Spine Surgery - Is It For Me?

Back pain is a common experience for many. This condition is also doubled because of some accident or naturally, due to old-age. Nonsurgical treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication, gentle massage and physical therapy can definitely help in improving the back. When conservative treatments don't help, back surgery may offer relief. Often conservative treatment like pain relief medication, massage, and physical therapy can provide relief. However, there are times when surgery is the only way to treat spinal issues.

If someone has degenerative disk disease - development of pain in a disk as a result of its normal wear and tear, spondylosis- general wear and tear causing cartilage to breakdown, eventually developing bone spurs on your spine; surgery can definitely help. Surgery can help if you have nerve damage. It is the forward slippage of a segment of the spine. If you have sustained an injury to your spine, your doctor may suggest that the affected areas be fused together. This may require the use of bone grafts, screws, rods, or metal plates. If you have broken bones (fractured vertebrae) or other damage to your spinal column from an injury that leaves your spine unstable, spine surgery may be required.

There is a condition is a curvature of your spine called "scoliosis". If you suffer from it and your nerves are being compressed, surgery may be a good option. Kyphosis is condition marked by a rounded, humpback formation. Spinal fusion may be the best way to correct it, if it is very painful or causing paralysis. It is more commonly known as the humpback deformity. Arthritis can often cause this narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord. Spinal fusion can increase your spine's stability, and spinal decompression can relieve the pressure. This is called "spinal stenois".

Radiculopathy, the irritation and inflammation of a nerve caused by a herniated disk may also require ac surgery to get treated. If one of your spinal discs slips out of position and irritates a nerve, you can feel extreme pain. Conservative treatment can often be successful, but if it is not, disc repair may be the answer.

If you have a condition that compresses your spinal nerves, causing debilitating back pain or numbness along the back of your leg. In some instances when you have bulging or ruptured (herniated) disks - the rubbery cushions separating the bones in your spine. However, many people with bulging disks have no pain. If you have vertebral fractures and an unstable spine related to osteoporosis. If you've first tried conservative measures and they fail to relieve your back pain or other symptoms, spinal surgery may be the best option for you.

Spinal surgery is typically recommended when the patient's condition has become unbearable and all other conservative treatments have been exhausted. But now, endoscopic surgery has become a popular option for dealing with many of the causes of back pain and neck pain. One can get the lasting effects of an open back surgery with the help of these minimally invasive procedures without having to go through the pain and discomfort associated with the normal surgeries.

Relieve Degenerative Disc Back Pain With Massage Chair Therapy

A degenerative disc problem in the spinal column can cause lower back pain. There are sometimes changes to the discs from what is termed degenerative disc disease. This condition is estimated to affect up to 30% of those in the age range of 30 to 50 years old. As the disc degenerates, the vertebrae come in closer contact causing pain. To relieve some of the pain associated with degenerative disc disease, massage chairs have been used successfully.

Why does the pain occur? Let us look at the structure of the spinal column. The spinal column is a vertical row of small round bones that are interconnected. The interconnection provides the ability for the spine to articulate or bend. Down the middle these round bones or vertebrae runs the spinal cord.

The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that travels from the base of the brain out to the rest of the body. The spinal column itself protects the spinal cord and gives the body flexibility and mobility. Between each of the vertebrae are soft discs. These soft discs are there to cushion the motion between the bones so the bones do not rub directly on each other.

Certain activities such as wear and tear, aging and misuse such as smoking can cause degenerative changes to the spinal column. The intervertebral discs are one structure that is susceptible to degenerative changes. The challenge is early detection of these changes. Biochemical and structural changes may occur long before direct visible detection via imaging can be discerned.

Therefore, some deterioration may occur. The deterioration of the soft tissue separating the vertebrae is reported to cause dull or sharp pains. Massage therapy has been used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments to help reduce the friction. This also helps to reduce the associated pain between the degenerated discs.

In general, the pain associated with degenerative disc disease is low back pain. The spinal column carries much of the weight of the body. As activity is undertaken, the physical stress is distributed throughout the spine. Normally, the low back experiences more stress and fatigue. With disc degeneration there is a high incidence of inflammation.

Massage chair therapy has been used in two different forms to help relieve the pain associated with degenerative disc disease. A finger press or rolling type of massage is used to alleviate pressure between the discs. Kneading and tapping massages are used to loosen the muscles in and around the spinal column.

The finger press massage puts pressure on each vertebra in the spinal column. This small movement helps to stretch and elongate the soft tissue and muscles around the disc. The rolling is performed up and down the spinal column, disc by disc. This helps to reduce pressure and uneven stress on the spinal column.

Kneading and tapping style massages are used to loosen the muscles and connective tissue around the spinal column and the back in general. Pressure tends to concentrate on a few areas in the spinal column with most activities. Loosening up these muscles helps to rebalance the pressure and better redistribute it.

Although massage chair therapy has been successful in certain degenerative discs disease cases, you should consult with your medical provider to find the right treatments for your situation. Massage chair therapy is a convenient and practical alternative to using a masseuse. The convenience and access to these important pain relieving therapies are imperative.

Massage chairs provide an effective massage treatment to help reduce the pain in the lower back. Many massage chairs have incorporated heat therapy, music and even traction systems to provide a range of therapies. All of these are available in the comfort of your home. Imagine that you could get the pain relief you need whenever you want it!

Spinal Orthopedic Procedures - What Are These Procedures?

Orthopedic surgeons perform procedures related to Spinal orthopedic regularly. The purpose of undertaking these tasks is to provide adequate relief from symptoms caused due to compression of spinal nerve. Spinal nerve compression can occur due to compress of nerves exiting the spinal column just between the vertebrag through an intervelebral disc. Due to this compression of nerves, you tend to face sensory symptoms such as numbness, pain, motor symptoms, tingling, weakness, bowel control, loss of bladder etc.

The primary motive of Spinal orthopedic is to relieve the pressure sensed on the spinal nerve.

In the past years, the only Spinal orthopedic available was in the form of surgery. Since, the cervical and lumbar spine are more vulnerable to injury, most of the surgeries were focused on those areas.

The thoracic spine is not much vulnerable but you may require some sort of surgeries in order to rectify common deformities including kyphosis and scoliosis. Laminectomy or disectomy including spinal fusion are very common procedures.

Spinal orthopedic in detail:

a) Laminectomy / Disectomy:
The procedure involves removal of disc portions in conjunction with bony parts of vertebrag that compress the nerve. In this procedure, the surgeon works towards eliminating extraneous material. Thereafter, the opening is enlarged in order to relieve nerve pressure. In case, the disc is damaged badly, it can easily be replaced with an artificial one.
b) Spinal fusion:
In case of instability or misalignment in the vertebrag, resulting in recompression of the nerve spinal fusion is performed with the use of bone grafts from different parts of the body, hardware or a rod. The process tends to immobilize the some portion to avoid compression or injury to the nerve.
c) Minimally invasive procedures:
This is an alternative surgery in certain cases for open surgery. The surgeon does not prefer cutting through the muscle and exposing the spine here. Instead, he uses a thin and flexible tube that has a microscopic camera attached to it. Just a tiny incision in the back is required to push muscle fibers aside. The surgeon can also run surgical instruments or laser down the tube in order to eliminate excess tissue so as to open up the area existing around the nerve. Minimally invasive procedures are known to be quite safe as compared to traditional spinal orthopedic procedures. Minimally invasive procedures are also known to be excellent options for a lot of people.

As already discussed, spinal treatment and procedures are safe and effective. There are also a lot of choices for people when it comes to opting for a safe procedure for spinal treatment. These spinal treatment procedures may cost a lot but ensure cure at the end.

The market for Spinal orthopedic is going strong with the advent of a lot of private healthcare facilities such as Malaysia, India and Thailand. A lot of affluent patients are catered and taken care of for spinal implant procedures. This will help this market to grow.

Massage Chairs For Low Back Pain

Low back pain results from a musculoskeletal disorder of the lower back. It can come in varied degrees of pain level. Many things can be the cause of low back pain, but most typically it is caused by muscular strain, injury to the lower back including the discs, ligaments, and muscles that are surrounding the spine area. There are a variety of treatments depending on exactly what is causing the pain, but one treatment that is gaining popularity is massage chairs.

Most people at one point or another in their life will experience some level of low back pain. It may be caused by certain disorders of the lower back, injury or just plain over usage. Some of these causes can be prevented where others may occur as symptoms from other diseases.

Some common disorders affecting the spine are Pagets disease, Ulcers Scheuermanns disorder, Ankylosing spondylitis, Pancreatitis, Pelvic inflammatory disease and Spinal stenosis. These conditions are best treated by a medical doctor. The treatments for these conditions range from medication to surgery and may involve physical therapy as part of the recovery process.

Many of the causes of low back pain can be prevented. They may result from improper lifting techniques, poor posture when standing or sitting or from injuries. It is always best to warm up your body so the muscles of the back are flexible. Pain associated with these items stem from muscle stiffness.

The common motion causing low back pain that can be prevented is how the body is used. From an anatomical point of view, the weight being put on the spine tends to be concentrated on a few muscles, ligaments and tendons in the lower back. This concentration of force tends to tire out these muscles causing them to become stiff and more brittle. If the force continues to be applied, then these soft tissues can become further fatigued causing them damage.

Massage chairs have found their way into more medical and chiropractic offices as a treatment to the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the lower back. The role of the massage chair is to help to loosen and relax these tight muscles. They have a number of specialized techniques that are applied for effective therapy.

