Lower Back Pain Relief - 3 Tips to a Pain Free Back

Lower back pain relief can be yours with very little effort. In this article, I want to share with you 3 tips that I have used myself to relieve my lower back pain.

Warm Water

Something I often do for my back is to have a very warm shower and then direct a fast jet of water onto the lower back region.

Honestly, I know of nothing better for the back than this. It just seems to soothe the pain immediately. I've had neck pain before and it worked for this too.

In the first stages, do this as many as 3 times a day. You might think that 3 showers a day is excessive but, trust me, you'll feel so much better for it and it's totally worth the pain relief.

Adopt The Position

Often people will go to bed when they have back pain. You'll soon discover that this often does not provide any relief.

What you need is a rolled up towel. Roll up a towel into a sausage shape and put it in the small of your back. Now you're back is in its preferred "S-shape".

You can also do this while sitting. Sit in a chair but do not slouch. Use the rolled up towel for support to help you maintain this position.

Start Lifting Correctly!

Most people do not lift correctly and that probably includes you. Either you overdid it or you are just unlucky to have suffered for it.

It is never too late to start lifting correctly.

In basic terms, you need to imagine a weight lifter at the Olympics. Once they have the correct position, they always look forward. This helps to keep the back straight while lifting and use the power of the legs.

Look forwards while lifting and you will use your back for lifting which will only further damage it.

7 Practices To Achieve Lower Back Pain Relief During Pregnancy

Lower back pain in pregnant women is a very frequent complaint. As a matter of fact, eighty percent of pregnant women will experience pain in their back and at the same time on the period of their pregnancy. There are some types of back pain that arise among expectant mothers; the pain felt at the lower portion of the back is the most common pains during pregnancy.

The 7 practices are based on the condition of pregnant women since, pregnant women usually experience this condition, and the pains are being evaluated for the relief of the pain at the lower part of the back.

1. Practice good posture for gain low back pain relief - Use a conveniently wide position when you stand for the best support. If you are required to stand for a long period of time in any instance, relax your one foot on a low step chair and take time for numerous breaks. Because good posture can provide your low back problem a relief.

2. Wear appropriate gear - Wear for appropriate clothing that can be normally fitted for you (not so tight); like for your sandals that you may wear low-heeled sandals or any convenient and comfortable garments that could help you achieve relief from the discomfort.

3. Avoid lifting - When lifting an object, squat down and lift through your legs. It is also important to know your limits than lifting consecutively, which can cause much pain for you. Otherwise, avoiding lifting successively this will help you from having the most dreaded pain.

4. Sleep on your side - Do not use your back when sleeping, otherwise, sleep on your side. Placing one pillow amid your knees and others below your abdomen is also a very good way to achieve the much needed relief.

5. Apply heat or cold massage - Use a heating pad to sustain heat on your back, or alternate ice packs for your back. Applying heat or cold massage can keep a lower back pain relief because of the relaxing feeling that supports for your back.

6. Include physical activity in your daily practice - Inclusion of exercise can be a big help for lower back pain relief, and it can prevent from causing too much pain in your back than staying in your home without any effort done. You may stretch your back in a way that it can be comforting for you.

7. Consider complementary treatment - Some study suggests that acupuncture can help lower back pain relief during pregnancy. As well as "Chiropractic treatment", it seems to provide ease for some women. If you are allowing for a complementary therapy, talk about the options with your health care physician. The physician will confirm that condition is not the cause of an underlying condition.

Recognize a physician

However, ordinary pain during pregnancy is not something to disregard. Consult your physician if the condition persist does not respond to any strategies you implied. The physician will instruct you what to do or what to take for sustaining the problem at your lower back.

Pregnant women are really prone to having pain at the lower back, on the other hand, lower back pain relief can be achieve through different ways but consulting a physician is really recommendable.

How Low Bone Density Is Associated With Low Back Pain and How Chiropractic Care Helps

Low bone density or osteopenia in medical term is a problem that commonly affects women, particularly in their middle ages and certainly after menopause. Its bone mineral density is lower than normal peak. It is estimated that 40% of all postmenopausal Caucasian women have low bone density and proportion of these women will go on to develop osteoporosis, with a high risk of bone fractures.

Bones constantly recycle themselves to maintain their strength. Old bone is absorbed by the cells in body called osteoclasts in a process known as resorption. New bone growth by cells called osteoblasts replenishes the old. The osteoblasts construct new bone material to maintain bone strength. Low bone density takes place when old bone is taken up than new bone deposited, resulting to thinning of bone or low bone density and in severe cases, may result to osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue that leads to bone fragility and an increased fractures of hip, spine, and wrist.

The association between bone density and low back pain is quite intimate. The classic condition and cause of spinal pain associated with the loss of bone density is spinal compression fracture. All bones lose strength over time and the lumbar vertebrae, particularly in postmenopausal women, can be fractured or compressed from a fall or even from the stress of lifting or everyday activities. The bone strength decreases to a point where slight trauma and sometimes, no trauma whatsoever can result in a fracture.

A compression fracture is a complete bone break that disrupts the bone tissue and collapses the affected bone. Most commonly, the site where compression fractures occur can be found on the spinal vertebral body. Pain from a vertebral compression can be severe and it may show no symptoms and only be discovered when x-rays of the spine are done for other reasons. Over time symptoms such as back pain, loss of height, and kyphosis or stooped over posture may occur. A person may experience less pain during bed rest due to the fact that sitting and standing puts weight on the vertebra and can cause pain.

Studies have shown that the likelihood of incurring additional vertebral fractures is increased once an individual has already experienced one, even if that person does not have low bone density. Research also suggests that around 20% of older women who experience spinal fracture will experience another such fracture within a year.

The normal effects of aging in relation to decreased bone mass and decreased strength and elasticity of muscles and ligaments is unavoidable. However, such effects can be slowed by keeping the muscles that support your back strong and flexible by exercising regularly, using proper body mechanics in lifting and moving, maintaining proper body weight, maintaining a proper posture, avoiding smoking, and receiving regular chiropractic care.

