Osteomyology

Our hectic lifestyles ask a lot of our bodies so it should come as no surprise when, our bodies protest!

An Osteomyologist may well be able to help you. Increasingly, they are becoming an indispensable part of an integrated medical service that complements, supports and augments traditional health care practice.

Although treatment is not yet available on the NHS, it is widely available throughout the U.K., with home visits and 24 hour emergency cover sometimes available. However, most treatments take place within the privacy of a clinic or private treatment room.

Osteomyology, breaks down to Osteo (bone) myo (muscle) ology (study of) so, taken literally, it is the study (and specialisation) of bones and muscles.

The application of this knowledge of the body gives rise to a wide range of physical therapy techniques which are utilised and refined constantly by the Osteomyologist.

Osteomyologists are often already qualified experts in their own field which may be Osteopathy, Chiropractics, Manipulative Science, Kinesiology, Physiotherapy or indeed any one of a number of manually based medical disciplines.

When the practitioner feels restricted by the constraints of his/her chosen field, and find they are lacking the tools to achieve a satisfactory improvement in their client, the natural progression is to widen their knowledge beyond the limitations of their society and training – This is the most common reason for joining the ever expanding ranks of Osteomyologists.

What can an Osteomyologist treat?
1. Joint pain and neurological symptoms.
2. Back and neck pain including whiplash.
3. Pregnancy related symptoms including sciatic pain.
4. Sports injuries.
5. Chronic conditions such as arthritis.
6. Repetitive strain injury.
7. Posture problems.
8. Musculoskeletal dysfunction including reduced flexibility of the joints and spine.

Treatment has also been shown to be effective for the following conditions:
1. Migraine and headaches.
2. Period pains.
3. Behaviour problems in children.
4. Diabetes.
5. Stress.
6. Asthma.
7. Glue ear.
8. Colic in babies.
9. Sleep disturbance.
10. Strokes and other neurological problems.

Recent legislation has made it imperative that ALL employers have a duty of care towards their employees. Osteomyologists are often consulted by Health and Safety managers and Occupational Health Nurses to advise on the suitability of furniture and equipment etc. Many practitioners have experience of legal work, advising and preparing relevant documents to support accident and injury claims.

The Association of Osteomyologists

The Association of Osteomyologists foresaw this requirement for the advancement of experienced professional manual practitioners and sustains this progress through a training program of C.P.D. (Continuing Professional Development). Their logo shows the coming together of different bodies, meeting as one in the centre, and this is the whole concept of an Osteomyologist. He or she has decided that in order to treat their patients successfully, they have joined a group that believes in sharing each others expertise to the benefit of the patient.

Back Trouble UK

Back Supports Are Not Always The Answer!

Spinal Lumbar or Lower Back Supports cannot really do anything to prevent pain in the lower back, a new review has reported.
The review, published in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, found that the large belts which can be worn around the waist when picking up or carrying heavy objects are as effective in reducing pain as education about lifting.
The researchers looked at 15 studies which involved over 15,000 people and looked at both the prevention and treatment of low back pain. They found that patients who did not use such supports reported the same levels of pain or reduced disability as those who had.

Lead author Ingrid van Duijvenbode said that the findings of the review indicate that lumbar supports should not be recommended for patients looking to treat or manage their low back pain.
She said: "There is moderate evidence that lumbar supports do not prevent low back pain or sick leave more effectively than no intervention or education on lifting techniques in preventing long-term low back pain. There is conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of lumbar supports as treatment compared to no intervention or other interventions."

A spokesman for the Arthritis Research Campaign, which funds a great deal of research into alleviating low back pain, said that in most cases, patients benefited from maintaining everyday activities and keeping as mobile as possible, rather than resting.
Unfortunately back pain tends to deter exercise, but medical opinion is now firmly in favour of movement and exercise as part of back care.

Top Tips:
DO & DON'T
Select a form of exercise suitable for your fitness level - if you are a beginner, work up gradually. Don't do much in your first few days. Your tolerance will be very low at first, and if you do too much you won't be able to do anything the next day. Also, you will be put off.


Find an exercise that you enjoy. You will be more likely to continue. Don't do impact sports like running, at least to start with.


Learn to stretch. Stretches should be done slowly and gently, without jerks or excessive force. Don't just copy others, especially athletes! To get it really right, book a session with a physiotherapist. Don't do sports which make you bend your back, or move suddenly, like cycling or squash, until your back is fully recovered.



Stop if an activity creates increasing pain in your back. Find a different sport until you are fitter. Don't waste money on a home workout machine. Most people quickly stop using them because they are so boring.


Wear good quality trainers. These are excellent for reducing impact forces with the ground, which otherwise generate a shockwave up the back. Don't avoid lifting altogether. Moderate loads on your back are needed to build up fitness in the back muscles. But lift correctly.


Don't play competitive team games to start with - you may be tempted to overdo it, or you might hurt your back in a collision.


The best type and intensity of exercise is different according to your condition, your fitness and the state of your back. You need some exercise, but not too much. That's why you may be given conflicting advice by different experts. If that happens, learn the broad principles and then go your own way - it's your body and only you can feel it.


The key is to start gently, choose your sports carefully, and gradually develop into a more strenuous regime. Getting fit is a stress/recovery process, while most bad backs result from too much or too prolonged stress, with incomplete recovery. Your exercise "sweet spot" will be unique to you, and will change as you get fitter and your back heals.


Find something that you enjoy and that can be easily incorporated into your daily life. This can be easy to achieve, for instance: if you normally get the bus to work, try getting an earlier one and getting off a few stops earlier. Park your car further away from your destination and walk.



When going out to lunch, try to find a restaurant that is within walking distance. Walk up or down stairs instead of taking the lift.


Why exercise is good for your back:
When abdominal and back muscles are toned, they work together like a natural corset for your back, providing support and improving posture.
Fit muscles have better fine control and more power in reserve, giving smoother motion during lifting and moving.
Fitness postpones fatigue, helping you avoid tired habits like not lifting correctly.
Exercise makes bones denser and stronger.
With stretching, exercise increases flexibility, helps you use good postures for lifting and sitting.
Helps you lose weight and stop smoking! Excess body weight and smoking are bad for backs.
Exercise improves blood circulation, and so enhances nutrition and recovery processes in your back.

Terry O’Brien
BackTrouble.co.uk

Homeopathy & Back Pain

Back pain ranks second only to headaches as the most frequent pain location.
Four out of five adults will experience at least one bout of back pain at some time in their life.
Back pain can occur for no apparent reason and at any point on your spine.

The most common site for pain is your lower back because it bears the most weight and stress.

Although back pain is common, it's also quite possible for you to prevent most back problems with simple steps such as exercise and adopting new ways to sit and stand.

Even if you've injured your back before, you can learn techniques to help avoid recurrent injuries.

Limited rest combined with appropriate exercise and education is often the best course.
Acute back pain often goes away by itself in a few days or weeks.
An ice bag or hot water bottle applied to the back may also help to alleviate pain. Prolonged bed rest is not beneficial because it weakens muscles.

