Typical Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Sciatica Related Lower Back Pain

November 5, 2009 by: Sylvia Marten addthis_pub = 'Mystalic'; addthis_logo = 'http://www.spine-health.com/sites/all/themes/spinehealth/images/masthead.gif'; addthis_logo_background = 'EFEFFF'; addthis_logo_color = '666699'; addthis_brand = 'Spine-Health.com'; addthis_options = 'favorites, email, digg, delicious, myspace, facebook, google, live, more'; For any person who is considering [url:165,type=|term|,content=|back surgery|] to alleviate [url:137,type=|term|,content=|chronic pain|], the question of “What if the surgery does not work” is likely to cross the mind at one point or another, possibly adding more stress to what is often already a difficult decision. The term “[url:1216,type=|term|,content=|failed back surgery syndrome|]” (also known as FBSS or failed back syndrome) is sometimes used to describe [url:976,type=|term|,content=|back surgeries|] that are not successful. Patients should be aware that this term is a misnomer rather than an actual syndrome acquired following surgery, and basically refers to situations in which patients continue to experience [url:1470,type=|node|,content=|pain after surgery|]. A back surgery may not achieve its desired results for various reasons that are out of the patient’s hands; with that said, there are some things that patients can do to minimize the chance of an unsuccessful surgery in which postoperative [url:145,type=|term|,content=|back pain|] is present. Be Confident in Your Diagnosis The number one reason that back surgeries are not effective is because of misdiagnosis of the probable cause of back pain, leading to operation on the wrong anatomical lesion. Prefacing this point, it’s important to know that [url:1583,type=|node|,content=|spine surgery|] is only indicated when there is an identifiable anatomical lesion causing spinal instability or nerve pinching. With this stated, assess your spine surgeon’s confidence in his or her diagnosis of the source of your back pain. Ask them about the specific anatomic lesion that would be addressed by the surgery, the alternatives to surgery, and what would happen if the condition is left untreated, and also question the surgeon on why he or she is recommending the specific surgery. If the surgeon is unsure about the diagnosis, if you are not confident in the answers provided or if you would just be more comfortable, consider getting a second opinion. Visiting a different spine surgeon can allow the patient to get another perspective on radiographic findings and see what that surgeon would suggest for the situation. Remember that if you are going to have surgery, you owe it to yourself to know that you’re doing it for the right reason. Understand how to get an [url:673,type=|node|,content=|accurate back pain diagnosis|]. Trust Your Spine Surgeon It goes without saying that your spine surgeon will play a major part in the success of your surgery. Regardless of whatever surgery is suggested, ask the surgeon about his or her experience performing the procedure. For example: How many of the recommended surgeries does this surgeon perform each year? How have other patients fared in the past following a similar surgery by this surgeon? Does the surgeon have any patients who have had the same surgery and would be willing to talk to you about their experiences? Who would be assisting with the surgery? As you will be entrusting this person with your health during surgery, it’s important to be confident and comfortable with your spine surgeon. Consider these specific [url:1549,type=|node|,content=|questions to ask your spine surgeon|]. Know the Percentages Patients should know that even with the best surgeon and indications, spine surgery is not 100% guaranteed to produce a successful result. In other words, a spine surgery can be performed for the right anatomical reason and done according to textbook, yet some pain may still exist following surgery. To cover some of your bases in regards to this above point, know the success rates of the recommended surgery. For example: Certain surgeries like a discectomy or microdiscectomy for a lumbar herniated disc that is causing [url:887,type=|node|,content=|leg pain|], and a spine fusion for spinal instability from spondylolisthesis are more predictable operations. On the other hand, surgeries like a discectomy for a herniated lumbar disc causing [url:896,type=|node|,content=|lower back pain|] or a spinal fusion for multi-level lumbar degenerative disc disease are far less likely to be successful. Knowing the success/failure rates of specific back surgeries can provide patients with a better feel for the surgery, yet patients should not put full stock in these success rates as applied to their situations. For example, just because a surgery is successful 90% to 95% of the time doesn’t mean that it will automatically be so for you. Learn more about what you can expect from [url:1615,type=|node|,content=|spine surgery for lower back pain|]. Be Ready to Rehabilitate Back surgery is more than just the surgery, with rehabilitation playing an important role in making the surgery as beneficial as it can be. Probably the second most common reason that back surgeries do not succeed is because of inadequate or improper rehabilitation following