Most cases of low back pain respond to chiropractic treatment. A chiropractor can accurately diagnose and effectively treat most types of low back pain. DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiomery) scan is used in some cases to predict brittle bone conditions. A DEXA T-score of -1.1 to 2.4 indicates osteopenia while 2.5 or greater indicates osteoporosis. A DEXA scan can also help to identify if you are at risk, before it becomes a problem.

A newer bone imaging technology has been developed. FRAX is a computer-based algorithm that provides the 10-year probability of fractures in men and women on the basis of classic risk factors alone or by integration of classic risk factors with bone mineral density, which is measured by DEXA.

Proper diagnosis will help figure out whether a chiropractic adjustment would be beneficial as a part of back pain treatment. A lot of doctors regularly refer people with severe back pain to chiropractors. A patient can go directly to a chiropractor as referral from a doctor is not actually required. The key to such health concern is early identification and intervention. Receiving chiropractic treatment helps in the prevention of low back pain from low bone density.

Dull Pain in Lower Back (Right Or Left Side) - Pain Relief Options That Can Help! - Special Report

Do you suffer from a dull pain in your lower back?

Is it on the right or left side, or both?

1.) Introduction

Dull pain can be a serious problem for many people. You are not alone. Although it is not screaming at you, nor does it seem to be acute in nature, it still can be a very serious problem. Can you relate? This free information will discuss possible causes of the pain and help you to get rid of it with cost effective treatment options. We have studied back pain and this article is not meant to waste your time.

2.) Causes of Lower Back Pain (Right or Left Side)

• Poor body mechanics


• Obesity


• Previous lumbar spinal issues that flare up


• Degenerative Ailments (like with a disc for example).

Each of these aforementioned items can lead to a herniated discs, pinched nerve or even a muscle strain, for example. It is also possible to suffer from various forms of spinal fractures and kidney issues that cause you pain in your lower back. These issues are considered to be very serious in nature and if you have one it is best to consult your physician. Back braces can help but if you have kidney problems, they might not help.

3.) Treatment Options (At Home Remedies and Beyond!)

Rest and ice are age old at home remedies that have been used for many years. These remedies can help take the edge off, but if you think about it, they are not necessarily "cure alls", as much as we would like to believe. - Here's why,... When we were younger, it seems that rest took care of all our woes. But, as you may very well know, we do not have free time as we used to. That is why we only can afford to get limited rest. - Ice can also help, but ice melts and it can usually only be used when we are at rest.

Surgery. This is another valuable option, but it is usually saved for very severe instances. If you worked in a hospital you might think that surgery is common, but most people actually do not need surgery to get better. Your physician will probably tell you that they would like to use honest conservative measures to help you reduce your pain, before they would ever consider surgery.

4.) Back Supports

One very useful way to help promote healing of an injured lower back, is to use a low profile back brace. Many off the shelf designs exist and they can help you reduce your pain due to the meaningful support they provide. They also can be easily concealed just by using a t-shirt! These back supports can help to off load your lumbar spine by increasing intercavitary pressure. This will help to free up the muscles, discs and other internal structures that may be ailing. If you have not thought about a back support, then you should look into them.

* This is health information. We believe in the benefits of back supports, but you should always speak to your physician regarding medical advice for your particular situation.

Lower Back Pain And Natural Healing

Most of us at one time or the other have experienced lower back pain in some way, shape, form or another. It's a familiar feeling of dull, throbbing pain right around where our tailbone and pelvic area is. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to chronic back pain when we're sitting in an office chair for 8 hours a day. Alternatively it can happen if you're a manual labor worker. One wrong move and you've tweaked your back. There all sorts of methods to treat this pain with traditional medicine, such as prescription muscle relaxants, injections and even surgery. Some of these are not very appealing, so you may have considered trying to heal lower back pain more naturally. Here are some of the more popular methods to treating and healing lower back pain naturally.

Chiropractic Adjustment. Probably the most well known natural method of treating lower back pain, a good chiropractor can target the bones and muscles within the lower back, and push them back into alignment. In fact, regular chiropractic adjustment can actually prevent further injury from the lower back and help with posture. Most major insurances now cover chiropractic adjustment as a valid method of treatment, which is great new for those of us interested in treating pain naturally.

Acupuncture. Using needles placed just under the skins surface, a skilled acupuncturist can target the muscles and nerves affected by lower back pain. Pain relief is almost instant when this method is used correctly. Again, most major insurances are now recognizing this as a valid treatment for pain.

Massage. For soft tissue pain, massage can be a godsend. Deep tissue or even regular Swedish style massage performed on a regular basis can help keep muscles moving and in the right spot. A good massage therapist can recognize sore and tender spots and help the injured individual to recover quicker.

Topical Herbal Tinctures. Using different oils and combinations of herbs can help relieve pain right in the target area. Often recommended are angelica, pine, lavender and peppermint. All give excellent anti-inflammatory benefits to sore muscles.

There are many natural healing methods to alleviate pain and some of the best ones are listed here. Depending on the severity of your lower back pain, you may be able to heal yourself just using one method, or if pain is severe you may find relief in using a combination of all of them. Lower back pain no longer means being relegated to strong prescriptions and injections. With natural methods you can allow your body to help heal itself naturally without any untoward side effects.

Lower Right Back Pain Causes And Treatment

Lower right back pain is one of the more common forms of low back discomfort, due to the fact that the sacro-iliac joint is one of the more commonly used joints. Because of the large amount of usage, the Sacro-Illiac joint tends to receive more abuse and lower right back pain is symptomatic of this abuse.

The muscle that runs up from your pelvis to your rib cage may also be the cause of a lower right back injury condition, and the Quadratus Lumborum muscle can be a cause of serious lower back discomfort. It is important to know how to deal with lower right back pain aches if you suffer from them.

The majority of the backache symptoms will be centered on your lumbar spine, but the hurting in your lower right back is caused by the connection between the Sacrum and the Pelvis. The joint that connects the two has no disc to protect it, and when it doesn't move properly the lower right back and hip pain can be intense. You WILL want to get severe back pain relief as soon as possible!

The muscles alongside the vertebra are to support your spinal cord, and these muscles often tighten when mistreated. That tightening of the muscles is one of the causes of pain, which are also known as Trigger Points.