For instance, a slow, continuous kneading of the lower back muscles along the ribs helps to stretch them to retain their elasticity. A rolling massage is applied to the whole spine. The rollers of the massage chair move slowly up the spine slightly adjusting each bone in the spinal column. The massage chair comes with a number of settings that can be targeted for effective relief.

Another common task of a massage chair is to provide heat therapy to full body. Special heaters are included throughout the massage chair. Areas that require heat to be applied are selected. The heat is used to reduce swelling and improve blood flow in the targeted area.

Massage chairs have the capability to apply traction. Traction is used to stretch out a given set of muscles. The rolling massage applies traction to the vertebra in the spine. Each vertebra is individually adjusted as the rollers progress up the length of the spine. Massage chairs can apply traction to the lower body and to the arms and shoulders.

If you are getting a massage, you might as well relax. Massage chairs incorporate MP3 Players where you can play soft soothing music. Music helps the mind to relax and to let go. This letting go releases the tension in the muscles that the mind is holding. This provides an important environment of relaxation in what may normally be a busy location in offices today.

As you can see the occurrence of low back pain is high considering all of its many causes. Almost everyone will have some incidence of lower back pain sometime in their life. For some the pain will be mild, but for others the pain can be quite severe. It is good to know your options and be educated in your choices. Find the right treatments for your and consult with your physician. Technology advances and massage chairs have become very sophisticated. Consider a massage chair a multi-faceted asset in your long term back care health.

Lower Back Pain Relief: Non Conventional Treatment Options

Lower back pain relief is brought to pass in most cases through interventional therapy, which involves blocking the conduction of nerve between specific areas of the brain and the body. Injecting steroids, narcotics, and local anesthetics into affected joints, nerves or soft tissues, does this. Traction is another method through which pain is reduced and in this case weights are used to apply force to pull the structure of skeleton into better alignment.

The method called Transcutaneous electrical nerve simulation is also employed to bring lower back pain relief. In this case a battery-powered device is used to send mild electric pulses along the nerve fibers in order to block pain signals to the brain. Ultrasound is a therapy that is non-invasive and works by warming the internal tissues of the body that results in the relaxation of muscles. Fractures of the vertebrae are sealed by minimally invasive treatments like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. In the former, a doctor guides a fine needle into the vertebral body and injects glue like epoxy, which hardens to stabilize the bone, and in the latter a special balloon is inserted and inflated to reduce spinal deformity.

At times surgical methods are used to bring lower back pain relief, and usually in cases where the patient does not respond to therapies. Procedures like Foraminotomy, Disectomy, are used to clear obstructions or internal injuries. Moreover there are some complex treatments like IntraDiscal Electrothermal Therapy and Nucleoplasty among other that are used to alleviate back pain. In the first case thermal energy is used to treat back pain while in nucleoplasty uses radiofrequency energy to treat patients who suffer from contained or mildly herniated discs.

Other methods that bring lower back pain relief are Spinal laminectomy, a procedure that involves the removal of the lamina in order to relive pressure on nerve roots and spinal chords. Radiofrequency lesioning is a technique wherein conduction of pain signals is interrupted through electrical impulses and is used frequently by doctors to treat chronic pain in the back. Another technique used to lessen back pain is Spinal fusion, and as the name suggests in this method involves the removal of two or more vertebrae and the fusion of two adjacent vertebrae.

Other procedures that bring lower back pain relief are cordotomy, rhizotomy, and DREZ, which are surgical in nature and all of them involve the severing or destruction of the nerve root, nerve fibre or spinal neurons. Many of the causes of lower back pain are work related and taking cognizance of this fact more and more employees are promoting ergonomically designed tools. All in all modern sciences has developed various procedures to tackles this frequently occurring ailment and all the sufferers have to do is contact their physician who will prescribe the correct treatment to end their suffering.

Sciatica and the Sacroiliac Joint

The sacroiliac joint is the location where your pelvic bones articulate with the sacrum. If you look at someone from behind you will notice a divot or dimple on either side of the spine in the low back above the buttocks. This point is called the PSIS or Posterior Superior Iliac Spine. The sacroiliac joint lies deep to this landmark. When things are functioning properly the two pelvic bones rotate very slightly at this joint when we walk.

If you have injured this joint the deep pelvic muscles that surround the joint will react by increasing their tone and will in turn restrict the rotational movement that would normally be there. In the short term this is probably a good coping mechanism for the body to deal with an acute joint injury as it essentially eliminates any stress to the articular surfaces. However in the longer term, when things don't return to normal biomechanic movement patterns, pain and abnormal movement can persist.

The pain that can arise from this joint is often mistaken for sciatica.

True sciatica is caused by pressure or irritation to the sciatic nerve. The nerve is made up nerve roots that exit the spinal canal in the lumbar spine. Pressure or irritation to this nerve can cause pain down the back of your leg.

There are a few ways to distinguish between true sciatica and sacroiliac pain.True sciatica can be felt all the way down the back of the leg past the knee and sometimes includes pain to the toes. Sacroiliac leg pain typically doesn't travel past the knee. Another distinguishing feature is pain that predominates on one side over the region of the PSIS. This one sided low back pain almost always presents on the same side as the "pseudo sciatica".

There is an easy test that one can try at home to distinguish sacroiliac pain from sciatica. Get a partner to stand behind you with their hands on your hips. Bend forward and then straighten back to the original upright position. If there is mechanical pain in the low back, this movement usually provokes it. Now to distinguish between sciatica and sacroiliac joint pain do the same movement but get your partner to stabilize your hips by blocking movement at the hip. As you bend forward your hip should be pulled tight to your partners leg or hip to prevent forward rotation of your hip. If done correctly this maneuver will either provoke your back pain or make it better depending on which problem is the cause. If the forward bending movement is much less painful when the hip movement is blocked it suggests that the sacroiliac joint is the source. If it greatly increases the pain, it points to lumbar disc issues that can cause sciatica.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is one of the most common disorders seen in a chiropractic office. Chiropractors are well trained to recognize this condition and should be considered when considering treatment options.

IBS and Back Pain: Possibly Steps Toward Relief

It has been quite some time since I last addressed the issue of IBS and back or lower back pain. But due to the overwhelming readership the articles I have published have gotten and the amount of reader emails I have received I feel it is time once again to address the issue and hopefully bring some notoriety to the subject. My findings over the last few years have been most enlightening.

I have long been a proponent that in some cases IBS is, or at least seems to be directly linked to spinal injury or damage. In my case it seems that way, as it does for hundreds of others who have written me, telling their stories in emails.

I want to personally thank all those that took the time to dig and find my email address. I have to admit that I usually have not made it easy. So those that did actually get an email through, and there have been many, I know had to expend some effort to actually find the email address.

Recently I got an email from a Retired Navy Master Chief who recently read my article on "Lower Back Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome" It is because of him, I guess that I have since been prompted to get off my keester and publish something. His story is much like my own, in fact the only difference I see in his story and my own are possibly the manner in which his back injury was delivered and our occupations.

The more email that I receive from people telling me very similar stories about their experiences with Irritable Bowel Syndrome; the more I am convinced that there is a definite link between back/neck or spinal injury and the onset of IBS.

It goes without saying that nerves that control gut operations get to and from the brain via the spinal column. So it only stands to reason that any amount of damage to those nerve corridors, conductors and conduits could and most probably do have an effect on the overall digestive system operation. It also stands to reason the worse the injury or disruption of nerve impulses to the gut, the worse IBS symptoms could or will possibly be.

I am not a doctor or spinal specialist, nor do I profess to have any knowledge but that which I personally have acquired during my own long battle with IBS, and from the accumulated knowledge of being able to compare stories sent to me by hundreds of other IBS sufferers.

There is something that I feel I must mention that I find quite profound. I have been writing and publishing in one manner or another about IBS for about 10 years now, maybe more. It was not until I published about my own observations regarding my conclusion that there was a correlation between my own spinal injury and IBS that things seemed heat up.

Once I published the first article where I suggested the connection between back pain or spinal injury and IBS, I started to get emails from many other Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers. Like I said, they had to dig to find my email address and be able to send me their stories, yet they did. This tells me that there has to be more than my own observation and speculation involved here.

Since the time of the first article where I asserted that there was a connection between back pain and IBS, I have received hundreds of emails from readers that were moved enough to actually take the time to tell their stories. After reading their stories, I was saddened as there was nothing I could tell them at the time that would help them. For most to whom I replied, my main suggestion was to demand that their primary caregiver at least consider the plausibility of the connection between spinal injury and IBS.

I know from my own personal experience with over 7 doctors that for them to consider something that isn't currently in their neatly categorized and cataloged list of symptoms and solutions, it is almost impossible to get them to consider anything else as a possible cause. Heaven forbid that a layperson should be able to tell a "doctor" anything. I have to admit that I only broached the subject with three physicians, and the result was less than hopeful.

Each one took a note, or supposedly took a note of what I had to say, and promptly moved on to the IBS play book. I call it that because all doctors seem to have the same mentality when it comes to IBS The only way to diagnose it is to go from test A to test B and then C and so on and on regardless of the results, regardless of how much of your money they spend on tests, tests that had they actually read your history they would have known had been done over and over already.

Until I got my last email from a reader I had almost given up hope that the medical profession would even consider the theory of spinal injury in relation to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. And I quote from the Master Chief's email, "Like you I've experienced the same symptoms for almost 15 years now. One of my PAs over the past two years introduced the thought that my problem was the result of some physical trauma." Personally I find this to be astounding, the first time I have ever encountered a person in the medical profession that would even consider such a thing. Granted the person was only a PA (physician's assistant) but it's a start. The Master Chief had previously outlined to me an accident he had been involved in many years earlier which involved a head injury, but from his description could have easily involved a spinal injury as well that may have gone undetected. Who can say for sure?