Exercising with Back Pain
Recommendations for preventing initial and recurring episodes of back pain include:
regular exercise stretching before participation in sporting activities
losing weight maintaining correct posture
using comfortable, supportive seats while driving
sleeping on the side with knees drawn up or on the back with a pillow under bent knees

Homeopathy

Many of the herbs used for pain relief use the same biochemical pathways as the non-opiate pain-relieving drugs, but they are not as effective. However, on the positive side, many of these herbs have multiple effects. Their antispasmodic and circulation-promoting constituents may make up for what these plants lack in prostaglandin- suppressing strength. Herbal formulas that combine prostaglandin-suppressing, antispasmodic, sedative, and antidepressant plants are commonly prescribed by professional herbalists in North America, Great Britain, and Australia

Chronic pain often creates other problems besides the pain itself. These may include: tension, spasm, insomnia, and depression. And while conventional pain medications may remedy one or two of these side effects, some formulas of herbs can address them all. A pain-reliever, an antispasrnodic, a sedative, and an antidepressant may all be in included in a typical herbal formula created by a medical herbalist. For example, one herbal combination may include equal parts of willow bark (for pain), cramp bark (for spasm), valerian (a sedative), and St. Johns wort (an antidepressant).

For example, if related to drink. .

Hot, moist herbal packs help relieve the pain and increase blood circulation on painful areas, while herbal teas, juices and extracts soothe muscles and nerves.

Camomile has a calming effect on smooth muscle tissue. Take it as 1-3 cups of tea, 10-20 drops of extract in a cup of liquid or 1-3 capsules daily.

Bromelain (pineapple extract) is a powerful anti-inflammatory (take 2-3 g daily at first, then 1-2 g as the pain eases). Other anti-inflammatories, effective when drunk as teas, are valerian, St. John's wort, and Jamaican dogwood.

Horsetail not only heals and builds connective tissue, but also normalizes the bowels and alleviates lower-back pain, much of which can be traced to a dysfunctional intestinal tract. Take internally as per camomile.

Burdock soothes the pain and purifies the blood. Take 1-3 capsules or 10-25 drops of extract in 1 cup liquid daily.

If the muscle tension is due to emotional stress, take borage, St. John's wort, lemon balm or valerian teas.

Fresh yarrow juice is excellent for strengthening back muscles.

Use a white or black mustard seed pack for more intense heat. A mustard pack should not be left on for more than ten minutes because it can irritate the skin.

An infusion of meadowsweet three times a day combined with a rub on the area with lobelia and cramp bark is useful for physical strain or rheumatic problems.

Here are some herbs that are useful in pain relief.

Hot Peppers
Cayenne pepper (Capsicum spp.) is used in formulas for liniments and plasters in the folk medicine. Red pepper contains a pain-relieving chemical--capsaicin--that is so potent that a tiny amount provides the active ingredient in some powerful pharmaceutical topical analgesics. One product, Zostrix, contains only 0.025 percent capsaicin.

The exact mechanism in which red pepper works is not known. But it sure does work. Red pepper's effectiveness may be due to:

Capsaicin interferes with our pain perception
Capsaicin trigger release of the body's own pain-relieving endorphins
Salicylates present in red pepper.

How to Apply

1. You can buy a commercial cream containing capsaicin and use that.

2. Mash a red pepper and rub it directly on the painful area.

3. Take any white skin cream that you have on hand such as cold cream. Mix in enough red pepper to turn it pink.

4. Place 1 ounce of cayenne pepper in a quart of rubbing alcohol. Let the mixture stand for three weeks, shaking the bottle each day. Then, apply to the affected part during acute attacks.

5. Place 1 ounce of cayenne pepper in a pint of boiling water. Simmer for half an hour. Do not strain, but add a pint of rubbing alcohol. Let cool to room temperature. Apply as desired to the affected part.

Caution: Do not ingest any of these remedies. Wash your hands thoroughly after preparing or using red pepper. Don't get it in your eyes.

Some people are sensitive to this compound. Test it on a small area of skin to make sure that it's okay for you to use before using it on a larger area. If it seems to irritate your skin, discontinue use.

Cramp Bark and Black Haw
For the treatment of spasmodic pain, both cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) and black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) have been used in American Indian medicine. The Indians used cramp bark to treat both menstrual pain and muscle spasm. Cramp bark and black haw were also used hisatorically for arthritic or menstrual pain. The plants contain the antispasmodic and muscle-relaxing compounds esouletin and scopoletin. The antispasmodic constituents are best extracted with alcohol. So use tinctures rather than teas. Black haw also contains aspirin- like compounds.

Directions: Mix equal parts of cramp bark and black haw tinctures. Take between 1 and 4 droppers every two or three hours for up to three days.

Willow Bark
Willow bark (Salix alba) was used for treating pain by the ancient Greeks more than 2,400 years ago. American Indians throughout North America used it as a pain reliever even before the arrival of the European colonists. Investigation of salicin, a pain-relieving constituent in willow bark, led to the discovery of aspirin in 1899. The most important active constituent is salicin, but other anti-inflammatory constituents also appear in the willow bark.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and other mints.
The compounds menthol and camphor are found in many over-the-counter backache medications. They are chemicals that can help ease the muscle tightness that contributes to many bad backs. Menthol is a natural constituent of plants in the mint family, particularly peppermint and spearmint, although the aromatic oils of all the other mints contain it as well. Camphor occurs in spike lavender, hyssop and coriander.

Ginger
Ginger is used to treat various sorts of pain in the folk medicine of China and India. It is an important pain medication in contemporary Arabic medicine. Ginger contains 12 different aromatic anti-inflammatory compounds, including some with mild aspirin-like effects.

Directions: Cut a fresh ginger root (about the size of your thumb) into thin slices. Place the slices in a quart of water. Bring to a boil, and then simmer on the lowest possible heat for thirty minutes in a covered pot. Let cool for thirty more minutes. Strain and drink 1/2 to 1 cup, sweetened with honey, for taste if needed.

Rosemary
Drinking rosemary tea for pain is a remedy used in the contemporary Hispanic folk medicine of Mexico and the Southwest. Its leaf also contains four anti-inflammatory substances---camosol, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ursolic acid. Carnosol acts on the same anti-inflammatory pathways as both steroids and aspirin; rosmarinic acid acts through at least two separate anti-inflammatory biochemical pathways; and ursolic acid, which makes up about 4 percent of the plant by weight, has been shown in animal trials to have anti-arthritic effects.

Directions: Put 1/2 ounce of rosemary leaves in a 1-quart canning jar and fill the jar with boiling water. Cover tightly and let it stand for thirty minutes. Drink a cup as hot as possible before going to bed, and have another cupful in the morning before breakfast.

Epsom Salt Baths
Folk traditions call for Epsom salt baths to relieve pain. Epsom salt was reputed to have magical healing properties. Epsom salt is primarily magnesium sulfate and has been used medicinally in Europe for more than three hundred years. The heat of an Epsom salt bath can increase circulation and reduce the swelling of arthritis, and the magnesium can be absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals in the body, participating in at least 300 enzyme systems. Magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.