the procedure. With this in mind: Understand what your rehabilitation program will entail following surgery (how many hours per day/times per week, etc.) Speak to a physical therapist to learn more about your rehabilitation program and to get a projected schedule of what will be expected of you Honestly ask yourself if you will be dedicated and self-motivated to rehabbing to the best of your abilities after surgery. Learn more about the importance of [url:1239,type=|node|,content=|rehabilitation and exercise following spine surgery|]. Set Realistic Expectations and Avoid Stress as Best as Possible Easier said than done when it comes to having surgery, this point hits on the overall theme of doing your homework prior to surgery. Ideally, the more prepared you are for surgery, the more prepared you’ll be for it afterward. Extensive research has demonstrated how the patient’s overall experience and ultimate outcome from back surgery can be improved with psychological preparation. From having confidence in your decision to have surgery to making accommodations in your work and daily life for rehabilitation prior to surgery to even having your [url:6591,type=|node|,content=|post-operation must-haves|] all in order before the operation, there are many ways in which you can minimize certain stressors and focus on what matters the most: achieving effective pain relief after surgery. Learn [url:1453,type=|node|,content=|how to prepare psychologically for back surgery|]. More on this Topic: [url:1969,type=|node|,content=|Specialists Who Treat Back Pain|] [url:1583,type=|node|,content=|Lumbar Spine Surgery|] [url:1472,type=|node|,content=|Lumbar Decompression Surgery|] [url:1582,type=|node|,content=|Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery|] [url:1545,type=|node|,content=|Scar Tissue and Pain after Back Surgery|] read more - 6 days ago

October 29, 2009 by: Sylvia Marten addthis_pub = 'Mystalic'; addthis_logo = 'http://www.spine-health.com/sites/all/themes/spinehealth/images/masthead.gif'; addthis_logo_background = 'EFEFFF'; addthis_logo_color = '666699'; addthis_brand = 'Spine-Health.com'; addthis_options = 'favorites, email, digg, delicious, myspace, facebook, google, live, more'; Having the best designed and most ergonomically-friendly office equipment may not necessarily mean much for preventing [url:145,type=|term|,content=|back pain|], [url:149,type=|term|,content=|neck pain|] and other pain if such equipment is out of sync with your workstation, as confirmed in a recent study that provides a great forum for examining how you can adjust an office chair to your work environment. Detailed in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, a new study found that workers who received not only new ergonomic office furniture but professional set-up by an ergonomist had less symptoms of musculoskeletal pain and eyestrain 18 months later than those workers who had to set up their new furniture on their own based off instructions. Now what if your employer can’t afford to hire a professional ergonomist to visit your office during these tough economic times? Well, there are still many ways to be proactive when setting up your office chair and desk just right to your needs and the principles of [url:158,type=|term|,content=|ergonomics|]. Understand the Ultimate Goal Having a special chair is often viewed as the be-all, end-all of correct office ergonomics. While an ergonomically-designed chair can certainly do wonders, remember that the ultimate goal is to achieve balance between finding a work chair that fits you, provides good support and minimizes stress on the back, and using it correctly in relation to your work environment. Before providing instant analysis of your chair, examine other factors, including your optimal desk level, how you sit, and the height of your computer screen, and strive to improve on these areas. Get Suited to Your Work Surface Rather than just going out and buying a new chair, ask yourself “what type of chair will fit your work station?” Examine how long you sit all day and how you sit at your desk. Are you semi-seated (similar to sitting on a bar stool) or do you sit straight up? Do you need to adjust your chair? Where is your computer in relation to your body? Determine your appropriate work surface (which takes into account the position of your arms, elbows and hands in relation to your desk’s height and your laptop or desktop computer) and be sure to have a chair that allows you to attain this specific height. The correct surface level can vary from profession to profession (for example, architects and draftsmen often prefer to sit higher), and the final decision as to what’s appropriate is thus determined by each individual. Become a Series of Right Angles While Sitting and Typing Sit down straight and as close and comfortable as possible to your desk, with your upper arms parallel to the spine and your hands rested on the work surface. At this point, take a step back and examine whether your elbows are at a 90-degree angle. If they are not, adjust your office chair higher or lower as deemed fit. Also make sure that your legs are bent at the knees at a 90 degree angle. Try to maintain this ideal sitting posture as much as possible, and if you find yourself slacking, give yourself a break by getting up and