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Posts Tagged ‘Pain’

Physical Therapy for the Lower Back: How to Prevent and Treat Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common causes of job-related disability and why some people miss work. It is also the second most common neurological ailment in the United States, second only to headache. In fact, approximately 80% of adults in Western countries have, at some point, experienced lower back pain.

For some fortunate people, pain in the lower back may be resolved by itself or with the aid of medication within two to four weeks. However, there are some cases of lower back pain that may last for more than a few weeks, during which case the condition is termed as “chronic” and “progressive,” meaning it can only grow worse over time.

Moreover, 60-80% of those patients who suffer their first episode of lower back pain may experience recurring pain within one year.

According to current research, there are certain muscles in the back that work to stabilize the spine. When the spine or the back suffers an injury, these muscles are reflexively inhibited or shutdown. Worse still, these muscles do not spontaneously recover, and this is true even if patients do not feel pain and are able to return to normal activity levels.
As a result of the inhibition of these muscles, called lumbar multifidi and the transversus abdominus, lower back pain occurs. However, there are steps you can take to prevent the same thing from happening to you.

Lower Back Pain and Physical Therapy

One way to prevent the inhibition of the lumbar multifidi and transversus abdominus is through a series of physical therapy exercises.
Designed to strengthen the muscles of the lower back and keep the spine healthy, these physical therapy exercises may range from back stabilization exercises to muscle strength development and several wide variety of techniques.

In addition, a physical therapist may also recommend such methods as heat therapy, ultrasound, massage, mobilization, and education about posture and body mechanics in order to prevent lower back pain from recurring.

Some of these methods will be discussed later on. You will also find some practical self-help tips provided by experts to help you avoid lower back pain or prevent the condition from worsening.

However, before we head on to learning how lower back pain is treated through physical therapy, it is important that we first understand what causes lower back pain.

Lower Back Pain: CAUSES

There are actually many types of back pain, but the most common is pain in the lower back. Why? You might ask. The reason is simple: you carry most of your weight in the lower back. Thus, it is highly likely that a person would suffer pain in that area.

There is no definitive cause of lower back pain. Sometimes, the causes of the condition are so complex that it is difficult to pinpoint just a single one.

However, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals have observed that lower back pain is often a result of strained back muscles and ligaments due to any of the following activities:

Improper posture

Heavy lifting

Sudden awkward movement

Muscle spasm

Stress
We could all be guilty of the above activities. We may not suffer any back pains now, but it is likely that as we get older and the degree of inhibition of the back muscles as a result of these activities increases, back pain becomes a very distinct possibility.

In addition to these common activities, lower back pain may also result from specific conditions, such as:

Herniated disk (when the disk material presses on a nerve)

Sciatica (when a herniated disk presses on the sciatic nerve. The condition causes sharp, shooting pain through the buttocks and the back of the leg.)

Spinal stenosis (when the space around the spinal cord and nerve roots becomes narrow. This is caused by arthritis and bone overgrowth, the pain resulting from when a nerve gets pinched in the narrow space.)

Spondylosis (a type of arthritis affecting the spine due to degenerative changes brought on by aging)

Spondylolisthesis (when one vertebra in the spinal column slips forward over another)

Lower Back Pain: TREATMENT
The treatment of lower back pain depends on several factors, including the specific type of lower back pain (whether it is chronic or acute) and the purported cause.

For instance, acute lower back pain is commonly treated with pain relieving drugs, such as analgesics, or some forms of exercises that can help relax the muscles.

On the other hand, chronic back pain or one that lasts for more than two weeks and is progressive may be caused by some underlying condition, during which case the treatment plan may consist of resolving the underlying condition to treat the back pain.

Lower Back Pain and Physical Therapy Exercise
Physical therapy exercise is one of the most common methods of treating lower back pain. In fact, many home remedies for lower back pain consist of exercise, because the general theory is that if you remain active, you remain healthy. This is true in most cases.

