December 15th, 2007 by Aaks
Arthritis is one of the deadly diseases in the world apart from the HIV. This is the disease that has claimed many lives nation wide. Millions of dollars have been spent in combating this deadly disease, yet there is no permanent solution.
If you or a loved one have this disease, you need to be aware that it is not the end of the world yet. Many people like you having the same problem have been able to continue living their normal lives, while battling with this disease.
Arthritis is a disease that you can recover from if detected early enough. An early treatment will prolong your life or that of your loved one. It is a disease that is common in joints. Arthritis as a term derives its meaning from the Greek word “arthron” and “it is”. The former means joint while the latter means inflammation.
Arthritis is not just a single disease but a combination of several other diseases that affect your joints. Actually, it combines different diseases. Some of these various diseases associated with arthritis involve inflammation of the joint, while others do not.
Some of these different diseases are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudo-gout, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, etc. Though presently there is no known cure for this disease, researches are still being carried out in order to find a cure.
It is advisable that you contact a reputable and reliable physician for treating arthritis. These professionals are more experienced than you. Their timely advice can help elongate your life or that of your loved one battling with arthritis.
Though many people out there are scared of visiting a physician, it is advisable that you do so; as it might be the saving grace. You must watch out for the arthritis symptoms early enough to know when to begin receiving treatment for arthritis.
As soon as you detect any early symptoms of arthritis, it is recommended that you seek immediate help and assistance of a professional rheumatologist who will be in the best position to help you with the needed treatment.
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December 15th, 2007 by Aaks
Degenerative arthritis, how does it affect your body? It is a serious condition that causes the person to be in a lot of pain. This disease affects millions of people that are located all over the globe. Many people know it better as osteoarthritis and when this condition worsens it is referred to as degenerative arthritis. This condition is the most common form of arthritis and it affects different joints in the body. Most commonly it affects the spine, knees, hips, fingers and toes and it can be in more than one joint at a time. The joints have a substance made of protein between them to prevent them from rubbing together called cartilage. Degenerative arthritis breaks down causing the cartilage to deteriorate leaving the bones exposed.
Degenerative arthritis causes spurs or new bone to develop where the cartilage use to be. These spurs can be extremely painful and hard to live with. As a person gets older they are more likely to get this disease because the protein that makes up the cartilage begins to break down and the quantity of water will increase. Doctors will refer to degenerative arthritis as either primary or secondary. Primary just seems to happen with age and no one really knows why so it really isn’t a lot that you can do about the condition.
Usually the cause of secondary osteoarthritis can be determined because it was due to wear and tear on the body. Most of the time, the person with this condition has used the affected area repeatedly over several years. For example, there are a lot of jobs that require a person to perform the same task over and over for many years. When this happens the cartilage between the joints they are using is being worn down and over a few years degenerative arthritis can set in. This is why it would be best if you can avoid using joints repeatedly if you can.
It is important to know as much about degenerative arthritis and your body as you can. Even though there is not a single thing you can do to prevent this getting this disease when you get older, you can reduce your risks. Being overweight can cause damage to your spine, hips and knees. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight can help to eliminate extra strain on the body in these areas and reduce the odds of having this disease in these joints. It is important that everyone do all they can to prolong or eliminate this disease from their future to avoid a lot of unnecessary suffering.
Don’t let excruciating pain caused by arthritis rule your life. Find out how you could be pain free with a rheumatoid arthritis cure that really works. For up to date information and helpful resources regarding arthritis care and treatment, visit http://www.arthritis-care.net
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December 15th, 2007 by Aaks
There are many alternative treatments out there for arthritis. It is quite well documented that exercise and a healthy lifestyle can aid arthritis sufferers. There is also a lot of information out there about alternative therapies. It seems people are always looking for another means to cut down their pain, and rightly so, arthritis can be an extremely debilitating disease. Nothing can beat the benefit of a fit and healthy lifestyle, strong muscles are the best thing for a joint. However in conjunction with other therapies and treatments, exercise and healthy lifestyle will be more effective.