stretching. Don’t Sit Too High Unless Necessary Did you know that all of our ankles swell up anywhere from 6 to 8 percent by the end of the day, but for patients with back, leg or circulation problems, this swelling can jump from 10 to 15 percent, especially if sitting in a chair that is too high and leaves the feet dangling? Generally speaking, a seat height ranging from 16 to 21 inches off the ground is suitable for most workers. To tell whether your chair is too high or at the right height for the desk surface, slide your finger underneath your thigh at the front end of the chair. If this proves easy to do, your chair is likely at a good height. However, if this proves difficult, your chair is likely too high, which can put extra pressure on your feet and require you to proceed to the next tip. Boost Your Feet in Certain Situations In situations where you have to lift your feet off the ground because of a chair or even a desk that is too high, or where the chair height is right but you’re not that tall, consider using a foot stool to prop and rest your feet as opposed to leaving them hanging all day long. Such action will reduce both pressure on the feet and the likelihood of foot pain at the end of the day. Raise Your Work Surface When Applicable Standard seats should allow for 2-4 inches between the back of the knees and chair. However, if you’re a taller worker, you may be familiar with this problem: your chair seat is not long enough for your thighs, which have too much space underneath them. In these rarer situations, raising the work surface level may be necessary to ensure circulation at the back of the knee. Make a Fist to Your Calf Ensure that there is enough room between the front edge of your chair and calves by simply making a fist, bringing it to the edge of the chair and pushing it on the calf. If you can fit your full fist between the front edge and your calf, you likely have enough space for circulation and pressure. If not, your chair is likely too deep. Adjusting the backrest forward, inserting a cushion, pillow or rolled-up towel to support your [url:1614,type=|term|,content=|lumbar spine|] (lower back), or purchasing a new office chair are some possible solutions to this problem. Have the Support of Your Back Back support is a main focus of many ergonomic chairs, but what makes a chair good in terms of supporting the back? Ideally your work chair should do a couple of things: provide back support angling just past 90 degrees or up to 90 degrees, and include cushioning that pushes your back forward when sitting back in the chair. Such low back support is essential in preventing slouching as you tire and minimizing the load or strain on your back. With this in mind, the backrest of an ideal ergonomic office chair is typically between 12 and 19 inches wide. Sit Right A lot of times, workers have chairs with great back support but don’t take advantage of these features because they sit on the edge of the chair. Make a conscious effort to press your bottom against the back of the chair, and avoid slumping or slouching, which places extra stress on the lumbar discs and other structures of the lower back. Apply A Different Kind of Eye Test Once your chair has been adjusted to the height of the table, your legs have gotten comfortable and your back is supported, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Casually look forward with your eyes closed, and then open your eyes, which should be aimed at the center of your computer screen. Depending on whether the computer screen is higher or lower than your gaze, you may need to raise or lower the monitor. If you need to raise your laptop, consider using a stack of books or even a small box, which has personally helped me reduce the likelihood of neck strain at work. Adjust Your Armrest Armrests play an important role in reducing neck and shoulder strain and diminishing the likelihood of slouching forward in your chair. Adjust the armrest to the point where your arms are slightly lifted at the shoulders. Doing so will allow the armrest to support just the elbow and take weight off the shoulders. Perhaps after making all these changes, you ultimately decide that you do need a new office chair. If you find yourself in the market for a new chair, you’ll want to consider many factors, including the seat’s height, width, depth, materials, armrests, back rest, lumbar support and swivel. For more information, view the following article: [url:1092,type=|node|,content=|Choosing the Right Ergonomic Office Chair|]. More on This topic: [url:1113,type=|node|] [url:1106,type=|node|] [url:1111,type=|node|] [url:1095,type=|node|] read more - 2 weeks ago