He goes on to give a brief history of his condition and then at the end of his email he says something I feel is indicative of not only my own experience, but also those of almost everyone who took the time to email me their stories. And again I quote" I've had three Colonoscopies in the past ten years with nothing found. I've done my best investigation to identify my "trigger" by taking certain foods (dairy, caffeine, breads, sugars, etc.) out of my diet to no avail. Right now I'm taking Align, which seems to help, but in no way makes life normal. I'm only 48 and I keep telling myself that I'm not supposed to feel this way at my age. I keep looking for the "silver bullet", something that will make everything all right- don't we all though."

His story could just as easily be my story, and the sad fact is I don't have any hard evidence which I can point to as progress in the right direction for IBS suffers. What I do have is a few more years of experience battling the beast. And during that time I have discovered some things for myself that have actually seemed to help me, and I stress" me". What I am about to impart is what I have done that has helped me battle IBS and made my life somewhat better over the last few years since I started publishing about back pain and IBS.

My "brand" of IBS and its cycle in my life has the typical symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Things such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating abdominal pain and most of the other classic symptoms, but there never seemed to be a set pattern, and there was no way to tell which symptoms would occur. For me IBS seems to be a type of cyclic happening. Actually coming to that conclusion took me almost 20 years to figure out. Not because I am stupid, but because my back injury transformed over those number of years.

To make a long story short, I had a very bad back injury when I was a young man. At the time I was told that my only options were one, spinal fusion of L1, L2 and L3. After finding out what that would actually mean as far as mobility was concerned, I decided to go with option 2 which was to let nature take its course and see if things would heal on their own to a manageable condition.

After about a year of recuperation, I did get better. I went back to work and only had occasional problems with my back for about 15 years. Then things seemed to get worse with my back. During the 15 year period I had continued problems with Irritable Bowel Syndrome that was contributed to a gallbladder issue but never acute enough to be operable until way late in the game. That's for another article and not actually relative to the findings and conclusions I intend to draw attention to here.

As my back seemed to worsen, I began to take Ibuprofen to control the pain because it worked. I finally went to a spinal specialist who diagnosed me with Spinal Stenosis, as well as having severe degradation of the lower lumbar vertebra. Nothing I had not expected, but also not much they could do.

I was able to manage my back pain so well with continued Ibuprofen use that I didn't think about it much for quite some time. What did bother me was the increase in the symptoms of IBS. They got worse and worse and seemed to be more frequent. Instead of having symptoms that came on and lasted a few days maybe once or twice a month I now had symptoms that lasted weeks, sometimes a month or more with no relief. It really wasn't easy to identify the cycle. Because the way it happened for me, it was hard to associate the two.

I would start to notice a change in my bowel movements over a period of several days which was something I had long experienced. It might be constipation or it might be diarrhea, there was never really any pattern there. But there came a point a few years ago, that my back would cause me problems enough that I would take as many as 4 200mg tabs of Ibuprofen as often as every 4 or 6 hours because the pain was getting that bad. So now I am dealing with back pain and IBS in a much more noticeable fashion.

It took me a long time to notice that when the IBS started to rear its head, that shortly after, meaning 2 to 4 days after the IBS started up, I would have a bad episode of back pain. I would take more pain medication. My back pain would get better, my IBS would get worse. After maybe a of week of taking things easy, my back pain would settle down and later on my IBS would begin to mellow out. That is if I didn't go and do something to irritate my back again, then the IBS wouldn't let up until the back pain eased up again. And thus I associated finally a causation with my symptoms.

When the though actually occurred to me that the two things, back pain and IBS were related, I set out to prove it if to no one other than myself. I quite taking the ibuprofen altogether, instead when the pain would start I would mark that indeed the IBS symptoms had preceded the back pain. I noted that as the back pain got worst so did the IBS. Now the issue was how to treat the back pain without making the IBS symptoms even harsher.

My provisional solution was to try chiropractic's. So for a time, when I would feel the Irritable Bowel symptoms coming on, I would go see my chiropractor. By doing a lower back manipulation or sciatic relief procedure, the inflammation in my lower back would be relieved, thus the pain would go away for however long, and the IBS symptoms got better.

So for me this is what I believe has been occurring on a semi regular basis. Through normal everyday work and movement the joints in my back would become inflamed, including the many years before the pain got to the point of needing regular management. Even though there was surely inflammation in the early years, the pain was negligible or possibly even imperceptible. Let's face it; we all deal with a certain amount of pain to some degree or another in our lives. My pain was such that I could do little or nothing about it, and had the ability to ignore or accept it.

My GI tract on the other hand, I believe was more perceptive of the inflammation. So my theory is such that when the inflammation starts, nerves that control the entire GI tract are affected in so much as the signals to and from the brain via the spinal cord are either suppressed or strangled off at times. As the inflammation subsides, the nerve signals once again are able to connect properly and the Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms begin to diminish.

As for the fact that the IBS became worse with prolonged use of ibuprofen is an easy concept to understand. Look at all the reports of stomach ulcers and bleeding caused by ibuprofen. Continued use served to exacerbate an already inflammatory condition in the gut.

So for now this is my solution. No NSAID products of any kind if it can be helped. Narcotics and I don't mix well so even though I don't like the risks of acetaminophen products, they unfortunately have to play a small role. My back pain is managed almost entirely by chiropractic and muscle manipulation now and my IBS is markedly better.

Is it a total cure? Absolutely not, but if I had to put a percentage on how much better it is I would have to say 65 to 70% better. And yes the IBS symptoms still occur prior to my back pain onset. And because I am a rather stubborn person, I always wait to see that my back does or will actually require manipulation before I go have it done. And on occasion, about 1 out of every 4 episodes of IBS, there will be no back pain and the symptoms will subside in a day or two.

Is this to say that there is a deeper rooted causation for my particular Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptomology? I cannot say with any certainty. But I do believe that the majority of the time it is directly related to my ongoing problems with my spine. And it may be that even though there is no perceptible back pain for the small amount of times that the symptoms occur without the back pain, that the inflammation is indeed still the root cause. Even having said that, I never go in for manipulation right away when the IBS symptoms begin, I always wait for the back pain begins or get to a moderate level.

Stubborn also translate into cheap. I don't like paying for those $80 to $120 visits to the chiropractor. So how long I suffer with the recurring symptoms each time is relative to the amount of money I have, or am willing to part with and how quickly I am willing to do it. Insurance only goes so far.

The conclusion I have come to for myself. And I cannot stress enough that every case is going to be different. But for myself, I am certain that my back injury plays a major role in my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I am further convinced that the taking of NSAID pain relievers made my condition even worse.

I further conclude that by finding alternative methods to control pain such as chiropractic manipulation and muscle massage, I have been able to significantly decrease the severity and also the frequency of my IBS symptoms.

So, it might be worth your while to investigate for yourself these things I have talked about in connection with your own IBS symptoms. I have no affiliation with any chiropractic association or massage therapy entity that would compel me or compensate me for stating the things I have. Even if you don't feel you have a spinal injury or condition where by inflammation of the spine might be occurring, it might not hurt to seek out a local chiropractor and have an exam or just go in for a through manipulation and judge for yourself the results.

Keep in mind that for many years I had pain that I was able to almost totally ignore. We train ourselves to live with pain, not that it's what we should be doing, but it happens. So it might be possible that others who have IBS also have ignored back, spine or neck pain that could be a contributing factor in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms that are exhibited in their particular "brand" of IBS.

I do not contend that the information that I have given about what has been helpful for me will be the solution for everyone or for anyone for that matter. But I do think it's important to keep up a dialog of sorts to keep hope alive. If you have suffered long with the symptoms, you know own too well how hard it is to find any kind of practical medical support and how little hope that the medical profession has given us as far as any type of cognitive answers regarding causation or subsistence of symptoms.

My hope is that the information will lead other IBS surfers to reexamine their own "brand" of IBS and possibly follow a loosely carved path to find at least some relief. Further I would not try to assert that my symptoms are completely gone, nor do I conclude that all of my IBS symptoms are related to my spinal condition. But to me, the evidence is too compelling for me not to concede that my IBS is at least moderately connected to spinal injury.

Natural Treatments for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition whose effects can range from mild irritation to debilitating pain and even paralysis. Learning the symptoms, causes and treatment options may help you avoid drugs and surgery.

Stenosis can occur in either the cervical spine in the neck or the lumbar spine in the lower back. Lumbar stenosis is the more common; according to Spine-Health.com, about three-fourths of all cases occur in the lumbar spine. Stenosis involves the compression of nerve roots that exit the spinal canal. There are three types, named for the location of compression:

1) Formainal: The foramen is the space through which a nerve leaves the spinal canal. This is the most common type of spinal stenosis; it occurs when bone spurs, which develop along a vertebra due to disc degeneration, compress the nerve. Discs act as shock absorbers. As they degenerate, bone friction causes tiny shards of bone to develop.

2) Far Lateral: This type of stenosis occurs beyond the foramen. Compression can be caused by a bulging or herniated disc, or by a bone spur.

3) Central: This involves obstruction of the nerves within the spinal canal. It is generally caused by a bulging disc and ligament overgrowth within the spine.

