Posts Tagged ‘back pain’

The Best Office Chairs for Back Pain

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Sitting at a desk continually for hours can be a real pain in the back. Back pain is in general the effect of the combination of two factors, poor posture and a chair that does not appropriately provide support to proper posture.

While, most of the office decors offer basic office chairs as part of their proffered set up, by spending more money, you can hit upon chairs that can really help improve and maybe even put off back pain. The best office chairs for back pain exclusively designed to provide comfortable support to the spine are adjustable so that they can be fine-tuned to work with your body’s distinctive shape.

Good chairs provide good support to lumbar and seat structure for taking-off the stress of the long episodes of being seated are called ergonomic, a fancy term for body-friendly working environment. These chairs are designed to keep your body in shape. The designer keeps important factors in designing these chairs like computer use, taking phone calls, getting to file cabinets and makes them adjustable, specifically useful in a typical office environment.

When you are shopping for the best office chairs to prevent back pain sufferings, opt for ones that guarantee the areas we put the most weight on while sitting are supported by the design of the chair.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Best-Office-Chairs-for-Back-Pain&id=5330288

Back Pain: Cancer, Stones and Tumors

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Although not as common, prostate cancer, kidney disorders (stones) and spinal tumors represent a small percentage of back pain. Since low back pain is a common condition, many people ignore it and do not realize that there may be a more serious underlying problem that is causing the pain. All three should be considered as a differential diagnosis in order to treat it properly and effectively.

The good news is that most low back pain is due to mechanical causes (muscles, joints) that can be treated and resolved within weeks to months.

Although there are no symptoms of early prostate cancer, symptoms such as chronic low back pain (months), difficulty with urination (starting and stopping), a poor stream during urination, a burning sensation while urinating or excessive urination at night should not be ignored.

These symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer, but can also indicate other urinary problems. Early detection is very important in order to treat it successfully. Yearly physical examinations are necessary for all men over the age of 50. Along with the examination of the prostate, be sure that your physician also orders blood tests, to measure the levels of prostate specific antigen.

Another rare source of back pain comes from the kidney. There are many conditions that can affect the kidney, which can refer pain to the low back. Any type of inflammation/infection in the kidney or an obstruction in the ureter can cause low back pain. Since kidney stones are probably one of the most prevalent kidney conditions, special attention should be directed to it.

Link: Ezine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Back-Pain:-Cancer,-Stones-and-Tumors&id=5197665

Get Lower Back Pain Relief

Saturday, October 9th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Lower back pain may have different causes than upper or entire back pain. The lower back serves a different role from the other parts of the back, as is it the sole support for the entire upper body. The lower back takes on the majority of the stress from everyday life and injuries. Bodies bend, rotate, and extend at the waist; the lower back is always a part of that process and is affected by most body movement. Protecting the core and lower back are essential to maintaining healthy body movement.

A lumbar strain is when the ligaments, tendons, or muscles of the lower back are stretched too far and become strained. The tissue tears usually as a result of overuse, although improper use or accidents are sometimes to blame. The most effective way to relieve and eliminate a lumber strain is to take pain medication and rest to allow the back to heal. Massage and heat therapy can help to soothe the pain.

Lumber radiculopathy because a problem after there has been damage to the discs of the back. More often than not, disc damage is caused by use in daily life. The discs wear down and allow for nerve irritation, and can sometimes cause a hernia. This type of condition is more severe and requires a more serious form of treatment, sometimes leading to surgery.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Get-Lower-Back-Pain-Relief&id=5097706

How to Relieve Lower Back Pain While Sitting

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Whatever your problem is in your lower back, you need to realize something about your spine first. It revolves around the subject of loads being placed on your spine, especially the lower back. There is a biomechanical structure that exists regarding different positions that your body is in. For example, when you lay down, the amount of stress that is on your spine is the least. Axial load and gravity place an increased amount of pressure on your back when you stand. Last, but definitely not least, your back is under more stress when you sit, and especially if you sit in a crouched position.

