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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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World Arthritis Day 6 Best Ways to Manage Arthritis

Though you may already know that arthritis is a common condition, it may surprise you to know that arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans, making it the number one cause of disability in the country, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis symptoms may come and go and can be mild, moderate or severe. Whether you’re newly diagnosed with arthritis or have been coping with the condition for years, here are a few tips to help you manage the pain of arthritis. Weight Management Maintaining a healthy weight is good for your general health and wellness and it also can improve your…
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Turmeric and Curcumin for Arthritis

Research suggests turmeric and its components can potentially alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain. Most people know turmeric as a powdered spice used to give foods flavor and color—it gives many curries their deep golden color. Derived from a plant in the ginger family, turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains a natural chemical compound called curcumin. Scientists have found curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest curcumin may provide relief for some people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory arthritic conditions. Curcumin Supplements Analysts estimate curcumin accounts for only about 3 to 5% of turmeric. Arthritis pain relief may require ingesting more curcumin than…
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L4-L5 Spinal Segment

The lumbar spine (lower back) is a remarkably complex structure. The L4-L5 are the two lowest vertebrae in the lumbar spine, and together with the attached disc, joints, nerves and soft tissues, it provides a variety of functions, including supporting the upper body and allowing motion in multiple directions. However, with its heavy load and range of flexibility, the L4-L5 segment is also prone to developing pain from injury and/or from degenerative changes, such as: The L4 vertebra can slip forward over the L5 vertebra, impinging the nerve root and causing lower back and/or leg pain (sciatica) The L4-L5 disc,…
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6 Back Care Reminders

As busy as we are, we often forget the fundamentals of taking good care of our backs. Get back to the basics of spine health with these 6 simple tips: Stay hydrated and practice good nutrition. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying well -hydrated will optimize blood flow and nutrition to your organs, joints, and spine. Blood transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and it eliminates cellular waste. The discs in our backs are made mostly of water, so staying well hydrated will keep them healthier and more pliable. Ideally, try to drink 8 large glasses of water every day.…
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