Cervical stenosis is generally considered a more dangerous condition than when it occurs in the lumbar spine. This is because the spinal cord, that dense bundle of nerves, is present in the upper spine but ends in the upper part of the lower back. From there, the nerves fan out into a horse's tail pattern, hence acquiring the name "cauda equina." There is more risk of paralysis associated with impingement of the spinal cord. That said, lumbar stenosis can, in rare cases, involve severe nerve damage that leads to bladder and bowel loss of control, sexual dysfunction and inability to walk.

Bone spurs formed due to facet joint arthritis may also impinge nerves, causing stenosis.

Symptoms

Spinal stenosis often causes localized back or neck pain and refers pain to either the legs or the arms. There may also be tingling, weakness and numbness along the affected nerve's pathway. People with lumbar stenosis often have sciatica.

One way to tell if stenosis is causing your pain is to monitor when symptoms reside. People with this condition experience relief when sitting and leaning forward, as these positions create more space in the spinal canal and take pressure off nerves. Imaging tests such as MRIs, CTs and dye injection may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Natural Treatments

Light, guided exercise is often prescribed to strengthen the muscles that support the spine and to maintain cardiovascular health, which ensures proper blood flow to areas of the spine. Exercises for lumbar stenosis usually involve forward bending. Examples of such exercises can be seen at http://spinalstenosis.org/blog/sciatica-exercises/. Cervical stenosis patients may perform isometric exercises which strengthen neck muscles without stressing joints. Exercise helps support the spine and manage pain. A physical therapist should guide you through what exercises are safe for you.

Chiropractic care can help your symptoms if a misaligned spine is aggravating your condition. Restoring alignment will take pressure off of discs and nerves.
Chiropractors can also perform decompression treatments, which increase disc space and can resolve stenosis caused by herniated or bulging discs.

Acupuncture and acupressure are alternative treatments that have had immense success in relieving pain of many types. They both involve the application of stimulus, either needle points or touch, to energy meridians, which some in Western culture equate with nerve bundles. It is worth a try for anyone looking to avoid reliance on pain medication.

Surgery is only recommended for people with severe stenosis that poses a threat to the spinal cord or the patient's ability to walk or control bladder and bowels.

Knowing the cause of your pain equips you to make smart choices about your treatment options. If you have back or neck pain that radiates and is relieved by sitting and leaning forward, you may have spinal stenosis. Share this information with your doctor and improve your chances of pain relief.

Banish Your Lower Back Pain Without Drugs or Surgery

Western medicine has made many great advances in health technology, but its emphasis on drugs and invasive procedures are enough to send some people looking for other means of treatment. For 95% of lower back pain patients, surgery is not recommended. Surgery is a last resort that many dread. Pain medications are doled out easily to those with painful conditions, but this method of treatment alone fails to resolve the cause of pain. If you are searching for a way to avoid surgery and drugs, consider complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

The designation "CAM" encompasses a wide variety of treatment methods that either serve as a complement or an alternative to modern Western methods. Western medicine is often accused of emphasizing the reduction of unpleasant symptoms as opposed to the identification of the real cause thereof. For those whom Western medicine has doomed to surgery, or those wishing to avoid the drugs of modern medicine, a CAM approach to treatment may serve as a viable yet previously unconsidered alternative.

Types of CAM

One category of CAM is body manipulation. Massage therapy and chiropractic care fall into this category.

Massage therapy is a versatile terrain; while all practitioners work with muscles and other tissues of the body, they use different techniques to achieve an array of results. Massage involves the use of applied pressure to muscles and other tissues to relieve tension. A massage may aim to loosen a particular tight muscle or set of muscles, target the connective tissue surrounding muscles (called myofascia), disperse dense knots called trigger points that refer pain to other areas, or increase flexibility within the tendons and ligaments. It is a hands-on approach to restoring health to bodily tissues, and, since muscles are responsible for many instances of lower back pain, can be particularly helpful to those wishing to avoid back surgery.

Chiropractic care is a technique that strives to restore range of motion to joints, realign the spine and support neurological function. By applying force, called manipulation, and mobilizing the treated area, chiropractors can, over time, change the alignment of vertebrae in the spine and relieve pressure from nerves exiting the spinal column. Moving vertebrae also means changing the relationship between the bones and muscles, ligaments and tendons around them. By so doing, chiropractic care can help to stretch out tense tissues surrounding and pulling on the spine.

CAM also includes movement techniques, which use the body as its own medicine. Movement techniques involve mental and emotional as well as physical benefits. There are a vast number of such techniques; we will address only a few here.

Pilates is becoming more popular in the U.S.; it is an exercise and stretching program that emphasizes core strength and stability. Pilates requires a body-mind connection. The body performs the exercises while the mind must focus on the particulars of the movement and be aware of how the muscles work together. This attention to detail can often help an individual identify postural dysfunctions or muscle compensation that was previously unnoticed. Since postural dysfunction and muscle imbalances are common causes of chronic lower back pain, the emphasis Pilates puts on both strengthening the core and revamping the mindset that allowed that dysfunction in the first place could greatly benefit those who have had no luck with other treatment methods.

A movement technique called Rolfing, developed by Dr. Ida Rolf over 50 years ago, focuses on the web of connective tissue called fascia that runs throughout the body. Fascia surrounds and supports all of the tissues in the body - muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones and organs. Rolfing is similar to certain kinds of massage, but its emphasis all on fascia, not just myofascia, allows it to claim the distinction of significantly straightening posture and allowing the body to operate more efficiently.

The Alexander technique has been sought by some with back pain to identify and modify behaviors that create postural dysfunction. An Alexander assessment may involve a practitioner asking you to pick up an object on a nearby table. The practitioner may then stop you and note all of the muscles that your body has employed in this action. Usually, we use much more energy than we need to and end up straining our muscles in the process. The Alexander technique aims to increase awareness of movement and posture while increasing the efficiency with which our body operates.

Still another category of CAM is energy technique. This includes rather obscure forms, such as light and magnet therapies, and more familiar ones, such as Reiki.

Each of these techniques operates on the premise that energy fields in the body can be manipulated to allow for a more balanced flow and, therefore, increased health. Reiki practitioners seek to transfer their energy to those who are being treated. Their hands hover over the recipient's body, while attention is focused on the energy transfer.

Qi gong is an energy technique that involves movement. The movements of this form of exercise are slow and gentle. They are designed to allow energy to flow through the body. Qi gong is said to increase strength and improve mood by its practitioners.

CAM also includes what are called "whole medical systems." These include Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Indian Ayurvedic medicine systems. Bother systems emphasize the balance of energy. Acupuncture, massage, qi gong and herbal remedies are all common within TCM. Ayurvedic medicine uses plants for herbal remedies and tonics that detoxify the body, promote vitality and reduce pain. It also includes yoga, exercise and dietary restrictions.

Why CAM?

The overall costs of experimenting with CAMs is likely far less than the costs of surgery. Beyond the medical expenses, surgery costs you time. Recovery times can be months long from spinal surgery, with some people still in severe pain after years. Fusion and discectomy operations, the most popular surgeries performed on the back, take time to heal and affect the stability and flexibility of the spine. Physical therapy and pain medications will likely be necessary post-op to get you through the pain and to retrain your back's movements.

Reported success rates for spinal surgeries vary widely depending on who is doing the reporting, so it is nearly impossible to say for sure how successful they are. If you ask surgeons, they often report 98% success rates. A quick look at any other source will leave you skeptical of those results, since some report numbers lower as 40%.

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. One way to get a reliable effectiveness rate is to look at reviews by people who have received the treatment. Spinal fusion, the most popular type of back surgery, received a 64% success rating from people who received it for non-scoliotic back pain. Read their reviews at http://www.dailystrength.org/treatments/Spinal_Fusion.

Given the possibility that surgery may not adequately address lower back pain, plus the cost of time spent rehabilitating post-op, CAM is an attractive resource. Though many of its methods have not been scientifically tested, many have the evidence of history behind them. Massage, yoga, and herbal remedies have existed for thousands of years as revered healing practices.

Above all, CAM addressed an essential component of healing that modern Western medicine for the most part neglects: the mind. Hippocrates recognized the importance of the mind in healing, and it has been coupled with the body in both TCM and Ayuredic medicine for thousands of years. Awareness and focus are needed to create long-lasting behaviors that promote healthy movement, which in turn is needed to prevent lower back pain. The holistic approach of all CAM techniques may set them above the more narrow and invasive forms of Western medicine.

Involving the mind, CAM can go beyond treating physical disorders to provide psychological benefits as well. Focus and awareness encourage calmness; the techniques learned throughout the process of a CAM may lend themselves to other situations in life. Also, relieving bodily pain can improve mood. A study conducted by the Touch Research Institutes and summarized on the National Institute for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website showed that cortisol levels decrease and serotonin and dopamine levels increase after a massage. Just as the mind's awareness can assist the body, the body's relaxation can assist the mind.

Since CAM treatments are not well studied by the scientific community, possible harms of practice are not known. As with any substance, herbal remedies may interact with other medications or any allergies you may have. Most CAM treatments are gentle and non-invasive, which limits the amount of harm you can do. Tell your doctor of any CAMs you are seeking out and make sure you are physically able to participate. As part of ensuring safe treatment, make sure to research practitioner's training and experience. Since the fields encompassed by CAMs are often obscure in the West, it is necessary to guard against those who would play off your desire to heal by providing uneducated treatment.