Pain can be the result of a herniated disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve root, or it can be a muscle strain for example, that is causing all the problems.

When it comes to back pain, many physicians will request that their patients use a lower back support to help offload their lower spine. This is achieved by the increase in intercavitary pressure that helps to free up discs or strained muscles for example. It will not free up an involved kidney problem and you should talk to your doctor about other options if this problem exists for you.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Relieve-Lower-Back-Pain-While-Sitting—What-Works-and-What-Does-Not—Relief-Options&id=4755794

The Economic Impact of Lower Back Pain

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

A study conducted a few years ago indicates nearly 90 billion dollars is spent each year on individuals who have pain in their lower back. The exact amount spent on pain treatment for the lower back accounted for nearly 1/3 of that total.

When you miss work, it can be sometimes written off as a one day problem.  However, as your back pain gets worse, you may actually be fired from work because no employer wants to keep a long term pain sufferer on board too long.  Let’s be real about this.  Time is money and it is hard to keep on staff that may blame their employer for the origination of a back problem.

If you have ever hurt your lower back, then it is time to start thinking about support your back to help reduce your pain.  Good posture can be promoted with the use of a low profile, light weight support and this can greatly help to prevent further back issues from happening.

Medically speaking, a quality lower back support can off load hurting spine elements by biomechanically effecting your back.  With the increase in intercavitary pressure (like feeling a hug around your mid-section) many people will almost instantly find a sense of relief.  The other great thing about back supports is that they are easily concealed by the use of a simple t-shirt. 

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Economic-Impact-of-Lower-Back-Pain—How-To-Get-Relief-Without-Breaking-The-Bank!&id=4987009

Early Pregnancy Lower Back Pain

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Lower back pain often occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy and is pretty common. A lot of times the pain can be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Two most common causes of the pain are your expanding uterus and the hormonal changes.

The expanding uterus can cause a change in posture putting a strain on the lower back. Hormones produced during pregnancy affect the back and can cause pain. Another reason might be your spine might be out of alignment.

A good way to alleviate the pain during your pregnancy is to pelvic tilts, they will strengthen the back and reduce the pain. Try to avoid lying flat on your back because the weight of your uterus may press on the vena cava.

Start an exercise program to stretch and strengthen back muscles, legs, and abdomen. Swimming for example is a great way to strengthen the abdomen and lower back. The buoyancy takes the strain off your joints and back.

Avoid high heels and wear comfortable shoes such as flat heels. As your belly grows and your balance shifts, high heels will throw your posture even more out of whack and increasing your chances for pain.

Posture is very important. Always stand upright. Pregnant women tend to slump their shoulders and arch their backs as their bellies get bigger, this can put an additional strain on the back.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Early-Pregnancy-Lower-Back-Pain&id=3759012

Do You Wake up with Lower Back Pain?

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Do you wake up in the mornings with aching lower back pain? Does back pain keep you from sleeping well at night? Does it take you awhile to get moving in the mornings? Does your low back hurt if you have been sitting on your couch or in your car?

Over time, our spines can develop problems just like our eyes, heart, or teeth. Due to accumulated injuries, misalignments and joint stiffness can occur. When time is added in as a factor, chronic stiffness of the joints can occur, leading to the slow deterioration of the joint surfaces. When this happens, you usually are informed that you have arthritis and there is nothing that can be done.

However, unless your joints are totally fused through damage and deterioration, there are some things that you can do to help the situation. The reason you are the sorest in the morning, while lying down, or while sitting, is that the longer period of inactivity allows your stiff joints to stiffen even more. After you are up moving around for awhile, the natural movement of your body helps to alleviate some of the stiffness and discomfort. So guess what, doing some exercises and stretches that increases the mobility of your joints, will decrease the amount of pain you experience.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Do-You-Have-Lower-Back-Pain-When-You-Wake-Up-in-the-Morning?-Find-Out-What-You-Can-Do-to-Help&id=4629649

Lumbar Spine Pain Problems

Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

There is little doubt among people that your back is a complex structure that is composed of bones, muscles and tissue all working together. The lumbar aspect of your spine, where pain is commonly felt, supports the weight of the rest of your back (meaning your mid and upper back). Unfortunately, back pain, one of the most common everyday pain problems can be difficult to treat.