So what else can we do?
One therapy not discussed much in the treatment for arthritis is acupuncture. Acupuncture is basically inserting small needles into the skin in order to relieve various pains and symptoms. It has been around for years and is quite popular. Western research suggests that stimulation of certain skin or muscle areas by needles releases large amounts of endorphins and bradykinins. These are the bodies natural painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents.
A study in 2004 showed that acupuncture can be of benefit to arthritis sufferers. The study was searching for evidence of acupuncture reducing the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis. 570 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were involved. Patients were measured for pain and function scores at week 8 and week 26 of the program (in comparison with a sham acupuncture group). They were also measured on a 6 minute walk and a physical health score.
Participants in the true acupuncture group experienced greater improvement in their pain and function scores than the sham group at week 8. By week 26, the acupuncture group had significantly better scores in all areas.
Should you try acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a great secondary treatment for osteoarthritis. If you are suffering pain, it is something that can be used alongside exercise and medication. It may not be for you, but give it a try, don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to treatment. A combination of treatments will more likely give you the benefit you seek. Acupuncture is alternative, but it has been around for a very long time and there is a lot of evidence it does relieve pain and symptoms of various conditions. Try it, it may work for you.
For more information on joint pain and pain relief visit Joint Pain Edge
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December 15th, 2007 by Aaks
Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder often confused with arthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome. There is no universally accepted cure for fibromyalgia, although some physicians have claimed success in finding cures. Improvements in the treatment of fibromyalgia have resulted from a continued focus on the condition, and these treatments range from addressing symptoms with the use of prescription drugs to alternative and complementary medicine.
This article reviews Anatrin, a natural supplement that can be used to help in addressing some of issues confronting Fibromyalgia patients. This deals with the nutritional deficiencies commonly seen in fibromyalgia patients, effectively replacing the critical nutrients lost by the many physical and psychological stressors caused by this syndrome.
Over time, many supplements, including Anatrin, have been developed to help treat diseases which arise out of, or result in, a deficiency in the diet, or are a result of stress on the body.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by muscle pain, tenderness and fatigue. It is considered to be an arthritis related condition in some quarters, however it is important to note that while arthritis causes inflammation and damage to joints and other body tissues, fibromyalgia does not. Its cause is as yet unknown, which means properly targeted treatment with drugs is not yet possible.
Given that, it could be that the best approach is to supplement a balanced diet with Anatrin. This can help in heal muscles weakened by the syndrome while providing much needed respite.
The primary signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia often resemble those of another condition, rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Like arthritis, fibromyalgia also presents with pain, stiffness, fatigue. However, fibromyalgia sufferers usually present secondary symptoms that are not muscle or joint related. Listed below are the most typical primary and secondary symptoms:
- sleep disturbances,
- morning stiffness,
- headaches,
- irritable bowel syndrome,
- painful menstrual periods,
- numbness or tingling of the extremities,
- restless legs syndrome,
- temperature sensitivity,
- cognitive and memory problems (sometimes referred to as “fibro fog”), or
- a variety of other symptoms.
What is inside Anatrin
Anatrin is rich in a many minerals and salts which can assist the bodyin dealing with fibromyalgia. Magnesium is a key component of Anatrin, and this is to restores levels reduced by the condition. Also in Anatrin is ginger root extract which can help the muscles affected to heal. Melatonin helps in restoring sleep cycles to enable the patient to rest more easily.
Each capsule of Anatrin contains:
- Magnesium for the resolution of common fibromyalgia symptoms.
- Ascorbigen and Broccoli Powder: Ascorbigen is one of the most common medicinal compounds, called indoles, released when cruciferous vegetables are cooked. These types of indoles can induce Phase I detoxification in the liver. As well, these chemical constituents promote significant reductions of physical impairment.