When deciding on back surgery, ask yourself if you have tried every viable alternative. Though some of the premises upon which CAM treatment is based may seem strange to the minds of Westerners, it would be much more strange to allow yourself to be cut open and put at risk due to an unwillingness to try a new, more holistic approach to healing. CAMs have earned their claim to legitimacy through history and a body-mind foundation. For more information on CAM, see the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's page at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/#manipulative.

How to Use a Kettlebell to Strengthen Your Back

One of the most common complaints I hear from people involves their back. The kettlebell is my tool of choice for helping people get away from that. Here is how kettlebells can strengthen up your back and make you a stronger and healthier individual altogether.

Have you ever heard someone complain by saying "I have a bad back."? I always find this irritating because I have never heard of a medical condition known as "bad back syndrome" or even anything containing the words "bad" and "back". Never the less whether it is a legitimate physical condition or not it is still a problem that effects a lot of people.

Now before i get into the whole use of a kettlebell for making a bad back into a good back let us get a couple things out of the way. First there could be a spinal injury that could make you think you have a bad back and this would require a doctor's approval before starting an exercise program. Second, even though there is no such thing as a bad back there is a such thing as a dysfunctional back (a back that isn't functioning properly) and this is what can be changed with a proper exercise program.

Now a lot of people that have problems with their back end up avoiding any exercise for their back completely. This is a mistake. For one thing if you are trying to work around the problem by exercising everything but the problem area you are creating muscle imbalances that can actually make the problem worse. Also it is avoiding the real problem just like someone that is afraid of having a heart attack avoiding anything that gets their heart rate up. Well how do you ever expect to get better if you don't do anything about it? I am not saying you should jump into the program full of vim and vigor but you should challenge yourself somewhat. Just challenge yourself at a level you can handle.

Now there are two main exercises I recommend for someone to strengthen up their back. In the RKC system of kettlebell training they make up the foundational movements and they are called the kettlebell swing, and the Turkish getup.

The Turkish getup is a unique exercise that includes several different movement patterns into one fluid movement. It combines sitting up, hip extension, hip hinging and lunging as well as training stability into the abdominals and muscles surrounding the shoulder girdle. That stability of the abdominals is one of the reasons the Turkish getup is good for your back. Not many people actually understand that the function of the abdominal isn't just bending forward but to also brace and stabilize the spine. The sitting up while "staying tight" allows your abs to work alongside your other muscles as a team to zip up and keep your spine safe. The abs and lower back are interconnected and if your abs are weak your back may have to work extra hard which can cause pain.

The kettlebell swing is what made kettlebell training famous for fixing backs but as great as this exercise is when done correctly, it can be equally disastrous if done incorrectly. This is why I recommend you see an RKC instructor in your area to make sure your technique is both safe and effective. You can find an RKC instructor on Dragondoor.com.

The swing offers many of the same benefits of a deadlift for strengthening the back. One reason I like the swing better for people's backs is that at the top of the swing there is very little spinal loading whereas with the deadlift that is not the case. The swing involves an explosive hinge with the hip as well as a snap. When performed correctly the kettlebell will swing from between your legs to about chest height. As the snap in you hips happens your hands will be about even with your belly button. Your hips should be locked out with a gluteal squeeze, your quadriceps should be held tight and your abs should be braced. From this point the kettlebell should float up purely on its own momentum. When performed correctly you shouldn't really feel this in any one area of your body since the muscle tension is spread out evenly over so many different muscles. If there is one place to feel it, it would be the glutes from the explosive contraction.

It's important to note that your arms must remain loose throughout the movement. Think of them as little more than ropes that connect your upper body to the kettlebell. Also you should match the breath with the force. If you have ever seen a karate master scream at the moment of impact the breathing is much the same way. Instead of screaming though you are going to make a tssshhh sound that is in synch with your hip snap.

OK so you have the two exercises, now it is time to put it into a program. Spend between five and seven minutes practicing the Turkish Getup and do that for five days a week. Do not count your reps. Treat it like practice. For the swings you are going to spend ten to fifteen minutes practicing it with a moderate amount of intensity. It may seem strange that a program is made up of only two exercises but in the first month of my kettlebell fitness bootcamp classes, swings and Turkish getups are all we do in order to set the proper foundation and it works pretty well.

As you become more proficient with each exercise you can start working harder at it but please do not do so with anything but perfect form and again I can't stress enough that you should see an RKC instructor to make sure your technique is sound to make sure your exercises are both safe and effective.

So there you have it. It is time to put the plan into action.

Cervical Spondylosis Herbal Remedies

Neck Arthritis, Neck Osteoarthritis, Cervical Spondylosis; whatever you call it, it is still one of the many degenerative diseases that are affecting the elderly. People between forty (40) to seventy-five (75) years of age are the common victims of this progressive condition. Neck pain is the primary complains of old people suffering from the condition. Most of the time, the pain is relieved by pain killers but only for a short span of time.

Why do old people even experience neck pain to begin with?

Pain localized in your neck is only one of the multitudes of manifestations that elderly people experience when they have Cervical Spondylosis. Neck pain however is only verified as a clinical sign of the disease only after further gathering of evidence, normally by conducting neck x-rays and other imaging tests such as CT Scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Pain is usually caused by the thickened vertebral discs that prevent the spinal bones from fusion. Osteophytes, which is known as bone spurs in layman's term, forms in between the bones which is the origin of the bulges you feel during palpation along with slipped discs. If the condition has already progressed, loss of sensation and chronic pain may already be evident. You will also start to feel weakness in your arms down to your lower extremities.

Several treatment options are being offered if you have developed Cervical Spondylosis. Over-the-counter drugs are mostly recommended for a fast relief from pain in the early stages of the disease. Anti-depressants can also be prescribed by your physician as the condition is sometimes associated with stress and depression. Sleep deprivation can also lead to the development of the disease.

For a natural approach, you can opt to go for herbal remedies as a solution to the recurring neck pain. There are specific types of herbs that had also been proven to reduce stress. Furthermore, some herbs have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve swelling in the neck area. Application of these herbs can also be done in the arms and lower extremities for a fast relief from numbness and tingling sensations. Herbal supplements are also beginning to be popular although further research still needs to support its beneficial claims to the body.

Guaicum, Lachnanthes and Rhus Tox are few of the herbs that can be used for stiff neck. For numbness in the arms, Paris Quadrifolia and Kalmia Latifolia are the right herbs for you. To dissolve bony outgrowths in the neck, it is best that you consume Calcarea. For treating vertigo, Conium Maculatum will work wonders for you.

You can also use the following herbs for cervical spondylosis: turmeric, ginger, willow, cayenne, cat's claw and black cohosh. Devil's claw can also be used as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

The Link Between Magnesium Deficiency and Nerve, Muscle Pain

Magnesium is a mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions that keep our bodies going. Among its many duties, magnesium helps the heart pump, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar levels, strengthens bones, metabolizes energy, synthesizes protein and maintains nerve and muscle function.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 57% of the U.S. population is deficient in magnesium. Researchers are currently assessing what role this deficiency could play in the prevalence of pain problems.

Muscle Pain

Taking in more magnesium can help combat muscle pain caused by tension. Magnesium plays a major role in the relaxation of muscles; it allows calcium into muscles when they need to contract and pulls it out when it is time to relax. Insufficient levels of magnesium means that calcium may build up in muscles, holding them in a state of tension.

Muscle tension is a common cause of back and neck pain. When tension exists for a prolonged period of time, muscles develop knots and have more difficulty relaxing. Myofascial pain syndrome, a condition characterized by the formation of knots in tight muscles and myofascia (the connective tissue surrounding the muscle), may result from chronic tension. This condition can cause localized and referred pain; it can also replicate itself in other areas of the body, since tight muscles grow weak and require other muscles to compensate for them, thereby making the compensatory muscles tense and weak, etc.

Getting sufficient amounts of magnesium through diet and/or supplementation will help prevent chronic muscle tension.

Nerve Pain

Magnesium may also help quell nerve pain. One study tested magnesium in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain in rats. Magnesium was found to decrease the number of receptors for a neurotransmitter called NMDA, which is responsible for carrying pain signals. By modulating NMDA communication, magnesium may interrupt pain signals in people with nerve pain from conditions like diabetes and sciatica. See more on the study at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20837644.

Magnesium deficiency affects nerves in another way. Just as the mineral is important for relaxing muscles, it relaxes nerve endings as well. Low levels of magnesium can cause nerves to be overstimulated, firing in the presence of little to no stimuli. This may be connected to central sensitization, a condition believed to cause the widespread, chronic pain experienced by fibromyalgia patients.

See the chart at
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-magnesium for information on recommended daily values of magnesium by age and sex. If you have kidney problems, ask a health professional before supplementing magnesium. Excess levels of the mineral can cause diarrhea; supplement wisely.

Magnesium can help eliminate nerve and muscle pain. Making sure your body has the nutrients it needs to function properly will help you stay pain-free.

A Guide to Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery For Back Pain

Artificial disc replacement surgery overview

Orthopedics was revolutionized by Sir John Charely, in the 1960's, who developed the total hip replacement surgery. Since then, orthopedics has advanced at a brisk pace. The development of the hip replacement surgery was closely followed by the knee joint replacement surgery. The surgery of the hip and knee is referred to as arthroplasty.

Spinal Fusion

Then came the spinal fusion procedure/surgery. This surgery is for patients who suffer from chronic back and/or neck pains. This surgery removes the degenerated discs from between the problematic vertebrae and then fuses/locks those vertebrae together. Due, to which they cannot move independently, which thus, reduces flexibility, permanently alters the biomechanics and, furthermore, increases the probability of degeneration of the discs above and below the fused vertebrae.

Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

But, in recent years, orthopedics has seen another landmark achievement i.e. the spinal arthroplasty or the artificial disc replacement surgery. It can be of two types cervical (neck) or lumbar (back) surgery. This procedure tends to replace the disc with an artificial disc. This disc, not only, alleviates pain but, also, allows a degree of mobility and flexibility to the patient. Despite its high success, the artificial disc replacement surgery is not without it disadvantages. First, there is no guarantee that the surgery will relieve the pain; sometimes it can even make the pain worse. Second, a condition known as spontaneous ankylosis can develop; it refers to the ossification of the surrounding tissue of the operated vertebrae, which develops a condition similar to that of a spinal fusion.

Treatment

After the major spine surgery, treatment is focused on non-surgical methods or options. Further surgery is only undertaken in extreme circumstances for example if the pain increases exponentially.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) - these drugs provide relief by reducing inflammation


• Physical therapy - help alleviate the pain through hot and cold treatments and massage


• Chiropractic care - alleviate pain through treatment of subluxations and misalignments in the spine


• Exercise

Different Kinds of Treatment to Consider for Sciatic Nerve Pain

The sciatic nerve is known as the longest nerve in the body. When the nerve gets inflamed or irritated, a symptom known as Sciatica occurs. Most patients say that the pain they feel is sharp and tender. It runs from the lower back straight to the thighs, the back of the legs, and in some cases, it even reaches the toes. The pain intensity ranges from mild to severe accompanied with aching and burning sensations.

Sciatica is caused by a lot of factors. Sciatic nerve pain happens in the following cases: herniated discs or discs that have been ruptured thereby adding pressure to the nerve root, when the spinal cord is narrowed called the spinal stenois, spondylolisthesis wherein one vertebra diagonally slides instead of being in its proper alignment, a piriformis syndrome that happens when the piriformis muscle keeps applying pressure to the sciatic nerve, and then by a spinal trauma where there is spinal damage that causes the vertebrae to get misaligned. In short, sciatic nerve pain happens whenever the nerve gets pressured or gets compressed.

When it comes to treatments, the most common medication is the use of a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug or NSAIDS such as ibuprofen. You can also use some heat treatments, cortisone injections and exercise therapy as well. All of these sciatic nerve pain treatments are proven to be effective but they only provide temporary relief especially when the cause of the pain is not the one treated directly.

If you want to have a longer lasting relief for your sciatic nerve pain, you can try the so called Triggerpoint Therapy. This treatment method applies pressure between the buttocks using a massage tool or with the use of a regular tennis ball. Another therapy worth looking into is the muscle balance therapy which deals with problems of posture due to uneven muscles present in the spinal column. Inversion Therapy, on the other hand, allows more circulation by relieving pressure or compression on the nerve. This leads to regular blood flow to the area in order to supply oxygen and blood to help heal the pain quickly.

Treatment using Eastern medicine can also be used. An example of this is acupressure that applies direct pressure on specified points in the body. The Ayurvedic Treatment is one of the new treatments patients are now resorting to. It is similar to Acupressure. Lastly, Diet Therapy, some people say, is also efficient. This requires the patient to maintain a diet that is rich in magnesium for the muscles to tighten. Some foods that have high magnesium content include beans, bananas, green leafy vegetables, and nuts. You must remember that sciatic nerve pain is not a sickness but a symptom where treatment should be made on the condition.

Neck Pain, Back Pain and Sciatica - Understanding and Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an arthritic condition that affects the spine and is also characterized by sacroiliac joint involvement, peripheral inflammatory arthropathy, and an absence of the rheumatoid factor. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis include neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain. Individuals with this condition experience the destruction of the cartilage and bone resulting in fibrous and bony ankylosing or fusing of the spine, pelvis, ribs, and other joints of the body. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis typically exhibit what is referred to as a stiff or "poker spine." Mobility of the spine usually is decreased symmetrically, meaning on both sides, but does seem to improve with exercise. The pain associated with this condition may range from mild to chronic and acute and has often been referred to as insidious. The pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis is often described as morning stiffness. Ankylosing spondylitis is slightly more prevalent in men and symptoms in men are generally more severe. Native American populations are most affected, although the reasons are unclear. Depending on the severity of the disease, posture may become affected. Ultimately, the condition may result in total disability.

Ankylosing spondylitis is often responsible for significant changes in the spine and the pelvis, particularly the sacroiliac joint, that joint between the pelvis (hips) and the sacrum (tailbone), as mentioned above. In skeletal samples, the vertebrae are often visibly fused over significant portions of the spine from the cervical (neck) to the base of the lumbar region or curvature (low back). The fusions in this condition are often bony with several vertebrae locked into place, thus the name ankylosing spondylitis. Because the spine, and often the sacroiliac joint become fused, mobility is restricted, bending becomes a problem if not impossible, and side to side motion is restricted. It was once believed that an individual diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis was faced with a life without prospects, this no longer needs to be the case. Given the proper treatment strategy individuals may lead a long and productive life.

In addition to ankylosing of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis may cause significant changes, and varying degrees of pain, at other areas of the body, as well. While bony fusions of the vertebrae and sacroiliac joint are the most common, fusions of the ribs to vertebrae and the sternum (breastbone) are not uncommon and may cause difficulties expanding the chest and breathing. Additionally, tendons and ligaments that attach themselves to or come into contact with bone may also become inflamed and painful. Tendonitis may be expressed at any point in the body and is often evident in the Achilles tendon, causing a significant amount of heel pain.

Because ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic disease, symptoms may present themselves anywhere in the body. It is not uncommon for people suffering from ankylosing spondylitis to have elevated sedimentation rates, fevers, fatigue, loss of appetite, eye irritation, and even heart and lung disease. The condition itself may be difficult to diagnose, as the cause is yet unknown and no cure is available. An individual suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, in its worst expression, may endure debilitating neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain along with stiffness and/or immobility over vast areas of the spine, hips, and even the peripheral joints.

While there is no known cure for ankylosing spondylitis, there are treatments available to alleviate, and in some cases eliminate, the pain and discomfort. Programs have been developed to improve flexibility and function. Ankylosing spondylitis is progressive but it is possible, through exercise and stretching, to improve and even maintain good posture, preventing the stooped-over appearance and deformity, allowing individuals to conduct a relatively normal amount of daily activity and/or activities. And, a daily exercise program, one that includes stretching, deep breathing exercises, and even swimming will help individuals minimize many of the most debilitating consequences of the disease, long term. Inactivity should never be advised or prescribed, as it will only hasten the worst possible consequences of the condition and exacerbate the immobility, neck pain, back pain and sciatica often associated with the condition.

Postural Syndrome - A Modern Biomechanical Phenomenon

One of the most common causes of neck pain and low-back pain has to do with poor posture. Because the majority of conditions in the neck and low-back fall under the category of chronic repetitive overuse injuries, having a poor posture will increase the load/pressure on the ligaments, joints, muscles, and tendons trying to provide support. In other words, poor posture will predispose and/or increase the chance of developing a repetitive overuse injury in the neck and low-back. The reason for this is that poor posture will lead to the development of a system of muscle imbalances and overcompensation patterns in the body. "Over time, these imbalances will spread throughout the muscular system in a predictable manner." (Janda)

These patterns were first classified and coined by the famous Dr. Vladimir Janda and are known as "Upper Crossed Syndrome" and "Lower Crossed Syndrome". According to Janda, upper crossed syndrome is characterized by the over-facilitation of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, and pectoralis muscles, but simultaneously characterized by the inhibition of the deep neck flexors, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles. Similarly, the same mechanism works for lower crossed syndrome. In this case, there is over-facilitation of the rectus femoris, iliopsoas, and thoraco-lumbar extensors; whereas, there is inhibition of the abdominals and gluteus muscles (maximus, minimus, medius). The primary result of this crossed pattern of over-facilitation and inhibition is the development of muscle imbalances and abnormal movement patterns.

The secondary result is the development of compensation patterns, instability, weakness, overuse, fatigue, abnormal wear and tear, joint dysfunction, hypo mobility and hyper mobility, degeneration, etc. It is these secondary problems that are the source of symptoms such as pain, limitation, and discomfort. Thus, the goal of therapy should not only be pain management, but rather correction of the source of the problem. Some specific treatments that can make significant improvements are postural exercises, core strengthening exercises, chiropractic manipulation to increase mobility and function, active release technique, physiotherapy, massage, stretching of the over-facilitated muscles, strengthening of the inhibited muscles, and reintroducing proper movement patterns in the body.

Postural syndrome is very common in western societies. Our lifestyles such as sitting behind a desk for hours on a daily basis, lots of driving, poor diet, poor ergonomics, lack of exercise due to time constraints, and not paying attention to our slouching contribute significantly to developing postural syndromes. To decrease this phenomenon the least we can do is to be a bit more aware of our posture, and learn proper ergonomics while sitting behind a desk. It only takes a small effort to make significant changes.

Dr. Soroush Khoshroo, B.Sc., D.C., A.R.T.

Golfers: Back Pain Due to Golf

Many of us tend to take up a sport to lose weight or stay fit. Fitness experts point out that it should be the other way round - you must get into shape to play a sport and this includes golf. Most back pain is preventable and often is caused by too little exercise, over exertion, poor form, lack of flexibility, and poor posture. A slight modification in your lifestyle and understanding of the back will help.

Why are golfers vulnerable to back pain?