People who suffer from arthritis in their lower back (lumbar spine) are commonly those individuals that are older. However, arthritis in the lower back can be seen in many different age groups.

Arthritis of the lower back (lumbar spine area) happens in the joints that connect each spinal segment together. We are referring to the vertebrae when we say “spinal segments”. Your vertebrae are actually connected in three separate locations. They are connected in front of the spinal cord and behind the spinal cord the vertebrae (back bones) are joined by two small joints. These are referred to as facet joints. Each vertebrae is separated vertically by a spinal disc. All of these components work together to allow you movements such as bending, flexing, extending or moving from sided to side and twists.

Just like anything else, time can wear out portions of the spine. Your discs are no different. Things can be done to help treat the pain, but your discs will many times be degenerating if you also have facet arthritis.

Link: Ezine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Lower-Back-Arthritis—Lumbar-Spine-Pain-Problems—Symptoms,-Treatment-and-Remedies-For-Discomfort&id=4717239

What is Pregnancy Back Pain?

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

From the Desk of Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com

Most pregnant women suffer from pregnancy back pain, especially during early pregnancy. This pain is what most pregnant women suffer from due to changes in the center of gravity in their bodies, hormonal change, and extra weight.

You should never ignore severe back pain if its accompanied by other symptoms as it can lead to some major problems. Pregnancy back pain is common to most pregnant women at their early pregnancy because of extra weight of the baby, change of the center of gravity of their body, and hormonal changes which makes them prone to backaches and pain.

Exercising is the most common cure to solve this problem. Such exercises include pelvic rock, walking and mini crunches with bent knees and lifting the head on exhalation.

Having the right posture and good body mechanism are important in preventing the occurrence of this pain. Try to avoid slouching and practice with good posture, because it’s an effective remedy for pregnancy pain. To avoid slouching and maintain good posture, use lumbar cushions or pillows. Muscular workouts can also reduce the pain.

As a pregnant woman, you should avoid standing for long period, also avoid frequent change of sitting positions to help reduce and avoid pain. Other ways to avoid and eliminate early pregnancy back pain are adequate sleep and rest. Note that low heeled shoes with proper arch support are a must to avoid strain on the back. Make sure you use a low stool for resting your feet while sitting.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-Pregnancy-Back-Pain?-How-You-Can-Treat-It-Permanently-This-Year&id=4954112

Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Since a lot of manual workers have problems with their backs due to excessive stress, exercises for lower back pain can help them a lot if they learn how to do them correctly.

Lower back exercises can help you get rid of the pain or at least reduce it. Your pain will disappear faster if you exercise on a regular basis, as this will also improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles. All these benefits contribute to the reduction of chances of an acute back pain attack happening.

There are two components of exercises that can be done for lower back pain. First is the increased flexibility and strength, plus the body conditioning overall. You can get your body in great condition if you do some cardiovascular exercises (biking, walking or swimming) on a regular basis.

Your lower back will also improve if you lose some of the extra weight. In the beginning you should start slow, but in time you should get to 20-40 minutes of exercise in each session, with 3-5 sessions per week.

The second component of these exercises will make your back muscles more powerful and flexible. Besides your lower back, exercises will also improve your other muscles and abdominals. With exercise you will be able to keep the back of the thigh loose, which decreases the chance of injury.

Link: EZine Articles
http://ezinearticles.com/?Exercises-For-Lower-Back-Pain—How-to-Get-Rid-of-Your-Back-Pain-Naturally&id=1891893

Dr. Alan Weidner
www.massage-chair-relief.com