Archive for January 2010
Two Weeks of Sleeping on the Floor – Trying to Get Comfortable During Severe Back Pain
When the pain of a sore back becomes nearly unbearable, what works best to control it? Here are a few different techniques I am trying, to make myself as comfortable as possible as I struggle to recover from a severe case of sciatica, in which my last lumbar disk has herniated and hit my sciatic nerve, making everyday life, well, really difficult.
After going to my orthopedic doctor, I tried physical therapy. It felt good in traction, when the body is pulled to take the pressure off the spine. Little did I know, that the next day, my whole body would go into major spasms. Being practically paralyzed from the pain, I knew that if I didn’t do something to help myself, then I’d most certainly end up in a hospital bed. With limited insurance, I decided to fight going, until exhausting my options. I called the doctor, and he changed my medicines to new ones, since the former kinds didn’t have an effect on the pain whatsoever.
Now, on muscle relaxants, narcotics and steroids, the pain subsides some. The only place I can find comfort is on the floor, as my bed, couch and recliners aggravate my spine right now. It is so touchy that I have to be careful how I get up, walk, turn, and I cannot bend or twist at all.
With a slab of memory foam on the floor, and a sleeping bag over top of it, the back pain forces me to work my computer from the floor. Not being able to sit up hardly at all, I am propped up by pillows only slightly, with a wedge under my knees and another behind my back for firm support. If I lie still, the pain subsides somewhat. Other people would have given up and gone to the hospital, but I am being gentle with my back, in hopes of recovery. I gave myself a time limit, if there is no improvement in two weeks, then I will go to the hospital as the doctor advised. I don’t recommend this for everyone, but when money is tight and work must be done, for me it’s worth a shot.
The steroids seem to be helping. I am now able to do more than a few days ago. I can sit up a little longer, and walk to the bathroom without doubling over in severe pain. I can get up just enough to get my food, and and feed my cats. They are concerned and sleep at my side at all times, wondering why their normally energetic owner isn’t moving much.
I have stopped physical therapy for now, to avoid more strong muscle spasms, my body is too touchy right now. Thank goodness the pharmacy has someone deliver my medicines to me. I have bottles of different meds all over my desk. It looks like a pharmacy in here. I take pills to sleep, for the pain, to relax muscles, and to keep calm during all of this. I am mellow as a marshmellow. Slowly, there is improvement. The floor is quite comfortable, and when I tried to sit up in my recliner, I realized that I’m not ready for it yet. It is a long and slow process.
Every so often I talk to my doctor, or one of his nurses. I avoid seeing friends much and rest most of the time. Work has been difficult, and I’ve had many days off (though I work from home, it is hard to work on the phone and use the computer efficiently). Thank goodness my bosses understand. As I lay here on my back, surfing the net from a horizontal position, I am learning a lot about dealing with lumbar spine problems, spine anatomy and what not to do to make the condition worse. Surfing orthopedic supply sites, I shop for a tens unit (muscle stimulator, to help control the pain) and all sorts of contraptions meant to help with back pain. I have already bought a few supplies meant to help my back, such as a hand held massager, massage recliner, back belt, ice packs, wedge pillows and memory foam. How glad I am to have them, they all have gotten quite a bit of use lately and make the situation more bearable with their convenience. Using the massage chair or the vibrating massage wand can aggravate the swelling in my back if used too much so I just use them briefly as needed. I apply heat then ice packs.
I’m doing gentle leg exercises to keep my muscles from wasting, too, when I get a momentary reprieve from the pain. Slowly, steadily, there is improvement. The pain is there but there is light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. It is a slow process, and I am encouraged but impatient.
So far, so good. I have new appreciation for my spine. Carelessly twisting, bending and otherwise abusing my back on a daily basis has probably gotten me into this position so now, newly learned habits will get me out of this mess. No more contorting my spine into a pretzel as I fall asleep on the couch in front of tv. Those days are over. This is an unfortunate but necessary learning experience. Take care of your spine and get it checked, it never hurts to be preventative, than come in later with a bad case of back trouble. Some conditions aren’t preventable, so if you get one of those, read up on the condition so you know what to expect from your treatment. It will make the whole situation less scary, the more you know.
Carolyn McFann
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/two-weeks-of-sleeping-on-the-floor-trying-to-get-comfortable-during-severe-back-pain-126032.html
Back Pain Cause by Lumbar Stenosis
What is Spinal Stenosis.
