McKenzie Method for Low Back Pain

Of the many frustrations back pain patients face, the lack of a standardized or uniform treatment approach is high on the list. Especially for those patients with longer-lasting symptoms of sub-acute pain (lasting between six and twelve weeks) or longer than twelve weeks (chronic back pain), treatment approaches are very inconsistent. While the McKenzie Method is successful with treating acute low back pain, it is also very helpful for those patients with sub-acute and chronic back pain. McKenzie Method Assessment and Treatment One of the benefits of the McKenzie Method (or McKenzie Therapy) is that it is a standardized approach to both the…
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Improve Diabetes Health With These 7 Must-Dos

By Riva Greenberg, Special to Everyday Health Medically Reviewed by Kelly Kennedy, RD A passionate diabetes patient-expert shares small but powerful changes that can help people with diabetes lead a happier, healthier life. Each year, we spend upward of a dozen hours with our healthcare providers, leaving more than 8,700 hours that we must take care of our diabetes. The decisions we make every day, such as whether to follow a healthy diet, make time to be active, adhere to our medication schedule, implement lifestyle changes to improve our lab results, and maintain a positive attitude — can have a major impact on our…
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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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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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Pain Relief with Physical Therapy and Exercise

The use of some type of physical therapy or exercise is integral to almost all forms of back and neck pain treatment. Sometimes physical therapy and exercise are the first lines of treatment, other times it may help manage chronic pain, or provide rehabilitation after surgery. But did you know that both gentle back exercise and physical therapy play a vital role in relieving pain? Physical therapy and exercise are perhaps the most mainstream of all non-surgical treatments for back pain and neck pain. And unlike other conservative treatments (medication, injections, etc.), physical therapy can also help prevent and/or lessen future…
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