- Rhodiola rosea Extract for treating functional fatigue and mild cognitive decline. The compounds in this plant have also been shown to increase ATP production
- Ginger root Extract for the relief of pain. Ginger is considered equally effective as an adjunct treatment, showing additional relief over conventional medication alone
- A number of clinical studies have supported 5-HTP’s role in the production of serotonin in patients with fibromyalgia
- Melatonin is a naturally produced biochemical that is secreted from the pineal gland at the base of the brain, which controls circadian rhythms and plays a major role in sleep cycles. Numerous studies have shown a link between melatonin levels in patients with fibromyalgia
- Malic acid is a naturally occurring chemical found most notably in apple juice. It helps improve absorption of some nutrients like magnesium, as well working to reduce pain and tenderness of pressure points
Please check with the manufacturer on exact details of components details and references.
Need to have this supplement
Dietary supplements such as Anatrin have emerged as a real treatment option. Because the cause is unknown the best anyone can do is treat the symptoms. Tests using Anatrin have shown improvements of muscles and joints can be achieved. This is potentially a real fillip for fibromyalgia sufferers, as Anatrin could offer a ray of hope in the treatment of fibromyalgia. If you are at all unsure please consult your health professional.
Ed Sutherland is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Arthritis-Treatment-Reviews.com. He provides more useful information on arthritis, natural supplements, treatments and information on finding the natural treatment for you that you can research at your leisure on his website, http://www.arthritis-treatment-reviews.com
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December 15th, 2007 by Aaks
Having Arthritis can change your whole life. Not only do you have to endure the suffering from joint pain but your lack of ability to move freely can damper your lifestyle. Whether you love to work in your garden, go for a hike, dance the night away, or simply climb a flight of stairs, arthritis can make your favorite activities seem impossible.
The way most people deal with arthritis is to take common over-the-counter painkillers. Ibuprofen, which reduces inflammation, is the most popular treatment for arthritis pain. Unfortunately, ibuprofen has side effects.
The over-the-counter version of ibuprofen is not meant to be taken for more than 10 days at a time. Unfortunately, the pain from arthritis is often a daily occurrence. Many people suffering with arthritis take ibuprofen regularly for a lot longer than ten days and they damage their bodies in doing so.
The primary risk of these painkillers is damage to your stomach. According to researchers drugs like ibuprofen can damage the esophagus, the stomach lining, the small intestine and the colon. Left undiagnosed they can lead to bleeding in the gut or even a perforation, a situation that requires surgery. 1
Research has found that about 60% of people who take ibuprofen or similar drugs for longer than recommended develop stomach damage.2 Those are not good odds. Most often the damage is asymptomatic, at first. This means these folks keep on taking the medicine, all the while doing greater and greater damage to their stomach.
Fortunately, these painkillers aren’t the only option.
100% Safe, Natural, Effective Arthritis Relief
Besides taking a good joint supplement, you might want to consider trying Acupuncture. Acupuncture is an old Asian method to reduce pain by using very thin needles to stimulate certain points within the body. The philosophy behind it is that it opens the channels for the body’s natural energy to flow freely. The idea is that energy blockers contribute to pain and by eliminating these obstacles the patient will find relief.
I’ve personally never experience Acupuncture but I do know that many of my patients have and they swear that it works. In a large scale study conducted by the National Institute of Health, researchers found that patients receiving acupuncture treatments experienced a 44 percent reduction in their pain levels. They also showed a 40 percent improvement in function and mobility.3 Those are pretty impressive results.
Given that acupuncture, when performed by a trained and certified professional, doesn’t have any negative side affects, it is a treatment I recommend you try if you are struggling with daily arthritis pain.
1 Russell RI. “Defining patients at risk of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug gastropathy,” Ital J Gastroenerol Hepatol 1999; 31 Suppl 1: S1`4-18
2 “The Dangers of Aspirin and NSAIDs,” American College of Gastroenterology.