Spinal stenosis is condition of narrowing spinal canal. Spinal canal of lumbar spine contain with multiple nerve roots of lower extremities ,anal and perinium.
Why spinal stenosis make you pain.
When spinal canal stenosis space for nerve root is reduction. If our working with motion of spine nerve roots in spinal canal absolutlymove with our bodies.Nerve roots inflammation and swelling generate back pain , leg pain ,numpness or burning sensation.
What is specsific symptoms.
Low Back Pain : The most common symptoms of spinal stenosis. Pain increase by walking ,long standing, climbing you may sittng down or rest to reduce pain.
Numbness : Because of spinal stenosis generated inflammation nerve roots .Numbness are often symptoms in spinal canal stenosis. Numbness increase and reduce same as pain.
Burning Sensation: May present in spinal stenosis same as reason with numbness and pain.
The most important typical symptom is increased symptoms by walking ,long standing and climbing and symptoms reduce by rest or sittng.
How to management this back pain.
Visit Your Doctor : If you have specific symptoms of spinal stenosis .You need the examination by doctor and give you more information.
Rest is the most effective to reduce back pain symptom from spinal stenosis.
Avoided the increase pain factors; walking,long standing and climbing.
Drugs :You must consult your doctor about drugs for reduce low back pain from spinal stenosis.
Physical Therapy : Most helpful to reduce your back pain with low complications.
Alternative Treatment : Massage, Acupunceture ,Hypnosis,Chiropractic are search more information.
Surgery is the last choice for back pain from spinal stenosis.
More Information About Back Pain In Http://www.backpainsblog.com
U.singhjam
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/back-pain-cause-by-lumbar-stenosis-748875.html
8 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Relieve Chronic Back Pain
Sleep On A Plywood Bed. Don’t worry, I don’t mean a plywood mattress but placing a piece of plywood between the box spring and your mattress will keep your bed from sagging in the middle and provide better support for your back.
Back On A Waterbed. You may have had a waterbed when you were younger. You remember the type where every movement was like surfing in your own bed and you could almost feel the pull of the moon on the waves. Todays waterbeds are much nicer, with adjustable, anti-wave chambers and because of the way the bed disperses your body weight can allow for a more restful night of sleep without applying stressful pressure on your back.
Avoid Sleeping On Your Stomach. The position that is best for chronic back ache sufferers is on your back with a pillow underneath your knees. Make sure and use a good pillow that also slightly lifts your neck and head.
Curl On Up. Babies have it all figured out. The fetal position is a wonderful way to get a good nights sleep. To keep your lower body from twisting and placing stress on your spine while in this position, place a pillow between your legs at the knee level.
An Ibuprofen A Day Keeps The Inflammation Away. When back pain strikes it is normal to also experience inflammation which can cause further pain. Taking an anti-inflammation medication can help reduce the inflammation and some of the pain.
Take An Herbal Supplement. There are natural anti-inflammatory herbs on the market if you prefer to avoid over the counter medications. White Willow Bark is one such natural anti-inflammatory herb and can be found online or in your local health food store. The active ingredient in White Willow Bark is the same active ingredient that is found in aspirin. If you have trouble with heartburn or ulcers, you should avoid White Willow Bark and look for an alternative.
Gravity Inversion Works. Known as inversion traction, you use a device which will allow you to invert yourself for as little as five or ten minutes a day and can work miracles towards relieving back pain, particularly the lower back. If you are under a doctors care it is recommended you consult with them first before undertaking inversion traction therapy, especially if you have problems with your spinal discs. If you have been diagnosed with or are a candidate for glaucoma, do not use inversion traction therapy at all.
Be A Karate Kid. If you are able, join a Tai Chi class. This martial art is a combination of breathing techniques and slow movement that stretches and works your back muscles very effectively. You won’t be required to travel overseas and compete in any big tournaments, you can start out as slow as your back allows and gradually build your stamina. It is centered around relaxation and muscle control and can help lead to a better overall quality of life besides being good for your back.
Brent Parker
http://www.articlesbase.com/disabilities-articles/8-simple-things-you-can-do-to-help-relieve-chronic-back-pain-686975.html
Lower Back Pain Treatments
Lower back pain is causing a great concern in the United States. Moreover because it is in a recent study it is anticipated that four out of five adults in the United States will experience lower back pain in some point of their lives. Back pain being a common problem may sometimes hamper ones day to day life and may even lead to surgery. So it is always recommended to consult your physician even for the smallest back pain symptoms you will notice and get the advice before the problem grows.