Directions: Fill a bathtub with water as hot as can be tolerated. Add 2 cups of Epsom salts. Bathe for thirty minutes, adding hot water if necessary to keep the bath water warm.

Angelica
Various species of angelica have been used to quiet pain by American Indians throughout North America. The European species (Angelica archangelica) and the Chinese species (Angelica sinensis) have been used in the same way in the folk medicine of Europe and China respectively. The Chinese species is sometimes sold in North America under the names dang gui or dong quai. All species contain anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and anodyne (pain- relieving) properties. The European species of angelica has been used in European folk medicine since antiquity, as has the Chinese species in Chinese medicine.

Directions: Place 1 tablespoon of the cut roots of either species of angelica in a pint of water and bring to a boil for two minutes in a covered pot. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, until the tea cools to room temperature. Drink the pint in 3 doses during the day.

What ever you decide to do with regard to treating your medical condition, always consult with your GP before starting any alternative therapies or medicines.

Coping with a Whiplash Neck Injury.

Even with the many advances in medicine and in particular skeletomuscular medicine, Whiplash is still not that well understood. Severity of injury varies considerably between people in the same types of car accidents, even when circumstances are similar.

Speed is a major factor, as is the weight of the vehicles.

There are several other factors involved. When the person sees the accident coming, the injury is often less severe. This may be because the nervous system has time to prepare.
The position of the neck at the time of impact also plays a role. Risk of injury appears to be greater when the head is turned to the side than when it is facing straight ahead - except in very low speed crashes. The position of the headrest is important - it needs to be at the proper height and distance from the head to reduce severity of injury. The strength of a person’s neck also plays a role. Females, having less strength in their necks, generally suffer more severe whiplash injuries than males.
Seatbelts with shoulder harnesses should always be used and head rests at the proper height for the person. The height of the headrest should be just above the ear. The distance between the headrest and back of the head should be two to four inches.
Symptoms may occur immediately after the injury or set in gradually over the next couple of days. It is common for a person with no immediate symptoms to wake up stiff and sore the next morning. Whiplash can vary greatly in severity and cause a wide range of symptoms. Not all people experience the same symptoms. Symptoms that develop rapidly often indicate a serious injury.
The most common symptoms of whiplash are neck pain and stiffness. The neck becomes stiff as muscles tighten up to protect the injured area from further injury by reducing motion.
Headaches are also common. Pain originating in the neck (from muscle spasms in the neck and/or irritated nerves in the back of the neck) is often referred to the head. The pain may felt be over the entire head or any area of the head - often over the forehead and behind the eyes.
There may be back pain or shoulder pain, or numbness or tingling in the arm. Other symptoms of whiplash include problems with memory and concentration, feelings of disorientation, dizziness, ringing in the ears, impaired hearing, blurred vision, sensitivity to sound and light, irritability, depression, and difficulty sleeping.
Neurological symptoms may be the result of injury to soft tissue injury to the neck or a mild brain injury or concussion. A sudden jolt to the head can jar the brain. Neurological symptoms often resolve within a week.
If symptoms occur immediately or shortly after the accident an ambulance should be called so that the neck can be immobilised during transport to a hospital emergency ward.
There may be serious injuries that may require immediate medical treatment (such as haemorrhage, fracture, dislocation, or spinal cord injury). In addition, auto accidents that result in whiplash may also result in other injuries such as chest injuries, back injuries, internal injuries, etc.
Always seek a proper diagnosis from a GP, even if the symptoms are mild. The diagnosis may be based upon symptoms alone, or an MRI or CT may be taken to see the extent of soft tissue injury. X-rays may be taken to rule out fractures or dislocation.

Treatment depends on severity of symptoms. If the injury is mild, applying ice packs at home for the first couple of days along with the short-term use of NSAIDs may be sufficient. If symptoms are moderate (especially if there is limited range of motion), physical therapy is often recommended. Massage therapy and/or spinal manipulation may also be beneficial.
Applying IceApplying ice every four hours for the first couple of days helps reduce inflammation (the main cause of the pain). Inflammation is greatest for the first two days. Wrap ice in a cloth and apply to area of neck pain for 20 minutes every three to four hours.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medication to relieve both pain and inflammation such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin are often helpful. Your GP may prescribe muscle relaxants or pain medication that contains codeine for temporary use.
Physical Therapy
Depending upon the severity of the whiplash injury, physical therapy may be recommended by your GP. A physical therapist can prescribe range-of-motion exercises, teach proper posture to avoid excess strain on neck, treat pain with cold and heat, etc.
Prolonged Use of Soft Collars do Delay Recovery.
Soft collars may be helpful for the first two or three days, when pain and inflammation are at its greatest. Inflammation may trigger muscle spasms - a protective mechanism to restrict movement to prevent further injury. Wearing a soft collar helps relax the muscles to relieve pain. However, prolonged use of soft collars has been shown to delay recovery from whiplash. Intermittent use may be recommended in some cases.
*If a fracture or dislocation is involved, a wearing moulded collar may be necessary to stabilize the neck.
How quickly one recovers from whiplash depends largely upon the severity of the injury. How quickly the symptoms develop often correlate with the seriousness of the injury.
Mild whiplash injuries often heal completely within two to three weeks, moderate whiplash injuries within two to three months. Severe whiplash injury may take several months to heal. For some people, symptoms (such as mild neck pain and/or headaches) may linger for longer periods of time. If symptoms are still present after six months, the pain is considered to be chronic. Chronic symptoms may last for years. Whiplash injury may increase risk of degenerative changes in the discs and spinal joints.

Their have been cases were people report that new symptoms appear years after the initial whiplash injury, though it is difficult to determine whether or not symptoms that appear years later are related to the whiplash injury.

Terry O’Brien
BackTrouble.co.uk

Degenerative Joint Disease.

Alternative Names: Hypertrophic osteoarthritis; Osteoarthrosis; Degenerative joint disease; DJD; OA; Arthritis-Osteoarthritis.

Causes
Unfortunately most of the time, the cause of OA is unknown. It is mainly related to aging, but metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors can also lead to OA.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55 it is more common in women.

The disease causes the cushioning (cartilage) between the bone joints to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness. As the disease gets worse, the cartilage disappears and the bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs usually form around the joint.

OA can be primary or secondary.
Primary OA occurs without any type of injury or obvious cause.
Secondary OA is osteoarthritis due to another disease or condition. The most common causes of secondary OA are metabolic conditions, such as acromegaly, problems with anatomy (for example, being bow-legged), injury, or inflammatory disorders such as septic arthritis.

Symptoms
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Deep aching joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it and is relieved by rest
Grating of the joint with motion
Joint pain in rainy weather
Joint swelling
Limited movement
Morning stiffness
Of course some people might not have symptoms.
Examination and Tests
A physical exam can show limited range of motion, grating of a joint with motion, joint swelling, and tenderness.
An x-ray of affected joints will show loss of the joint space, and in advanced cases, wearing down of the ends of the bone and bone spurs.

Treatment
The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, maintain or improve joint movement, increase the strength of the joints, and reduce the disabling affects of the disease. The treatment depends on which joints are involved.