October 20, 2009 by: Sylvia Marten addthis_pub = 'Mystalic'; addthis_logo = 'http://www.spine-health.com/sites/all/themes/spinehealth/images/masthead.gif'; addthis_logo_background = 'EFEFFF'; addthis_logo_color = '666699'; addthis_brand = 'Spine-Health.com'; addthis_options = 'favorites, email, digg, delicious, myspace, facebook, google, live, more'; While largely preventable and treatable, [url:141,type=|term|,content=|osteoporosis|] is called the “silent disease” because many people don’t know that their bones have thinned until the condition has progressed and/or led to [url:145,type=|term|,content=|back pain|] and bone fractures. In a further effort to break the silence about the dangerous consequences of osteoporosis and to achieve more education and public policy for the prevention of this disease, October 20, 2009 has been designated World Osteoporosis Day (WOD). For our part on WOD, Spine-health is pleased to offer these 10 tips on how patients can become more aware of osteoporosis today to avoid it from occurring later on in life. Understand Osteoporosis Risk Factors Roughly 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis, with women accounting for 80 percent of those patients, but men still at risk, especially when over the age of 50. Various factors like age, gender, family history, race, body type, menstrual history, and personal lifestyle and history can make certain patients more susceptible to osteoporosis with aging. Where do you fit with these [url:15558,type=|node|,content=|osteoporosis risk factors|]? As we typically start to lose some bone density during our 30s, it’s important to have an advanced understanding of osteoporosis risk factors in order to start taking corrective and preventative steps in these early years. Break Out Your Family Genes Heredity – including genes specific to Vitamin-D receptors and estrogen-receptors – can indicate patients who are more likely to lose more bone mineral density (BMD) and suffer from osteoporosis in their 50s, 60s or 70s. Additionally, a family history of osteoporosis and/or fracture on the mother’s side of the family can be early warning signs for some patients to be more proactive in how they exercise and eat. Understand the relationship between [url:923,type=|node|,content=|genetics and osteoporosis|]. Test Your Bone Mineral Density At age 30, most adults reach their peak bone mass, which refers to the body’s natural remodeling process during which more new bone is laid down than old bone is removed. After peak bone mass is reached, more bone is removed than replaced, making the bones more susceptible to osteoporosis. A bone density test often involves the use of a quick and painless, dual energy X-ray absorption (DEXA) scan that can determine if a person has normal bone density, low bone mass, osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis) or osteoporosis. BMD testing is already recommended every 1-2 years for all women over 65, and for postmenopausal women under 65 and other patients with multiple osteoporosis risk factors. Learn more about [url:935,type=|node|,content=|bone density testing|], including its benefits, applications and costs. Get Yourself Some Calcium Calcium not only ensures bone strength but helps the heart, blood, muscles and nerves. When the body does not get enough calcium, it often resorts to the bones, stripping them of calcium and making them weaker. A diet that focuses on more calcium intake – possibly through everyday foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, dark green vegetables, grains, beans, and some fish can go a long way towards ensuring bone strength and minimizing osteoporosis. Now how much calcium is recommended for adults? See these [url:936,type=|node|,content=|calcium intake recommendations|]. “D” Up – Meet Vitamin-D Requirements Like calcium, vitamin D levels are often insufficient, despite playing a major role in the prevention of osteoporosis. Instead of being excreted, calcium is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and transferred from the kidneys to the bones (resorption) in large part due to [url:1297,type=|node|,content=|vitamin D|]. Knowing if you have a vitamin D deficiency and ensuring a diet that is rich in vitamin D – from fatty fish, liver, supplements or fortified foods like milk, orange juice and cereals – is another integral part of any plan for avoiding osteoporosis. Make Other Changes to Your Diet Avoid diets that are high in protein and/or sodium, both of which can increase the loss of calcium. Rather, start incorporating more leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, fish and other [url:1898,type=|node|,content=|miscellaneous foods|] into your three daily meals. Furthermore, limit how much cola/soda you drink, as studies have linked an increased likelihood of osteoporosis to drinking too much of these products. Substitute milk, juice or water as often as possible. Put Your Weight into Exercising Weight-bearing exercises that are performed on the feet and work the bones and muscles against gravity can help build bone mass and reduce the likelihood of osteoporosis-related fractures in high-risk areas like the spine, wrists and hips. Regularly incorporating [url:940,type=|node|,content=|weight-bearing activities|] like jogging, walking, climbing the stairs, dancing, hiking and playing volleyball or tennis for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times a week can not only be good for the bones but your overall physical and mental health. