Kidney Infection Or Lower Back Pain? How To Distinguish Between The Two

Back pain is a part of our lives and can affect anyone at any point in time. Back pain may occur periodically, remain for a short time, and then quickly disappear. This is known as acute back pain and can be taken care of with medication and rest. The pain would be deemed chronic back pain when it remains for over three months. Many people are on constant medication for back pain.

However, if you are experiencing back pains near the kidney area, its time to pay a visit to the doctor. Kidney infection may cause pain, which is similar to lower back pain. The kidneys are located on either side of the spinal column just above the hip. That is why any kind of pain in that area may be diagnosed as kidney infection. The pain originates in the kidney and radiates to the lower back. This is known as referred pain. Therefore, very often kidney infection is confused with lower back pain.

So how does one distinguish between pain caused by kidney infection and lower back pain? One symptom is that pain due to kidney infection comes on rapidly and disappears once the course of medication is over. With back pain, the pain continues even after the infection has cleared up. The symptoms of kidney infection or kidney stone could be pain during urination, blood in the urine or fever with accompanying chills. If the doctor presses on the kidneys at the time of physical examination, there will be shooting pain in the area. If, on the other hand, you have a stretched, torn or twisted muscle, the pain will be specific to the area. The pain may occur either in the lower back, or between shoulder blades, below the waist or over the spinal column. This type of pain will get worse with movement and ease away while resting. Kidney infection can be safely ruled out in this scenario.

If you happen to suffer from kidney infection, the pain will occur on one side of the back, above the waist but just below the rib cage. The pain may increase as the bladder gets full or it may travel to the genital area. During the time you may have bouts of vomiting, pain while urination, blood in the urine and even fever. Lower back pain could be another symptom of kidney infection. These are general guidelines, which give an idea how to diagnose the pain in the lower back area. If you still are not sure what you are dealing with, any such symptoms call for an urgent visit to the doctor. It is always better to be safe than sorry. If there is an earlier history of kidney infections, then there may be another attack coming on. On the other hand, it may just be a stretched back muscle. Therefore, it is better to visit the doctor so that he can make the proper diagnosis and begin treatment for the pain or kidney infection as the case may be. The kidney infection and resultant back pain will probably clear up with a dose of antibiotics. Lower back pain treatment may call for physiotherapy or medication in the form of pain relievers.

Flip Flops Can Cause Back Pain

As summer approaches, many people are eager to put their warm weather footwear back into circulation. Before deciding to spend every day of the summer in flip flops, consider the possible implications that choice could have for your ankles, legs and lower back.

There are a few key problem areas with flip flops that make them unideal for everyday use:

No Arch Support

Your average pair of flip flops is flat; the arch of your foot is not supported. This leaves your foot more likely to roll inward when you step, which is called overpronation. Overpronation interferes with the efficiency of your step. When you take a proper step with your arch maintained, your weight is transferred to your large toes which push off the ground to move you forward. When the arch flattens out, your weight is concentrated on the inside edge of the big toe, which can't produce the same push-off power. Your hips and lower back muscles will compensate for this loss of power by helping to swing the leg forward. If these muscles are working more than they should with every step, they can become strained and sore.

No Ankle Support

Normal footwear comes with backing that helps to keep your ankle from rolling in and out. If your ankle is not held straight as you walk, the angle of all of the joints up to the back are altered. If the ankle rolls inward, for example, the calf bone (fibula) pushes outward on the knee and the thigh bone (femur) pushes inward on the hip. This angling of joints can cause joint pain and muscle strain, since muscles can't be used efficiently if their lengths and tensions are changed.

Another danger of the lack of ankle support is spraining your ankle.

No Stability

The thong design of flip flops doesn't afford them much stability. All you have holding the shoe on is a small strap between two toes. To keep the shoe on, you must clench your toes. This leads to a shorter stride and a change in body mechanics similar to what we see with overpronation, since the toes aren't as available to push off the ground when clenched. Also, the muscles of the foot and calf are working overtime to keep the toes clenched.

The upper and lower body are intricately connected by both the web of muscles and ligaments that stretch through the hips and the chain reaction set off by events of the lower body. A change in one joint angle affects the rest up to the pelvis. The pelvis is the base of the back and connects to the spine through the sacroiliac joints. This is why something as simple as clenching your toes or pronating can lead to lower back pain; any change in pelvic tension or alignment transfers easily to the lower back.

Ergonomic Flip Flops?

Some flip flop designers have taken the above concerns into consideration. There are now flip flops available that have arch supports, heel seats and raised toe areas. You can view a number of designs here: http://www.healthyfeetblog.com/arch-support-sandals-are-worth-every-penny. The arch support protects against overpronation and the contour of the sole increases stability. The heel seat may encourage ankle alignment to a slight extent, but not nearly as much as a shoe with backing.

Flip flops are not ideal for everyday wearing. Short-term use, such as on the beach or taking out the garbage, is generally harmless, but prolonged use will likely lead to lower back and lower body pain. If you can't stomach the thought of a summer without your favorite type of shoe, invest in ergonomic flip flops and wear wisely. A long day of walking or physical activity merits more stable footwear.

Causes and Treatments For Lower Back Pain

Low back pain affects both men and women between the ages of 30 and 50. While most instances of back ache go away within a few days, sometimes when it persists it could indicate a much more serious condition.

What Makes Your Back Hurt?

The nature of pain could either be acute or chronic. Acute pain is usually mechanical in nature and is short term. Its cause may be due to trauma such as sport injury, accident, or stress on spinal bones and tissues. Muscle ache, spasm, inability to move or stand straight, pain radiating from one part of the body due to an injury elsewhere in the body are a few indicators of low back pain due to trauma. A sedentary lifestyle with too little exercise may also result in such a problem.

When pain exists for months together, it is classified as chronic back ache. You are more prone to a hurting low back if you are obese, are in the practice of smoking, stressed out, have bad health, and bad posture.

There are quite a number of reasons for soreness in the low spinal area. Some require medical care while others can be treated at home. Treatment at home includes the use of ice and hot compresses, warm baths to help relax muscles, exercise, or medications to ease the pain.

How To Detect And Treat Back ache?

The methods that are generally used to diagnose lower back ache include X-ray imaging, thermography, ultrasound imaging, discography, bone scans, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electrodiagnostic procedures.

Interventional therapy is a method in which nerve conduction is blocked between certain parts of the body and the brain helps in reducing chronic pain. Minimally invasive outpatient treatments used for osteoporosis include vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Due to low success rates, invasive back surgery should be done only for those with a progressive neurologic disease or peripheral nerves problems.

Discectomy is another way to remove pressure on a nerve root from a bulging disc or bone spur. In cases of acute problems, a procedure called biofeedback is used, usually in combination with other methods.

Other methods of back pain remedy include chiropractic care, traction, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Foraminotomy for bulging discs or joints, IntraDiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET, for cracked or bulging spinal disc, Nucleoplasty for lower back pain due to herniated discs, Spinal fusion, and Spinal laminectomy.

Treatments for severe back pain that is chronic in nature are rhizotomy, cordotomy, and Dorsal Root Entry Zone Operation (DREZ). Contact a qualified professional to know more about these novel methods that are speedy and cost effective back pain remedy procedure.

Celiac Disease Can Cause Back Pain

Celiac disease affects about 1 in 133 Americans, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. The digestive and autoimmune disease is thought to be caused by genetic factors and has a wide range of symptoms.

The immune systems of people with Celiac disease respond to the ingestion of gluten protein by attacking the lining of the small intestine. This causes inflammation that damages villa, the small hairs in the intestine that absorb nutrients into the body. Because it affects nutrient absorption, Celiac has many symptoms beyond the digestive tract.

Nutrients include vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. The body uses all of these in various vital functions, including cell production, muscle activation, growth of bones and muscles and organ function. Since nutrients are the basic building blocks of our bodies, malnutrition can wreak havoc on a number of structures.

Symptoms of Celiac include:

Digestive problems, such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, fatty stools and constipation
Muscle, joint and bone pain
In children, failure to grow properly
Iron-deficiency anemia
Missed periods
Tingling in the legs
Seizures

Celiac Disease And Back Pain

If you experience chronic digestive symptoms and back pain, you should be tested for Celiac disease. Continuing to eat gluten can lead to permanent intestinal damage.

Nutrient deficiency affects muscles throughout the body. The lower back will likely be a site of pain, since the lower back muscles are both load-bearing and highly mobile. Electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium are needed for proper muscle functioning. A lack of these electrolytes causes interference in nerve communication between the brain and muscles. Contraction and relaxation cycles become disrupted. The muscles may twitch, spasm and cramp up. As the muscles get used less due to pain and miscommunication, muscle tone is lost. This process is accelerated by the fact that protein, the building blocks of muscles, is not being absorbed properly. This means that muscle wasting can't be counteracted by muscle repair.

Celiac disease can also cause osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Both disorders involve weakness of bones, but they are different in a few ways. Osteoporosis is a generally non-reversible thinning of bones caused by the body's inability to manufacture more bone tissue. Calcium and phosphate deficiencies greatly increase risk of osteoporosis. Osteomalacia is a softening of the bones caused by vitamin D deficiency and, unlike osteoporosis, can be recovered from through vitamin D supplementation. Both disorders can cause bone fracture and pain, but osteomalacia also has neuromuscular pain symptoms. Osteoporosis can cause loss of height and postural dysfunction, which can exacerbate back pain.

Treating Celiac Disease

The first step to Celiac treatment is the permanent elimination of gluten from your diet. As long as gluten is present in your digestive tract, your body will continue to damage itself. See http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140/ for foods you can and can't eat.