MEDICATIONS
The most common medications used to treat osteoarthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are pain relievers that reduce pain and swelling. Types include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Although NSAIDs work well, long-term use of these drugs can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. Manufacturers of NSAIDs include a warning label on their products that alerts users to an increased risk for cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Other medications used to treat OA include:
COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs). Coxibs block a substance called COX-2 that causes swelling. This class of drugs was first thought to work as well as other NSAIDs, but with fewer stomach problems. However, reports of heart attacks and stroke have led the Drug Licensing Authorities to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of the COX-2s. Ask your doctor whether the drug is 1. Still available and if so 2. Right and safe for you.
Steroids. These medications are injected right into the joint. They can also be used to reduce inflammation and pain.

Supplements. Many people are helped by over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements can help control pain, although they do not seem to grow new cartilage.
Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan). These medications can be injected into the knee. They may relieve pain for up to 6 months.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement. Ask your health care provider to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful.
Applying heat and cold, protecting the joints, using self-help devices, and rest are all recommended.
Good nutrition and careful weight control are also important. If you're overweight, losing weight will reduce the strain on the knee and ankle joints.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis. If therapy does not make you feel better after 3-6 weeks, then it likely will not work at all.

BRACES
Splints and braces can sometimes support weakened joints. Some prevent the joint from moving; others allow some movement. You should use a brace only when your doctor or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.

SURGERY
Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgical options include:
Total or partial replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty )
Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage and wash out the joint
Cartilage restoration to replace the damaged or missing cartilage in some younger patents with arthritis
Change in the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthodesis)

Outlook (Prognosis)
Your movement may become very limited. However Treatment generally improves function.
Possible Complications
Decreased ability to walk
Decreased ability to perform everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, household chores, or cooking
Adverse reactions to drugs used for treatment
Surgical complications
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Do contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Prevention
*Weight loss can certainly help in the management of DJD and reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis in overweight women.

Degenerative Joint Disease

Alternative Names: Hypertrophic osteoarthritis; Osteoarthrosis; Degenerative joint disease; DJD; OA; Arthritis-Osteoarthritis.
Causes
Unfortunately most of the time, the cause of OA is unknown. It is mainly related to aging, but metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors can also lead to OA.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually appear in middle age and almost everyone has them by age 70. Before age 55, the condition occurs equally in both sexes. However, after 55 it is more common in women.


The disease causes the cushioning (cartilage) between the bone joints to wear away, leading to pain and stiffness. As the disease gets worse, the cartilage disappears and the bone rubs on bone. Bony spurs usually form around the joint.


OA can be primary or secondary.
Primary OA occurs without any type of injury or obvious cause.
Secondary OA is osteoarthritis due to another disease or condition. The most common causes of secondary OA are metabolic conditions, such as acromegaly, problems with anatomy (for example, being bow-legged), injury, or inflammatory disorders such as septic arthritis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
Deep aching joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it and is relieved by rest.
Grating of the joint with motion.
Joint pain in rainy weather.
Joint swelling.
Limited movement.
Morning stiffness.
Of course some people might not have symptoms.

Examination and Tests
A physical exam can show limited range of motion, grating of a joint with motion, joint swelling, and tenderness.
An x-ray of affected joints will show loss of the joint space, and in advanced cases, wearing down of the ends of the bone and bone spurs.

Treatment
The goals of treatment are to relieve pain, maintain or improve joint movement, increase the strength of the joints, and reduce the disabling affects of the disease. The treatment depends on which joints are involved.

MEDICATIONS
The most common medications used to treat osteoarthritis are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They are pain relievers that reduce pain and swelling. Types include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Although NSAIDs work well, long-term use of these drugs can cause stomach problems, such as ulcers and bleeding. Manufacturers of NSAIDs include a warning label on their products that alerts users to an increased risk for cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes) and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Other medications used to treat OA include:
COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs). Coxibs block a substance called COX-2 that causes swelling. This class of drugs was first thought to work as well as other NSAIDs, but with fewer stomach problems. However, reports of heart attacks and stroke have led the Drug Licensing Authorities to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of the COX-2s. Ask your doctor whether the drug is 1. Still available and if so 2. Right and safe for you.


Steroids. These medications are injected right into the joint. They can also be used to reduce inflammation and pain.
Supplements. Many people are helped by over-the-counter remedies such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. There is some evidence that these supplements can help control pain, although they do not seem to grow new cartilage.
Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan). These medications can be injected into the knee. They may relieve pain for up to 6 months.


LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Exercise helps maintain joint and overall movement. Ask your health care provider to recommend an appropriate home exercise routine. Water exercises, such as swimming, are especially helpful.
Applying heat and cold, protecting the joints, using self-help devices, and rest are all recommended.
Good nutrition and careful weight control are also important. If you're overweight, losing weight will reduce the strain on the knee and ankle joints.


PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and the motion at stiff joints. Therapists have many techniques for treating osteoarthritis. If therapy does not make you feel better after 3-6 weeks, then it likely will not work at all.

BRACES
Splints and braces can sometimes support weakened joints. Some prevent the joint from moving; others allow some movement. You should use a brace only when your doctor or therapist recommends one. Using a brace the wrong way can cause joint damage, stiffness, and pain.
SURGERY
Severe cases of osteoarthritis might need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgical options include:
Total or partial replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial joint (knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty )
Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage and wash out the joint
Cartilage restoration to replace the damaged or missing cartilage in some younger patents with arthritis
Change in the alignment of a bone to relieve stress on the bone or joint (osteotomy)
Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthodesis)

Outlook (Prognosis)
Your movement may become very limited. However Treatment generally improves function.
Possible Complications.
Decreased ability to walk.
Decreased ability to perform everyday activities, such as personal hygiene, household chores, or cooking.
Adverse reactions to drugs used for treatment.
Surgical complications.

When to Contact a Medical Professional
Do contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Prevention
*Weight loss can considerably help in the management DJD and ceratainly reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis in overweight women.

Bio-Mechanics and Back Pain Relief.

When our body is in the standing position it is in a state of unsteady equilibrium because the base is small and the centre of gravity is a long way above it. That is why it has to be balanced by keeping the centre of gravity over the base, otherwise the body would fall over.Equilibrium: The steadiness of the body depends on the size of its base and the distance of the centre of gravity from that base. An object having a large base and a low centre of gravity is not easily upset.The first thing necessary in order to accomplish good posture is to straighten the neck, keep the chin down and back.

The second important thing is correct deep breathing. The line of gravity in the fundamental standing position falls in front of the ears, and in front of the cervical and dorsal vertebrae, through the lumbar vertebrae, through the hip joint, and slightly in front of the ankle joint. But this probably varies in individuals according to their build and height."Biomechanics is that branch of science concerned with the understanding of the interrelationships of structure and function of living beings with respect to the kinematics and kinetics of motion"Poor Posture associated by the following:

Genetic disorders, Familial association, Irregular/no exercise, Bad habits when sitting or standing, Carrying excess loads, (School/shopping) Underweight/Overweight (Inadequate diet)Mental Attitude towards oneself.

Biomechanics is our way of describing how each bit of your body moves in relation to another bit.
Our bodies are fantastic at compensating when things are not quite perfect but unfortunately when we run out of compensations we usually end up with pain and stiffness.