3 “Acupuncture can relieve arthritis pain,” Medical News Today. 12/21/2004
Mark Rosenberg, MD
Institute For Healthy Aging
www.vitalmaxvitamins.com
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com/blog
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August 15th, 2007 by Aaks
At some time in our lives we will have lower back pain. This typically happens for a variety of reasons. It will need your immediate attention. There is not many times that when you have lower back pain that you are not going to notice it. Our back is used for most activities in our daily lives, so it is difficult for it to go unnoticed.
Here are some ways for you to relieve lower back pain without surgery, so you may get on with your usual activities. For you to have lower back pain relief you must first know what caused the problem. Then you must know what is hurt. Here are some examples:
Mattress - if you have a poor mattress, this can cause you lower back pain. A poor mattress can and will cause low back pain the morning when you awake. In some cases it can be so severe that you will not hardly be able to move.
Obesity - when you are carrying extra weight and pressure that is caused to your lower back muscles, can and will cause you lower back problems.
Disc problems - if you have ever had a slip disc, you know that this can cause you extreme lower back pain.
Pregnancy - during a pregnancy you can have intense lower back pain. In fact there is labor called back labor which is quite intense.
Each of the above problems will have its own different ways to relieve lower back pain. You will need to see a doctor to determine what is the cause of the pain.
How to Treat and Relieve Lower Back Pain
Some of the methods listed below will help you find relief from back pain without surgery or drugs. Now there are quite a few ways to achieve back pain relief. Here are some ways to get relief from back pain without surgery.
Ice / hot patches - these will provide relief for up to 16 hours and are mainly used by back pain relief athletic due to excessive exercise.
Topical pain relief treatments - you have the natural pain relief sprays and topical pain relief ointments that can be applied to the area of the pain for some relief.
Drugs - Tylenol, Advil and Aleve will help relieve lower back pain, but you should consult your doctor first.
There are also magnets for pain relief. This has become a very popular method of late. There are patches and belts that have magnets built into them so you can just strap them around you so the magnets can help relieve the lower back pain.
A lot of low back pain relief can be found in your local store. The over the counter drugs will provide some pain relief. That is why you should consult your doctor to make sure you are taking the right treatment. You don’t want to guess the wrong treatment.
Treatments on how to relieve back pain are in most cases harmless. An injury to your back is another thing. Trying to diagnose your back pain incorrectly due to an injury is a risk you should not take.
Tips
If you exercise and keep the lower back muscles strong will prevent lower back pain. If you use exercises like, yoga and Pilates that involve a bunch of stretching will help relieve lower back pain if you are over weight or have a muscle strain.
There are some back pain the will put you down and immobilize you until you find lower back pain relief. Whenever you are having lower back pain, you need to talk to your doctor to make sure that you are doing the right things to relieve lower back pain. If you do this, you have a good chance to have a healthy and normal life. You want to find a way that will provide relief from back pain without surgery, that is the goal.
If you need more information on this topic and other pain relief topics visit: Arthritis Pain Relief
Steve Madigan has attained expert status in the area of tendonitis. His website Thumb Tendonitis tendonitis is one of the best resources on all types of tendonitis cures, treatment and remedies. Steve and his son Tim have also written an ebook called Putt Lights Out to help people overcome their putting problems in golf, located at Putting Instruction
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August 15th, 2007 by Aaks
Unfortunately, many people lose a good night’s sleep all because of the mattress on which they sleep. If you find you wake feeling tired or sore, that you have difficulty falling asleep, or toss and turn throughout the night, the problem could very well be your mattress. The truth is that a restless night will result in a miserable day, making it difficult to concentrate and function at full capacity. While the mattress could be the problem, it is important that you consider a number of factors when buying to ensure you end up with the right mattress.
The proper mattress will make you feel rested and rejuvenated. Making a choice on a mattress can be difficult. One of the first things you need to do is educate yourself on mattress types.To help you with the process, we have provided some helpful information to consider.