Celiac is usually detected before intestinal damage is beyond repair. You may begin to feel better a few days into your gluten-free diet, but it can take 6 months or more for your intestines to heal. It is generally considered a good idea for people recovering from Celiac damage to supplement nutrients in order to reverse the effects of malnutrition. Supplementation should be done under the guidance of a nutritionist or physician to ensure you're getting the proper amounts of nutrients your body needs.

Back pain is one of the many possible symptoms of Celiac disease. If you suspect you have this condition, seek diagnosis and treatment early on.

Learn How To Treat Lower-Back Pain In Early Pregnancy

Congratulations! You are now on your way to have one of the greatest blessings the world may well over, giving birth to your child. One of the challenges you may face is lower-back pain in early pregnancy. The bump in your tummy may cause you to have a very bumpy ride.

Statistics show that about 50 % of pregnant women experience pain in lower parts of their back during their first trimester. Some experience it all throughout their pregnancy while some don't experience it at all. To learn how to treat this pain in early pregnancy, you must first know what causes it.

One of the major causes for back pain in early pregnancy is the growing of your uterus. You may not notice it, but the center of your body gravity changes. It shifts forward because you become heavier in front. Another reason for these pains is the hormonal changes that are happening within your body. Some hormones, such as Relaxin, cause your pelvic bones to soften and prepare you for the natural labor. In return these changes make your backache.

Of course, now that you are pregnant, you are no longer allowed to ingest pain relievers as it can potentially harm the normal development of the fetus. Here are few suggestions on how to treat lower-back pain in early pregnancy in a natural way.

1. You can combat the gravity issue by practicing your posture. The pain will worsen as your baby becomes bigger. You may start practicing good posture now to reduce further pain from lower parts of your back in the coming stages of your pregnancy.

2. Modify your wardrobe. Keep your pumps and skinny jeans away for now. Choose anything comfortable to wear especially for your feet. Don't worry you won't be jeopardizing your style because there are a lot of maternity clothes that are still fashionable and at the same time convenient.

3. When you need to lift something, make sure that you bend your knees instead of bending your upper body towards the floor. Most of all don't lift heavy things as this could lead to a miscarriage. You should learn when to ask for help. Even if you are excited to be a mom and care for everyone, this is the time that you should be well taken care off.

4. Don't sleep faced up. Sleeping on your side as well as bending your knees together will help relief the pain. There are special pillows made for pregnant women whom they can place in between their knees while sleeping in this position.

5. Be active. Being pregnant should not stop you from working out. Take long walks even when you are at work, just don't run. Stretch your body from time to time. Make sure though, that you do exercises that are allowed for the pregnant women. There are many DVDs you can watch or classes you can attend, to help you out.

There are many treatments for lower-back pain in early pregnancy. However, you must know a way to draw the line between treating yourself and seeking for help from a professional. Consult a doctor when needed.

Do Dead Lifts Cause Back Pain?

The dead lift is prized among bodybuilders and gym-goers for its capacity to develop large, strong muscles in both the lower and upper body. Its reputation as a stellar workout is tempered by the common awareness that it is often a cause of back pain.

The dead lift is a squat performed with a weight that is lifted from the floor to hip level. Performing this exercise works an impressive number of muscles, both primary and supplementary. There are 28 muscles that are built by this exercise in the thighs, hips, buttocks, back, stomach, arms and shoulders.

The balanced workout offered by this exercise when performed properly makes it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts. By addressing many muscles of the core group and upper legs, it helps prevent muscle imbalances that cause back pain. How, then, do dead lifts and back pain fit together?

1. Bad form is the main reason for back pain after dead lifts. Though it may sound like a straightforward exercise, there are actually a number of postural and biomechanical factors to consider. Bad form can turn this great strengthening exercise into the cause of painful injury. Here are some common examples of bad technique when performing dead lifts:

- Rounding the lower back: This bad habit doesn't allow you to engage your leg or core muscles properly and creates a significant amount of stress to the spine and lower back muscles. Keep your chest out and shoulders back while performing this exercise.

- Leaning backward: This position makes it hard for your hip muscles and glutes to assist in lifting, and causes your lower back to arch too much. The stress on joints and lower back muscles can lead to injury. This can be corrected by thinking of a dead lift as more of a push rather than a pull: You are pushing through your heels upward, not pulling the bar up at all costs.

- Hip and knee joint imbalance: It is important to straighten your hips and knees at about the same speed, since both joints need to be loaded in a balances manner. Many people straighten their knees before their hips, and straining both the hips and lower back.

Additional causes of back pain associated with dead lifts and technique tips can be found at http://www.thedeadlift.com/deadlifting/deadlifting-mistakes.

2. This is not a beginner's exercise. If your core is not already well-developed, performing the dead lift will leave your spine unsupported and strain your lower back muscles.

3. It is usually not an exercise for people who have had back trouble in the past. If you've suffered a herniated or degenerated disc, you risk re-injuring it with this exercise. Spinal arthritis or nerve pain may also make this exercise too painful to perform, as it places heavy load on the spine.

4. A certain amount of soreness is quite normal after beginning a new type of exercise. Muscles suffer small tears as they grow, and these heal within two days. You need to be the judge of whether or not the soreness you feel after starting dead lifts is normal for you. If the pain is abnormal or persists for more than the first few sessions, then it is probably a sign that your core is not conditioned enough for this intense exercise. If your core is solid, then you can suspect bad form. It is always best to learn exercise technique with a qualified personal trainer to ensure that you are not harming yourself. Also, make sure you give your muscles enough time to recover before your next session.

The dead lift is an intense workout for many of your body's essential muscles. Make sure you treat the exercise with respect and know your own limits. Dead lifts and back pain don't have to go together; don't allow your workout routine to send you to a doctor.

Tackling Lower Back Pain - Simple Exercises That Banish Pain

Have you experienced a lower back pain that doesn't seem to go away no matter how much stretching you do? It seems as if you carry the weight of a monstrous beast in your back. You find it hard to walk, bend, twist or even just stand straight and the thought of sitting idly or lying for days and days is so tempting. However, with your lifestyle, it is impossible to just set aside every work to take a break because of this treacherous pain. Ironically, the less movement you perform, the higher you risk the pain. It's like this, you can't expect the pain to simply go away when you do nothing about it, right? We could put it as if you don't get up and do your exercise, your bones would not improve thus the pain will not go away.

There are many attributes to a lower back pain and the most common of these are the physical and emotional factors. Both act religiously together without missing a beat. When your body feels weak, that's your physical aspect feeling the pain and your emotional aspect tells you that you cannot do things anymore and that it is better to just lie down and take a rest. Unfortunately, as good as it may sound, this is not the way to beat this pain. Lower Back Exercises are not just for the physical pain, they also do wonders for your mental health. As a matter of fact, any simple exercise changes your attitude towards your health. You will see that exercise actually makes you stronger and more alive each day. Exercise gets your endorphins flowing naturally and freely thus you would feel happy about yourself. All these effects will result to a better and healthier you.

If however, the result of your lower back pain is not a cause of a simple muscle strain or stress, say for example it is caused by a degenerative disease, a surgical operation or correction may be needed. All the same, lower back pain exercise can produce the similar results. This exercise will, in the meantime, decrease the pain in your back as you wait for the actual surgery. This will also help strengthen your muscle in preparation for the operation. This results to a faster recovery after the surgery or operation.

Lower back pain exercise includes different techniques and methods. Aerobic conditioning is actually one of them. The muscles in the lower area of the back are a division or a rift of the overall muscles that builds the skeletal structure. Whatever you do in your lower back will affect your whole body. So it means that if your lower back functions well, your whole body will execute maximum performance. Otherwise if you feel unhealthy and if your body feels weak, there is a chance that you will experience persistence lower back pain.

Here are some examples of a lower back pain exercises. These exercises can be done at home but if you are seeing a doctor, it is best to do these under a physician's care. What?s important is that you execute these exercises regularly and not just for a few sessions. Lower back pain may hurt you for a while but if you carry out this program everyday, you will discover that the pain will reduce each day and the back pain will soon go away.

- Contractions of the Abdomen
- Squats or wall slides
- Knee to chest alternating exercise
- Straight leg exercises
- Immobile bike
- Lie on your stomach and do leg raises and balance ball arm
- Treadmill

You can begin with a three 10-minute exercise per day and increase the time as you feel your muscles improve. Lower back pain exercise is a sure way to fight over the monstrous pain that keeps you from performing your daily tasks.

In the long run, exercise is not just for back pains, it is good in maintaining good and balance health.

How Do You Know the Difference Between Arthritis Back Pain and Disc-Related Back Pain?

Many people believe that getting arthritis and back pain as you get older is just a normal part of life. However, you should know that you don't have to resign yourself to a life filled with back pain. It is important to understand the difference between back pain caused by arthritis and back pain that has been triggered by a disc-related issue.

The Differences in Arthritis and Disc Problems

For the most part, back pain caused by arthritis usually causes a feeling of pain in the morning. In fact, you may experience extreme stiffness in the morning if your back pain is caused by arthritis. Normally, arthritis-related back pain lessens as the day goes on and the person starts moving around more.

On the other hand, if you have a disc problem in your back, you usually experience pain that causes a radiation of pain into the shoulder or arm, or even the back of the leg or calf.

Generally speaking, arthritis is defined as the gradual breakdown or deterioration of the joint spaces in your musculoskeletal system. In most people, arthritis causes a variety of symptoms including pain, numbness, burning, cramping, inflammation and can even cause a stabbing pain in the extremities. There are two different kinds of arthritis called osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is a Herniated Disc?

A herniated disc is actually a spine condition which happens when the gel-like center of the disc ruptures through a weak area into the tough outer wall. Many times, lower back or leg pain happens when the disc material touches or compresses one of the nearby spinal nerves. It's very important to be conservative in the approach to treating lower back pain as about 80% of people will improve within six weeks under nonsurgical treatment.