However, for purposes of this article, the exercises featured here will be those that are practiced by physical therapists to treat patients with lower back pain.
Generally, in physical therapy exercises, the exercise program for back pain should encompass a set of stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and low impact aerobics. Read below for more on these exercises:

-Stretching

The back of a person is composed of the spinal column and contiguous muscles, ligaments and tendons. All these are designed to move in consonance with each other so that any limitation in the range of motion in any of these components of the back result in back pain.
Stretching for lower back pain specifically targets soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments and tendons, found in the back and around the spine. By stretching, the spine and soft tissues are mobilized, increasing motion and thus, relieving pain.

There are many kinds of stretching exercises employed by physical therapists. One is the Hamstring Stretching Exercise which works to relax tight hamstrings, a common symptom of lower back pain. This exercise is said to help decrease the intensity of lower back pain among sufferers.

-Strengthening

Physical therapists generally use two forms of strengthening and back pain relief exercises, usually depending on the specific condition of the patient. These are the McKenzie exercises and dynamic lumbar stabilization exercises. However, the two forms of strengthening exercises may also be combined should the therapist find it appropriate to do so.

-McKenzie Exercises

Named after a physical therapist in New Zealand, McKenzie exercises are primarily extension exercises that could help reduce pain generated from the disc space and also may help reduce the symptoms of herniated disc by reducing pressure on a nerve root.
For acute pain, the McKenzie exercises should be done frequently, at least once every two hours. In addition, patients are advised to avoid flexing their spine when exercising.

-Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

Using this back exercise technique, the first thing that a physical therapist does is to look for the patient’s “neutral” spine. This refers to the position that allows the patient to feel the most comfortable.

Afterwards, when the patient is in that position, the back muscles are then exercised in order to “teach” the spine how to stay in this position.
Performing these exercises on a regular basis can help strengthen the back muscles and keep the spine well-positioned.

Low Impact Aerobic Exercises
The purpose of low impact aerobic exercise is to recondition the back. Patients who undergo reconditioning of the back through low impact aerobic exercise will have fewer episodes of lower back pain.

In addition, whenever an episode of lower back pain does occur, the pain is less intense and lasts only for a short period.
Another benefit of low impact aerobic exercise is that patients tend to stay functional that is, they can continue with their regular work and carry on with recreational activities. In contrast, patients who do not undergo low impact aerobic exercises typically experience the gradual loss of their functional abilities.

For low impact aerobic exercises to achieve their desired results, they should be continuous. This will increase the heart rate and keep it elevated as well as increase the production of endorphins, which are pain fighting hormones released by the body.
Here are some examples of low impact aerobic exercises that you may want to try in order to lessen or reduce lower back pain:

-Walking
One of the simplest forms of aerobic exercises, walking is generally considered as very gentle on the back. To get the maximum benefit from walking as a form of low impact aerobic exercise, walk two to three miles three times per week.

-Stationary Bicycling
This form of aerobic exercise is less painful on the back since there is lower impact produced. This is beneficial for patients with lower back pain who may find walking too painful.

-Water Therapy
Sometimes referred to as aquatherapy, water therapy is simply doing exercise in the water. The buoyancy works to provide effective conditioning at the same time stress on the back is reduced.

Physical Therapy

Often your best and first option for treatment when you are dealing with back pain is physical therapy. Physical therapy is not just about teaching you the best ways to exercise your sore back or how to stretch your muscles; it may also involve acupuncture, massage therapy, or IFC (Interferential current) to just name a few.
There are actually two forms of physical therapy; there are things that can be done to you to help make you feel better, these are called passive physical therapy techniques and then there are those that you can do for yourself, these are called active physical therapy techniques. By combining the two techniques your chances of successfully reducing your back pain are increased greatly.

Passive Physical Therapy

Acupuncture

This technique can be used to not only reduce back pain but it can also promote healing. There are very few side effects and it is a time tested treatment that can be very effective at reducing back pain. This treatment involves inserting very small needles into the skin in certain areas of the body. Depending on the injury applying either heat or electrical stimulation to the needles could be suggested.

Massage therapy

Massages not only feel good, they are good for you if you are dealing with back pain. It can help to loosen up tense or sore muscles, it can increase blood circulation to the area and promote faster healing, and it helps your muscles release toxins that can then be passed through the body via the lungs and the kidneys. There are many types of massage therapy that can be used from reflexology, acupressure, therapeutic touch, deep tissue massage, and hot stone massages to just name a few. If you are at all unsure about what type of massage could be used for your back pain it is best to either speak to your doctor or a licensed massage therapist.