Back problems can start either before the golfer starts playing golf or it may start shortly after he starts frequenting a golf course. Majority of the golfers suffer from regular back aches which develop during the course of the game. If left unattended, the problem will be greatly aggravated.

1. The young generation which is physically dysfunctional, pick up golf and start playing for long durations, this sudden repetitive motion is likely to injure them.

2. A closer look at the golf player will show clearly that he tilts his body to one side during the swing action which contributes to the back ache.

3. In an ideal golf swing, the spine is the center and core of the swing. When the axis is shifted as a result of a wrong posture, the back starts hurting.

How to overcome back pain?

Back pain can be mitigated by doing specific golf stretching exercises for a long-term.

1. Most often back ache can develop if players do not exercise regularly or condition their bodies' specific to the game.

2. Golfers should remember to drink lots of water during the course of the play.

3. A poor stance puts tremendous stress and strain on the lower back. The bent over and crouched position puts much stress on the back, therefore bend from the hips.

4. Strengthening the core muscles should be part of your golf fitness program. Strength workouts will also improve metabolism.

5. If you are overweight, you must lose the extra pounds, the additional weight is bound to compress the spine and discs.

6. Mismatched sets of golf equipments can lead to back ache, they should fit the player perfectly.

7. Researchers report that smoking may increase the risk of lower back problems. Scientifically, nicotine decreases the blood supply to the spine.

8. Avoid the golf cart as the sitting position puts 40% more pressure on the discs than standing. Try walking the course with a pull-cart as this will keep you warmed-up throughout.

Golf-specific exercises for a long term pain-free game:

1. A complete exercise program to strengthen your core and back muscles should include aerobics, strength training and stretching.

2. Instead of a steady-paced walk, try fast walk done in short intervals. For instance, take faster strides for a short period then slow down for a couple of minutes, before picking up speed.

3. A proper warm-up for 5-10 minutes resulting in mild sweating prepares the muscles for a game of golf.

4. An exercise resistance band during your work out helps tone upper body.

5. The torso twist and cobra stretches are fantastic golf stretching exercise that will loosen up your back to minimize pain.

Initial treatment for lower back problems is to stop your activity and ice the lower back for 20 minutes. If the pain persists, a golfer should first consult a chiropractor to check out if any other reason is there behind the pain. Chiropractic is a natural health care method that restores proper alignment and function of the spinal joints and recuperates faster.

What Are the Causes and Remedies for Lower Back Pain?

If someone is suffering from lower back pain, it is not surprising that they may wish to know what causes the pain and the ways in which the pain can be stopped. In many cases, it is not often possible to point out the exact cause of lower back pain. All the same, it is not important to know the cause in order to eliminate the pain effectively.

One of the most common causes of low back ache is inter-vertebral disc degeneration. This is a condition where the discs between the vertebrae are wearing out due to age. This loses the cushioning property of the discs leading to painful experiences around the back. Muscle tensions, spasms, ruptured discs and bones may also serve as the causes of low back pain. Sitting and sleeping postures are yet other suspected triggers of lower back pain. This may be as a result of strained back muscles and discussed making them experience a lot of pain.

Heavy tasks that the body is not used to performing may also serve as a pre-requisite to back ache. Compression of the spinal nerves and osteoarthritis are also other causes of low back ache. Having understood some of the major causes of lower back ache, it may require the individual to find out the ways and means of eliminating this pain in a fast and effective manner.

Low back pain treatment and relief work is a way to prevent the causes of back ache in different ways. There are some remedies that work to repair nerves and the spinal attachments. Spinal surgery and lower back fusion surgery are all part of the strategies of eliminating pain on the back bone. A decompressing therapy on the other hand is an effective way of eliminating lower back pain.

Other times, simple prescriptions of drugs may be enough to eliminate low back ache. These drugs are usually pain relievers. Acute lower back pain may be very painful and eventually will affect someone in many different ways if left untreated. The doctor is however responsible in changing their medication depending with what is ideal for a patient. The alteration by the doctor on the medication is targeted on establishing the best treatment.

Steroids and opioid analgesics are administered to a patient to help treat their low back ache. This medication is however meant for short time usage only. The medication needs to be taken as per the physician's prescriptions or under their guidance to enhance effectiveness. In case of severe and intolerable lower back pain, subcutaneous electric manipulation can be used to treat the pain. This method has proved quite effective in its functioning. Chiropractic treatment and use of zero gravity chairs are also suitable forms of treating lower back pain as they help rescue the back of the body weigh resting on it.

Overall, there are many forms of treatment to help those suffering from lower back ache. Whilst surgical treatment is primarily used for more complicated procedures, more simple problems are able to be treated using medicine and physical therapy. If the right treatment is used effectively, it can end someone's lower back pain within a short period of time.

What is Scoliosis Surgery?

Scoliosis is the spinal disorder where the spine curves sideways, resembling the letter "S" or "C". It is most commonly found during late childhood, as a child undergoes their growth spurt right before puberty. It is a common spine condition, with thousands of children being diagnosed with scoliosis every year. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, that do not do much to harm the patient. Serious cases of scoliosis can be very damaging if not corrected.

Many people diagnosed with minor scoliosis can go about their lives without much consequence, if any. Non surgical treatments, such as a Boston brace, can help stop the progression of increasing spine curvature if needed. However, the only way to actually straighten out and reduce the curvature is scoliosis surgery, also known as a spinal fusion.

Spinal fusion surgery is the process of fusing two or more vertebrae together to provide stability and alignment. Metal rods are attached to the spine to keep the vertebrae firmly together, and over time, the vertebrae will actually fuse together. Scoliosis surgery is only recommended for patients with at least an angle of spine curvature of 40 degrees or more.

Open spine surgery of this nature is a very aggressive process. It will require about 6 hours in the operating room. The patient will have to be hospitalized for at least a week before the doctor will release them. It will take a few months before full strength and range of motion return to the patient - it will be an average of six months before the doctor will allow the patient to resume all types of activities.

Sciatica Exercises for Pain Management

Sciatica pain can be difficult to live with, affecting every area of a sufferers day-to-day life. There are several options for sciatica pain relief; it can be managed with sciatica home treatments, such as hot and cold therapy and exercise. Sciatica pain can also be managed using medication. In severe cases, sciatica pain can be alleviated or managed with surgery.

In the past, bed rest was often recommended for patients suffering from sciatica pain. Now, however, doctors and physical therapists alike are advising against this practice. Instead, a regular gentle exercise program is recommended. Targeted stretching exercises, such as yoga techniques, can also be used to help alleviate sciatica pain. Sciatica pain relief can also be obtained using hot and cold therapy at home. Applying ice packs to the affected area provides pain relief. Alternating with heat gives the affected muscles a chance to relax, relieving pressure on the compressed nerve and easing the pain the sufferer feels.

Medication is also an option for sciatica pain relief. Sciatica pain is best treated with an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or codeine. In severe cases, cortisone shots can be administered for temporary pain relief. Sufferers should keep in mind, however, that these drugs only alleviate the pain. They do not heal the underlying problem.

In severe cases, sciatica sufferers can obtain relief from surgery. If sciatica is being caused by a spinal injury, such as a slipped or herniated disc, surgery can alleviate the back injury, and therefore the pressure on the sciatic nerve. If you are experiencing chronic sciatic pain, talk to your doctor about what options might be right for you.

How does Lyrica and Sciatica relate to one another? Pain with Sciatica can impair a normal life and cause excruciating pain. It can and will restrict your ability to walk and maybe the ability to move. Usually the pain is mainly on one side of the body. It will start at the lower back and move its way down the hip and even all the way down to the toes.

It is often misdiagnosed as a disease but in fact, Lyrica and sciatica are a combination that will help to relieve the chronic pain that can result from a compressed or pinched nerve or an irritation to the nerve. The treatment needed will all depend on what's causing the compressed or pinched nerve.

Lyrica and sciatica pain management is a very important part of the nerve treatment process. Any movement will cause pain, and the patient prefers to restrict their movement because of the pain involved. So if they just sit idle, that is much easier than all the pain. But this can be dangerous and can cause stiffness in the muscles and joints. And this will cause even more problems and pain.

The key to treating this, the key to all alternative remedies for sciatica is exercise. Pain management is necessary, but even so, the patient is advised to maintain an sciatica exercise program.

Back Brace For Bad Posture - Why Orthopedic Support Can Help - Where To Get Spinal Braces Near You

Do you suffer from poor posture?

Are you looking for a way to help yourself stand more straight?

1.) Reasons For Bad Posture

People can get tired and they begin to slouch. You know the scenario, your shoulders roll forward, your abdominal muscles relax and whether you are always conscious of it or not, your posture is compromised. At some point, we all have been victims of bad posture, for this reason. - Other people have back problems, whether they suffer from tired back muscles or not. Sometimes it has nothing to do with your musculature. - One reason why people suffer from bad posture is osteoporosis. A compression fracture in your spine may also promote bad posture as well. - These are just a few reasons why you might have a "sagittal l imbalance", or poor posture.

2.) Benefits to Using Back Braces For Bad Posture

The positive reason for getting a back support for poor posture is obvious; you will stand straighter. When you stand straighter, on a consistent basis, you may allow your body a chance to heal from certain conditions. One of these conditions could be a compression fracture, which is partly caused by flexion of your spine.

3.) Down Sides To Using Back Support for Bad Posture

There are not really many reasons why back braces are bad for you. However, if we had to give some downsides to the use of back braces for poor posture it is that people can get way to use to the support. - If you are conscious of the fact over use (of nearly anything) is bad, then you should be fine. - Wearing a brace loosely or wrong (not following instructions on usage) can also cause problems for people.