If you have herniated disc, the symptoms will vary depending upon the location of the herniation. You may feel pain that radiates down your lower back area into your legs. You might even feel like an electric shock when you stand, sit or walk. Activity will likely increase the pain which is one of the differentiating points between a herniated desk and arthritis. Sometimes, you may also experience numbness and tingling associated with herniated disc.

What Should You Do When You Feel This Back Pain?

Whether you believe your pain to be caused from arthritis or a disc herniation, it's very important to get a complete exam and diagnostic testing in order to confirm your theory. A pain management specialist trained in these technologies can pinpoint the exact source of the issue so the treatment options can be tailored to the exact problem.

Instead of simply guessing that you have arthritis or a herniated disc, it's critical to find out the exact source of the pain so that your pain management specialist can customize a treatment plan for you. By getting the problem diagnosed early, you have the best chance at a complete recovery.

With today's modern treatment methods there is no need to live every day with your aching back. Be proactive and research your problem and the pain specialists in your area that are experienced with conditions like yours. Besides home remedies, there are non-invasive methods are available today so you may be able to avoid dangerous drugs or the risks of surgery.

Get A Perfect Office Chair To Avoid Lower Back Pain!

Of the many reasons which are held accountable for lower back pain office chair that you use is one. The majority of us spend the larger part of our day on these office chairs. So, an incorrect office chair may put you in trouble like muscle tension and sprain of the lower back region whereas a good one can provide the perfect support to the spine. So, getting the right chair for yourself in the office becomes significant.

While you go on to acquire the perfect chair for your self there are some things that you must give a thought about. The 1st thing is usually to make sure that your chair is not too hard to sit on. Hard surfaces could cause muscle strain leading to severe pain in the back. So opt for a chair with a soft seat.

Soft does not suggest too soft. You must know that an extremely soft chair is not good either. It is too comfortable to sit on these chairs which might coerce you to sit in other comfortable postures. Sitting in a bending or a drooping posture is also not good for you. It also causes strains in the lower back muscles leading to pain.

Along with the sitting base of the chair, the back support of the chair ought to be moderately soft too. A hard back support can cause sciatica. It should offer your back enough support. Ensure that the back of the chair is flexible so that you can recline whenever you want to.

The height of the chair ought to be taken into consideration too. If your chair is stationed extremely low, then you'd have to stretch your back to reach the table. On the contrary, if your chair has a height higher than the table, then you are certain to slump. Either way, you are going to irritate the muscles and nerves around the spine including the sciatic nerve. So, it is suggested that you decide on a chair which has a height slightly lesser than that of your table. Go for an adjustable chair so that you can adjust its height as per your personal requirements.

It is suggested that you look for ergonomic chairs to keep back pain at bay. These chairs provide lumbar support and also ensure better pose while you're sitting. These chairs also offer scope for proper elbow and calf placement, which again reduces the chances of lower back pain.

Office chair as stated before has the potential to give you immense back pains in case you have a wrong one. So, in case you want to prevent sciatica, opt for the perfect chair because the chair rules!

Yoga Asana Techniques for Lower Back Pain

More than $50 billion is spent on lower back pain every year in America. It is a leading contributor to missed work, the most common cause of job-related disability, and one of the most common neurological ailments, second only to headache. Still, knowing that you are in good company does not offer much relief for the pain of spinal compression or other lower-back issues.

Sitting in cars and office chairs for long periods of time with a slumped posture compresses the spine and places pressure on the nerves. The abdominal muscles relax and the back muscles tighten over time, leading to pain and stiffness when standing or walking. Regular Yoga practice can help restore healthy length to the spine and can stretch and relax the over-tightened muscles; over time, you may even gain height as the vertebrae decompress!

Several Yoga asanas are especially helpful for lower back pain; caution should be exercised when beginning these postures if the back is already compromised. Take care not to overextend or force any stretches. Inversions have long been considered helpful for spinal decompression, but many students do not feel comfortable in more advanced inversions. It should be noted that the entire spine does not decompress during a Yogic inversion - compression from the lower back is simply transferred to the upper back or neck for a period of time. This may provide relief, but it is not essential to relieving pain.

Ushtra Asana, or Camel pose: this asana exercises all of the back muscles and extends the spinal column, by bending your back fully. It increases spinal and hip flexibility, which can prevent recurrent pain.

Bhujangasana or Cobra pose: by holding this posture, both the superficial and the deep muscles of the back and abdominal region are strengthened. This asana increases bending flexibility backwards in the spine and relieves tension in the lower back region.

Purna Titali Asana or Butterfly pose helps remedy poor posture by stretching and strengthening the muscles of the legs and the back.

Supta Virasana or Saddle Pose is very effective for realigning the sacrum and lower spine, and re-establishing the natural lumbar curve, which may be lost from years of poor posture.

All of these asanas, plus inversions which are comfortable for the practitioner, should be done regularly to help alleviate lower back pain. Poses which strengthen abdominal muscles are also important, to help support the core and take the strain off the lower back.

穢 Copyright 2011 - Aura Wellness Center - Publications Division

5 Tips To Relieve Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects thousands of people every day. When suffering the kind of problem like this, you do not have to take the pain lying down. These tips will help you to reduce pain now and make it less likely to return.

Get a massage

A deep tissue massage is a good choice for lower back pain. The massage affects muscles at the surface of the body just below the skin as well as those located deep within the body. During stress or workouts, toxins can build up in the muscles resulting in stiff, sore muscles. The massage releases these toxins, improves circulation and brings blood flow to provide oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. The massage also releases the tension in sore spots on the lower back.

A hot stone massage is another great choice for individuals suffering from it. The warm stones help to improve blood flow while relaxing the muscles. The hot stone massage is an effective means of reducing tension and stress. When held in the muscles of the lower back, tension and stress can lead to these kind of problems.

Try Therapeutic Exercises

Although you may not feel like exercising when your lower back hurts, staying in bed all day and night is one of the worse things you can do. Try gentle stretching to relax and loosen the muscles in the back. Many back pain sufferers turn to Yoga to help keep the body flexible as well as relaxed. If you see a chiropractor for help with the lower back pain, the doctor may offer exercises that help to build the back muscles and prevent future injuries. At the gym, you might try exercises including back pulldowns, reverse flies, seated rows, bent-knee planks and others to strengthen the back muscles.

Put Heat on It

One temporary solution for back pain is the use of heat. A hot bath offers penetrating moist heat that can ease the pain. Careful use of a heating pad can also ease the pain. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's or your doctor's directions in use of a heating pad.

Lose Weight

Losing weight can be a long-term solution to your lower back pain. The physics of the human body allow extra weight around the midsection to put additional stress on the spine. By eating a healthy diet and losing weight, you reduce the stress caused by this problem.

Practice Good Posture

Mom was right, you need to stand and sit up straight. Poor posture can weaken the muscles and result in pain. Corrective posture braces may help to improve the posture, but their use should be limited so that muscles are not weakened even more. Posturepedic chairs and mattresses can help to improve posture when sitting and sleeping.

Back Pain and Applied Kinesiology

Back pain. It's annoying for some people, debilitating for others.

If you get hit by a semi truck or take a shot by an NFL middle linebacker, it might be just a structural problem. In this case, any good chiropractor will do. Treatment consists of repositioning the misplaced vertebrae, sometimes over several visits depending on severity, allowing the body a chance to heal, and you're on your way again.

But if the back pain keeps recurring with repeated spinal adjustments, there are other factors involved. This is also true for people who have pain for no apparent reason, or somebody who bent over to pick up their socks and their back goes out. There is something else causing the need for frequent trips to the chiropractor and "heavy sock" syndrome.

Let's look at three factors that contribute to back pain (lower back especially).

The first one is adrenal gland stress. These are your fight or flight glands located above the kidneys. Because they are massively overworked in our society, they become tired and in some cases completely exhausted. Without proper functioning adrenal glands, the ligaments of the body start to lose their holding power. Because ligaments hold bones to other bones, the structure of the body, and especially in this case the spine, is compromised.

The extra strain causes muscle spasms, and the never ending pain cycle.

In the diagnostic technique known as applied kinesiology, we also learn that two muscles that stabilize the pelvis and knees are also compromised when the adrenal glands are stressed. This usually leads to a forward tilt of the pelvis, causing further strain on the lower back.

The next factor that contributes to lower back pain is the health of the digestive system. Digestion is one very important factor to good heath. Without proper digestive function everything else in your body will not work properly. The digestive tract is where you absorb nutrients and the building blocks for the cells in your body.

However, with applied kinesiology we also find that several muscles that stabilize the hips and pelvis, fail when the digestive system malfunctions. And, to top it off the digestive organs feed much of their nerve supply from the lower back area. Any irritation in the digestive organs, creates irritation in the lower back.

And now for the third contributing factor in back pain, the reproductive system. You may have noticed the common theme that by utilizing applied kinesiology testing, a doctor can find muscle weakness and malfunction with organ imbalances. The same is the case with the reproductive organs such as the uterus, prostate, ovaries, etc. When they are not working correctly, pelvis muscles such as the gluteus medius and piriformis malfunction creating an unstable base for the spine to sit on.

This is an important concept to grasp. Without balanced muscle control the lower back, or any area for that matter will be unstable, causing pain. The entire body works as a dynamic whole and when treated as such by an applied kinesiology trained chiropractor, relief of chronic symptoms can often be achieved rapidly.

It is probably very apparent to you that simply adjusting the spine is not good enough in many cases. Without looking at adrenal gland, digestive, and reproductive organ function, it is very difficult to achieve true lasting pain relief. Applied kinesiology offers unparalleled information as to what may be causing the problem.