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Use While it isn’t exactly understood how alcohol affects bone, studies have shown that people who consume more than 3 ounces of alcohol (roughly 6 drinks) each day increase the likelihood of having more bone loss than those people with minimal alcohol intake. Quit Smoking In a similar light, smoking is another dangerous activity that can increase the risk of osteoporosis, specifically by reducing blood flow to the bones, slowing the production of bone-forming cells and impairing calcium absorption. When considering that people who smoke are more likely to drink than nonsmokers and that people who drink are more likely to smoke than nondrinkers, it’s easy to see the relationship between [url:941,type=|node|,content=|smoking, drinking and osteoporosis|]. Explore Osteoporosis-Fighting Medications with a Doctor A variety of medications that vary by class, delivery mechanism and frequency exist not only to treat patients with osteoporosis but to prevent people with high risk factors from getting this disease. Fosamax, Boniva and Actonel are just a few examples of oral [url:922,type=|node|,content=|osteoporosis medications|]. For other patients, [url:6671,type=|node|,content=|osteoporosis injections|] that are taken once-a-day, once-a-week or once-a-year (such as Reclast®) may be more preferable for preventing spine fractures and hip fractures. Considering that osteoporosis can lead to serious illnesses, spinal deformity, and even death in some cases, the need for such everyday awareness of this disease and its prevention should not be discounted, as made clear by the efforts of World Osteoporosis Day. More on This Topic [url:699,type=|node|,content=|Definitive Guide to Osteoporosis|] [url:930,type=|node|,content=|When is Back Pain a Fracture?|] [url:6678,type=|node|,content=|Osteoporosis Treatment and Diagnosis of Painful Spine Fractures|] [url:6679,type=|node|,content=|Quitting Smoking: A Must for People with Back Pain|] read more - 3 weeks ago

Not as common as lumbar stenosis in the lower back or cervical stenosis in the neck, thoracic spinal stenosis is a rare degenerative condition in which the spinal canal in the upper/middle back is narrowed. Learn more about this type of spinal stenosis, including its symptoms, causes and treatment options, in the following thoracic spinal stenosis video.read more - 3 weeks ago

Cervical stenosis refers to when the spinal cord or spinal nerves in the neck are compressed. If there is spinal cord dysfunction with this type of spinal stenosis, symptoms can include pain, weakness and numbness in the shoulders, arms, hands, legs and feet, troubles with coordination and balance, and other difficulties as described in the following cervical spinal stenosis video.read more - 3 weeks ago

A cervical herniated disc occurs when the soft, inner core of a disc extrudes through its outer core, presses on or "pinches" a cervical nerve, and causes pain to radiate along the nerve pathway and into the arm, as explained in this cervical herniated disc video.read more - 3 weeks ago

October 16, 2009 by: Sylvia Marten addthis_pub = 'Mystalic'; addthis_logo = 'http://www.spine-health.com/sites/all/themes/spinehealth/images/masthead.gif'; addthis_logo_background = 'EFEFFF'; addthis_logo_color = '666699'; addthis_brand = 'Spine-Health.com'; addthis_options = 'favorites, email, digg, delicious, myspace, facebook, google, live, more'; The strength, durability and flexibility of the spine can often go unnoticed, that is until a patient develops [url:145,type=|term|,content=|back pain|] or [url:149,type=|term|,content=|neck pain|]. Well, ensuring a healthy spine shall not be neglected until pain develops, especially with today being World Spine Day and October National Spinal Health Month. A global, multi-disciplined initiative designated by the International Bone and Joint Decade, World Spine Day stresses awareness of musculoskeletal conditions like back pain and ensuring a healthier spine. For our part in this celebration, Spine-health is proud to provide patients with the following tips on how they can keep their spine healthy and happy, starting today. Make Exercise a Daily Ritual Exercising the stomach and back muscles that help support the spine is a major point of emphasis on World Spine Day; with that said, it often seems counterintuitive to patients with back pain to exercise out of fear that such activities will exacerbate pain. However, the spine was built for movement, and simple exercise programs that focus on stretching and strengthening the back, hamstrings and abdominals can go a long way towards distributing nutrients into the spinal discs and soft tissues, accelerating the healing process, and keeping the discs, muscles, ligaments and joints healthy. For more information, visit our [url:157,type=|term|,content=|Exercise Health Center|]. Maintain Good Posture while Sitting The spine is naturally built to curve, but slouching in a chair for eight hours a day at work can lead to muscle tension and [url:896,type=|node|,content=|lower back pain|] and [url:887,type=|node|,content=|leg pain|] ([url:151,type=|term|,content=|sciatica|]). As the discs in the [url:1614,type=|term|,content=|lumbar spine|] (lower back) are already loaded three times more while sitting than standing, why make things even more difficult? Be sure to have an ergonomically-friendly office chair setup and to get up and stretch every 30 minutes or so. For more information on preventing bad posture from becoming a habit and incorporating the right posture while not only sitting but walking, driving, standing and lifting, see these [url:1099,type=|node|,content=|Guidelines to Improve Posture|]. Choose and Use Shoes Wisely The benefits of walking for the spine are