain Healers. Today I will talk about musculoskeletal back pain.

Musculoskeletal pain syndromes that produce low back pain include:

1. Myofascial pain syndromes
2. Fibromyalgia

Myofascial pain is characterized by pain and tenderness over localized areas Called (trigger points), loss of range of motion in the involved muscle groups, and pain radiating in a characteristic distribution but restricted to a peripheral nerve. Relief of pain is often reported when the involved muscle group is stretched.

Fibromyalgia results in pain and tenderness on 11 of 18 trigger points when touched, one of which is the low back area. Generalized stiffness, fatigue, and muscle ache are reported.

Hi! My name is Robin Wakeham and welcome to Back Pain Healers. Today I will give you a definition for back pain.

Pain felt in your lower back may come from the spine, muscles, nerves, or other structures in that region. It may also radiate from other areas like your mid or upper back, a hernia in the groin, or a problem in the testicles or ovaries.

You may feel a variety of symptoms if you’ve hurt your back. You may have a tingling or burning sensation, a dull aching, or sharp pain. You also may experience weakness in your legs or feet.

It won’t necessarily be one event that actually causes your pain. You may have been doing many things improperly – like standing, sitting, or lifting – for a long time. Then suddenly, one simple movement, like reaching for something in the shower or bending from your waist, leads to the feeling of pain.

Hi! My name is Robin Wakeham and welcome to Back Pain Healers. Today I will talk about back pain caused by Spinal stenosis.

Many people older than age 50 have some narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) but do not experience symptoms. If the nerve roots or spinal cord become squeezed, symptoms may include:

• Numbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in the legs, feet, or buttocks. These symptoms get worse when you stretch or extend your back, such as when you walk, stand straight, or lean backwards.
• Stiffness in legs and thighs.
• Low back pain.
• In severe cases, loss of bladder and bowel control.

Since the nerve roots that pass through the lower (lumbar) spine extend to the legs, spinal stenosis most commonly affects the legs. The classic symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis is leg pain when walking and standing that is relieved by sitting. Leg pain is often present when the spine is extended, as while standing straight or leaning backwards, and is relieved when the spine is flexed, as in a sitting position or when walking uphill or leaning over a grocery cart.

My name is Robin Wakeham and welcome to Back Pain Healers. Today I will talk about back pain caused by Spinal degeneration.

Spinal degeneration is often simply a symptom of aging, though at times it can be caused by severe spinal diseases. Spinal degeneration can be treated through a variety of means, including fusion and surgery, as well as noninvasive procedures.

Spinal Degeneration

Just like every other part of your body, your spine naturally degenerates as you age as well. The key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, posture and exercise.

Spinal degeneration is very common among older adults and the only effective treatment to permanently relieve chronic pain is by performing spinal surgery. With some fairly simple procedures, patients can return to pain-free living and activity.

The only patients who might not be eligible for spinal surgery to relieve the effects of spinal degeneration are those in poor health or with health complications such as a failing heart or diabetes. Non-surgical treatments for spinal degeneration include anti-inflammatory medication, steroidal oral medication or injections and physical therapy.

Hi!
My name is Robin Wakeham and welcome to Back Pain Healers. Today I will talk about back pain caused by Cauda equina syndrome.

Cauda equina syndrome is a serious condition in which the bundle of nerve roots at the end of the spinal cord (cauda equina) are squeezed. Cauda equina syndrome may be associated with bowel and bladder problems as well as tingling or a loss of sensation and feeling to the lower pelvic (perineal) area and the legs; these symptoms require immediate medical attention and probable surgery.

Cauda equina syndrome is sometimes caused by a herniated disc that breaks open (ruptures) into the center of the spinal canal and produces a fragment large enough to compress the entire cauda equina. Other problems with the bones of the spine may also cause pressure on this nerve area, which controls some of the leg muscles and the functioning of the bladder, intestines, and genitals.

Back pain is one of the most common complaints and can be very debilitating. But relieving and effectively preventing back pain is not difficult. To do it right is very important to not making it worse. You will find all the right tips here.

Despite back pain hurting a lot and even being the worst pain you can experience for many years, it is seldom dangerous. Problems often arise when you strain your back or do heavy lifting incorrectly. These activities are fine if your back is in good condition, but if it isn’t, or has suffered a previous injury, back pain can often follow.

Move yourself despite the pain

Previously, the thinking was that you should rest your back. Back pain is very rarely due to an injury; instead it is often the result of your nerves locking up. If you move yourself, you will reduce the discomfort, have pain for a shorter time and help prevent future back pain.

The SBU (Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care), which is tasked with assessing which treatments are effective, believes that remaining mobile is of the utmost importance in cases of back pain. Their advice is that it is much better to take pain-relief medication and remain mobile than to remain stationary.

Relieve the pain

Alternatives to medication for the relief of acute pain exist:

• A hot pack, hot shower or sauna can relieve pain.
• An EMS stimulator will get your muscles to relax.
• TENS provides electrical pain relief and can often give a good result for back pain.

Lumbar support

When one sits down it feels good to have lumbar support, which is easily achieved with a rolled up hand towel or cushion. It often feels better to stand up or lie down than to sit down.

Back pain relieving positions

A soothing position to rest in is on the floor with your legs raised on a stool or a pile of cushions. While you are in this position the pain can often simply disappear.