Many times you will feel discomfort radiating from the trigger points in your tightened muscles, but the radiating ache is not the problem. It is just a symptom. To resolve your issues and get lower back discomfort relief, you need to ensure that the joint is moving properly, your pelvic balance is correct, and your muscles are strong.

If you don't take care of your lower right back pain soon after getting it, you may find that you will end up permanently suffering from lower right back pain. You may actually end up spraining the Sacro-Illiac joint, and you will feel that the pain in your hip and lower back area is much more intense than it should be.

There are a number of pain medications and treatments to help bring about back pain relief. You can reduce or eliminate right lower back pain by taking anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce the swelling of the muscles. Injections of cortisone and electric stimulation therapy are also common treatments for sacro-iliac pain.

Chiropractors are also an excellent choice for those who are suffering from lower right pain. Chiropractors are trained to manipulate joints in order to reduce pain and bring about almost immediate relief. You may find that a few visits to your chiropractor may be more than enough to completely rid yourself of your lower right back dis-ease.

Left untreated it can turn into chronic pain. It is important that you take a few simple steps to help your body eliminate and prevent the pain from plaguing you in the future.

Before starting any program of medication or exercise - for this or any other disease or disorder - it is best contact a doctor. AND be sure to follow your doctors advice. That said, you can often heal and relieve your ache with the following:

For longer term relief, strengthen your low back muscles by doing back stretches and exercises that focus on the core and upper thighs.

Avoid any movements that would put undue strain or pressure on the lower right back and the joint movement.

Use ice and hot packs alternately to apply heat and cold to the lower right back to help eliminate the back ache.

Pay diligent attention to the causes and risk factors and not only can you return to health, but avoid lower right back pain disorders in the future.

What Is Causing My Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain is one of the leading reasons people in the United States visit their doctors. It will inhibit the lives of millions of Americans this year. In fact, an average four out of five adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. So the question, "What is causing my lower back pain?" is not uncommon.

Lower back pain can be excruciating. It can be caused by a large variety of injuries or conditions, such as:

* lower back muscles may be strained

* discs between the vertebrae may be injured

* large nerve roots extending to arms and legs may be irritated

* smaller nerves that supply the lower back spine may be irritated

* joints, ligaments, or even bones may be injured

When lower back pain occurs with other symptoms such as fever and chills, a serious medical condition may be present. You should see a doctor immediately.

Three categories of lower back pain

Your lower back pain will fall into one of three categories, which your doctor bases on your description of the pain.

1. Axial lower back pain - mechanical or simple back pain

2. Radicular lower back pain - sciatica

3. Lower back pain with referred pain

1. Axial Lower Back Pain

Axial lower back pain is the most common of the three. It is felt only in the lower back area with no pain radiating to other parts of the body. It is sometimes called mechanical back pain or simple back pain.

* Description: Axial lower back pain can vary greatly. It may be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent. On a scale of 1 to 10, you may rate its intensity #1 or a full #10. It may increase with certain activity - when playing tennis, for example. It may worsen in certain positions - such as sitting at a desk. It may or may not be relieved by rest.

* Diagnosis: Axial lower back pain might be diagnosed by you rather than your physician. You know it started when you were helping a friend move a heavy couch. On the other hand, it may be your doctor who determines that you have strained or otherwise damaged back muscles, have a degenerated disc, etc.

* Treatment: The cause of your axial lower back pain does not matter when it comes to treatment. You will want to rest for a day or two. Follow this by gentle back pain exercises and stretching. If you have more pain after exercise, use a heating pad on low or medium setting. Take an appropriate over-the-counter pain medication. Follow your doctor's advice.

* Prognosis: Symptoms of axial lower back pain disappear with time, and about 90% of patients recover within four to six weeks. If you do not feel better within six to eight weeks, additional testing and/or injections may be needed to diagnose and treat the source of the pain.

* Caution: If your pain is chronic, or so severe that it awakens you during the night, see your doctor.

2. Radicular Lower Back Pain

Radicular lower back pain is commonly referred to as sciatica. It is felt in the lower back area, thighs, and legs.

* Description: Radicular lower back pain often begins in the lower back, and then follows a specific nerve path into the thighs and legs. Your leg pain may be much worse than your back pain. It is often deep and steady. It may readily be reproduced with certain activities and positions, such as sitting or walking.

* Diagnosis: Radicular lower back pain is caused by compression of the lower spinal nerve. The most common cause is a herniated disc with compression of the nerve. Other causes might be diabetes or injury to the nerve root. If you had previous back surgery, scar tissue may be affecting the nerve root. Elderly adults may have a narrowing of the hole through which the spinal nerve exits.

* Treatment: Conservative treatment is the best place to begin. Rest for a few days in a bed or chair. Follow this by gradual introduction of gentle exercises specifically for back pain relief. Follow your exercise with additional rest, applying a heating pad on low to medium setting. Soak daily in Epsom salts baths. Take an appropriate over-the-counter pain medication. Your doctor may want to use selective spinal injections.

* Prognosis: Symptoms of radicular low back pain may decrease with the conservative treatment outlined above. Give your back and legs six to eight weeks to improve. If surgery is needed after that, it typically provides relief of the leg pain for 85% to 90% of patients. The back pain itself is more difficult to relieve.

* Caution: If an MRI or CT-myelogram does not definitely confirm nerve compression, back surgery is unlikely to be successful.

3. Lower Back Pain with Referred Pain

Lower back pain with referred pain is not as common as axial or radicular back pain. This pain, which does not radiate down the thighs and legs, may be caused by the same conditions that cause axial lower back pain.

* Description: You will usually feel referred pain in the low back area, radiating into your groin, buttocks, and upper thigh. The pain may move around, but it will rarely go below your knee. It often is an achy, dull pain. It tends to come and go. Sometimes it is very sharp, but other times it is only a dull sensation. It can be caused by the identical injury or problem that causes simple axial back pain. Often, it is no more serious.

* Diagnosis: It is very important to have a physician determine whether your pain is lower back pain with referred pain or radicular lower back pain, since the treatment varies considerably.