Let’s have a look at some of the more common biomechanical problems:

Problem 1.
It’s the fashion not to tie trainers and shoes up but this prevents the shoe from supporting the inside of the foot and allows the foot to roll or ‘pronate’ too much in standing and walking.
This means the knee and the hip rolls inwards too much which makes the inside calf and inside thigh muscle shorter. The iliotibial band can then rub against the outside knee giving pain.
Further up, the bottom muscles become too long and stop working as they should do which puts added stress on the pelvis and low back joints. Before you know it you have back pain, knee pain and ankle pain! And all because of fashion!

Problem 2.
Whether you drive 5 miles or 500 miles a day your car seat is really important. In many cars the base of the seat slopes backwards. In fact some of the more expensive cars are the worst because they want you to feel ‘snug’ and safe in the seat. However, this position forces your pelvis to sit too far backwards.

Once this happens your low back and upper back flex forward too much but then your neck muscles have to work really hard to stop your head from flexing too much and allow you to see where you are going. This position then forces your shoulder blades to stretch too far forwards and a large stress is placed on both the front and the back of the shoulder.
The result is neck pain and /or upper or low back pain. This position can exacerbate sciatica as it is a big stretch for the nerves.

The solution is to raise the back of the seat so it becomes more horizontal. Some cars allow you to alter this angle but if yours does not then sit on a small cushion or buy a special wedge shape cushion that fits into the seat.

Terry O’Brien
Back Trouble UK.

The Silent Disease

The Silent Disease is the name that is often given to Osteoporosis, as most people don't know they have osteoporosis until it has progressed often to the point of fracture, usually in the hip, wrist or spine. Even when undiagnosed osteoporosis results in a vertebral fracture, the pain is frequently dismissed as general back pain. This lack of awareness can lead to serious illness, deformity, even death.

Osteoporosis alone does not cause back pain. It can, however, weaken the spine to where it is no longer able to withstand normal stress or minor trauma, resulting in vertebral fracture. It is the ensuing fracture that causes pain.

Osteopenia is a condition where bone mineral density is lower than normal, but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. While often a precursor to osteoporosis, not everyone with osteopenia will develop osteoporosis. Since a diagnosis of osteopenia puts one at greater risk for osteoporosis, patients are encouraged to seek the advice of their physicians about implementing preventive measures.

Osteoporosis Causes and Risk Factors
Bones are made of complex, constantly changing, living tissue. They are able to grow and heal, and are also susceptible to changes in diet, body chemistry, and exercise levels.
Early in life, more bone is laid down than is removed by the body. People typically achieve peak bone mass by around age 30, after which more bone is lost than is replaced. Too much bone loss leads to osteoporosis.

Both of the two primary types of osteoporosis are far more common in women than men:

Type I osteoporosis (postmenopausal osteoporosis) —generally develops after menopause, when estrogen levels drop precipitously, leading to bone loss — usually in the trabecular (spongy) bone inside the hard cortical bone.


Type II osteoporosis (senile osteoporosis) — typically happens after age 70 and involves a thinning of both the trabecular (spongy) and cortical (hard) bone.

In addition, certain medications and medical conditions can damage bone and lead to what is known as “secondary osteoporosis”. Patients being treated for any of the following conditions should discuss the risk of osteoporosis with their physicians:

Endocrine disorders

Marrow disorders

Collagen disorders

Gastrointestinal disorders

Seizure disorders

Eating disorders (such as anorexia or bulimia)

It is important to distinguish between primary and secondary causes of osteoporosis because treatment is often different. To determine the cause, a thorough medical history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests need to be conducted (see Diagnosing Osteoporosis).

Key risk factors for developing osteoporosis include:

Advanced = age over age 65.

Gender = Women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than men.

Heredity = Family history of osteoporosis or fracture on the mother’s side.

Personal history = any type of fracture after age 45.

Race = Caucasian and Asian women are at greater risk.

Body type= small-boned women weighing less than 127 pounds.

Menstrual history = Normal menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis and early menopause can exacerbate this risk.

Lifestyle = calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency; little or no exercise (especially weight-bearing exercise); alcohol abuse; smoking; too much cola/soda.

Testosterone deficiency (hypgonadism) = in men.

Why women are at greater risk for developing osteoporosis

Estrogen plays an important part in maintaining bone strength. Starting at about age 30 through onset of menopause, women lose a small amount of bone every year as a natural part of the aging process. When women reach menopause and estrogen levels decrease, the rate of bone loss increases for approximately 8 to 10 years before returning to premenopausal rates.

Osteoporosis Symptoms

Osteoporosis can go undetected for years and fracture is typically the first outward sign. Advanced osteoporosis is potentially disabling, often leading to one or more of the following:
fractures of the spine, wrist or hip

spinal deformity (e.g., lost height, hunched back)

chronic or severe pain

limited function and reduced mobility

loss of independence

decreased lung capacity

difficulty sleeping

Osteoporosis is the leading cause of spine fractures, especially in women over age 50, but only about one third of all spine fractures are diagnosed.

Most osteoporotic spine fractures (vertebral compression fractures) start with sudden back pain, usually after routine activity (lifting or bending) that slightly strains or jars the back. After a month or two, this acute pain is usually replaced by an achy pain (see Diagnosing vertebral compression fractures).

Osteoporosis Prevention

Postmenopausal (Type I) osteoporosis can be significantly influenced by preventive measures. Most of these behaviors are up to the individual and should be started as early in life as possible. For those genetically predisposed to osteoporosis, the following practices are even more important:
Exercise regularly weight-bearing exercises (activities that work one’s bones and muscles against gravity) are essential to maintaining bone health.

Ensure adequate calcium intake, Calcium plays a key role in keeping bones strong. Vitamin D is also essential, as it helps ensure absorption and retention of calcium in bones. Calcium and vitamin D requirements vary depending on age and gender.

Eat a balanced, healthy diet Certain foods provide excellent sources of calcium, while diets high in protein and/or sodium increase calcium loss.

Quit smoking - Smoking has a detrimental effect on bone density, leading to greater risk of injury and longer recovery times.

Limit alcohol consumption - While the exact way alcohol affects bone isn’t entirely understood, excessive alcohol use has been proven to accelerate bone loss.

Limit intake of colas/sodas - recent research indicates that too much cola or soda can increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Undergo bone density testing - every 1-2 years if you are postmenopausal, over age 65, or have other risk factors. Bone mineral density (BMD) tests indicate normal, low or osteoporotic bone density levels, as well as any increased risk of fracture.

For more information, see How to prevent osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis Treatment

Once osteoporosis has been diagnosed, patient and physician should work together to develop a treatment plan where the goal is to slow bone loss and prevent fractures. Treatment may include:
Education on diet/nutrition - see Food for Thought: Diet and Nutrition for a Healthy Back.

Exercise (if no fracture) - to help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of falls.

Medication - to slow bone loss and prevent fractures. Osteoporosis medications fall into two categories:

medications that slow or stop bone resorption (loss);

medications that increase bone formation.