Back Pain is indeed a very painful experience and ironically the severity of pain is often unrelated to the extent of physical damage it has caused. A simple strain can be extremely painful, while a herniated disk between vertebrate may cause little or no pain at all. That is why it is always beneficial that you may go in for many types of back pain tests that are available and can be administered to more accurately determine the cause of your pain.
Common causes of lower back pain can be found in the following:
• Injury to the bones, joints or ligaments in the lower back
• Smaller nerves running along and inside the spine becoming irritated or damaged
• Strain to the lower back muscles, or erector spine
• Damage to the intervertebral disks, which separate the vertebrate
• Irritated nerve roots connected to the hips, legs or even arms
At times many physical injuries can be attributed to specific incidents but still lower back pain may be slow-building, yet progressive. This can make it difficult to notice complicated lower back problems before they require treatment. Although lower back pain does not require emergency medical attention, a few symptoms may be signs of severe medical conditions.
Back pain as we have discussed is slow yet progressive and rarely requires emergency medical attention. But it is highly recommended that you consult your physician and follow his advice to avoid such emergency situations. In some cases if anytime you experience the following symptoms with a regular slow back pain you need to have an expert for emergency medical attention.
The symptoms are
Severe or constant pain in the lower back or abdominal region
Sudden bowel or bladder movements
A progressive feeling of weakness in the legs
An immediate medical attention saves you from any damage to your body and excruciating pain it may cause to you. For severe or chronic back pain, you should consider seeking lower back pain treatment, which is available in many forms. Lower back exercise can both help with back pain relief, and prevent it from recurring later. Most low back pain can be treated without surgery. Treatment involves using analgesics, reducing inflammation, restoring proper function and strength to the back, and preventing recurrence of the injury. Most patients with back pain recover without residual functional loss. Patients should contact a doctor if there is not a noticeable reduction in pain and inflammation after 72 hours of self-care. The best way is to take necessary precautions and make necessary changes in lifestyle, standing, sitting and sleeping positions and doing regular exercise. It is best to keep the back pain away from you and your family.
Dhiraj
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/lower-back-pain-treatments-127476.html
Dealing With Different Types Of Back Pain During Pregnancy
For every woman, pregnancy is a beautiful time period. Giving birth to a new life opens up a new chapter in her life. She feels complete and that makes her life even more meaningful to her. A woman feels so much elated with this new experience that she is able to overcome all the pain and changes happening to her body.
Well, these changes could be positive as well as negative. And it is duty of every person connected with the expecting mother to make her pregnancy period most comfortable. The most common discomfort she goes through is that of pain in her back. In some women, the pain is a constant feature during the whole length of pregnancy, while in others the pain can be impulsive. The intensity of back pain also varies in all women. For the acute sufferers, the pain is usually unbearable.
As the fetus starts to grow in the mother’s womb, the over-all weight of the woman’s body increases. As the weight increases, it gets an uneven distribution around the abdomen carrying the womb. This is a known fact that it is your back bone that supports your whole body weight. With this increasing weight, extra pressure is put on the back bone. And it becomes a little difficult for the back bone to bear it. All these developments, at last lead to back pain.
Besides this, the abdominal muscles of a pregnant woman also get stretched. This affects the muscles present around the spinal cord. As the centre of gravity of a woman changes, the muscles around the abdominal area try to keep a proper balance. In doing so, they work extra load. This leads to muscle fatigue in the back.
The back pains talked about in the above paragraphs are the ones that a woman suffers in length during her pregnancy. But there is another type of pain, which is usually encountered when a woman nears her due date. The pain in the back is very intense at this point of time.
But, there is nothing to panic about. You can always deal with back pain during pregnancy. There is something very easy that you can start with. All you need to do is to consult a good gynecologist who will guide you through a pleasant pregnancy. More the number of doctors you consult, the more confused you will get. So the best advice remains to follow the recommendations of a single doctor, because all doctors have different theories about effectively combating back pain during pregnancy.
Most of the doctors will prescribe you the use of the belly belt that will effectively support your increasing weight. Besides this, following a good set of exercise is the best treatment to cure back pain during pregnancy. The exercises to be followed should ideally be of low intensity. These exercises work in the direction of strengthening your back muscles. Any good doctor will generally advice you to refrain from binging into medicines, as the chemicals present in them can prove to be harmful for your growing fetus.
So, follow the advice of your doctor and have a comfortable pregnancy.
Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/dealing-with-different-types-of-back-pain-during-pregnancy-131880.html