IFC (Interferential current)

This is similar to what you would experience with a TENS unit but it is much more intense. This form of therapy would penetrate the skin much more deeply then what you would see with a TENS unit. For this procedure your therapist would apply suction cups with damp sponges inside them to your skin and a current of electricity would pass through these cups and into your tissue, this current would produce a massaging effect and also helps the body release endorphins helping to reduce your pain.

Active Physical Therapy

Exercise and Stretching

By combing exercises and stretches that target the areas of your back that are causing you back pain, weakness, and numbness along with other passive treatments you can reduce your back pain and other symptoms within a few weeks. With active exercises this is something that you will need to keep up, while your therapist will guild you on a routine you can use, it is up to you to follow through with these exercises and stretches at home for maximum benefit. It does you no good to only do them when your with your therapist.

Physical Therapy is Like Penicilin

It seems to me that sometimes, in physical therapy, people decide to stop scheduling their appointments before I’m quite ready for that to happen. I’m sure this happens to practitioners like chiropractors as well. For us, here in Spokane, physical therapy needs are based on many factors. Only one of those is the patient’s pain level. There are other reasons why people need physical therapy after a rotator cuff repair, ACL repair or car accident. When you first meet with your therapist you will probably remember that he tested lots of things about your injury, not just asked you about your pain. Why is this important you ask?

Physical therapy is like an antibiotic. Do you remember your doctor always telling you to take the whole course of the antibiotic even if your symptoms go away before you are done? The reason you need to do that is that the infection is not totally gone from your system until the antibiotic course is over. If you leave 5 or 6 pills in the bottle the infection will most likely make reappearance.

The same is true for physical therapy. When you therapist does your evaluation he finds lots of issues with your injury and only one of those is your pain. You may also have issues with range of motion, strength, endurance and function. At the end of your course of physical therapy, hopefully all of those issues will have been resolved. If you stop coming to your appointments because your pain is gone it is likely that all of your other issues have not yet been resolved. You didn’t finish your “course of antibiotics”. Most likely what that means is that with in a few weeks or if you’re lucky a few months your original pain will return. The good news is that your therapist knows not only how to decrease your pain but how to treat all of those other issues so that your pain doesn’t come back. If you commit to continuing your course of therapy until all your issues are resolved, not just your pain going away, it is much more likely your therapy will be successful for the long term. If your Spokane physical therapist completes your course of PT you will even be provided with strategies to deal with your issues in the future to help prevent their return. So when in doubt, talk to your therapist and if you still have issues with stability, strength or range of motion, continue your treatment until those are resolved and you will be much more successful.

After your physical therapy course has finished, and your physical therapist has discharged you from treatment, you will likely be given a home exercise program. Your PT should be able to give you some sort of timeline of how long you should perform your home exercise program. For some people this may mean for the rest of your life, but more commonly it will be for the next couple of months. Remember, pain is one of the worst indicators of biomechanical dysfunction.

Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Centers in New York City

Physical therapy rehabilitation centers in New York City provide a comprehensive range of therapeutic treatment for ailments relating to the musculoskeletal system. Some of the renowned hospitals, healthcare centers and clinics employ only licensed practitioners with high levels of experience. Their ‘hands-on’ techniques are proven to provide relief to patients who complain about pain in various parts of their body.

Conditioning Exercises and Pain Relieving Modalities

Physiotherapists here help patients with limited range of motion undergo conditioning exercises that help to mobilize the joints, strengthen the body and enhance endurance. Myofascial release ensures relief from pain arising from contracted muscles, increases blood circulation and stimulates the stretch reflex of muscles. Some of the most modern modalities for stress and pain relief are used today that would restore the smooth functioning of the body. Some of them are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound, traction, electrotherapy and more.

Complex medical conditions such as arthritis; amputation; hip, knee, ankle and shoulder dysfunction; sports or work-related injuries; spinal disorders or neuromuscular conditions are now treated with advanced physical therapy techniques. Conventional form of treatment is still in practice for mild pain, soreness, muscle spasm, swelling and inflammation as it is found to provide considerable relief.