Coccydynia and Low Back Pain

Back pain due to coccydynia can be quite miserable - just ask anyone who has ever developed it after a fall on a slippery floor, a skid on the ice, or a bumpy landing while skiing or snowboarding.

Coccydynia is pain in the coccyx, or tailbone, the boney area at the end of the spine between the buttocks. Sometimes referred to in layman's terms as a 'butt ache', it is a nagging pain, which can become excruciating, and increase with pressure from sitting or moving to stand up. It has been described as a pain similar to sitting on a sharp knife or a marble that rolls around or a feeling of being impaled on a cane or broomstick. The pain and discomfort may persist for months to eventually become chronic.

Causes

Falls On The Buttocks.

• This is the most common cause, often diagnosed as a fractured coccyx.

Unstable or Dislocating Coccyx

• The most common cause of pain is due to a coccyx which dislocates or moves more than normal when you sit down. This may develop after a fall, from childbirth or injury in a car accident. The actual cause is often unknown but this disorder is responsible for 55% of cases of coccyx pain.

Childbirth

• If the joints around the pelvis become more flexible in preparation for childbirth, sometimes the coccyx can be pushed out of position easily.

Repetitive Strain

• This is common after a great deal of rowing or bicycle riding

Misaligned Or Long Coccyx

• In this condition, the coccyx bone points forward or is angled forward about 70°, which is greater than normal and causes pain.

Boney Spur Or Spicule On Coccyx

• This has been the cause of pain in 14% of patients.

Muscle Spasms In The Gluteus Maximus Muscle Of The Buttocks

• These muscles help lower the body from a standing to a sitting position. Muscle spasms cause pressure where the glutueus is attached to the coccyx.

Piriformis Syndrome

• The piriformis muscle runs horizontally from the lower spine to the top of each femur (hip bone). It crosses the sciatic nerve and spasms in the muscle cause pain in the hips and down the leg. Sitting may aggravate it.
  

Pilonidal Cyst

• This is a birth defect in which an abscess develops at the end of the tailbone, causing pressure, swelling, inflammation, and pain in the coccyx area. The cyst is usually removed surgically.

Symptoms Of Coccydynia

• Pain during or after sitting


• Acute pain when moving to standing after sitting


• Deep ache around coccyx


• Shooting pains down both legs


• Pain during bowel movements


• Pain during intercourse


• Pain during menstruation

Coccydnia may clear up after a few months but in the case of persistent pain, it is wise to have a medical evaluation to determine the cause.

Can Tight Muscles Cause Low Back Pain or Sciatica?

It's a question I am often asked, can tight muscles really cause low back pain or sciatica, and I always answer the same... absolutely.

The body relies on muscles for movement and stability. All muscles have what is referred to as an origin (where the muscle begins and this part of the muscle is typically attached to the bone that does not move when the muscle contracts) and an insertion (where the muscle ends and this part of the muscle is typically attached to the bone that does move when the muscle is contracted). When the muscle contracts i.e. we work the muscle, one of two things can happen:

Movement: The muscle shortens which brings the origin and insertion closer together. It is this action which creates movement e.g. your biceps muscle contracting and bringing your forearm up towards your upper arm/shoulder.

Stability: With this situation, the muscle is working, but no-where near to the intensity that it does when movement is required. It is more a case of there being increased tension in the muscle to help support the joint that the muscle passes across.

The muscles throughout our body are each designed for their own specific function, with some being primarily for movement and others stability. However, regardless of their specific role, if the muscle becomes tight, for whatever reason, there will be too much stress placed upon the joint it crosses and is supposed to move or stabilise. This increased stress will begin to aggravate the joint concerned, and/or adjacent structures, and consequently this will potentially lead to pain.

Low back pain or sciatica which results as a consequence of tight muscles can have a gradual or sudden onset. The reason for this is as follows:

Gradual onset: with the tight muscle(s) placing increased stress across the joint and associated structures, this stress will slowly but surely build up. Eventually, the threshold level at which you begin to feel pain will be breached and consequently you will feel pain. If you do not address the cause of this pain i.e. the tight muscle(s), then this pain is likely to increase further as time passes.

Sudden onset: this is more a case of 'the straw breaking the camel's back'. If you have tight muscles which are placing increased stress across the structures concerned, that stress will be creeping nearer and nearer towards your own pain threshold level, at which stage you will perceive pain. However, it may be the case that this stress is still a some way from causing you pain, yet you then perform a specific activity or movement which pushes the stress above your pain threshold level and therefore you will feel pain.

A classic example of this latter point is when people bend forward to put some socks or shoes on or maybe pick something up as innocuous as a piece of paper. I have had many patients say to me that 'all they did' was perform such an activity and they felt pain. The situation is that under normal circumstances a movement like that would not have caused them pain, however due to the tight muscles driving the stress across the structures of their lower back/sciatic nerve nearer and nearer to their own body's pain threshold level, what seems like an innocuous movement can be enough to cause severe pain.

I have no doubt that such pain can be quite straight forward to cure, however, it is imperative that the cause of the pain is addressed i.e. the tight muscles, and not just the signs and symptoms. If this is achieved, then not only will the pain be resolved, but the chances of such an occurrence happening again will also be greatly diminished, if not eliminated.

Avoiding Computer Use And Lower Back Pain Problems

Unfortunately, these days computer use and lower back pain go hand in hand. With a growing number of employees, students, and recreational computer users spending hours upon hours sitting in front of the PC, back problems are now more than ever a concern. This is especially true for younger individuals who are now exposed to this risk from an early age.

Back pain for many is unavoidable with the American Chiropractic Association reporting around eighty percent of individuals will experience some level of back pain throughout their lifetime. Pain caused by continuous computer use is mostly a concern for individuals working on a PC for prolonged periods of time. However, it is also a concern for younger children who are not paying attention to their posture when spending hours gaming or on their favorite social network.

These are the reasons why it is extremely important for all PC users to make sure they educate themselves on techniques recommended by the experts for avoiding these issues. Most people know the importance of having good posture in order to avoid future problems. However, most of us could use a reminder on what the professionals recommend when sitting for long periods of time.

There are a few rules of thumb that you should always be keeping in mind when it comes to computer use and lower back pain. However, the first thing to do is invest in a good chair. Keep in mind the chair you choose should focus on allowing you to have good posture. Avoid chairs that allow you to sit in a way in which your posture may be compromised.

Spine support is always the most important thing to consider when choosing the right chair. An ergonomic chair will support the natural curves of your spine and not put on unnecessary stress on your muscles. The arm rests and depth of the seat pan can also be variables that will ultimately affect your posture.

It is important to remember that not all chairs will be suitable for all individuals. If you are using a PC utilized by a number people, you may have to have a bring your own chair policy. Likewise, you may have to request a chair that suits your specific needs if supplied an inappropriate or ergonomically-incorrect chair by an employer.

The key to preventing injuries is allowing for proper muscle, ligament, and joint alignment through good posture. Some tips for doing this include keeping your head centered over your shoulders and erect. Your elbows should also be at a 90 degree angle from your body.

While you may be focusing on having a good posture when sitting in front of the PC, it is important to stretch to avoid common computer use and lower back pain problems. Staying in the same position for prolonged periods of time can often remove the elasticity from your tissues. This is why it is necessary to walk stand up and walk around approximately every two hours. However, you may have to do this more often as stress builds in your muscles and you become uncomfortable.

Low Back Pain Cure - Some Effective Home Remedies

If you are suffering from pin in your lower back then heave a sigh of relief as there are many remedies at hand. The easiest way is to take some pain relievers like aspirins, Tylenol or Motrin to get instant relief but if the pain persists for a couple of days it would be wiser if you see your doctor about it. Another great home remedy is to use a cold compress like a package of frozen peas/carrots or corn on the pain point for at least 10 minutes. If the pain still persists then try using a heating pad to get relief but make sure you seek your doctor's help if the pain remains even after a couple of days.

Try moving around a bit to get some relieve instead of lying in bed. But while moving around try not to make jerky movements as this can certainly enhance your pain. This could leave you with more pain than you previously had. Do your routine daily chores but in a much more paced manner with slower movements. If after all this you pain is still around then head straight to a specialist who could help relieve your pain like a chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist.

Low back pain normally responds well to simple remedies without the person having to resort to any surgery. If you have persistent back pain for more than 3 days then it is advisable that you report it immediately to your doctor as ignoring the pain can cause much more harm.

Here are some time tested home remedies for back pain. Take bed rest but nothing over 2 days. But there is nothing like continuing with your daily work as this would help retain the flexibility of your back and you can avoid blood clots in your legs. Try doing simple exercises like doing gentle stretches nothing exerting, slow walks or just anything else which would help you keep moving. Doing gentle yoga postures would help relieve your lower back pain as the stretches help to relieve the pain in your back.

Another remedy you could try is taking a massage from a trained massage therapist where the masseur works on the spinal area for pain relief. You can also see a chiropractor or an acupuncturist. In acupuncture, thin needles are inserted at precise points called meridians which are found all over the body which help to relief pain. The inserted needles at the meridian points help release peptides or painkilling molecules to help release any blocked energy.

There are also other lower back pain remedies which people with pain can try just to get some relief. Acupuncture biofeedback is one such remedy where the patient is taught to be consciously aware of all that's happening in their body like heart rate, muscle tension etc.

There is another therapy for lower back pain called interventional therapy. In this therapy the nerve conduction between certain areas of the brain and body are blocked and this is done with the help of injecting local anesthetics, steroids or even narcotics into areas like joints, soft tissues and nerve roots. If you feel you need to get help with your lower back pain the best thing would be to talk to your doctor so that both of you can work out a remedy that will be best for you.

