No one understands how bad back pain really is until they have experienced it themselves. Back pain can limit your ability to perform many of the day\’s regular activities. Some types of back pain are so bad that they can even limit a person\’s ability to walk, sit, and stand for lengthy periods of time. People who suffer from this degree of back pain need to find a way to experience real relief.
If relief can be found in something simple for those with extreme cases of back pain, then the same relief can be found for people who experience only mild back pain as well. There is no amount of suffering that cannot be eliminated by practicing Pilates and stretching techniques. If it sounds too good to be true, it isn\’t. Exercise is something most people are taking for granted these days. The reasons why are mostly due to the fact that a lot of people are not familiar with what certain exercises can do for them in terms of eliminating pain. Pilates and stretching exercises were designed specifically to help make the body stronger and more flexible.
Pilates and stretching focuses on making the core of the body more resistant to stress and pain. Over a period of time, usually within a month or so, your spine will begin to realign back into it\’s natural form. The muscles surrounding the core will tighten, making it more difficult for problems to occur. Any muscle strain or knots you may have accumulated over the years will become nonexistent.
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These days, people are spending more and more time in front of their computer. The vast majority of people spend their entire work day sitting at their desk and only move when they go to lunch or get a paper from the printer. All this sitting eventually causes your lower back to become stiff and sometimes painful.
The Advantages of Standing
You can force your body to do more work by using a standing desk. In this way, you are less prone to having a bad posture as long as you do not lean on the desk for support. Also, it is much easier to go for a quick walk, stretch your legs or simply get some motion going in those hips. This will get more blood flowing in your muscles and will keep you alert for longer.
An Adjustable Desk
Even better than a standing desk is a desk which you can adjust between standing and sitting. This allows you to change your working position several times a day. This is good since your legs might not be used to standing for long periods. If your legs get tired, simply adjust your desk to the sitting position and give your feet a rest. Varying your position several times a day might get your colleagues looking but it is worth it when they complain about their sore backs later in the day. (more…)
For those of us that suffer from back pain it is a constant battle to find the time in our busy schedules to do the proper back stretching exercises that are vital to keep the muscles stretched, not only as we begin our day but also at times when we can feel that sharp pain in our back that is telling us to do a few simple back exercises or possibly face the consequence of further injury.
Stretches that help to loosen the back muscles do not always need to be performed while in full exercise gear or with the aid of gym quality exercise equipment. Easy stretching techniques that can be performed in just 5 minutes or less can be the answer that you need to get through the day. These simple exercises I have learned from going through two bouts of herniated disc problems myself while at physical therapy. I was amazed at how in only a few minutes time I was able to feel much better and hope they help you out too.
#1 Stand with Hands on Hips
You should perform this lower back stretch once an hour. Those of us that sit for extended periods can benefit in about one minutes time. Start by standing up with your feet about shoulder width apart for balance. Place both hands just above your hips and slowly bend backwards while still keeping your balance. Hold this position for about 10 seconds and return to the starting position. Repeat 3 times.
#2 Stable Chair Stretch
I personally love this stretch as it gives me a very stable and comfortable position in which to exercise. Find a chair that does not have any type of wheels, casters, or anything that could make the chair move away from you as it will be the stable point in which you are placing some of your weight for balance. The chair must also have a high back for grasping purposes. With the back of the chair facing you standing about 2 feet away from the chair and feet shoulder width apart, slowly lean towards the chair and grasp the top of the back. Now slowly arch your back as far as you comfortably can and hold for 10 seconds returning to the starting position. Then while still holding onto the chair, slowly dip your right shoulder blade towards the floor. You should be feeling a mid back stretch on the side you are dipping. Hold for 10 seconds and return. Repeat the same action with your opposite shoulder blade. Repeat this entire process 2-3 times. (more…)
If you have been suffering from back pain for years without getting any relief from traditional remedies, it might be time to start looking for a new and more effective back pain system of treatment. Conventional remedies include the use of ice packs, orally taken pain relievers, and good old-fashioned bed rest. When these methods fail to give sufficient relief, more drastic approaches become necessary such as physical therapy, acupuncture and even surgery.
The problem with these traditional treatments is that while they may work, it usually takes up to several months before any positive results are seen. Fortunately, new back pain systems of treatment have been developed in recent years that allow people to get quicker and long-lasting relief.
Oftentimes, people feel that they have no other choice but to go into surgery to get rid of recurrent problems. However, that isn’t always the case. For instance, sciatica will eventually resolve itself over time, regardless of whether you undergo surgery or not. Other types of back pain may also go away after undergoing different treatments that are far less invasive than surgery. (more…)
After another hard day you want nothing more than a good night’s sleep. Having to suffer from back pain at night not only deprives you of the rest your body needs but can also cause further health issues than what you are currently experiencing. Such things as sciatica or lower back pain during rest periods could be your body telling you about the early signs of a possible herniated disc or spinal issues that a medical professional needs to check out.
There are certain things that you can do to help prevent waking up with a stiff or sore back which are easily implemented without having to change your sleeping habits or buy any more of those magical back pain relievers that are sold on the television. Try these 3 back pain tips for a week or so and see if they help.
#1 First of all make sure you have a pillow that supports your neck when you sleep. To have the neck in what is called a “neutral” position is vital for proper support and less stress put on the entire length of the spinal cord. Since you should be getting about eight hours of sleep every night it would be to your best advantage to have your neck supported correctly. (more…)
Myth: The Fort Collins Chiropractic Treatments are painful
For the most part, there is no pain associated with the chiropractic treatments. It has even been said to feel like a massage. People, who have been fighting with pain in their necks or backs, could feel a bit of discomfort, however over time the care become more comfortable and soothing.
Most of the adults enjoy going to have the treatments from chiropractors. These treatments for infants and kids can also be without pain, even though they can be a bit scared at first.
The treatment takes about a half to a full hour, the exact length of time depends on what problem is being treated, and which areas are affected. People could feel some slight pain and discomfort dependent upon how severe the problem is, and of course the person’s pain tolerance.
Myth: There is Danger in Chiropractic
Chiropractic is not dangerous. In fact the kind of treatments given are thought to be among the safer of the treatments for back and neck pains, along with other conditions. There is a low risk of having issues due to the spine getting adjusted. A lot of doctors recommend spinal manipulation first before a recommendation for surgery. This alternative therapy is also suggested before prescribing antidepressants and steroids. (more…)
If a health care professional has recommended bed rest for low back problems or sciatica, you may discover that your pain actually worsens if you follow this advice. Or at best, there may be no change at all in your condition.
Another common treatment that includes the use of over-the-counter or prescription pain killers may relieve symptoms, but poses serious risks in terms of side effects and a tendency for abuse.
Numerous studies have concluded that the best treatment for back pain is a combination of continued movement and chiropractic care. The results of these research studies include:
* The Manga Report, from the University of Ottawa, Canada, concluded that chiropractic care for low back pain was shown to be more effective in terms of results, cost and safety than medical management. It also ranked higher in terms of patient satisfaction. (more…)