The treatment provided is for all ages that require short term as well as long term treatment protocol. Specialists not only focus on treating injuries and restoring health but also look into preventive aspects. They would undertake a counseling session with patients that would educate them on how to prevent relapses and ways to live a proper, healthy and active lifestyle.

A Systematic and Complete Evaluation

Patients who seek effective treatment at physical therapy rehabilitation centers in New York City undergo a systematic and complete evaluation. This helps the doctors to attain a clear picture of the patient’s physical status such as the level of mobility and reflex, strength and sensation, extent of pain and factors resulting in the condition. Physiotherapists then formulate a treatment plan that is aimed at providing fast relief and speedy recovery. The treatment is always provided in a safe and comfortable environment ensuring individualized attention.

The trichloroacetic acid (TCA) can be used to treat genital warts. It is a corrosive substance, which erodes the skin and mucous membranes, but generally not absorbed systemically. TCA is applied topically in a solution concentration of 60-90 percent. It is more effective in the treatment of certain small lesions moist. TCA can be used for vaginal and anal injuries treated. A small amount of TCA can be used a wart and let dry to a white frosting develops. If excess tissue unaffected TCA is applied to the surface with liquid soap or baking soda to wash. The application of TCA is accompanied by a burning sensation for the last 2-5 minutes. TCA is a treatment in a controlled manner is provided limited local destruction. injury or scars in the skin are rare. Side effects are local, such as pain, ulcers and crusts. Studies with approval ratings report CAW 70-81 percent after six applications, and the recurrence rate of 36 percent. TCA seems to be less effective than cryotherapy for the treatment of warts. Current practice suggests that TCA has little systemic effects. ACT has been used during pregnancy, but it is not free of side effects in this context. One study showed wart clearance at 97 percent of women treated included, but side effects need for suprapubic catheterization in 7 of 32 women, two women and preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes in 3 women. TCA does not result in morbidity or mortality increased fetal or birth defects related to appear. In addition to efficacy, mechanisms and regimens Find a doctor, the decision on which the treatment of choice. Moreover, it is important to understand the side effects of treatment of genital warts that affect because of side effects of taking decisions that doctors and patients about treatment choices. For example, in an HIV-positive patients with IFN-production is disrupted, is sub-optimal treatment imiquimod. It is also important to determine treatment for a particular patient is to understand the dosage and the need to go to the office or at home with a topical treatment. If patients can not participate in a regular clinical dose influences the choice about treatment. Products for all individuals or “pure” essential oils to maintain the plant material can be used routinely sprayed with toxic chemicals and pesticides during cultivation. These toxins with plant material or essential oils and can occur easily integrate into the blood by topical application, especially when used as a remedy against HPV. researchers have analyzed hundreds of CURED antiviral medicinal plant extracts for their ability to cure genital warts. organic extracts, which showed that the most effective antiviral treatment against HPV in the full scientific studies, while the least impact on the genital tissues were mixed to create HPVCurative. HPVCurative contains organic extracts of antivirals that are licensed in the proven ability to not only act as a treatment against HPV, but also stimulate CD4 T cells to clear cells infected with a virus. Sun HPVCurative eradicate genital warts without recurrence, which is better than other treatments for genital warts. The low molecular weight and lipophilic tendency allows our HPV cure in the DNA of infected cell membranes, in which the HPV virus is intertwined. Its powerful antiviral properties, and then destroy the virus after exposure. HPVCurative is also effective in the treatment available against HPV, since it contains not only the plant’s most potent organic extracts of antiviral drugs, but is well tolerated, tissue and genitals. Plant extracts for the healing of our healing genital warts, which are produced in very small quantities and are not on the commercial market as rare. These plant extracts are purchased directly from growers cured Sri Lanka and Madagascar.