Treatment for vertebral fractures, which may include:

rest, though long-term rest accelerates bone loss;

rigid back braces to support the spine;

ice/heat and pain medications;

surgery (kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty), which may be necessary in certain situations where the fracture is causing severe pain and/or deformity, or has failed to respond to three months of non-surgical treatment.

Do be positive because even once osteoporosis has been diagnosed, it is possible to slow bone loss, build bone density and prevent fractures. Continually advancing osteoporosis and related fractures are not an inevitable outcome of being diagnosed with osteoporosis.



Terry O’Brien
Back Trouble UK.

Arthritis

Spinal arthritis is a very painful condition, worse than other forms of arthritis due to the high amount of nerves present in and around the spinal structures, especially those concerning the facet joints and intervertebral discs.
Spinal osteoarthritis, otherwise known as spondylosis, can affect any region of the spine and is caused by the degenerative process.

More common in the over 55s and with women more than men, spinal arthritis can be triggered by an accident, injury or from a weakened immune system.
People who have a family history of spinal arthritis are more likely to develop the condition themselves.

Symptoms
Apart from suffering with high levels of pain, there is the likelihood of having an increased stiffness, especially in the spine, particularly after long periods of rest. Pain can be intermittent and worse on movement.
As part of the human body’s natural response to arthritis, an excess of bony growth may occur, resulting in ‘spurs’ being formed। They can cause additional pain and can restrict movement further. Some sufferers report a crunching sound, like bone on bone, possibly due to the growth of the spurs.

Spinal arthritis occurring in the lower back can affect the lower extremities with additional pain in the legs and buttocks. Cervical spine arthritis can cause pain to radiate to the shoulders and arms.
There is no known cure for arthritis but there are a number of treatments available for the relief of symptoms.

Treatment
The treating GP may refer you to an x-ray department in order to confirm diagnosis by a series of images। These pictures will also show any inflammation and if there is any deterioration in the cartilage.

Along with this a blood sample can be gained and sent for analysis to determine the type of arthritis. Medications include anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relief, arthritic drugs or steroids.
Spinal spondylosis can cause the intervertebral discs to degenerate which increases the risk of them herniating, a condition that would require further treatment.

Facet joints of the spine can be affected by the deterioration of cartilage or the formation of bony overgrowths and can limit movement significantly. Surgery may be an option to remove the bony growths.
Treatments that can be performed by the patient, without input from a medical professional include giving-up smoking; this will increase the levels of oxygen to the affected area and prevent further deterioration of the discs. Maintaining a healthy weight for your frame will prevent putting excessive pressure and strain on the ligaments and joints of the spine. Applying regular heat or ice therapy, whichever is preferred, will help with pain relief and reduce inflammation. Exercise is a good way of help alleviate symptoms, as arthritis can affect mobility, it may be best to seek advice from a physiotherapist who will work with you and devise an appropriate and manageable programme of exercise.

Spinal arthritis is a painful and restrictive condition. Though there is no cure, it may be prevented or onset delayed by eating a healthy diet, rich in nutrients and calcium (to keep bones strong and healthy), and by ensuring flexibility, strength and suppleness by keeping to a regular exercise regime.

Back Exercises

Many times individuals experience back pain because their body is not strong enough to support their bodies. The result of a weak body is often back pain. However, back pain exercises are a great way to strengthen the entire body and provide support for your back. When your back has support because your body is strong due to back pain exercises then you will not experience back pain like you did before. So, if you suffer from back pain consider back pain exercises to increase your back strength and decrease your pain.

Back Pain Exercises

Back pain exercises might sound as if they are exercises that only focus on the back; however this is not the case. In fact, back pain exercises are made up of exercises that strengthen the back, stomach, neck, hips and thighs. The reason back pain exercises focus on all of these muscles is because all of these muscles work together to provide support for your back. When all of these muscles are strong due to back pain exercises they will provide a sound support system for your spine and your back pain days will be over.

Back pain exercises should include cardiovascular exercises like biking, running, or swimming followed up by wall sits, lounges, leg raises, sit ups, and other similar back pain exercises. When these back pain exercises are performed on a regular basis the individual will gradually strengthen their body providing more support to their back and body. As the body becomes stronger and better supported back pain will subside.

The Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is used to help to teach people about how efficiently and effortlessly they can use their bodies in everyday life. Often, we develop bad posture and habits without being aware of this, and expend too much energy or muscle force to achieve a task. Alexander Technique teachers help to adjust the client's posture to recognise the difference between current habits and what it feels like to use muscles with minimum effort and in a relaxed, fluid way.

Posture:

The Technique teaches how to become more aware of your own posture, balance and movement in everyday life. The lessons usually last for between 30 and 45 minutes and are normally on a one-to-one basis. The teacher uses his/her hands to gently correct any muscular imbalances and encourages the body to a better alignment. This is a direct body experience, so the client becomes familiar with the sensation of correct alignment in his or her own body. This can feel strange initially, as the body is not used to using it's muscles in this way, and the new methods of movement need to be practised with constant awareness as to how we choose to use our bodies in everyday tasks. It is a process of re-educating the body by learning how to stand and move correctly. This leads to health benefits as often-poor spinal posture will lead to other symptoms like poor breathing due to restriction in the throat and diaphragm areas. Breathing and how we breathe is an important aspect of the Alexander Technique.

Successful remedy:

An Australian actor, Frederick Matthias Alexander (1869-1955), developed the Alexander Technique. He suffered from respiratory problems as a child, which later affected his voice and career in the theatre. He tried many remedies without success and eventually began a process of self-observation to try to find a way of curing himself. He realised that the voice problem was a result of muscular tension in his whole body and that his thought patterns also had a great part in contributing to the tension that had become an ingrained habit. Alexander studied his posture with the aid of mirrors to see how this was affected when he recited and as a result could see that his body alignment was incorrect. He gradually taught himself to correct his posture and found that he had cured his voice problem. He went on to pass the technique to others and eventually opened a clinic to help people to learn about their own use of posture.

Back Pain Treatment without Drugs!

C’mon there is a standard "cure" for most causes of back and neck pain?

Fact: Compared to other medical conditions, there are relatively few standardised approaches to diagnosis and treatment of back problems. Spine specialists from various areas of expertise (such as physical medicine and rehabilitation, chiropractic, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy and surgery) will often disagree on the diagnosis and most appropriate treatment plan for back pain and back problems, and specialists within a discipline will also frequently have different opinions.

A few diagnoses for back pain as a result of back a back problem are relatively straightforward (such as a spinal tumour, infection, or fracture) and there is generally more consensus for diagnosis and treatment of these back problems.

Myth:
Rest is the key to recovery from back pain and back problems
Fact: The two main reasons bed rest may be recommended for back pain are to reduce pressure on the discs in the spine and to stop the mechanical stresses that are irritating pain receptors. A short period of bed rest may help reduce acute back pain. However, in most instances, more than 1 or 2 days of rest can be detrimental to recovery from back pain, potentially leading to increased pain and other adverse results, such as:

muscle atrophy (1% to 1.5% per day)

cardiopulmonary reconditioning (15% loss in 10 days)

bone mineral loss

risk of blood clots

loss of wages

creating an "illness" mindset

Myth:

Heat and massage feel good so they must be helping back pain and back problems?