* Treatment: Once you know for sure that yours is lower back pain with referred pain, you can follow the treatment for axial lower back pain.

* Prognosis: Symptoms of lower back pain with referred pain disappear with time, usually within four to six weeks. If you do not feel better within six to eight weeks, ask your physician if additional testing and/or injections are needed.

* Caution: If your lower back pain is chronic, or so severe it awakens you during the night, you should see your doctor.

You will want to visit http://www.backpainreliefblog.com for more detailed information about lower back pain. Packed with articles about many kinds of back pain, Back Pain Relief Blog offers practical, down-to-earth advice on how to care for your back. Find back pain exercises to avoid back pain and to heal your aching back. Learn what natural remedies are available for back pain relief.

Neck and Back Pain - How Do You Know What Kind of Treatment Is Best?

DID YOU KNOW?

93% of patients with chronic whiplash pain who have failed medical and physical therapy care improve with chiropractic adjustments. (From the medical journal Spine, 1994)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for rheumatoid and/or arthritis conservatively cause 15,500 Americans to bleed to death each year, making that the 15th most common cause of death in the U.S. (New England Journal of Medicine, 1999)

Chiropractic spinal adjusting has been shown to be better than 5 times more effective than NSAIDs pain drugs Celebrex and Vioxx in the treatment of chronic neck and low back pain (Spine, 2003)

Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure. (Journal of Human Hypertension, 2007)

Taking the correct drug for the correct diagnoses in the correct dose will kill about 106,000 Americans per year, making it the 4th most common cause of death in the U.S. (Journal of the American Medical Association, 1998)

The FDA admits that all NSAID's (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), including Aleve, Aspirin and Ibuprofen, may kill you as they lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems--including heart attacks and strokes. (USA Today, December 23, 2004

Regular use of Aspirin or Tylenol are linked to kidney failure. (The New England Journal of Medicine, Dec. 20, 2001) Those who consumed the highest amounts of NSAIDs increased their risk of dementia, including Alzeimer's disease, by 66%. (Neurology, 2009)

The risk of serious complications from a chiropractic adjustment is 1-2 chances in a million, whereas the rate of the same problems occurring with surgery is 15,600 per million! (Rand Corp., 1992)

TAKING THE EASIER ROAD

Admittedly, it's just plain easier to pop a pill to feel better. One trip to the drug store and you have weeks, even months, worth of pain relief. Often times it seems a lot cheaper, too. Unfortunately, as can be seen from above, research shows if you take NSAIDS, you're not only risking the health of your brain, heart and kidneys, but your life and financial security as well, as these conditions can be devastatingly expensive to treat.

HEALTHCARE'S NEW TREND-- LONGEVITY

If you've been following the news on health these past few years, you've probably noticed how much interest there is in stretching out the number of years people can live in good health. Scientists have determined that only 30% of aging is based on genetic heritage while 70% is attributed to lifestyle choices. Simply put, it's how you choose to live; the things you consume, the amount and quality of exercise you perform, avoiding needless stress and carefully choosing what form of health care you will use. One of the most important things, research shows conclusively, which will help you live a long and healthy is a lifestyle filled with non- toxic, non-injurious ways of maintaining and restoring one's health.

Chiropractic is a safe and effective form of healthcare not only for neck and back pain, but for a variety of conditions, including; headaches, sciatica, vertigo, sport injuries, shoulder pain, knee pain, jaw pain, wrist pain, foot pain and ankle pain.

For more information, go to our website at http://www.achiropracticcenter.com

Follow me on Twitter @ expertchiro

Back Pain Symptoms - Detect Them Early For Faster Pain Relief

Most people will experience back pain symptoms at some point in their life. The numbers run between 80 and 90 percent depending on where you look. As one of the top reasons for consulting a doctor, back pain is considered a serious health problem. It can be a simple problem or a sign of something more serious like a systemic imbalance. Therefore, it pays to be aware of back pain symptoms so that you know when to seek medical advice. And, if you are seeking natural alternatives, it is important to be able to identify the exact symptom so you can focus on the right treatment. 

Back pain can be caused by many factors. Some are due to poor health habits, while others are caused by accident like a sports injury, car accident, a fall or muscle strain. The cause of back pain symptoms may vary from one person to another, and from one situation to another, but they frequently have similar traits. 

The most common back pain symptoms include an ache from the lower back that can go down to the buttock, thigh, and even down into the calf and toes. There can also be a persistent pain or stiffness in these areas. These symptoms often come from a condition called sciatica, one of the most common back pain conditions. 

Also, you can experience unending lower or middle back pain. This can be the result of standing or sitting for a long time. Back pain can also come with a sharp and sudden pain or ache in the neck and back that might be caused by carrying heavy objects or doing strenuous physical activities. And, a muscle spasm can cause a serious pain in the lower, middle or upper back.

If you experience any of these symptoms, then you would be well advised to consult with a professional for treatment, especially if your back pain symptoms persist. For one thing, they could point to a more serious issue. For example, if your back ache worsens when you bend forward at the waist, or when you cough, you may have a herniated disk. This type of damage to the spine is often indicated by a feeling of numbness and loss of control in your legs or arms.

Low Back Pain And Sciatica - Functional Limitations

The problem with low back pain and sciatica, is that the lower back itself and surrounding area is so important with regards to any movement or activity you become involved in. It is not like when you have injured an arm or a leg, where you can rest the arm in a sling or use some crutches for your leg in order to allow healing to take place, with low back pain you are not afforded that luxury.

With regards to functional activities, the first thing which needs to be addressed is to divide them into two categories:

i) Those which cause or aggravate your low back pain or sciatica.

ii) Those which cause you no pain or do not increase your pain at all.

The chances are that there is a common factor linking the components of each of these two groups.

For example, let's say sitting down aggravates your low back pain yet keeping upright and a small amount of walking eases your pain. We are going to be thinking along the lines of flexion activities being the aggravating factor for your low back pain and extension type activities being the easing factor.

With this above example, first and foremost we need to modify or temporarily avoid the aggravating factor i.e. sitting down. Now I am not suggesting you do not sit down at all during the day, but rather you try and sit in a more upright chair, with say a rolled up towel for some support for your lower back. In addition to this, I would also recommend that you spend no longer than a maximum of 15-20 minutes sitting down without break i.e. getting up out of the chair.