You can also try traction which has been known to have helped many with low back pain problems. In this, the use of weights is involved. Here a constant or intermittent force is applied which helps get your spinal cord back in alignment. Do not ignore back pain symptoms and it is wiser to consult your physician immediately.

Back Pain Caused By Track And Field

As spring arrives, many people are returning to their favorite warm weather sports. For many students and adult athletes, this means a return to track and field. It is important to educate yourself about the common injuries associated with your sport in order to guard yourself against back pain and other conditions that can take you out of competition.

A number of injuries can occur during any sport. The following describes a few common injuries associated with the various activities of track and field.

Runners

Most people, whether athletes or office workers, tend to have weaker hamstrings than quadriceps. This imbalance causes the pelvis to be pulled down in front and increases the lumbar arch. As the back arches in more, the discs in between vertebrae are compressed unevenly and the spinal joints are strained. Combined with the jolting force your body experiences as your feet pound against the ground when running, joint and disc problems become likely. Weak hamstrings are also susceptible to strains. Runners should take special care to ensure their quads and hamstrings are balanced in strength and flexibility.

Another muscle group runners should be aware of is the hip flexor group, particularly the psoas. This muscle is used when bringing the thigh and upper body closer together. The psoas connects the lumbar spine to the thigh bone and is used heavily when running. Tight, inflexible psoas muscles pull down on the pelvis and create the exaggerated lumbar arch that tight quads create. Running without regaining flexibility of the psoas will likely worsen its rigidity and exacerbate pelvic misalignment, which in turn causes lower back pain.

Regular stretching and myofascial release can help achieve muscles that are balanced in strength and flexibility. The assistance of a physical therapist is beneficial to people with sports injuries.

Hurdlers

Muscle strains are common among hurdlers, especially in the groin and thigh. Groin strain is generally a sign of either bad form or overuse. If you feel groin pain on the side of your trail leg, you may be swinging your leg out too far or too late. If the pain is on the side of your lead leg, you may be doing too many drills with the hurdles close together.

Hamstring strains are a common overuse injury acquired by hurdlers. The hamstring of the lead leg undergoes an eccentric contraction during a hurdle jump, which means it contracts as it is being lengthened by the leg's straightening. This type of contraction comes with a high risk of muscle tearing. The trail leg works hard to push the body off the ground. Hamstring strain is a sign to stop, rest, and warm up sufficiently before practicing.

More troubling than a simple muscle strain, hurdlers have to watch out for sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. The sacroiliac joints form where the hip bones meet the sacrum at the base of the spine.
Injuries to the SI joints generally occur when the muscles and ligaments that support them are weakened, torn or tightened. The tremendous forces sustained by the pelvis when pushing off the ground can, over time, destabilize the pelvis, causing significant joint pain. Proper form, adequate rest time, good conditioning and sufficient warmup time can help prevent this condition.

Throwers

Whether it's a javelin, discus or shot put, throwers are susceptible to similar injuries. Throwers in track and field use muscles throughout the whole body to build momentum; javelin throwers run, while shot putters and discus throwers spin.

The most common throwing injury occurs to the shoulder. Rotator cuff injuries affect the set of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder, giving it stability and allowing up-and-down and rotational movement of the arm. Repeated throwing can cause tears to the muscles or tendons.

Hip and lower back strains may also occur in throwers, particularly discus throwers and shot putters who twist their bodies as part of their throw. Javelin throwers may also strain muscles throughout the back when lunging forward to throw the javelin.

The best defense against throwing injuries is to avoid overworking your arm and back. Know your limits and take adequate rest periods between practices.

Many sports injuries can be prevented with warmup, conditioning, self-myofascial release and the willingness to give your body the time it needs to recover. Whatever your track and field activity, approach it in a way that will allow you to enjoy your sport for many years to come.

Avoid Back Pain While Horseback Riding

Horseback riding can become difficult for those suffering back pain. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent lower back pain caused by riding.

Unless you have a chronic back pain condition, your pain is likely caused by your riding posture. Even on a gentle ride, the continuous rocking back and forth places pressures on your pelvis and back that can only be absorbed properly when posture is correct; these pressures and the pain they cause are increased in proportion to the intensity of your ride.

Anatomy of Proper Posture

The lumbar spine in the lower back naturally arches inward. Every structure of the back - the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine, the joints connecting vertebrae together and the cushioning discs between vertebrae - absorb pressures and shocks optimally when the lumbar arch is maintained.

When the spine is flexed (bent forward) or extended (bent backward), there is a change of force distribution throughout the structures of the back. When flexed, The erector spinae muscles and surrounding ligaments in the back are stretched while the abdominal flexors are tightened. The anterior sides (closest to the stomach) of the lumbar vertebrae move closer together, placing pressure on the anterior portion of discs that promotes herniation and nerve impingement as the disc is enlarged on the posterior side near the spinal nerves. Forces are not properly absorbed by the stretched muscles and ligaments, meaning they fall primarily on the compressed spinal discs. Lower back, hip and leg pain may result.

When the spine is extended, spinal joints are compressed as the posterior portion of vertebrae move closer together. The facet joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joints that connect the sacrum to the pelvis take the brunt of the forces applied to the body. This can cause joint pain. The muscles and ligaments of the lower back are compressed in this position as well, which can cause muscle fatigue, spasms and cramping.

Keeping a strong, balanced core muscle group will encourage proper posture while riding your horse.

Posture Tips

On horseback, your posture should be upright. An imaginary line should connect your ear, shoulder, hip and ankle.

Riders who stoop over with the spine in a flexed position may do so for a sense of security and stability. Balance and strength exercises can make you more secure in an upright position and prevent the perceived need to stoop. Using shorter reins will also improve balance and stability.

If you ride with a hyperextended back, you may find that you tend to have your feet positioned away from your body's midline toward the horse's head. This may be a nervous reaction, locking the knees and acting as though you're putting the brakes on. Being aware of your foot position will help keep the rest of your body aligned. Shorter reins will help to keep your body from bending backward.

Ergonomic Saddles

The type of saddle you use greatly impacts your posture. Ergonomic saddles are made of soft leather to cushion your buttocks and are designed to distribute your weight evenly on the horse's back, which benefits both you and your horse. The less hard you have to work to stay balanced, the less muscle strain you experience. The less concentrated your weight is on certain areas of the horse's back, the less strain he or she will experience. Ergonomic saddles may also have raised pommels and cantles (front and back sections of the seat). This helps secure your pelvis in its proper position.

Ergonomic saddles can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on what type you by and whether or not it is custom-fit to you and your horse. The type of investment you make should reflect the frequency with which you ride, the duration of your rides and the back pain you seek to prevent.

Body awareness, a strong core and ergonomic aides can all help prevent back pain while horseback riding. Address back pain early on to avoid the development of a chronic pain condition.

Solutions For Exercise - Induced Back Pain

Did you know that low back pain at some point in time will inflict over 80% of the population? Proper footwear can potentially prevent, reduce and treat biomechanical factors associated with low back pain in runners. Back pain can be a mysterious thing. Every time your feet hit the ground, the reacting shock is transferred up your legs to your hips and spine, and any biomechanical imbalance can ultimately cause lower back pain.

It could be that you have flat feet, and your over-pronation (rolling in of your feet) is causing your back ache. It could be that you have really high-arched, rigid feet and the lack of pronation is causing your back pain. It could be that one of your legs is ever-so-slightly shorter than the other, or that your pelvis is just a tiny bit uneven or tilted. You could have a curve in your spine. More seriously, one of the discs between the vertebrae of your spine could be degenerating or arthritis is setting in.

Back pain can be a tough mystery to solve, but with a little help from your friendly neighborhood sports medicine specialist you should be able to track down the cause. By far the most common diagnosis in patients with low back pain is the lumbar sprain/strain, which accounts for about 75% of all cases of low back pain. While muscle strain is the most common cause of back pain for runners, play it safe and visit a sports medicine orthopedist or a chiropractor to have your spine and vertebrae examined if you are experiencing severe pain.

If you have ruled out all the worrisome spine issue, you may have an uneven pelvis or unequal leg lengths. These conditions are relatively common and can be ascertained with a good biomechanical exam. With either, the muscles on one side are being pulled. They're tense to begin with, and the added stress of running can put them into spasm. Relatively weak abdominal and lower back muscles might also contribute to the problem. Running generally tends to cause strength imbalances between these muscle groups. Add tight hamstrings, another common condition among runners, and you have a nifty recipe for back pain. Core strengthening exercises and a lot of stretching can help.

Finally, the root cause is often in your foot, the last place most people look! Back pain is a common injury associated with flat feet and over-pronation. Likewise, if your feet are rigid and high-arched, their lack of stress relief and under-pronation can cause stress imbalance resulting in back pain.

For immediate relief, cut back on the mileage, moist heating pads, anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, and a good massage. If the problem is disc deterioration or spinal arthritis, surgery may be necessary, and an adjustment in training is absolutely required. Take this condition seriously, and see a spinal specialist. If your spine is merely out of alignment, manipulation by a chiropractor or physical therapist may help ease your pain. This may also ease your muscle strain.

If your doctor confirms that you have an uneven pelvis or unequal leg lengths, the solution will likely be to try to correct the problem with a heel lift on the short side. This may be as simple as putting a piece of 1/4" foam or cork into the heel of your running shoe. If you don't get any relief at all within a week, go ahead and take the lift out. If it does no good, its better just not to wear one; your body may have adjusted to different leg lengths, and "fixing" it may cause more discomfort. Whatever the case, make sure that the remedy matches the problem; do not use a heel lift if your doctor does not confirm that you have an uneven pelvis or unequal leg lengths, or you may only make your problems worse.