Do you know what is called cod liver oil? It is a nutrient rich oil that is produced from the liver of Cod fish. Cod liver oil available in both oil form and in capsules.
There are many benefits of consuming cod liver oil. Let me explain some of them:
1. Rich in Vitamin A:
Cod liver oil contains many Vitamin A. The vitamin A helps to maintain a healthy immune system, helps for bacterial resistant and beneficial for eyesight and healthy skin.
2. Rich in DHA:
DHA has function as a fatty acid which is vital for good eyesight, a healthy nervous system, and good for healthly skin.
3. Rich in Vitamin D:
The vitamin D helps make your bone stronger
4. Home Remedy for Arthritis:Consuming a small amount of Cod Liver Oil each day helps prevent arthritis, it means provides some relief from arthritis pain.
5. Lowering Risk of Type 1 Diabetes in Children
Studies have found that pregnant women that took 1 daily teaspoon of cod liver oil got a lower risk of giving birth to children with type 1 diabetes.
6. Lowering Bad Cholesterol
The fatty acids in cod liver oil help lower the amount of bad cholesterol in our body. A simple remedy is to consume 1-2 teaspoons of cod liver oil daily.
We can conclude that cod liver oil is very useful for our health, so you should try it. Nowaday, you can buy cod liver oil in online market easily. Good Luck!

Lately it seems as if insurance companies are rejecting more and more small claims and those for minor foot issues are no different. Ingrown toe nails, also known as onychocryptosis, and nail fungus known as Onychomycosis can become a pesky problem and often need medical intervention. However there are several things you can do to prevent and treat this issue at home.

An ingrown toe nail is when the side or corner of your toenail grows into the soft flesh of that toe or the flesh of the toe grows over one or both edges of the nail. This causes swelling, inflammation, redness and can even lead to an nail fungus infection. It is a condition that can become severely painful. When left untreated it can lead to an infection. There are those who suffer from chronic ingrown toenails and experience constant episodes of pain and infection. They can occur in the nails of the hands and feet but are most common and known for affecting the toenails. The toe most affected is generally the big toe.

The first and most important step would be prevention. Nearly all cases of onychocryptosis are from wearing shoes that do not fit properly. This ranges from not enough room for your toes to fully extend, too much side pressure or a constant damp or wet environment without enough air circulation. Subjecting your feet to this daily causes the nail plate to soften and the skin to swell. Another frequent cause of this condition is cutting your toe nails improperly. Cutting the nail too low will allow the nail to bend more and grow into the skin. The angle of the cut is also important and should be straight across the nail. A trauma to the nail by stubbing it or dropping a heavy object onto your foot can cause damage to the nail and force it to grow improperly. Others suffer from this condition chronically due to genetics.

There are several forms of treatment that can be done at home and with proper prevention can cure you of this condition. Soaking a minor infection in an anti bacterial solution or warm salt water for 20 minutes and frequent cleaning of the nail will help ease the problem. Also raising the nail up by placing a cotton ball beneath it will help encourage the nail to grow back in the right place. A Band-Aid can be used to wrap underneath the toe and pull the soft flesh away from the nail to alleviate pain and help direct the nail to grow properly. If the general infection is treated then the nail should heal itself naturally.

In some cases an ingrown toenail results in a serious infection. This must be treated by a doctor and should not be ignored. Your doctor may try to fix the nail by using a splint if the infection is mild and may even suggest an over the counter medication to take. However there are times when surgery is required to remove a portion or the entire nail.

Almost every individual ever get the back pain, and all of them always try to find the solution to relieving the pain. The back pain caused by many causes, usually some people use the wrong way to heal the back pain such as by consuming alcohol or stay in beds all day long. As you know that the wrong way to relieving the back pain will make your pain get worst.

So, how to relieving the back pain or lower back pain? Well there are many safe and right way to help you when you get the back pain. You can come to the physician to talking with her or him about your problem and this is one of the right way to find the best pain relief for your particular condition. You can try to tell the physician about the pain and the location of the pain, so the physician will try to help you find the best solution relieving your pain.

The relaxation, Counseling, Support and Pain Clinics are the best way to relieving the pain that the physician suggested. You can try following the treatment or coming to pain clinics that available for you to help you relieving your back pain.