Fact: These therapies can reduce acute back pain in the short-term, but do not provide a long-term solution to back problems. They are used to manage pain during recovery, allowing patients to complete a rehabilitation program and participate in daily activities.

Myth:

Long-term pain indicates I need back surgery for my back problems?

Fact: If back pain has reached the chronic stage, spine surgery actually has a reduced likelihood of being successful. Typically, symptoms that suggest back surgery might be helpful occur early in the course of pain and are relatively apparent.

Let us Help?

Are you a candidate for treatment?

Our associated clinics treat both acute and chronic back conditions.

If your symptoms have appeared recently we can use the best manual physical

therapy techniques to facilitate the healing process and restore normal function as soon as possible.

If your symptoms are long-standing (more than 6 weeks) or recurrent you are likely to have developed weakness and instability in your spine and you may be a candidate for our specialised programme of intensive strengthening of the lumbar spine.

We are able to treat anyone between the ages of 18 to 80.
Treatment is as suitable for those with sedentary lives as it is for athletes - we have patients at both ends of the scale.

This list shows some of the the conditions that can be treated successfully using Natural Physical Therapy.

Lumbar strain

Herniated (prolapsed) disc

Sciatica

Degenerative disc (or joint) disease

Stenosis

Spondylolisthesis

Osteoporosis

Osteoarthritis

Hypermobility/instability

Scheuermann's disease

Many treatment methods help only with symptomatic relief but do not address the underlying cause of pain and therefore result in only a temporary solution.

That is why so many people with back pain find themselves in the "Pain Maze" confused over which therapy to undergo, or whether drugs, injections, manipulation or surgical procedures will indeed bring an end to the pain.

That’s why Back Trouble UK was formed, so that Back Pain sufferers could be both more informed and to be able to make a more informed choice of available therapies.

Craniosacral Therapy Whats it Mean?

Let me introduce Craniosacral Therapy, it is a non-invasive form of treatment that has its roots in the earliest days of Osteopathy, but has since grown and developed in its own right to become a powerful, yet subtle form of treatment.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Dr. William Garner Sutherland, the founder of Cranial work, discovered that the different fluids and tissues (e.g. bones, muscles, organs etc.) of the body express a natural rhythmic motion that can be perceived through a light "listening" touch and can give the practitioner a wealth of information about the functioning of the body. This natural motion is considered to be a direct expression of the state of health of the individual.

Craniosacral therapy works through the practitioner helping to directly influence this most fundamental expression of health within the client. As such, it can be of great benefit to help relieve many physical, psychological and emotional conditions. Unlike other therapies, Craniosacral therapists do not try to directly resolve any symptomatic issues that might be present. Rather, they try to increase the level of available health within the affected area, and the body as a whole by re-establishing natural motion to the problem area. Due to the different experiences of our lives, these natural rhythmic motions may become restricted, or otherwise disturbed.

The more intense the experience (e.g. accidents, i llnesses, surgery, stress, trauma etc.), the greater the effect upon our body. This may lead to the development of various symptoms including reduced blood flow, increased levels of stress, lowered immunity, increased body tension as well as increased pain and dysfunction. It has been found that the most effective way to influence these natural motions, and to help restore the body to its optimum health, is through a light, non-invasive touch, without the use of massage, manipulation or other such techniques.

Where areas of restriction are found, the therapist will subtly encourage or enable the body's own potent healing forces to re-establish themselves in those places, leading to an overall return of healthy movement and function.

First Aid for Back Pain!

Apply Heat and Ice:

Apply an ice pack to the affected area. If you haven't got an ice pack, use a bag of frozen vegetables instead. Don't put the ice directly on your skin, as it might cause a cold burn. Put a wet cloth between the ice and your skin.

If ice doesn't work, try applying gentle warmth with a hot water bottle. Don't apply the hot water bottle directly to the skin - cover it so it isn't too hot. A hot bath or shower might also help.

Some people find alternating heat and cold produces most relief. Try to get professional advice on applying heat and ice if you can.

Medication:

Take painkillers following the instructions on the packet - never take more than the recommended dose. Many people find that paracetamol or ibuprofen helps - your pharmacist can advise you.

Painkillers shouldn't be used as a long-term solution. If you find you still need them after a week or so, consult your doctor.

Relaxation:

Muscle tension is bad for back pain, so try to relax as much as possible. Take a long bath or listen to soothing music. Use a relaxation tape if you have one.

A gentle massage from a partner or friend may help, but make sure they don't do anything that causes pain.

Bed rest versus exercise:

Doctors used to recommend long periods of rest for people with backache, but research has shown this is actually bad for backs. Even crawling around on your hands and knees is better than no movement at all.

Some kinds of exercise, such as walking, don't put too much stress on your back. It's a good idea to make a start on them even if your back is a bit sore, just to get your joints moving and your heart and lungs working.

Getting back to normal:

In most cases, the back recovers naturally if allowed to do so and the pain should settle in a couple of days. Once this has happened, continue getting back to normal activities and try not to stay in one position or do any one activity for more than 30 minutes.


Avoid lifting, bending or twisting until the pain has gone for a few days. Refrain from returning to the activity that caused the pain for a week or so, even if you feel better, and gradually build up your exercise and activities day by day.

Don't just listen to your friends and relatives - ask an expert.

Talk to a properly qualified therapist!.

No Quck Fix!

Back pain is a common condition which often settles spontaneously, thus justifying a conservative approach to management by both practitioner and patient.

Patients benefit from a confident and knowledgeable practitioner who can dispel doubts and myths, provide appropriate back education and reassurance, outline a logical management plan and refer to other therapists if necessary.

The great variety of treatments available indicates the lack of a `quick fix' cure.

All treatments have some, albeit limited, benefit. The most beneficial treatments are rest for 2-3 days, exercises and appropriate physical therapy.

Key words: Limited rest, education, exercises, physical therapy.

The Pain of it all!

Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments people suffer from and approximately 8 out of 10 people will deal with back pain at some point in their life. That's a lot of people… are you one of them? I am.


I have bulging, herniated discs and have had low back spasms (that knock me to my knees) and sciatica. I have been on all kinds of pain killers, including narcotics which only mask the problem and is by no means a permanent solution.

I have avoided back surgery like the plague as there are so many with horror stories.

The only relief I have found is with the proper exercise and stretching. I can assure you will find back pain relief if you do this regimen the correct way, do it the wrong way and you might up under the knife! Out of all of the various forms of back pain, lower back pain is by far the most common and there's a good explanation for this.


Any idea why? It's not car accidents, it's not work-related injuries, and it's not a lack of prescription medications either. Lack of movement and use is the number one cause of lower back pain! It's the lack of movement in various muscles over years that leads to muscle imbalances and uneven wear and tear on your body, especially the spine. For example, how many times a day are you bending, leaning, or twisting?

Here's what the typical person's day is like:

Wake up - Eat breakfast (hopefully) - Drive or ride to work - Sit at desk - Eat lunch - Sit at desk some more - Drive or ride home - Eat dinner - Sit on couch and watch television - Go to bed
Notice the trend here?