If your problem is in the structure of your foot, your solution may be as simple as wearing different running shoes or adding orthotics to the mix. Shoes have been shown to lose almost 75% of their shock absorption after approximately 500 miles. This appears to be the critical point in which injuries tend to develop as a result of shoe wear. Thus it is important to have a rough idea how many miles are on your shoes and to replace them before soreness begins. If your shoes are not worn out, see your podiatrist for recommendations of shoe types and to see if an orthotic will help decrease the biomechanical strain causing your back pain. . In most cases of lower back pain, you will benefit from exercises to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.

Back pain can be an indicator of a serious problem and can lead to a cascading injury that slows your running to a complete halt! Muscular back pain is the most common and can be annoying and complicated to treat due to the myriad of causes. If you have severe pain, seek medical attention immediately. If your pain is mild and seems to be directly related to your running, look to your feet as a possible contributor to you pain.

Cycling and Low Back Pain - Symptoms, Treatment and Pain Relief Options - Braces Can Help!

How does your back feel when you cycle?

Does it bother you before, during or after a ride?

1.) Introduction

We do not want to waste your time with this article. We will speak upon how back pain can happen as a result of cycling. You may already know that you have the back pain and you do not necessarily need to know how it happened. You may just want to move directly toward reducing your pain. We will offer some cost effective treatment options at the end of this article that can honestly help you if you suffer from back pain due to cycling.

2.) Common Causes of Low Back Pain For Cyclists

Usually, low back problems occur for cyclists due to a prolonged flexion of your lower back (lumbar spine). As you may have easily determined, this is the movement of your lower back curling when your head comes closer to the knees. - A typical riding position. If you are in a flexed position such as this, it can lead to the fatigue of your lumbar musculature, tension of your lumbar ligaments and it can also compress the intervertebral discs that are located in your lower back.

Studies have shown that the weight that is placed upon your spine is least problematic when you lay down. Secondly the amount of stress that is placed upon your back increases when you stand up straight. This is due to axial load on your spine due to the weight of your upper body and gravity kicking in. The next level of stress comes from sitting down, and especially when you sit in a more crouched you are even asking more of your lower back.

3.) How to Help Prolong Your Cycling Career

A strong core is a good starting point. Your transversus abdominus and paraspinal musculature (the muscles located on either side of your spine) help to provide meaningful support to your lower back. It is of course, a good idea to correctly work out these muscles to help prolong a flexed sitting posture.

4.) Low Back Braces For Support

One very helpful way to reduce lumbar back pain is to increase the level of support you have for your lower back. One way in which you can do this is by having strong muscles like we talked about earlier,... but you can also help to reduce your lower back pain with the use of a lumbar back support. These supports can help to increase intercavitary pressure and thus effectively off load the internal structures of your lumbar spine. - They can be great aids and you can use them before, during or after cycling. It is important to remember though that you should not strictly use a lumbar back support and avoid strengthening your lumbar spine.

*This is health information. Although we firmly believe in the benefits of back support, you should consult your physician regarding medical advice pertaining to your particular situation.

What the Causes Are of Back and Neck Pain

One of the most complex areas of the human body is the upper back and neck region, where we can find the vital mechanism of joints. In many cases, the neck along with the shoulders can manifest much the same medical difficulties as the lower part. Neck pain becomes a discomfort in any type of neck structure, such as: pulled muscles, disc problems, muscle and nerves issues, arthritis and many others. In the case of the lower back pain, the ability to ambulate is affected, while the upper back pain affects the daily activity performance, for example the simple brushing teeth activity can become an uncomfortable aspect of the usual lifestyle. In general, the neck pain may also come from areas around the neck, like the jaw, shoulders, upper arm and head.

Many individuals are describing the neck pain as having a stiff neck, with a high level of difficulty of moving it, especially to one side. Sometimes, the pain neck involves nerves, mostly in the case a certain muscles spasms pinching on a nerve, the individual may notice and feel tingling, numbness or weakness in the arm or hand. The large majority of back pain episodes are healing in time, more than half percent of the individuals will feel relief from the annoying low back pain within two weeks and almost 90% of individuals in approximately three months.

The most common cause of neck pain is an injury to the soft tissue, which includes muscles, ligaments and tendons. The traumas along with the muscle imbalances are being responsible for the postural dysfunctions, which are representing abnormal alignment between the head and shoulders and abnormal dispose of the joints that are leading the increase of the wear and tear on joints, muscles and ligaments.

Another common cause of neck pain is the tension or the muscle strain, being a strong consequence of the daily activities, such as: having a poor posture at the computer, bending over the table, placing the computer monitor too high or too low, twisting the neck too hard while exercising and sleeping in an uncomfortable position.

The cervical spine can be an influential factor for neck and shoulders pain, mostly in the case of degenerative arthritis, when the spine in the neck can pinch the nerves. The medical syndrome of cervical spondylisis can cause local neck pain, being degenerative disc decease. In essence, many abnormal conditions, which are involving the heart, lungs, spinal cords and other abnormal organs, are the number one enemies and responsible for the neck and shoulders pain. Traumatic and dramatic accidents or falls can cause dangerous neck injuries, such as: fractures, blood vessel injury and even paralysis.

The best and the most efficient neck and back pain treatments are prescriptions for muscle non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections. There are also a wide variety of treatments based on chiropractic care and physical therapy, which are providing a large range of services, such as: ultrasounds, hot packs, electric stimulation, cervical traction and therapeutic treatment.

Back Pain Products to Help My Back Pain

If you suffer lower back pain, you are not on your own. Probably nearly all adults at some point in their lives will experience this condition that interferes with their work eg there is a high incidence of lumbar pain in drivers, everyday activities, sports (eg lumbar pain in golfers) or hobbies. Lower back pain or sciatica is considered the most common cause of job-related disability and the highest contributor to absenteeism in the western world. For example, it is second to headaches as the most common neurological ailment in the United States. Generally, most occurrences of lower back pain or lumbar pain subside after a few days, although some instances may take much longer to resolve or very occasionally lead to more serious conditions.

Short-term pain (Acute) generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks, and this condition tends to be mechanical in nature, the consequence of trauma to the lower back or a condition such as arthritis. Back pain from trauma may be caused by an injury sustained through sports activity, household jobs or working in the garden.

Sometimes, sudden jarring from a minor fall, or other stress on the lower back bones and tissues could be the root cause of low lumbar pain or sciatica. Symptoms of lumbar pain may range from aching muscles to shooting or sharp stabbing pain, limited flexibility and/or range of motion, or an inability to stand straight. Sometimes, pain felt in one part of the body may stem from a disorder or injury incurred in other parts of the body. Very occasionally acute low back pain syndromes could become more serious if untreated.

Definitions of what period or duration constitutes chronic back pain vary but pain that persists for over 12 weeks would generally be described as chronic.

Often the initial cause of the back problem is not known and this condition can sometimes be progressive The good news is that the vast majority of occurrences can be treated without surgery. Back pain treatments include analgesics, to reduce inflammation, to restoring proper mobility and strength to the back, by a variety of back pain products and therapies, to strategies for the avoidance of recurrence of the injury.

Usually patients suffering lumbar pain recover fully and don't incur continuing loss of functionality. It's advisable to contact your GP if there is no improvement or reduction in the back pain and inflammation after 3 days There is a plethora of exercises, medication, or therapy products and gadgets available to sufferers, designed to provide either, relief, prevention or both.

Although some of these back pain products (such as Magnatherapy or aromatherapy) would be described as 'alternative' or pseudoscientific ie they have few empirically or scientifically proven benefits, many are developed through the application of sound medical principle and theory. It's worthwhile asking your GP for recommendations on any therapies as well as making sure that the cause is not more serious

Back pain therapy devices PGAT devices

Inversion Tables

Inversion is a natural form of passive gravity assisted traction (PGAT) that uses the patient's body weight in conjunction with gravity to decompress weight-bearing joints. While the patient is rotated and suspended, gravity effectively creates a traction, resulting in a customized stretch that extends the spine, from the sacroiliac to the cervical joints of the neck, increasing the space between the vertebrae, which relieves the pressure on the discs and nerve roots. By reducing this pressure there is less interference with the spinal nerves thus reducing lower lumbar pain. Inversion is considered to be an effective therapy This is typically performed on what's called an inversion table.

The table allows you to lie on your back relaxed, in an inverted position. This position eliminates some or all gravitational compression, depending upon how far back you position your body. Inversion therapy relieves back pain, and it works even better when it's part of a well-rounded therapy plan that addresses the specific muscle imbalances you have. But even by itself it is highly effective. A recent study done at Newcastle University found that over 70% of patients who performed inversion therapy were able to cancel their scheduled back surgeries.

CPM Mobilisers

Backlife

Backlife is designed to apply a Continuous Passive Movement (CPM) to the lower back pain sufferer in a similar way to how a healthcare professional, as part of his back pain therapy, would apply in order to help relieve pressure between the vertebrae, and therefore relieve pain in the lumbar region. In order to apply CPM the user would lie on the floor bending their knees over the upper section of the machine. As the upper section moves, it gently rotates the pelvis in a circular fashion, allowing the joints to move, whilst the joints remain relaxed. The advertised benefits of Backlife for pain relief are that it reduces the stress and pressure on the lower back, restores back mobility and improves stability. In addition it reduces lumbar pain with regular use, improves posture, and reduces muscle tension.