Moving on to encouraging the easing factors, and once again using the above example, I would suggest you try to have a little walk a few times during the day. This can be anything from a few minutes to say 20 or 30 minutes, depending upon the severity of your pain. The important thing is your low back likes this activity and therefore it is important to provide it with it, as it will be providing you low back with the optimum conditions for it to heal itself.

NB. You can get too much of a good thing, therefore do not just walk for the sake of it. For example, if your low back pain eases after 5 minutes walking, but becomes aggravated after 10 minutes, feel free to walk for 5 minutes, but not too much longer (otherwise you will be simply interfering with the healing process again).

With regards to aggravating and easing factors, it is important to be as specific as possible. Therefore,using the example I have just given, walking for 5 minutes is an easing factor, yet walking for 10 minutes is an aggravating factor.

The main principle is little and often throughout the day. Tying in the above two, the logical thing to do with regards to sitting, is every 15 minutes or so stand yourself up and have a walk up and down the living room. By taking on board the above principle, it will result in less stress being placed across the structures responsible for your low back pain and therefore give your body a chance to heal itself. As healing takes place, the structures responsible for your pain will become stronger, and if they are stronger you will find you can begin to do more and more.

A positive cycle will now result, whereby encouraging the easing factors will promote more healing, which itself will result in your low back becoming stronger and therefore less easily aggravated. If it is less aggravated, it means more healing will take place and therefore you can become more active and your back will become stronger.... and so on.

Sound too simple?

Well there is no doubt I have simplified things a little just to highlight a point. However, it is not too difficult either as the underlying principle is the same. The all important aspect is firstly analysing your day-to-day activities and then dividing them into aggravating and easing ones. When you have established this, begin by temporarily avoiding/modifying the aggravating activities and encouraging the easing ones. As you do this, your low back pain or sciatica will begin to ease and you will be able to become more active.

At this stage, it will be important to consider addressing any muscle imbalances which are present (as it will almost be certain there are some). A simple but effective exercise programme to strengthen any weak muscles and stretch any tight ones will soon have you performing those functional activities you are finding difficult at the moment pain-free...

The Benefits of Yoga for Lower Back Pain Relief

Many people suffer with chronic back pain and have tried pills, chiropractors, physical therapy and other methods to find some relief for their pain; however, treating any type of back or neck pain can be difficult. It can be hard to determine exactly what is causing the pain and treatment options may range from pain relievers that can be as damaging as they are beneficial to relaxation techniques or self-help methods that may prove completely ineffective for many people. Fortunately, current research suggests that a program of stretching or yoga for lower back pain relief can be extremely effective. It seems that concentrating on stretching and strengthening the torso and leg muscles has been able to provide considerable relief for many people.

While most people understand the importance of exercise to help relieve stress and provide good overall health and well-being, people who suffer with back pain often tend to avoid certain types of exercise because they are worried about exacerbating their already painful condition. If you are suffering with back spasm or pain, the last thing you want to do is exercise and make the situation worse. Additionally, many exercises are almost impossible for someone suffering with back pain. Fortunately, a regular program of stretching and strengthening these muscles, using various yoga poses, can help increase a person's core body strength which has been shown to provide lower back pain relief. However, even people who suffer with other types of pain are finding that the relaxation and stretching benefits of yoga can be extremely beneficial.

While the poses used in many types of yoga may seem simple, they promote flexibility while increasing strength. This provides a more effective frame or core that can be especially helpful in protecting inflamed and sore back muscles. Additionally, the stretching associated with these yoga poses helps to increase blood flow and circulation which can also be attributed to the relaxation and overall better sense of wellness reported by people who participate in yoga on a regular basis.

There are many reasons people could be experiencing back, neck or shoulder pain, but even stress and tension can be major triggers. In today's hectic and fast-paced world, many people are stressed and do not even realize it. Fortunately, an exercise program that includes extensive stretching or yoga for lower back pain relief can help bring about a sense of calm and relaxation which can in turn allow muscles to relax and heal.

Causes of Lower Back Pain During Pregnancy - Tips to Help Pregnant Women Suffering From This Pain

Each year, more than four million women in America give birth, among which two out of every three women suffers from pelvic and lower back pain during pregnancy. Most times these symptoms will vanish within three months after delivery.

There are two main reasons for back pain during pregnancy:

1. Hormone Relaxin: During your pregnancy period, the relaxin (a sex hormone of the corpus luteum that facilitates birth by causing relaxation of the pelvic ligaments) exists in your body is ten times more than its usual level. All the joints in your pelvis is been relaxed by this hormone, to provide enough room for your baby to come out from the birth canal. Oftentimes, the hormone results to abnormal motion in different new joints of your body, which leads to swelling and pain.

2. Growing Fetus: When the fetus is growing, your abdominal wall stretches so as to hold the expanding womb. The additional room required for this need to come somewhere from your body. Stretching your abdominal muscles during your pregnancy is far beyond the usual level, so the muscles will lose the ability to do its normal function in maintaining the body pressure. Because of these changes, your lower back gets an unusual amount of burden from the torso.

Below are some simple tips to help reduce the pain and possibly prevent lower back pain during pregnancy.

1. Your back muscles need to be strengthened. You can do this safely during your pregnancy period until there is no burden from the torso squeezing the pelvis.

2. Try to decrease the physical activities level. Reducing these activities that put stress on your lower back and pelvis will help relieve pain. Some of the activities include walking long distance, standing on single leg, standing for longer hours, doing household duties that should be done by a woman that is not pregnant etc

3. Follow right ergonomic posture at your place of work. You should take frequent breaks, lie down or some time, and alert yourself on structural strength. Do not lift anything with large weights. Create comfortable work environment.

Getting the right techniques to exercise your back is important. Also you need methods of physical and mental re-education to reduce habitual and unnecessary tension in all your activity through awareness of balance, posture and movement.