? Latex Foam – The primary benefit to a latex foam mattress is that the pressure of the body is distributed evenly. This means you never experience pain from pressure points, allowing you to enjoy a deep, restful sleep. Typically, people who suffer from sleep disorders or back problems would find the latex foam mattress one of the better options.
? Adjustable Bed – Many physical conditions including spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis would benefit most from an adjustable bed mattress. With this option, you can adjust the position of the mattress, helping you find the most comfortable position for sleeping. Although usually high priced, adjustable bed mattresses offer various head and feet elevations depending on specific need.
? Spring – The spring mattress is probably one of the most common and affordable types. Some of the newer styles on the market are excellent but one of the primary issues is that the springs are not very forgiving. For this reason, we strongly recommend you choose the best you can afford to ensure high quality.
? Sleep Number – One of the newer types of mattresses on the market, the sleep number is divided into two sides, allowing each person to adjust the firmness according to personal preference. For instance, a firm mattress of 85 might be perfect for one person while the individual on the other side of the mattress likes a 25 setting, which is much softer.
Generally, a mattress of any kind is rated by firmness – firm, plush, and pillow top. For the best back support, you would want the firm mattress. A plush mattress can also be firm but provide a little more give while a pillow top offers the most comfort and give.
In addition, you want to consider the warranty of the mattress. Since mattresses are expensive, you want to ensure you purchase a mattress set that will provide you with a minimum of five years support and comfort.
When shopping around for mattresses, we recommend you visit a number of manufacturers, actually lying down on the mattresses to test them out. This way, you would have a better feel according to your body. Once you find a specific type of mattress you like best, you could then shop online or through discount stores to find better prices.
Article provided courtesy of Bedding Plus - a resource for teen girl bedding, bed comforters and luxury bedding.
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August 15th, 2007 by Aaks
Although arthritic conditions may not originate in the lumbar region, they can also affect the back and result in arthritis back pain. Commonly, there are a few types of arthritic conditions that may need back pain treatment as well, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions may not begin in the spine, but may ultimately travel to the lumbar region.
Osteoarthritis refers to the loss of protective cartilage that results in abnormalities surrounding the bone. Osteoarthritis strikes in two forms: primary, the most common, progressive type that sets in around age forty-five and the secondary form resulting from a trauma or injury. Osteoarthritis also affects the spine and it can be painful at any age. The condition commonly affects the small joints in the hands, the hip, the knee and the spine. A typical symptom of Osteoarthritis is pain without activity upon waking up. The pain subsides with movement and intensifies in damp weather. In addition, sitting for a prolonged period of time also causes the spine to hurt.
Typically, back pain patients suffering from Osteoarthritis are advised to maintain a regular regimen of gentle exercise and proper weight balance. In addition, they are also prescribed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which can help them to relieve the back pain and allow the recovery of weak muscles.
Another common arthritic condition that may lead to arthritis back pain is rheumatoid arthritis. This form of arthritis, usually affects the knee, hip, hand, neck and spine areas. It is usually more common in women than in men. The first symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is malaise and fatigue, including morning tenderness and prolonged stiffness of the joints, particularly in the hands and feet. As symptoms intensify, drug therapy is used to prevent irreversible cartilage loss or deformity. If joint swelling worsens, the inflammation process proceeds to the cartilage and bone. In the final stages, overgrowth of cartilage and destruction of the bone throw ligaments out of position.
One effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is to remain active during the day. You should exercise for at least twenty minutes a day to help build muscle strength. Besides this, NSAIDS are being used to reduce swelling and pain in the joints. If NSAIDS do not work, you may instead be given cortisone to reduce inflammation.
For more information on effective back pain remedies, quick cures for back pain or fun back pain exercises, you can visit this site: Back Pain Clinic
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Do you suffer from Lower Back Pain? Would you like to move around free and easily, being able to do sport or just play with your children… without the fear of your lower back pain getting worse?