Have you ever been in a situation when you had no one to refer to? Have you ever experienced pain that can’t be managed? I mean that you had a splitting headache and no one and nothing, not even the latest pills can help you out? For sure, moral pain can be cured by modern medical means. At the same time there are many pain relief products that can ease pain. You know what I’m talking about. There are special medications that can help to relax and to draw your attention away from your problems. But such medications are not allowed to be used in many countries as they are considered to be psychotropic pills. At the same time the whole American nation is on prozac and this is considered to be quite ok and natural though you know to what consequences prozac can lead and what side-effects there can be. Most of the Americans fight depression with artificial supplements because they say “they work!”. Sure, they can help to ease pain, even to ease physical like knee and elbow pain but you should always be alerted and wise and know what might follow after several “dozes” of such medications. Even if you hurt yourself or were hurt by something or somebody - do not rush to the drugstore for any pills that will kill the pain. It is always better to call an ambulance and then doctors should decide what kind of treatment for your wound care to prescribe. Be always wise when it comes to medications. Not all of them will do your best.

A large amount of food we eat is turned into glucose (sugar) during digestion. Glucose circulates in the blood and should be taken by the agency to provide food and energy for the body. If the pancreas does not produce in their production of insulin, blood sugar rises and leads lead to diabetes. It will now be necessary for drugs to treat diabetes. The drugs are taken to the following questions: - failure to produce insulin to insulin resistance too little insulin to produce address, there is too much glucose absorbed glucose is absorbed too little too sweet it unusedThe insulin treatment Basic diabetes, including requiring gestational diabetes diet plan and good exercise. The question on the type of drug is administered today differ by type of diabetes that is managed. The drug for the treatment of type 1 diabetes is insulin injection since the body needs glucose absorption as soon as possible. So complete insulin must enter the bloodstream directly, allowing immediate absorption of glucose. oral medications is that in this type of medication is not recommended to go through the digestive system before it enters the bloodstream. Take too long to make the diabetic patient is low, and even lead to death. The drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are oral medications, since glucose uptake is still ongoing, but too little to the normal amount needed by the body to maintain. In some cases, worsen the diabetic state and not enough medicine to allow oral drug absorption of glucose. Therefore, type 2 diabetes are now two oral medications and insulin injections. The five classes of drugs for the treatment of diabetes are listed below for the treatment of disease: a Chlorpropamide. There was a group of drugs that was introduced in the United States of America (USA) in 1955. He encouraged the beta cells of the body to produce extra insulin. This technique is effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but only works on certain types of diabetes Type 1. Side effects include bloating, hypoglycemia, anemia, heartburn, weight gain, changes in taste about 1% to 3% and sensitivity of the sunlight. Metformin second. In 1957, metformin and phenformin have been developed. Unfortunately phenformin was withdrawn from the market because of several deaths of lactic acidosis in the United States. Metformin may be used in the United States for Type 2 diabetes, only in 1994 because of the margins placed by phenformin. Its effect is to reduce the overproduction of glucose by the liver. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, cramps, taste changes, lactic acidosis, agitation, headache, and lack of vitamin B12. Acarbose or miglitol third. Also known as starch blockers because they retard the digestion of complex carbohydrates. Side effects include diarrhea, bloating, excessive gas, abdominal pain and nausea. The fourth rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. The first class of medicine that the resistance of type 2 diabetes reverses the insulin. Targeting high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low HDL (good cholesterol). Side effects of fluid retention, weight gain, swollen legs, the upper respiratory tract infections, muscle aches, headache, sore throat and toothache. 5th Repaglinide. This medication stimulates the beta cells in insulin levels from different sulfonylureas by copying the first phase insulin secretion to increase after a meal is consumed by people without diabetes. Side effects include vomiting, muscle pain, hypotension, nausea, respiratory tract infections, joint pains, colds and flu like symptoms, diarrhea and back pain. In all types of drugs to treat diabetes, there is much emphasis on the importance of a support team of diabetes. They educate and care for diabetics to monitor the effects of the drug continuously by determining the levels of glucose in the blood. Alvin Hopkinson is a health research leader in the field of natural remedies and natural treatment of diabetes. Learn how to reverse diabetes with proven and effective home remedies, all without the aid of drugs or dangerous drugs. Visit his website today at http://www. diabetes less. com