How to Be Free From Back Pain

There is nothing quit so debilitating as low back pain. I don't mean the kind of pain that aches and leaves you a bit sore. I'm talking about the kind of pain that takes you out of action. The kind that makes even walking hard to do.

Some people learn to live with the pain. In the morning they get up and move slowly until the stiffness is worked out. They learn to be careful picking up even the smallest things. Everyday activities become a test to see if there is some way to do even the simplest activities or not.

One reason muscles in the low back tighten up and sometimes spasm is a misalignment in the joints. Misalignments press on sensitive tissues causing pain. Muscles tense, nerves get compressed and the surrounding area becomes inflamed. With inflammation comes pain.

The most common low back issue comes from a combination of three issues. First, the fifth lumbar which is in the very lower back, goes out of alignment. Then, the illio-sacral joint which is the junction between the upper hip in the back, and the sacrum goes out of alignment. The weakness allows the spine in the low back to get compressed, even locking the vertebrae together.

The illio-sacral joint is the load-bearing connection between the upper and lower body. Most of the weight of the entire upper body rests on this joint. When there is a problem here, especially when coupled with the other two misalignments, there is no strength in the back. Usually it is quite painful.

What is the root cause of most lower back problems? That is the real question. Back problems often return, so knowing the root cause is essential in treatment and prevention.

In most cases the root issue is stress. Time off is one of the best known treatments for low back pain. However, it often returns when people return to their usual lives.

Stress injures the body by putting excess strain on the adrenal glands which produce stress hormones. As the adrenals work harder and harder, they start drawing nutrients from other areas of the body to keep up with demand. Some of the nutrients they really need are the same ones that ligaments and tendons need to keep their tone. And, the low back often is the first place go.

Dealing with the stressors is first. One of the worst ones that really harms the adrenals is sugar including honey, fruit juice, dried fruit and more. Processed carbohydrates release their sugar stores quickly, so they cause the same problems. Things like noodles, bread, chips both corn and potato and other 'health chips,' white rice, bread of any kind and just about anything that comes in a package.

Another stress factor is emotional stress. This could be caused by any intense emotional experience from work related expectations to a great loss. These issues need to be dealt with on different levels. Obviously, a release of some type is needed for the immediate issue. And, the root, often from childhood, must be dealt with.

On a physical level, emotional components can become lodged in the body. They usually cause some sort of problem like a tight muscle pulling a rib out of alignment resulting in chronic back pain. These issues can be cleared using a very gentle Applied Kinesiology technique.

Realignment is next. After the underlying issues have been cleared, it is time for realignment. Realignment is facilitated by physical manipulations that put bones in proper alignment so that the joint is fully functional.

There are different ways to realign a back and other areas of the body. One is to go to a chiropractor or an Osteopath, a medical doctor who specializes in joint manipulation. They often use forceful techniques that can cause other problems and sometimes even more pain. Not to mention the scary noises as joints are forced back into alignment. There are some though who learn and develop more gentle techniques.

Alternatively, you can learn how to adjust yourself with Self Adjusting Technique. This is a simple method of doing gentle adjustments on yourself without the forcing that is common to so many chiropractic adjustments.

Stretching can relieve back pain as well as help prevent problems. Taking a yoga class is a good way to learn stretches that will help your back. It is best to tell the instructor before the class if you have any limitations. Often they can give you an alternative pose or a variation. With time you can develop a daily practice which many people use to eliminate back problems.

Exercise is essential to good back health. Walking is one of the best exercises in the world. As well as working most every muscle in the body, walking strengthens the core muscles that support the low back.

These are just a few things that can be done for any kind of back pain. There are many other treatments available. Now more than ever, we can be proactive with our health and with our treatment possibilities. Find what works for you, and above all else, listen to your body.

Treatment For Middle Back Pain During Pregnancy

Middle back pain during pregnancy is something that many women have come to accept as normal. Though not quite as common as lower back pain, it still afflicts a large number of women, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Fortunately, there are some options for treatment for middle back pain. Middle back pain during pregnancy occurs primarily as the stomach expands and the growing baby inside starts pushing against the ribs. This pressure alone can be quite painful, but it is usually accompanied by some other problems. The uterus expands not just out, but up, so pressure is put on the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe at times. In addition, the pressure can pinch the nerves in the diaphragm, sending shooting pains into your shoulders.

During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxing. This is generated specifically to prepare your body for childbirth. Muscles and ligaments are loosened and relaxed, and your ribs are allowed to expand outward. This alone can cause pain and discomfort. However, as with any other type of back discomforts, there are some simple ways to prevent it, and provide relief once you have it.

The best treatment for middle back discomfort is to perform stretches regularly. These have the effect of lifting the ribs away from the uterus, providing at least momentary relief from the pressure. Consider practicing prenatal yoga, as that comprises stretches that are specially designed for the challenges pregnant women face.

Middle back discomfort during pregnancy can also be treated with some alternative measures. You might consider visiting an acupuncturist. They are trained to use the body's pressure points to help alleviate pain. An acupuncturist in general can do all kinds of things to make your pregnancy easier. The same is true of a chiropractor. A chiropractic adjustment, or series of adjustments, can help relax the muscles that get tightened due to misalignments, thereby eliminating a great deal of pain and tension.

As with any other type of back pain, one of the best things you can do to eliminate middle back pain during pregnancy is to practice good posture. While walking, make sure your shoulders are back and your head is lifted. Be very conscious of how your stomach tends to pull you forward, and don't give in to the urge to arch your back. It may seem like the right thing to do at the time, but it will just create a whole host of other problems in the future.

Middle back trouble during pregnancy is unpleasant to deal with, especially if you are already experiencing problems with the rest of your back. But keep in mind that the best treatment for middle back pain is basically the same as it is for any other kind of back pain. Keep an eye on your posture, and do plenty of stretches to keep pressure off your ribs and other painful areas. If all else fails, look into treatment by a reputable acupuncturist or chiropractor. You might be surprised at how much better you'll feel after just a few treatments.

Sciatic Nerve Pain Relief - What is the Best Mattress For Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Do you remember a time when you were able to sleep through the night? Many people dealing with sciatica have not slept through the night in months, or longer. Not being able to sleep only adds to the frustrations of sciatic nerve pain. But there is good news, more and more people are learning to take control of their pain and find the ability to sleep again.