Well, you are in good company. Over 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some stage. Most leave it for months or years before they do anything about it. Yet there are some simple steps to follow that can eliminate your lower back pain – completely and permanently.
Step 1: Muscle Stretches Yes I know you know about stretches. There are countless ones about and all say they are the miracle cure to your lower back pain… only if you do them this way or that.
But there are no miracle stretches. Sure there are better ways to stretch, but the most important aspect is not how to stretch. The most important aspect of stretching is stretching the right muscles at the right time. There are certain muscles that cause lower back pain. Stretch these and lower back pain will ease, stretch them at the right time and you will not only remove lower back pain you will improve your flexibility in half the time or quicker.
Step 2: Muscle Strength So which gym am I promoting or which type of exercise is best. In fact – if you don’t improve the nerve supply or the blood supply to your muscles, no exercise will create the benefits you need. If a muscle has its’ nerve or blood supply compromised, then no matter which exercise you do, the muscle will not gain strength.
Without muscle strength, you fail to have your joints supported. Also if one muscle is too weak it can callow another to tighten. So you need to know the best stretches and strengthening techniques or your muscular system will not heal 100%.
Step 3: Joint Mobility Your joints need to move freely and easily. If the joint gets “sticky” then the muscles around it will tire out or tighten up. If a joint moves well the muscles are able to function correctly and stay in their ideal state of tension.
But… surely moving joints is in the domain of Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Physio’s. Actually there are many techniques that you can use at home to get your joints moving freely and easily. Add in the muscle techniques and the major causes of lower back pain are eliminated, simply and easily.
Step 4: Inflammation Inflammation can be removed through medication, supplements, Homeopathics and other natural products. You can also use Acupressure or Acupuncture (although Acupuncture is hard to use at home – who wants to stick needles in themselves anyway) which are both highly effective at removing inflammation.
If your joints are tender to touch, if your muscles are sensitive also, then inflammation is likely there. Removing it helps the area heal faster. Left there too long and the area will stiffen and become slower to heal, and even scar tissue can form as a protection.
Step 5: Posture Is you posture correct, do you stand up straight? Well don’t be alarmed, neither of these is important. Posture is a function of lower back pain, energy levels and general health. If you are suffering lower back pain, then your posture changes to accommodate it. If you are tired then you will slouch and have a less ideal posture. Posture is important to help the long term removal of lower back pain and the next step is vital in all postural issues.
Step 6: Rest Rest means rest. Yes you should relax and rest, stop using your spine each day for at least an hour. Take time here and there to lie down and stop fighting gravity. Gravity is the biggest cause of stress on your spine and muscles.
Lying down is the only way you can rest against gravity. If you lie down a few times a day then your muscles will not tire as easily, joints will have less pressure on them, your disc in your spine will not be squeezed as often and your energy levels in general will be better.
All you need to do is every few hours, take a 5-10 minute break and lie on the floor. When you get home and watch TV, lie on the floor or sofa to rest while you watch the TV. All these help to ease tension off your spine and will also benefit your posture – as if you are less tired, if your muscles have more energy – your posture will improve.
Step 7: Seek Help If in doubt seek help, if lower back pain persists see your doctor. Lower back pain will usually ease itself within a few weeks. If you use the steps above then you can shorten this time considerably. However if lower back pain persists… seek help. If you follow these 7 steps to eliminate your lower back pain, you will find pain disappears quickly and easily. If you fail to complete any of these steps, or worse if your practitioner does, then lower back pain will return at some stage. To find out which muscles to target, how to move your joints and all the details on the other steps just visit our web page on lower back pain.
Dr Graeme Teague is an expert in the structural field, and has been in practice since 1991. His newly launched web site The Back Pain Advisor - http://www.back-pain-advisor.com - strives to give you valuable and expert advice, tips and information on your back pain issues.