4.) Where To Get A Quality Othopedic Support Near You

If you are looking for a quality back support for bad posture, then it is important to visit a licensed orthotist in your area. An orthotist is an individual that has studied orthotics (external supports) and they are the best and most experienced people to see when it comes to back braces. Orthotists are essentially specialists in the field of bracing.

Another reason why it is important to visit a licensed brace provider in your area is that they can bill your insurance for the device. They are not always fully covered by insurance, but many times a large portion of the orthopedic support is covered. It all depends on the terms of your health insurance policy.

Note: This is health information. Not medical advice. People suffer from poor posture for many reasons and it is best to be evaluated by a physician, before considering getting a back support.

Recovery From Lumbar Fusion Surgery - Information

Surgical dressing will be done over any incision after returning from surgery. The dressing is removed a number of days after surgery. The patient can have sutures underneath the skin which are dissolved while healing happens. There are some instances that staples are used as sutures which are visible.

They are normally detached 2-3 weeks after surgical operation by a nurse or surgeon.Before surgery, it is necessary to talk to the surgeon and anesthesiologist regarding the management of pain. Pain relief includes medication by oral means and through IV.

Therapy through IV

The intravenous line in the arm gives fluids and nourishment. Fluids will be stopped once the patient resumes drinking and eating. Intravenous line is also needed in blood transfusions. Antibiotics are given through IV after surgery to get rid of infection for a number of days.

Regarding diet, the patient is allowed to take in little sips of water in the first twenty four to thirty six hours or until the stomach is prepared to take in food. If he or she can tolerate eating, he/she is allowed to take regular food. Other patients are not permitted to drink or eat within 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

Deep breathing exercises after surgery:

- Put your hands over your stomach. Do the nose breathing. You will observe that the stomach rises and the chest enlarges. Control your breath within two seconds. Exhale through the mouth and you will observe that your abdomen goes down. Always cough next to deep inhalation exercises. This aids in clearing the lungs.
- Take plenty of deep inhalation.
- In your subsequent breath, inhale through the nose and control your breath within two seconds.
- Afterward try to cough 2 or 3 times in succession
- You can do plenty of "double coughs" to clear the lungs. You will learn from the nurse how to operate incentive spirometer, an apparatus that will help you breathe deeply. The device can be used 10 times per hour while the patient is awake.

It is important to maintain good circulation of the legs post spinal surgery. Walking and leg exercises can help in circulation. The patient can also put on chronological compression boots which mechanically inflate as well as deflate, which help in pumping the blood in the legs back to the heart.

Positioning activities after lumbar fusion surgery

The patient is on bed after surgery. The nurse helps him/her to "log roll" sideways as the need arises to avoid stiffness and help good circulation. Logrolling is the activity that turns the shoulders and hips at similar times without moving the back. He/she can have one pillow under the knees to reduce stress at the back. The patient must not lie down on his/her stomach because this will create strains that are not needed at the back.

Activity out of bed

It is nice to have small walks in the lobby of the hospital. If sitting, select a solid, hardback chair. Refrain from sitting longer than twenty minutes within a time. It is good to stroll around or lying down to relax. Do not bow or lift Bend the knees and maintain the back straight in straightening up and stooping.

The exercise activity will differ depending on the type of surgery. Some exercises are the following: ankle pumps, quadriceps setting exercises and gluteal setting exercises.

Recovery from lumbar fusion surgery or any form of surgical operation is attainable as long as you follow the prescribed instruction of the surgeon and other health providers.

How to Relieve Lower Back Pain While Sitting - What Works and What Does Not - Relief Options

How is your lower back doing?

Does it cause you a lot of problems when you sit?

1.) Introduction

You may be fine when you are sleeping, or when you stand, but when you sit the pain just gets out of control. Would you agree? You may wonder why this happens, and we will cover that in this article. We will cover reasons why your pain is worse when you sit. At the end of this article we will also cover a cost effective treatment option for those of you in pain.

2.) Causes of Lower Back Pain When Sitting

Whatever your problem is in your lower back, you need to realize something about your spine first. It revolves around the subject of loads being placed on your spine, especially the lower back. There is a biomechanical that exists regarding different positions that your body is in... For example, when you lay down, the amount of stress that is on your spine is the least. Axial load and gravity place an increased amount of pressure on your back when you stand. Last, but definitely not least, your back is under more stress when you sit, and especially if you sit in a crouched position.

You may not feel the pain all the time, but when it kicks in it can be the worst! - Pain can be the result of a herniated disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve root, or it can be a muscle strain for example, that is causing all the problems.

3.) What Many Physicians Request For Their Patients

When it comes to back pain, many physicians will request that their patients use a lower back support to help offload their lower spine. This is achieved by the increase in intercavitary pressure that helps to free up discs or strained muscles for example. It will not free up an involved kidney problem and you should talk to your doctor about other options if this problem exists for you.

Back support can help reduce your lumbar pain by limiting painful movements that will further your injury or discomfort levels. How great would that be? - You know that those moments can happen when you are sitting down and you are wearing your lower back brace. You might forget that you have a lower back problem that is trying to heal itself, but a lumbar back support will remind you not to make that movement that will send your pain through the roof! - This is just one way in which a back support can help. - These biomechanical principles we mentioned and benefits have been medically documented and this is why many physicians request them for their patients.

* If you have need for medical advice it is best to speak with your physician. We do believe in the benefits of back support, but this is health information only.

Back Support Belt - Corset Back Support Belt Benefits

In many industries, lifting heavy objects is simply part of the job. Unfortunately, lifting improperly can quickly and easily lead to serious injury. In order to prevent injuries and promote the proper techniques for lifting, many work places require that employees wear a back support belt. The benefits of this type of back support are numerous, and they provide adjustability, which allows them to be comfortable as well as functional. The most common type of support belt for this purpose is also known as a corset brace, which provides both support and rigidity for the entire back.

The primary purpose of a back support belt is to provide the spine with support and stability. This can be to prevent injury or protect an already-injured spine. Corset support belts can vary in their widths, largely depending on what condition they are treating or what specific purpose they are meant to fulfill. Shorter or narrower corset braces, for example, are used for lower back pain. Wider or longer back braces are typically prescribed for problems pertaining to the middle or lower thoracic spine. The reason why they are called corset braces is because they are largely adjustable, typically using either laces or Velcro to adjust how tight they are around the body.

When such a back support belt is worn in the workplace, it is typically either to prevent re-injury of a back that has been hurt before, or to prevent initial injury when the person has to lift or move heavy items. Because improperly lifting heavy items can quickly lead to a serious back injury, these support belts are largely designed to promote the right posture and proper lifting technique. Lifting should not involve bending at the waste, something that is largely inhibited by this type of support brace. Instead, lifting should rely heavily on the legs, while the back remains steady and stable.

Modern back support belt options typically extend from the abdomen down past the buttocks. Most have suspenders or shoulder straps, allowing them to be held on properly. They embrace the body tightly, but not so tightly that they sacrifice comfort. They typically have a set of laces on one side of the belt, allowing them to be adjusted as needed. They also typically have metal stays built in, which like boning in historical corsets is designed to provide support and rigidity for protection from and prevention of back injury and back pain.

Why Does Prolonged Sitting Cause So Much Back Pain?

As this question stands, the position of sitting should not cause back pain; providing you do not sit in the same position for very long time, or you will begin to feel discomfort either your back or in your buttocks.

This is because your body is designed for movement, so if you do not move after a few minutes; then you will start to feeling uncomfortable in some parts of your body.

It does not mean that you have to keep getting up and sitting down. All your body is asking for is a slight adjustment or movement in your buttocks, so that the area you are sitting on is replenished with saturated oxygen fluid, or these cells will die.

Sitting in one position is known as prolonged sitting and has become an area of particular interest to many people, who sit all day in their productive employment. They are finding that sitting at a computer for extended periods of time is causing them considerable pain and discomforts.

All these people need to understand that they cannot sit for prolonged periods of time without moving. If they do not move, their body will inform them through discomforts in their buttock or spine that they need movement.

Our bodies are not designed to be statues, but we are a living organism that constantly needs movement for keeping us alive, active and healthy for survival in daily living.

In essence our body is a very sophisticated machine that coordinates all areas for rest and activity, so that we can remain alive and active for as long as possible for a comfortable quality of life.

This is how simple life is, but there seems to be serious lack of understanding about we need to move our bodies for different positions.

When we change from an upright standing position to sitting in a chair, the dynamics of our movement changes. Our body's center of gravity is no longer in the center of our feet, but is now through our pelvic bones when we sit in a chair.

The pelvic bones bones are attached to the base of our spine. You can put hands on one, on each side of your middle below your waist. If you have gained some weight, you may find this difficult to feel under the fat, but they are still there.

The pelvic bones are shaped like a triangle and if you sit on your pelvic bones, you should feel their lowest point of the pelvic bone as you lean back; so that your full upper body weight goes down your spine and into both pelvic bones.

This is your center of gravity for your body in sitting. When you are sitting on your pelvic bones, your spine is vertically straight and no muscles in your abdomen are being used to hold it upright.

Using this pelvic position for prolonged sitting is called the neutral position and is the best position that you can possibly use when sitting in a chair, for any type of productive sitting.

There are many other professionals, such as ergonomic specialist and chiropractors, who want you to sit more forwards, so that you need to purchase equipment for making you more comfortable. This is not necessary, as there is no harm in sitting in the neutral position.