Wednesday, July 31, 2013

What Causes Lower Left Side Back Pain?


Many people experience lower left side back pain, which can last for days, weeks or months at a time. Common symptoms may include localized pain below the ribs and around the side of the torso. In addition, lower left side back pain may be intermittent in frequency in which it is more tolerable during certain hours of the day. Often times, people who have lower left side back pain will notice a stabbing or dull, aching pain. Many people may also be hyper-sensitive to touch, which stays localized to the lower left side of the back. For others, the pain remains unaffected even with changes in dietary habits. Some people who have lower left side back pain may also experience discomfort when taking deep breaths, lying still or during exercise. Changes in bowel movements may also be accompanied with lower left side back pain.

Frustration can be a common emotion for many people experiencing these symptoms because many doctors have trouble finding an accurate diagnosis. Even extensive testing such as medical imaging, colonoscopy, ultrasound, heart scan, blood tests, urine tests and stool tests may all come out normal.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, which may or may not help alleviate your pain. Although it is difficult to remain patient during period, please remember that lower left side back pain can be caused by many factors, which make it very difficult to diagnose your condition. If you and your doctor have tried every approach to diagnosing and treating your pain, ask your physician to refer you to a specialist. If you have tried this approach without much success, you may want to consider seeing a new physician. Doctors are very knowledgeable about medical conditions but some may have more expertise and relevant experience with your particular condition. The key to your success is finding a physician who is willing to work with you in treating your condition.

Here is a list of conditions which can cause pain in the lower left side of the back:

Hypochondrial pain: Symptoms include pain under the rib cage, which can be referred from the colon or spleen.

Ectopic pregnancy: A woman with a developing ectopic pregnancy may not display any signs or symptoms of being pregnant. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, cramping or stabbing pain around the pelvic area, dizziness and felling lightheaded.

Endometriosis: Symptoms may include pain in the pelvis, abdomen and lower back. Heavy flow of vaginal bleeding may accompany these symptoms.

Pancreatitis: Symptoms that are chronic may include indigestion, abdominal pain, back pain, weight loss and steatorrhea (stool that is appears oily and foul smelling).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Also known as spastic colon, IBS may be accompanied by abdominal pain, diarrhea, headaches, low back pain and chest pain.

Peptic Ulcer: Symptoms may include a burning pain in the chest, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, change in appetite and back pain.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder: Symptoms may include heartburn, chest pain, back pain, difficulty swallowing or dry cough.

Gastrointestinal bleeding: Common causes include esophageal varices, stomach ulcer, erosions of the esophagus, duodenum or stomach; duodenal ulcer, abnormal blood vessels, colon cancer, anal fissures, colon polyps, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, internal hemorrhoids and inflammation of the large bowels.

Celiac Disease: Symptoms of celiac disease may mimic those of other conditions such as anemia, parasite infections, irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers and skin disorders. Symptoms may include joint pain, weight loss, back pain, weakness and fatigue, bone disorders such as osteoporosis, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and anemia.

Radicular pain: This occurs when there is irritation or compression along the nerves exiting the spine. Symptoms include pain that is accompanied by weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation. Causes of radicular pain can be due to injury, trauma, soft tissue, disc degeneration, disc herniation, facet syndrome or bony changes to the vertebral column.

Kidney stones: Symptoms include pain below the ribs, pain around the torso and back pain. It is also common to experience pain radiating into the lower abdomen and groin region. Other symptoms include pain during urination, nausea and vomiting.

Gallstones: Symptoms may include pain between the shoulder blades, pain in the center and upper right region of the abdomen, back pain and pain into the right shoulder. Additional symptoms may include abdominal pain after eating meals.

Problems with the adrenal gland: Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness when standing up or changing positions quickly, sensitivity to bright lights and low back pain.

Lumbago is Lower Back Pain - Cause and Treatment


Lower back pain can cause more than pain, it can cause multiple overall long term health issues. Lumbago is a form of arthritis, if not treated at onset, it will contribute to other heath issues from chronic fatigue to upper respiratory disease.

Impractical Causes:


  • Strain
    By improper lifting and handling of items too heavy for the distributed weight of the person. The back and stomach carry most of the body's work force. Don't push your limit.