Back in action Mobiliser

The Back in Action Mobiliser is an extremely powerful medical grade spinal joint mobilisation system, available for home or professional use for back pain relief. It's described as usually very effective at decreasing the symptoms of long term and chronic musculo-skeletal problems. The system applies very localised pressure to the muscles either side of the spine, simulating a practitioners 'thumbing technique,whilst mobilising the spine, flexing and extending the spine, freeing up stubborn vertebrae. In addition to this the mobilise provides a continuous passive motion (CPM) considered to be beneficial to health and aid healing The mobilise has been used to treat conditions such as: lumbago; prolapse /slipped disc, sciatica; scoliosis, arthritic hips, sacro-iliac dysfunction, whiplash injuries; fibromyalgia and many other disabling conditions. It is also comprehensively tested and endorsed by medics, so that it is probably the most commended back pain therapy care system available. Its most significant disadvantage is that it is made in small numbers and is expensive to buy however they are available to hire.

Backstretcher

The Backstretcher, also known as the Rolastretcher provides relief with a combination of massage and stretching movements, allowing the user to move and stretch different parts of the spine by moving up and down the frame. The rollers also provide pressure (acupressure) on the back muscles either side of the spine where dysfunctional trigger points (knots) often occur. It provides back pain sufferers the opportunity to complement their therapeutic treatment with a device, which is portable, The effectiveness of this device has been confirmed by scientific study by the University of Iowa's Spine Centre.

Flexibak

Flexibak is back support cradle that is designed to ease lower back pain problems, reduce discomfort, and promote relief, by decompression of key joints, allowing natural movement to return to the user. Flexibak, developed by 2 leading British osteopaths, is designed to encourage the lumbar and sacroiliac joints to open up, and encourage the return of natural movement as pressure on inflamed muscles is relieved.

Back cushions and wedges and Supports Cushions

Back cushions

These are custom shaped soft cushions which are tailored to the natural shape of the user's lower back and designed to offer support whilst maintaining an ergonomic and comfortable posture whilst sat on a chair or in the car, thus providing an element of relief for low back pain.

Seat wedges

Seat wedges provide lumbar pain relief in a natural passive manner. Sitting on a seat wedge has the effect of moving forward the pelvis which has the effect of causing the users spine to adopt a more ergonomically correct upright posture. Seat wedges maybe useful for lumbar pain suffering car drivers by angling their backs into more comfortable driving positions, or in sedentary workplace situations where the back pain sufferer may be adopting a suiting position for several hours, for example call centre workers. Ideal for everybody working in a sitting position, especially PC users. A variant of the seat wedge is the coccyx wedge which incorporates a cut away section to reduce or avoid pressure on the sacrum or coccyx which could be causing lower back pain or tail bone pain.

Back Braces

These aim to constrict the affected area of low back pain low afflicted area, these strap-on body braces help reduce lower back pain and help to correct poor posture.

TENS units

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is the application of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. In this case we are referring to portable stimulators used to help with back pain. The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes or semi adhesive pads. Although the first units developed in the US for testing tolerance of chronic back pain sufferers to electrical stimulation in preparation for surgically invasive implants, many patients reported deriving relief from the TENS itself. A number of companies began manufacturing TENS units after the commercial success of the Meditronic device became known TENS is regarded as a non-invasive, safe nerve stimulation intended to reduce pain, both acute and chronic. Controversy does exist over its effectiveness in treating of chronic back pain. In 2007 a feature in the Pain Journal concluded that ENS was effective for chronic musculoskeletal pain whereas the journal Neurology advised against recommending TENS for chronic lower back pain,but other neurologists in the same journal suggested that in some patients TENS is useful. TENS units available from high street retailers Baxolve offers immediate relief for lower back pain through a combination of TENS therapy and lumbar support in one easy to use convenient belt.

Heat and cold back pain products

There is little empirical evidence that the application of hot and cold compresses actually effectively relieve back pain conditions, although the use of hot and cold compresses may provide relief by helping to reduce the lower back pain, spasms, and inflammation, in turn allowing for improved mobility for some back pain sufferers. Immediately after the trauma, the sufferer would apply a cold compress (generally ice packs or refrigerant gel) to the affected area of the lower back pain, maybe after a strain, for up to about 20 minutes a few time a day, for a couple of days to help reduce tissue inflammation. After a couple of days the back pain sufferer would then apply heat to the affected area, using a variety of methods such as heat pads, heat lamps etc for short durations. This has the effect of dilating the blood vessels which increase blood flow to the affected tissues, and encouraging the healing process. It also has the effect of relaxing the muscles similar to having a warm bath after exertion. As with any back pain treatment it's advisable to consult your GP before commencing a treatment.

Magnet therapy

Magnet therapy can be described as an alternative or pseudoscientific method of back pain treatment, using magnetic fields on the body to promote back pain relief and healing, with a perceived, though not understood positive effect on blood oxygen content. There is no scientific basis to conclude that small, static magnets can relieve pain It has its origins in Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) dating back some 2000 years, centered around 'Chi'or 'energy flows' around the body and instrumental in health and wellbeing, with magnetic wave therapy having associations with acupuncture or and acupressure. Although it is regarded with an element of scepticism due to seemingly physical and biological implausibility, in Eastern countries, therapeutic magnets are licensed as medical devices, and it does appear to be gaining some recognition within the US medical community, with an example of affirmative research of published in the MDBR Journal of Rheumatology. The downside to this is the difficulty associated with establishing true blind testing of magnets and associated 'placebo or Hawthorne' effects within test groups. By all means have a look at what's available but remain sceptical.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is often used as a method of pain relief by physios and therapists in combination with other pain treatments, such as manipulation, massage, ice treatment and interferential (electrotherapy). The ultrasound device causes millions of sound waves to penetrate deep into tissue in order to promote healing of inflamed or damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments. It's claimed that ultrasound can reduce tissue inflammation by stimulating blood flow, promote healing by stimulating soft tissue, and assist in the absorption uf analgesics, and reduce pain. Again there is conflict over the effectiveness for lower back pain treatment with both positive user testimonials offset by inconclusive meta analysis. See Physical Therapy article Jul 2001 and New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy Jul 2008

Ultralieve

Ultralieve Pro is a mains operated or portable hand held medical grade device designed for home use to help with pain and promote healing by conducting ultrasound waves into the damaged tissue. Although the device is easy its perhaps best if the user has received ultrasound treatment previously from a physio or healthcare professional, and again it's advisable to check with your GP or physio before using one to derive pain relief It should not be used as a replacement for conventional help with back pain but in conjunction with it in between sessions. Again there is conflict over the effectiveness to help with back pain with both positive user testimonials offset by inconclusive meta analysis.

Why Chronic Back Pain Is So Hard to Treat and Eliminate

For many people, lower back pain and soreness become a way of life. While they are usually able to work and live and engage in most daily activities, they really never again have the full range of motion and ease of movement that they had before developing chronic pain. And while it seems that every website and doctor has their own magic bullet that has cured and prevented all sorts of different issues, when most people try these solutions, they are met with nothing but mediocre improvement, at best.

Chronic back pain can be very difficult to deal with because, often, the signs of tissue damage or injury have little or nothing to do with the feelings of discomfort. While one person may have pain and a bulging spinal disc, other people have absolutely no pain caused by a slipped or herniated disc or even worse damage. Some people, though, develop pain while others do not even know that they have any tissue damage at all.

Once back pain develops, it can also be difficult for the patient and doctor to tell where the problem is actually located. Too often, the feelings of discomfort are felt in a general area but do not relate well to any particular anatomical feature. A sore lower back is a real feeling for many people, but the muscles, ligaments, discs, and vertebrae of the lower back may not show any signs of damage or inflammation. But the pain persists.

And pain, as it becomes longer lasting over time, can spread from one area of the body to another. Again, lower back pain may be felt right in the middle of the back just above the hips to start. But over weeks, it may begin to be felt only on one side, or spread down through the hips and one leg. Over time, the pain may recur in one area but also spread further at different times.

With this phenomenon of the pain spreading through various tissues, searching for a damaged muscle or ligament becomes even more difficult. In fact, these types of pains with no discernible injury or site of inflammation may be a symptom of the central nervous system -- the brain and spinal cord -- becoming more highly sensitized, rather than a symptom of the painful tissues actually being damaged in some way.

Another sign of this central nervous system type of chronic pain is that people with pain on one side of their back can also feel pain on the other side. While the pain may not be as bad on the other side, it can often be experienced quite clearly at times. This makes it even more difficult to find a problem with the tissues that could explain such a mirroring of pain.

Once pain starts to become more chronic, it seems to take on a life of its own. Patients may have a continual nagging ache accompanied by occasional flashes of severe pain. And the feelings can travel around the body, causing problems elsewhere in the spine, neck, shoulders, hips, legs, and even further. Unfortunately, dealing with such centrally-caused back pain can be very difficult, and may require various treatment plans including tissue work and retraining the nerves to move with less pain.

Muscle Imbalances Create Back Pain: Are You Working Out Properly?

While bodybuilding is a great way to get fit, bad form makes it a great way to get injured. Two main factors turn your workout into a trip to the doctor: poor posture and improper training, leading to muscle imbalances.

Lower back pain and uneven muscle development are common symptoms of bad form while exercising. Poor posture trains certain muscles to be tense and others to be weak, though these muscles should be working together to support proper spinal alignment. A rounded back and stooped shoulders are common hallmarks of poor posture while bodybuilding. The lower back muscles are strained while lifting in this position, since the abdominal and hip muscles are not able to assist in the work.

Developing muscle imbalances can in turn produce and exacerbate bad posture. Many people at the gym are striving for the idolized 6-pack abs. While the abdominal muscles are certainly important, they are not limited to one outer layer; there are deeper abdominal muscles that are not strengthened by traditional crunches or "ab machines." Compounding this problem is the fact that the muscles of the lower back, pelvis and buttocks should be developed evenly with the abdominals, since these muscles all make up the core group. Overdeveloped abdominals will pull the pelvis out of alignment, disrupting the natural curvature of the lumbar spine.