Why can't I get a good night's sleep? - when the nerves in the lower back become inflamed, they cause a sciatic flare. When you lay down to sleep, there is automatic pressure on your nerve. This is what inevitably causes those sleepless nights.

What are the 3 Best Mattresses to Relieve my Pain?

1. Foam Mattresses - with a foam mattress, no one part of the body bears more weight than any other part. This is very important because it does not allow extra stress to be put on the lower back. Many people who have dealt with sciatica have found this to be an amazing help. Whether you choose Latex Foam, Memory Foam, or Temperpedic Foam, there is a good chance that you will get some great relief with this.

2. Select Comfort Bed - also known as a sleep number bed. I have to be honest here, I have heard mixed reviews on this, and it is a little pricey. The best benefit it has is the ability to adjust the firmness of the mattress. Side sleepers tend to benefit the most from this.

3. Dormia Bed - this is by far one of the best sciatica home treatments available for a good night's sleep. Not only is this bed comfortable, but you can also raise your legs, head, or both to relieve strain on the lower back. If you have severe sciatica, this would mean no more sleeping in recliners.

Imagine Sleeping Through the Night Again. Although the decision to purchase a new mattress or bed can be a pricey one, it is well worth it to finally find some relief.

Most sciatica sufferers do simple things every night that will lead to excruciating pain. Are you one of them?

Understanding Radicular Low Back Pain - Symptoms, Treatment and Pain Relief Options

How is your lower back feeling?

Do you struggle with lower back issues that can really make your life hard?

1.) Introduction to This Article

Radicular Back Pain or sciatica is a deep throbbing pain that radiates from the lower back, along the sciatic nerve, that can reach down to the thighs and calves, all the way to the feet. The pain is usually due to the compression, inflammation or damage of the nerve or nerve root that is connected to the spinal column. Other causes could be a herniated disc, diabetes or a degenerative disc disease. Symptoms present themselves as a tingling numbness, muscle weakness and loss of specific reflexes.

2.) Surgery, Do You Need It?

Often times people will think that they need surgery for a lower back issue. This is not always the case. Actually, for most back pain, it is true that surgery is not needed. Having said this, we can not forget about the importance of a surgical procedure, because sometimes it is our best option to help reduce back pain.

Smokers in general are deemed as slow healers and will suffer the most. Quitting during the healing process will help. Precautions to take to ensure that this doesn't happen again starts off with losing weight if you are overweight. The less pressure there is on the discs or nerve, the less the chances of a repeated episode.

3.) Back Supports, A Conservative Treatment Option

One of the best ways to help reduce back pain conservatively is to use a low profile, yet light weight back support. The good thing about these kinds of braces is that they are easily concealed by just using a t-shirt, so cosmetic challenges are basically solved at this point.

Medical literature supports the use of back braces to help patient's heal after surgery. They do so by off loading hurt muscles or discs, for example, and they can also prevent you from making those movements that will inflame your back issue. This in and of itself, can help promote healing for an injured back. Sometimes, when you use a quality low back support, your doctor may tell you that you do not need surgery. Often times a quality surgeon will tell you that you should exhaust your conservative treatment options first prior to a surgery. This is where lower back support can really help.

*This is health information. We strongly believe in the use of back supports, however, it is important to talk to your doctor about medical advice for your particular situation.

Chiropractic Adjustment Tool Helps Relieve Pain at Home

Pain is just not fun! When suffering with back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, TMJ, knee problems, carpel tunnel syndrome, cervical spine issues or discomfort with your wrist or ankles, sometimes all you can think about is getting RELIEF! While some will take any medication, regardless of the side effects, just to relieve the misery; others are looking for alternatives for pain relief. It was such a search for a natural back pain relief: in particular, upper back pain relief and a non-invasive treatment for lower back pain that led me to discover chiropractic adjustment tools.

My friend, who suffers greatly with fibromyalgia, finally experienced some relief for her back and neck pain through the regular treatments using chiropractic products. Specifically, through massages and the use of the chiropractic adjustment tool properly and regularly administered, she began to improve. She improved so much that they personally purchased a chiropractic adjustment tool (C.A.T.) and her husband was trained to administer the treatments to his wife. She describes the therapy as taking the stress off the muscle when hurting and taking the edge off the pain of the fibromyalgia.

One night at a small dinner party around the pool, another friend began to describe the relief she was getting from the use of a small device called the chiropractic activator, which she described as a "clicker," but turned out to be another description for the chiropractic adjustment tool! She suffers with constant back muscle pain as well as neck pain. In the past, she had visited a back pain specialist, but the only back pain remedy he offered was muscle relaxers that would literally put her to sleep and left her feeling groggy the next day.

In her search for back pain cures, she took yoga, which didn't hurt, but it didn't help either. Then one day a co-worker described back pain treatments she was receiving from her chiropractor to relieve her back pain which was very effective! She began to describe these gentle, non-invasive treatments, so my friend had to try it. She was glad she did.

Do you ever wonder if someone is trying to tell you something? So I began to investigate. How do these chiropractic adjustment tools work? Will these chiropractic tools hurt me? Will I continue to experience back and neck pain after these treatments?

Treatments using the Chiropractic Adjustment Tool, the Chiropractic Activator or the Activator Gun have been developed, studied and tested for thirty plus years and have been found quite successful. This tool (which fits in the palm of the hand) is a small, well-designed machine used to re-align the bones of the body without painful manipulations. Because it's neither big nor loud, there is no need for fear, which makes these treatments ideal for children, the elderly or the seriously injured. It does sound like a "click." The treatments are delivered to specific targets with controlled, measured low-force adjustments.

Chiropractors frequently will have the patients lie on a table and perform a leg length inequality assessment. Different movements are requested during the session after which the chiropractic adjustment tool is administered in specific areas with the final outcome of the session having leg lengths equaled with the goal of the body becoming totally aligned.

While controversy continues about alternative methods and medicines, there is great merit and value in the exploration of non-invasive procedures that might eliminate pain with limited side-effects. Perhaps someone is trying to tell you something?