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Except for severe accidents, the most common case of lower back pain happens when an intervertebral disc bulges out (herniates) and presses on the spinal nerve. This bulging out of the disc is often caused by uneven compression of the disc due to excessive bending or twisting of the spine, especially when the spine is under compression. Incidentally, the bending or twisting of the lower spine is controlled by the tilt and rotation of the pelvis. Because excessive anterior pelvic tilt will cause hyperextension of the spine, and excessive posterior pelvic tilt will cause excessive flexion of the spine, the safest position is “neutral spine” which causes neither anterior nor posterior pelvic tilt. It is no surprise that some of the most effective measures for protecting the lower back involve maintaining neutral spine and avoiding excessive compression forces.
Risk factors and How to Mitigate Them
Inflexible Hamstrings and Gluteals
The hamstrings and gluteals are the primary extenders of the hip joint and most of them are attached to the pelvis. If they are too tight, they will tend to pull the rear of the pelvis downward and cause a posterior pelvic tilt. This increases the risk of injury for someone who has to bend over for any reason. In addition, tightness in the gluteals and hamstrings limit the ability to bend at the hips. This is a major problem because if someone has to pick up an object from the floor, and he/she cannot bend the hips far enough, he/she is likely to do the rest of the bending with the spine. The obvious solution is to stretch the hamstrings and gluteals regularly. Whenever stretching these or any other muscle groups, it is ideal to stretch them for at least 20 seconds.
Inflexible Psoas and Latissimi Dorsi
The psoas are among the major hip flexors, while the latissimi dorsi (plural) function to pull the upper arms down by the sides. The psoas are attached to the lumbar spine and if they are too tight, they can pull the lumbar spine forward and hyperextend it. The latissimi dorsi also have attachments at the lumbar spine. If someone is reaching upward, inflexibility in the latissimi dorsi and the psoas can combine to severely hyperextend the lumbar spine. As is similar to the first situation, the obvious solution here is to regularly stretch the psoas and the latissimi dorsi.
Weakness of the Abdominal Muscles and the Spinal Erectors
The abdominal muscles and the spinal erectors function to stabilize the spine and prevent it from bending or twisting to any excessive degree. This ability is often referred to as “core stability”, and it is a major factor in protecting the lower back. In addition, the transverse abdominals and internal obliques compress the abdomen and increase the inner abdominal pressure which pushes up on the diaphragm and takes much of the compression loads off the spine. Power lifters and other athletes who lift extremely heavy weights often use weight belts to augment this function. It is therefore clear that weak abdominals and spinal erectors allow the spine to bend and twist into abnormal positions while doing almost nothing to relieve the compression forces. Strengthening the abdominals and the spinal erectors are the obvious solutions to this problem. In addition, keeping the abdominals pulled in (also known as the “drawing in maneuver”) will activate the transverse abdominals and internal obliques. Not only will this reduce the chronic compression of the spine, but it will also strengthen these muscles and increase their resistance to fatigue.
Poor posture, Improper Working Conditions, and Obesity
Spending long hours in a slumped over or hyperextended position creates chronic stress on the intervertebral discs without giving them enough rest for recovery. Obesity is also a major risk factor for lower back problems because the chronically excessive compression and bending stresses create similar conditions. In addition, the sedentary lifestyle that leads to obesity is not conducive to strengthening the abdominal and lower back muscles in order to resist these excessive loads. Maintaining proper posture throughout the day is important. If your job forces you to maintain abnormal postures, then try to take regular breaks to give your back a rest. Also, an obese person would do well to go on a proper fat loss program.
There are obviously many factors which can cause lower back problems, and combining these factors will drastically increase the risk. However, there are also many things that we can do to reduce the risk. Although we can never completely eliminate the risk of lower back problems, a healthy lifestyle can certainly reduce the chances of injuries.
In addition to maintaining his career as a professional pilot, Roger has spent much time pursuing formal and self directed studies of the human physiology and metabolism. He is also qualified as a health nutritionist and a fitness trainer. He has written articles for www.spartafit.com.
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