Poor posture can cause muscle imbalance, and muscle imbalance can cause poor posture. Many bodybuilders fall into this cycle due to a lack of education about proper body mechanics. As overly-tight muscles exert a pull on the structures around them and posture deteriorates, the spine can be pulled out of alignment. This distortion can manifest in the spine being curved away from the vertical center of the body or being curved too far outward in some places and inward in others. Scoliosis and kyphosis are examples of such distortion.

Signs of spinal misalignment include back pain, shoulder height discrepancy, pelvic height discrepancy, one shoulder sticking out more than the other and one side of the pelvis sticking out more than the other.

Correcting muskuloskeletal problems is difficult for bodybuilders; stopping all exercise is not desirable, since valuable muscle tone and cardiovascular health would decline. Yet the cause of back pain and any existing muscle imbalances must be identified before continuing your workout routine to ensure you break the cycle that is causing your injury.

A doctor of osteopathic (D.O.) is a good place to start. D.O.s differ from M.D.s (doctors of medicine) in that they take a more holistic approach to healing the body and have extra training in the body's muskuloskeletal connections. D.O.s have training in chiropractic methods of realigning the spine as well.

Spinal adjustments would be fruitless, however, without a corresponding treatment of what caused the misalignment in the first place. This is where the physical therapist comes in. Physical therapists are trained to identify muscle imbalances, even ones that are not plainly visible. Through assessments of posture and movement, a trained professional can tell what muscles are compensating for weak ones. This will tell you what groups need conditioning and which muscles need relaxing.

Overly-tight muscles must be turned off before workout resumes, since they will continue their compensatory actions due to muscle memory otherwise. Tight muscles in the back of the thigh, hips, buttocks and lower back can be relaxed using a technique called self-myofascial release (SMR). This involves the use of a dense foam roll to relax the tension in the muscles. For other muscles, deep tissue massage can achieve the same effect as SMR by loosening the connective tissue surrounding muscles.

A physical therapist can then guide you as to what exercises are safe to perform. Posture exercises will likely be a part of your treatment plan, since your muscles need to be retrained. This may consist of yoga, tai chi, or simple standing exercises in which you hold proper alignment.

To prevent further damage caused by improper technique, see http://www.wellsphere.com/exercise-article/your-doing-it-all-wrong-top-5-bad-form-exercises/850171. This article outlines 5 exercises that are commonly done with bad form.

Chronic lower back pain is the sign of a problem. Don't ignore it or pop a pill to cover up the symptom. Get educated and find proper treatment to be assured that you are not harming yourself while seeking fitness.

How A Herniated Disc Causes Lower Back Pain

The back is a particularly complex part of our human anatomy. This area of the body requires flexibility, strength, and a support system. Naturally, the spine is that exact component, perfect for making the back function the way we need it to.

And like any other part of the body, the spine and back can encounter problems and suffer damage. When this happens, depending on the cause, the results can be completely debilitating. So, what is one of the most common spinal injuries? The herniated disc is simply one of our most susceptible back injuries. It can have the potential to be one of the most crippling.

Many have heard the term, "herniated disc" before, due to its commonality. But often, this term is misunderstood. A herniated disc is an otherwise normal spinal disc that has become punctured, chipped, or cracked. When this happens, the disc will often leak its shock-absorbing, internal fluids into the surrounding area. This cause aggravation to the surrounding area as well as greatly reduces the ability of this section of the spine to continue to function as designed.

Symptoms

One of the foremost symptoms of this problem, like many other problems in the back, is pain. This pain may or may not be concentrated around the point of origin, or injury. It may be constant or merely occasional. In some cases, this pain can actually travel and radiate to different regions of the body. Lower back pain sciatica is often associated with a herniated disc. This is the name given to the travel of the pain through the nerves to areas such as the buttocks, hip, and legs.

Aside from the pain, mobility can become greatly diminished. The area of damage will not have the characteristics it had previously, which enabled it to work seamlessly. You may notice stiffness, a lack of flexibility, and less range of usability and motion. If you believe you have the signs of herniation or lower back pain sciatica, seek professional help.

Causes

A herniated disc can be brought on in a number of ways - each involving stress to the area. Sometimes, in an act of lift or pulling, too much stress is put on the area and herniation occurs. In other situations, great impact or a blow can be the cause. There are many movements and factors that can create the issue.
In addition, with age, disc degeneration is a natural occurrence. An aged and worn disc is a prime candidate for rupture, or herniation.

Prevention

Prevention of such spinal issues is generally three-fold. First, there is awareness in physicality and use of the back. Use back supports and braces when appropriate and lift with the legs, not the back.

Second, realize that this part of the body is a combination of bone, nerves, special fluids, and special conjoining tissue. And as these components require certain nutrients for natural, physiological upkeep, taking in these nutrients regularly can help. Try eating plenty of greens and fruits.

Lastly, and in the spirit of prevention being more pleasant than herniated disc treatment, work with a professional on strengthening the back muscles. This will provide extra support to the entire back and spine. Again, do so with professional guidance, as targeted back work can carry injury risks.

Treatment

Herniated disc treatment is dependent on the actual condition of the disc. This must first be assessed. Once this has been assessed, generally there are five treatment routes most commonly taken: surgery, flexion distraction, muscle testing, applied kinesiology, and nutrition response testing.

Surgery is typically reserved for the most severe and otherwise untreatable circumstances. Flexion distraction involves the therapeutic manipulation of the spine so as to readjust it to a correct and healing-inducing position. Muscle testing involves an in-depth, musculature approach to further diagnosing the injury. Applied kinesiology is the manipulation of tissue and musculature in the area. And finally, nutrition response testing has to do with using applied nutrition to help the body treat the issue.

Seek Help Today

If any of these issues sound familiar, don't worsen a possible debilitating condition by not seeking treatment. Often, such conditions will only worsen when ignored. Speak to a professional today.

Lower Back Pain When Sitting - Causes and Prevention

Next to sleeping, a large majority of people these days spend their time sitting before the computers. This is the main reason that they suffer from lower back pain. The problem arises when people sit in wrong postures. Most of the time they slouch forward as they look upon the computer screen, type on the keyboard or work out the mouse.

How does the lower back pain occur?

When you round your back while slouching, you exert greater pressure on the ligaments, bones, joints, vertebral discs and muscles of the lower back. A sustained pressure on these components of the spine makes them weak. It also wears out the discs, the shock absorbing cushions of the spinal column, and pushes them out of their place. A pushed out disc is called herniated, slipped or bulged disc.

As the disc tears out, it presses against or pinches the roots of the nerve that is located close to it. The affected nerve that runs down the lower back, hips, thighs, knees, legs and feet causes shooting pains.

Why do we slouch?

There are two main reasons we slouch. One is that we get tired sitting in erect posture over a time and bend forward to ease out the tension. The second and the more important reason is that the chairs we sit in have round or concave back. They make us bend forward even if we do not wish to. They force our back to align with their roundness. It assumes the shape of a bow or a hammock. This puts greater weight on the base of the discs in the lower part of the spine.

Apart from sitting in the office chairs, we also have to sit in cars and planes. While it is not possible to stand up in the car, there is little space in the planes to stand up or walk to take rest. The seat backs in the cars and planes also have curves. Sitting over the extended time slows down the blood circulation and reduces the supply of oxygen in the lower back, which is vital to keep it strong.

How to prevent lower back pain when sitting

The best way is to stand up, stretch and walk for a few minutes to ease out the tension of sitting in the same posture. Instead of doing so, people bend forward and keep working. Standing or stretching for a few moments can speed up the blood circulation and recharge the body with a new energy to work.

Treatments and Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Lumbago, commonly known as lower back pain, is one of the muscle related ailments that is quite common in the workforce. Doctors have noted that this is the number two reason why patients visit a doctor.

The causes of pain in the back may be due to muscle strain or soft tissues sprain at the back. Lower back ache is actually a symptom, which may involve injuries or other diseases. As such, there are three classifications: acute, sub acute and chronic back pain. The acute low back pain's duration is less than 4 weeks. The sub acute pain duration spans from four to twelve weeks. Lastly, chronic pain duration lasts for more than twelve weeks.

There are several ways to treat lumbago. One way is to take pain medications and apply heat compression to the affected area. Massages may also be applied to relieve the pain on the back. There are also exercises that can be used to recondition the lumbar area. However, these exercises for lower back problems may only be applied after the tenderness has subsided. It is important to note that each patient suffering from this ailment should be evaluated by a doctor so that corresponding exercises for lumbago may be tailor fitted to the cause of the malady.

Physical Therapy is also a good option for patients suffering from lumbago, which employs exercises to strengthen the back. There are programs of exercises for lower back pain that would relieve pain especially for chronic pain in the low back area. There are two common exercises for lower back pain programs that are being used by PT professionals. These are Williams' flexion exercises and Mackenzie back exercises, which are specific exercises for the lower region of the back. The first set of exercises is the Williams' flexion exercises which is composed of partial sit-ups, squats, pelvic tilts, hip flexor stretch, single knee to chest, hamstring stretch and double knee to chest exercises. On the other hand, Mackenzie back extension exercises are standing extensions, prone press ups, prone lying and prone lying on elbows and progressive extension with pillows. Exercises for lower back pain are always part of the treatment for chronic lumbago.

There are many ways that one can employ to prevent lumbago. Employees are encouraged to do routine exercises in their workstations to prevent lumbago. Also, one has to do proper stretching and prevention exercises for lower back pain before lifting weights to prevent muscle strains. There are also support devices available in the market that one can use to prevent low back injury. Always remember that prevention is always better and much cheaper than cure.