Tempur-Pedic Mattress is the right mattress

Tempur-Pedic makes great mattresses for those suffering from back pain. They ensure your body rests in a natural position by relaxing and taking the pressure off your back. Their mattresses conform to your body and the heavier parts, such as your hips, will sink deeper. This means that you get to rest in the best, anatomically speaking, position for your back. It is restful for your back and can be very relieving for back pain.

Prevent future back pain

Preventing future back pain is not actually impossible for the majority of people. On the contrary, it is normally well within their grasp. Just after you experience back pain is the best time to act, as you will find yourself more easily motivated.

Exercise

It is especially important to exercise regularly. Nothing has a bigger effect when it comes to preventing back pain. In many, many cases, this will be all you need to do to ensure you suffer much less often and to a lesser degree if you do experience back pain again.

At the very least, try to walk three times a week. Other good exercise includes swimming, Nordic walking (walking with ski poles) and bicycling. Visit a gym and get some instructions on how to train up the muscles in your back, legs and abdomen.

Lifting the right way

Heavy lifting is one of the most common reasons behind back pain. By lifting correctly, you can avoid problems. A common mistake people make and which can cause back pain is to twist your body while you are lifting. This can cause significant damage to your back.

To lift correctly, follow these steps:

• Stand near the object to be lifted.
• Bend your knees.
• Get a good grip on the object.
• Lift straight up, without twisting your body, in a smooth movement.
• Hold the object close to your body.
• Go to where you want to move the object.
• Bend your knees when putting down the object.

The correct posture is important

If you suffer from back pain, it is important to be aware of your posture. Bad posture increases the risk of back pain. Bad posture includes hunched shoulders, keeping your knees bent and a lowered head, which all contribute to putting pressure on your back.

A good posture avoids unnecessary pressure:

• Keep your feet slightly apart.
• Keep your knees straight.
• Keep your chin slightly held in.
• Keep your shoulders back.

Be aware of your posture during the day and try to keep correcting it.

Smoking harms your back

Smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs and heart and cause cancer, it also harms your back. Nicotine blocks the transport of oxygen and nourishing fluids to the discs in your back. This leads to degeneration, which increases the risk of a slipped disc. Not only that, but if you need surgery for a slipped disc and are a smoker, your recovery will take longer – that is if you fully recover at all.

It is therefore even more advisable to quit smoking when you have back pain.

When should I go to the hospital?

• If you need advice, you can get medical care information at any time.
• If you are pregnant and experience back pain, you should contact your midwife.
• You should contact your health center if you haven’t recovered after two to three weeks, are over the age of 55 and haven’t experienced back pain before, or if you have received treatment for cancer or osteoporosis.
• You should go to the emergency room if a child under the age of 18 is experiencing acute pain, is not feeling a need to urinate, or has wet themselves, is feeling an ache around their rectal or genital region, feels aches, pins and needles or weakness in their legs, is unsteady and doesn’t feel where their feet are or feels acute pain after an accident.

Hi!

My name is Robin Wakeham and welcome to Back Pain Healers. Today I will talk about back pain caused by a herniated disc.

What is a herniated disc?

The bones also known as (vertebrae) that form the spine in your back are cushioned by small, spongy discs. When these discs are healthy, they act as shock absorbers for the spine and keep the spine flexible. But when a disc is damaged, it may bulge or break open. This is called a herniated disc. It may also be called a slipped or ruptured disc.

You can have a herniated disc in any part of your spine. But most herniated discs affect the lower back.

What causes a herniated disc?

A herniated disc may be caused by:

1. Wear and tear of the disc. As you age, your discs dry out and aren’t as flexible.
2. Injury to the spine. This may cause tiny tears or cracks in the hard outer layer of the disc. When this happens, the gel inside the disc can be forced out through the tears or cracks in the outer layer of the disc. This causes the disc to bulge, break open, or break into pieces.

What are the symptoms?

When a herniated disc presses on nerve roots, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the body where the nerve travels. A herniated disc in the lower back can cause pain and numbness in the buttock and down the leg. This is called sciatica Sciatica is the most common symptom of a herniated disc in the low back.

Hi! My name is Robin Wakeham and welcome to Back Pain Healers. Today I will tell you 5 things worth knowing about Tempur-Pedic Mattresses and Tempur-Pedic Pillows.

1. Recognition: Tempur-Pedic is the only mattress and pillow recognized by NASA and the U.S. Space foundation. More than 30,000 doctors all over the world recommend Tempur-Pedic.
2. Temperature and weight sensitivity: Tempur-Pedic Mattresses and Pillows are sensitive to body temperature and mass and form themselves to adapt precisely to the user.
3. Pressure relief: Tempur-Pedic Mattresses absorb your body mass, distributing it over the entire surface. This ensures that painful areas are supported with as little compression as possible.
4. Energy absorbing, no disturbance from movements: Tempur-Pedic Mattresses absorb movements that disturb your sleep. Both you and your partner will sleep more restfully without feeling each other’s movements.
5. Tempur-Pedic the clear choice for me as a physical therapists: TEMPUR is the only pressure-relieving material that I have tried that has matched up to its promises. My family and I sleep in Tempur beds and my patients tell me on a daily basis how happy they are since I advised them to invest in a Tempur-Pedic Mattress or Bed.