That's an awful lot of sitting and not moving. Well, this is what leads to serious muscle imbalances and so what do we do, we go to the gym and perform exercises that only make the imbalances worse! The key to eliminating lower back pain (nearly any ache, pain, or injury for that matter) is to identify the muscle imbalances that are pulling the spine, bones, and joints out of place and then stretch the tight muscles while strengthening the weak muscles.


Many people who seek professional help are often mis-diagnosed and end up following a treatment plan that fails to eliminate the cause of their back pain. ( Seek out Physical Therapy)
Nearly all of the individuals I worked with were able to eliminate their back pain, or significantly improve their condition even though all of the traditional treatments failed them , cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, back surgery, etc). Even more amasing is the fact that most of these individuals were able to eliminate their back pain in a matter or days or weeks simply by performing a handful of exercises and stretches!

These weren't your basic exercises or the standard back stretches and stomach exercises most "experts" recommend - these were specific exercises and stretches prescribed based on the individual. Many of these people had suffered for years and years with aches, pains, and stiffness and lived inactive lives because of their back pain.


Most back pain treatments offered for lower back pain only address the symptoms and don't address the cause, which usually delivers just temporary relief for the individual. In addition to helping hundreds of others eliminate lower back pain, I also have had personal experiences with back pain and other various conditions such as sciatic pain, tendonitis, muscle strains and sprains, and more.

In every single situation the traditional treatments did nothing but treat the symptoms (often times not successfully) and the only approach that gave lasting improvements and relief was targeted stretches and exercises.


Have you tried traditional treatments and found little relief? I am not saying these treatments are not effective at temporarily reducing the pain or inflammation, but I am saying nearly all fail to get rid of the underlying cause of the problem.
I wish you the best and remember, the key to a healthy back is movement!


About the Author:

Terry O’Brien served 15 years in the Army (Medicine) (Airborne Forces).
He then embarked on Air Crew Emergency Medical Training for Global Airlines and has been actively involved in Sports Medicine, Rehabilitation and Community Care.
www.backtrouble.co.uk/

Sex

Back pain can be an intruder into your sex life and even ruin your relationship, if you are not careful. This article presents six things you can do to keep the love in your life when you suffer from back pain. The tips and insights here are provided by Terry O'Brien. Back Trouble (UK)

1. Try to Talk to Your Doctor About Your Sexual Functioning - or Turn Elsewhere
Patients tend to be uncomfortable about discussing sex and sexual positions with their doctors. According to Terry , a big part of the responsibility for the lack of communication between doctor and patient lies with the medical professionals. "Health care providers should be actively seeking the subject," he says. Sex is on par with returning to work and daily activities in diagnosing and treating back pain.

If your health care provider will not address your questions about sex, Terry suggests researching the information on the internet.

2. Address Your Attitude

Address your attitude about your condition and the effect it will have on your relationship. Terry says that quite often relationships break up when one partner experiences back pain. This is because, he says, reaction to pain is a learned behavior. "As you decide to be, that's how you are." Often people in pain will exaggerate it by avoiding sex. "This is what ruins the relationship," he says.

3. Accept that you may not be able to be as vigorous as you were prior to the onset of your pain. You can turn to your creativity and sense of discovery to help you adapt your sex life to the level your back can handle.

4. Know your condition and which positions bring on symptoms, as well as which alleviate them. Back injuries and conditions can be categorized by what kinds of movements make symptoms worse, and this information can be used to guide the selection of sexual positions.

5. With your partner, plan out which positions to try. Often you can modify your favorite positions with just a pillow or towel. Other times, you need to communicate and work it out with your partner. Talk about it up front, then expect, at times, that you will need to modify the plan. Planning your positions is a valuable strategy, Terry says, because relationships which accommodate back pain with a "we can adapt" attitude fare better than those in which the problem belongs only to the partner with the pain.

6. Get your pelvic floor muscles in shape. Strong flexible pelvic floor muscles can greatly enhance sexual function. The good news is that they can also do wonders for your back. The reason for this is that they are a part of the core support system that balances out muscle usage and stabilizes body posture. Terry says that along with their role in sex, the pelvic floor muscles are as important as the abdominals and low back muscles in back health.

Our incredible body!

"The human body is an incredible machine that adapts to the stresses we give it every day. Stresses such as poor posture, unusual movement or activities, or even a sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor mechanics and pain. Disability from back pain is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost work time.” Says Terry O’Brien (Back Trouble UK)

Back pain affects 80 percent of adults at some point in their lives, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Here are 11 things you can do to prevent and reduce back pain:

1. Identify and correct body stresses such as poor posture, improper lifting techniques, or weak or tight muscles.

2. Strengthen your back, learn proper lifting methods, carry lighter loads, and use luggage carts for heavy packages and suitcases.

3. Increase your muscle mobility by stretching or doing activities -- such as yoga, tai chi, swimming or pilates -- that help keep you limber.

4. Boost your strength by doing exercises that involve the whole body, especially the core muscles of the stomach, back, hips and pelvis. In addition, strengthening your legs and shoulders can help improve your ability to squat, lift and carry items without overworking or injuring your back.

5. Do aerobic exercise, like walking, swimming and running, for at least 20 minutes three times a week. This kind of exercise increases muscular endurance and cardiovascular fitness, improves blood flow to the spine, and helps reduce stress.

6. Practice good posture. If possible, don't sit for long periods of time. Get up every 15 to 30 minutes and move around or stretch. When you're seated, keep your hips and knees at right angles to one another and use a chair with adequate lumbar (lower back) support.

7. When standing, keep your head up, shoulders straight, chest forward and stomach tight. Don't stand in the same position for too long. Use your legs, not your back, when pushing or pulling heavy items.

8. Use proper lifting techniques. When lifting objects from a position below your waist, stand with a wide stance and a slight bend at your hips and knees. Tighten your stomach as you lift and keep your back as flat as possible -- don't arch or bend it. When carrying heavy items, keep them as close as possible to your body. Don't carry items on only one side of your body.

9. Sleep on a firm mattress and box spring that doesn't sag. Sleep in a position that allows you to maintain the natural curve in your back.

10. Warm up before exercise or sports. Increasing muscle temperature and mobility beforehand will reduce the risk of injury.

11. Maintain/adopt a healthy lifestyle. Obesity and smoking increase the incidence of back pain.

Symptomatic Treatment

Symptomatic Back Pain Treatment:

Symptomatic back pain treatment is commonplace in medicine today.

Medical science has not been very effective in curing many common back pain conditions. Most of the accepted treatments for back pain only provide relief from the symptoms, rather than attempt to correct the actual cause of the condition. Symptomatic treatments are fine if the condition is incurable, but if used for curable back pain, they are examples of bad medicine and poor science.

Not all care providers continue symptomatic treatment past its usefulness or instead of a true cure.

A good health care provider will always prefer to cure the condition, and will work tirelessly to assist the patient in their recovery.

Back Trouble UK practitioners strive to treat the cause, not just the symptoms of the Back Pain Condition, with excellent results.