Exercising with Lower Back Pain

Should You Work through the Pain? If you suffer from a lower back condition—like a lumbar herniated disc or spinal stenosis—your doctor will likely recommend exercise as part of your treatment program. But what should you do if your exercise regimen exacerbates your lower back condition? Should you work through the pain? Soreness vs. pain related to a lower back condition Before we talk about whether you should work through your lower back pain, let’s quickly look at the difference between soreness and pain related to a lower back condition. Minor soreness is a natural result of exercise, and it is especially prominent…
Read More

Chronic Pain and Insomnia

Patients suffering from chronic pain often find their problems are compounded by insomnia and sleeping disorders. Among those with chronic pain, an estimated 50% to 80% have ongoing sleep difficulties. Back pain is the most common type of chronic pain problem, and is the most common medical disorder in industrialized societies. Back pain is also the chief cause of disability among those younger than 45. Not surprisingly, more than half of individuals with back pain frequently report significant interference with sleep. Research has demonstrated that disrupted sleep will, in turn, exacerbate chronic back pain. A lack of restorative sleep also hampers…
Read More

Carpal Tunnel vs. Cervical Radiculopathy

The carpal tunnel is a structure in the wrist that contains the tendons that control the fingers and then median nerve, which innervates the thumb and first two fingers. When the carpal tunnel is too small and/or inflammation occurs in the tendons that run through it, the median nerve becomes compressed, causing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist, hand, and fingers. Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include, but are not limited to, the following: Tingling and numbness in palm, thumb, or first two fingers, especially during the night or in the…
Read More

How Does RA Affect the Body

People feel the primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in their joints. However, this condition can also affect many other parts of the body, including the eyes, lungs, and heart.Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes a person's immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue. When left untreated, RA can have wide-ranging effects. Along with the joints, RA can affect many of the body's organs, including the heart, eyes, and brain, as well as the skeleton. Medication for RA can also cause side effects across the body. In this article, we look at RA's diverse range of impacts. We also discuss the long-term effects of…
Read More

4 Steps to a Back-Friendly Diet

Diet can have a grand impact on your health, and a healthy diet can greatly improve symptoms of chronic pain. Back pain can see an improvement if a few changes are made. Not to say that you have to give up the occasional brownie or fully loaded nachos, because what would life be without them. But by staying hydrated, adding a bit more of a healthy balance to your diet, and keeping some nutritious habits in mind you can see a big difference in your spine's health. If you have back pain, skimping on good nutrition might be making things…
Read More

SI Joint Treatment Options

Treatments for sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SI joint pain) typically focus on alleviating pain and restoring normal motion in the joint. Most cases of SI joint pain are effectively managed using non-surgical treatments. Initial treatments for sacroiliac joint pain typically include: Brief rest period. A rest period of 1 to 2 days may be advised. Resting for longer than a couple days is not recommended, as doing so may worsen stiffness and cause increased pain and generalized deconditioning. Applying ice or heat. Ice applied to the low back and pelvis can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain and discomfort. Heat applied around the joint…
Read More

Coping With Chronic Pain and Depression

Depression plays a significant role in chronic pain—taking just a few steps to get ahead of it can help patients appreciably by giving them more control over their personal situation. For some people, the stress and depression resulting from chronic pain can become consuming, and have the potential to significantly worsen and prolong the pain. Increased pain can, in turn, lead to increased stress and depression, creating a cycle of depression and pain that can be difficult to break. Chronic Pain is Unique Chronic pain is generally defined as any pain that continues more than 3 to 6 months. Please…
Read More

5 Benefits Of Aquatic Therapy

The warm weather has arrived, and hot temperatures can be hard on your spine as well as your desire to exercise. If it’s 95 degrees and humid, you run the risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and other problems. So how can you strengthen your spine and avoid problems associated with high temps and humidity? Do what the kids do and head to the pool. The pool is a great place to take your workouts or physical therapy exercises. Here’s a look at five reasons why your back benefits from aquatic therapy. Benefits of Water Therapy For Your Back Your back…
Read More

Plantar Fasciitis Remedies and Exercises

Plantar fasciitis is a very common and uncomfortable condition of the foot, but there are plantar fasciitis home remedies that can help ease symptoms, including specific plantar fasciitis exercises. The condition is associated with repetitive strain from running, hiking, and sports like soccer. For some people, this type of injury is linked to occupation. For instance, if a person must stand for a long period of time on a hard surface, it could lead to plantar fasciitis. Dancers are also prone to this strain injury. Research shows that people who have flat feet or high arches are more likely to…
Read More

Massage Therapy for Back Pain

A July 2001 survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association found that the number of adults receiving massages from a massage therapist more than doubled since 1997. Most healthcare providers are recognizing massage therapy as a legitimate aid for lower back pain and an effective adjunct to lower back treatments. Fifty-four percent of healthcare providers say they will encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy in addition to medical treatment. A study on massage and back pain conducted at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami in 2001 found that: "Massage lessened lower back pain, depression and…
Read More