Lower Back Pain and Pinched Nerve Pain Relief With Epidural Steroid Injections

Sadly, the vast majority of us are going to experience back pain at some point in our lives. Although many of us may be able to control this pain through over-the-counter painkillers or perhaps some light physical therapy and bed rest, there are going to be some of us that have back pain to the extent where we need to seek medical attention.

A common type of back pain or pinched nerve pain that is experienced is as a result of a slipped or herniated disc. These discs are gel filled material that exist between the vertebrae of our spine and allow the vertebrae to move independently of each other and also protect it from damage. Should these happen to crack or slip out of place, the pain that we experience can be extremely severe.

There are a lot of different ways that a slipped or herniated disc can be treated. These can include such things as physical therapy, bed rest, traction, spinal decompression, painkillers, surgery and natural forms of treatment. There may be times, however, whenever an epidural steroid injection is prescribed. What exactly is an epidural steroid injection, how is it administered and what can it do for you?

An epidural is a rather broad term that refers to an injection which goes into the epidural space in the spinal column. The epidural space is in the outermost part of the spinal canal and it lies outside of the dura matter which encases the spinal column. The injected steroids mimic cortisone and hydrocortisone which can reduce the inflammation that surround the affected nerves. This can give almost immediate relief to the pain that is experienced in this area and can help to keep the inflammation down for a considerable amount of time in order to allow for more effective pain management.

Unfortunately, the relief that is felt as a result of the epidural steroid injection is usually temporary. Also, the steroids that are injected can have side effects which may include weakened muscles, a decrease in bone density, and possible lowering of the steroids that your body produces naturally.

Be sure to discuss with your personal physician the pros and cons of epidural steroid injections for providing back pain and pinched nerve pain relief.

Lower Back Pain Relief - It Can Be Done

Lower back pain caused by muscle spasms, muscle sprains, slipped disks, sprained ligaments or joint problems is something that most of us will experience at some point in our lives. usually it occurs when you have preformed a strenuous activity like gardening, sports, heavy lifting or other activities that your back is not used doing. You need to remember that relief of lower back pain is possible, you only need to know how.

Exercise To Prevent Lower Back Pain

If you frequently have lower back pains you need to prevent this by doing exercises, the moment you are experiencing lower back pain, relief is all you can think about, the key is to think about it when your back isn't killing you because the last thing you want to do when you have pain is to exercise. However there really are some exercises that can help you relief pain in your lower back. The most effective one is to lay flat on your back with your knees bent in a 90 degrees angle or with your knees bent over the seat from a chair. Try to relax your back, than raise your left knee, very slowly, to your chest, wile you press your lower back to the floor. Keep this up for about ten seconds and repeat it with your right leg. You should do this exercise about ten times, 3 times a day, when you experience lower back pain to relief it.

Rest Is Not The best Remedy

The natural reaction to relief lower back pain is to take rest and to move as little as possible, that is fine if you do that for one maximum two days after that you should start moving, if you take to much rest, it can stiffen your muscles, and make them hurt even more. So, it is really important that you try walking around for at least a couple of minutes every hour and take your rest in between The best way to let your back rest is to take the weight and pressure of your back, you can do this by lying flat (on the floor) with a pile of pillows under your knees or the seat of a chair under your feet.

Options for a quick fix.

There are days that you just can't do the mixture of taking rest and do the exercises, and how ever painful it can be, there are some quick relief options. There are heating pads that can help you with muscle spasms to relax, and there are ice packs for joint problems and slipped disks, You can also get a back massage, from a professional or a friend with massage equipment. There are also many product these days in the form of wraps or ointments to purchase that can help you to quickly relief your lower back pain.

And last but not least there are non prescription medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, and many other pain relievers that should meet your needs. When you have lower back pain very often or it takes longer than two weeks you should make an appointment with your family doctor.

Is it Possible to Get Permanent Back Pain Relief?

Back pains are, well, a pain in the back. Once they start, it becomes very difficult to get rid of them. And when they start becoming acute, you may not even be able to move. This can be a very sorry situation, but you can seek solace in the fact that there are ways to get back pain relief.

First of all, you should know that there is no one reason why back pain occurs; there's a whole host of them. You may be suffering from backache because of lumbago, fibrosis or a slipped disk. It may also be because of your obesity or because of fractures and tubercular infections. Pregnant women get back pain almost all the time. Or, it can be due to something very simple such as not maintaining the proper posture or stress. However, in almost all cases, the main reason why back ache occurs is because there is some kind of misalignment of the back muscles or the spinal cord. It is important to correct these misalignments as soon as possible, or they can lead to chronic problems.

So, when you are looking at permanent pain relief for your back, you have to first know what caused the pain. Get a professional diagnosis done to understand the main cause of your problem. This will help you find the best solution for your condition.

Here are a few things that can help you get permanent relief.

1. Fortify your diet with higher amounts of vitamins of the B complex. Vitamin B deficiencies can trigger pains in the back. You need to include foods that are rich in vitamins B1, B6 and B12. Find a list of foods that are rich in these vitamins and make them an integral part of your diet.

2. Some herbs have exceptional qualities in treatment of backaches. Having ginger tea regularly is quite helpful. Ginger can reduce the effect of the inflammation that causes back pain. Another herb that has very good properties for back pain is turmeric. A paste of turmeric can be directly applied to the area where the pain is prevalent. Turmeric must also be included in the diet in copious amounts. For external application, eucalyptus oil is also known to have very good effects. One more option that you can use is cayenne pepper, which is meant for external application as well.

3. If the pain is highly acute and you are looking for some quick back pain relief, then you can use some of the Devil's Claw herb. This is particularly beneficial if the pain is in the lower back.

4. Hot water fomentation can also help when you are looking for immediate back pain relief. Continue this for some time till the pain eases out. When the pain begins to recur, do the fomentation treatment again. However, simply fomentation is not enough; you need to supplement it with other treatment methods such as the use of proper herbs and oils.

5. If you have consistent pains, then an herbal oil massage can help. Ask the masseur to give you a massage for removing the back pain. A professional chiropractor would also know how to trigger the right areas so as to help you out with your back pain problems.