plentiful, including strengthening the muscles that keep the body upright, nourishing spinal structures with necessary nutrients, improving flexibility and strengthening the bones. While walking, it’s important to have a flexible, comfortable pair of shoes that also serves as a stable base for the spine to stay in alignment. Here are some [url:1194,type=|node|,content=|guidelines for buying walking shoes|]. Be a Warm Friend Given the many responsibilities of the spine, it is quite natural for the neck and/or back to feel sore at the end of the day. Applying heat therapy is a great way not only to soothe such spinal discomfort but to kick back and relax prior to going to sleep. Heat can be applied via heating pads, wraps, warm gel packs, hot water bottles or a bath/shower, and offers many benefits when done safely and correctly. Learn [url:1663,type=|node|,content=|how to apply heat therapy|]. Sleep on a Supportive Mattress and Pillow In ideal circumstances, nearly a 1/3 of the day is spent sleeping, which also serves as a time for the spine to rest after a hard day’s work. Still, an insufficient mattress can make rest a stressful time on the spine, and lead to some patients complaining of a stiff neck or back ache in the morning. While sleep comfort is a matter of personal preference, taking into consideration a mattress that allows for correct support and sleeping positions can go a long way towards avoiding pain in the back and neck ([url:1113,type=|term|,content=|cervical spine|]). For patients with lower back pain or neck pain, see [url:1315,type=|node|,content=|Choosing the Best Mattress|] and [url:1329,type=|node|,content=|Pillow Support and Comfort|]. Try It: A Balanced Diet and Nutrition Considering that the bones, muscles and other structures in the spine help support the body and perform many other functions, it’s pretty clear just how important eating the right types of meals three times a day is to maintaining good health. Focusing on foods that are high in calcium (for bone strength and mass) and other nutrients and vitamins can help prevent osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and other conditions in the future. Similarly, maintaining a proper weight can reduce pressure on the spine and minimize back pain. For more information, visit our health center on [url:160,type=|term|,content=|Nutrition, Diet and Weight Loss|]. Take a Dip in a Pool Water therapy offers several advantages for the spine that are not attainable via land-based exercise and physical therapy programs. Buoyancy provides both mild resistance and support, thus reducing the risk of injury and allowing neck pain patients to perform strengthening movements that are painless in the water as opposed to painful in other situations. Additionally, cold water therapy can be used to soothe joint inflammation, while hot water can stimulate circulation for stiff muscles and healing for minor muscle sprains or strains. For more information, get immersed in the following [url:1284,type=|node|,content=|Water Therapy Exercise Program|]. Literally Treat Yourself to a Massage A massage is more than a way to break free from daily stress and is now a recognized form of treatment for patients with back pain and neck pain. Massages offer several benefits, including improving blood circulation for the recovery of sore muscles, restoring spinal range of motion, helping with insomnia, and upping endorphins, the body’s natural chemicals that make patients feel good. Read on at [url:1287,type=|node|,content=|Massage Therapy for Lower Back Pain|]. Put Out Those Cigarettes Certainly easier said than done, quitting smoking reduces the likelihood of lower back pain, which is reportedly 300 percent more likely in smokers than non-smokers. According to one study, smoking leads to degenerative spinal disorders and back pain as a result of damaging the vascular structures of spinal discs and joints. See why quitting smoking is a must-do for the spine in the following video: [url:6679,type=|node|,content=|Stop Smoking!|] Lift Up Your Spine Improperly lifting heavy items can put the lower back muscles in abnormal positions that can produce painful muscle strains, and even cause the spinal joints to lock and the spinal discs to rupture. Correct lifting is more than involving the knees, and should incorporate keeping the chest forward and the weight close to the body, and leading with the hips rather than the shoulders. Do you practice the [url:1132,type=|node|,content=|right lifting techniques|]? With all these suggestions in mind, what better day than today to start getting active and making these changes! More on This Topic [url:26519,type=|node|] [url:946,type=|node|] [url:8846,type=|node|] [url:1276,type=|node|,content=|Straighten Up: A 3-Minute Spinal Health Exercise Program|] read more - 4 weeks ago

In the assessment of lower back pain, differential diagnosis utilizing a "triage" concept of classifying low back injuries into one of three categories helps to guide the doctor of chiropractic. These categories of chiropractic diagnosis include: Potentially serious: tumor, infection, fracture, major neurological problem (cauda equina), local open wound or burn, prolonged bleeding (hemophilia), artificial joint implant problems, pacemaker problems, joint infectionread more - 5 weeks ago