  • Fat stomach
    If you have a pot belly, this will cause back trouble as a Fat Stomach will pull the back muscles inward. One way that you can reduce excess belly fat without pills and strenuous exercise, is to use a Neoprene body wrap. By wrapping this around your middle it will cause the area to sweat at the same time support the stomach and back.

    Such support tools will reduce not only the extra subcutaneous tissue but reduce back pain. Make sure that you use the wrap over cotton clothing, like shorts, undergarments etc. otherwise, if left on the skin you will develop blisters.

    The cotton clothing will absorb the sweat.


  • Improper Diet
    You may find that you get constipated and even when you eliminate the pressure may subside but the pain is ever persistent.

    This is because you have not eliminated all that there is to eliminate. Try using the Mucousless Foods and 12 Herbs to Healthy Weight Loss, found on Shepherds Purse Naturals. These two Remedies will specifically help your bowels become regular.

    Using split Flax Seed will scrape the walls of the colon and get you having proper elimination. Use one tablespoon full once a day. Yes, put it in your mouth, half of a tablespoon at a time and drink it down the hatch.


  • Hot and Cold
    If your body is very warm and then suddenly cools off or visa versa. This can cause the muscles to tighten up and once seized, have fun.

    Don't sit on cement, stone or marble. These drain the body temperature from the derriere area and can cause the back to suffer for it.

  • This Formula is Confidentially Yours!

    Herbal Treatment:
  • 2 Tablespoons Powdered Mullein

  • 3 Tablespoons Powdered Slippery Elm Bark

  • 1 Tablespoon Lobelia

  • 1 small teaspoon Cayenne
  • Mix thoroughly together and then mix in enough boiling hot distilled or purified water to make a thick paste, about 1 quarter inch thickness. Spread evenly on a white cotton cloth or make a muslin pouch large enough to cover the area. Place on affected area while the paste is still fairly hot and cover with plastic wrap.

    Leave on for at least 2 hours and replace. Do not reuse or reheat the contents of the poultice. Always use fresh herbs when reapplying an application.

    Supplies:
  • Herbs

  • Plastic wrap

  • Cotton cloth or Muslin pouch

  • Distilled or Purified Water

  • Bowl and Mixing Spoon

  • Needle and thread to loosely sew up the open edge of the Muslin Pouch if used
  • Nutrients:
  • Mullein: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Sulfer

  • Slippery Elm Bark: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium,

  • Lobelia: Vitamin C,

  • Cayenne: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, Vitamin G, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Sulfer
  • Baking Soda Cancer Cure?

    Is Back Pain Due To A Lack Of Exercise?


    Many people seem to want to know if you can just exercise lower back pain away. Is it only about exercise? That is, did you end up with lower back pain due to a lack of exercise? Or could it be something else?

    Your back pain is not necessarily caused by a lack of exercise, but it's probably a good place to start looking. When I ask patients if they exercise, most are still saying "no." Those that do exercise tend to stick with the same machine or routine for their entire program. (And almost none of their "routine" exercises focus on improving their back muscles.)

    So on one hand, we have those that don't exercise and have lower back pain. It's easy to take a guess and see that their spine is having problems due to a lack of muscular support. While their spine may need more work at this point (check with your healthcare professional), eventually they'll exercise lower back pain away by creating a muscular back support around their spine with regular exercise.

    Those that do exercise, but are not performing a variety of movements are causing a different problem; muscular imbalance. They are likely only developing certain muscle groups while largely ignoring others. Worse, they may be performing activities that are alarmingly similar to what they already do all day.

    They are strengthening muscles that are already overworked (muscles in the front of the body) and not strengthening muscles that are typically ignored (back muscles). This is a standard recipe for developing lower back pain problems and should be avoided.

    Overall, maintaining a variety of activities that includes exercises to enhance cardiovascular health, strengthening and stretching will help exercise lower back pain away for good. The same formula works for almost everyone. First, due some exercise regularly. Next, make sure you take some time to strengthen your back muscles (especially if you already know you need it!).

    Tuesday, July 30, 2013

    Lower Back Pain, Right Side - 5 Tips For Pain Relief


    Lower back pain on right side, does not affect everyone, but at some point in our lives, almost 90% of us will seek attention for pain associated with our backs. And, lower back pain on right side, is among the most common of complaints.

    Why lower back pain on right side, and not the left side?

    Researchers are not entirely certain why there are more cases of lower back pain on right side, than on the left side, but some suspect that since most of us are right-handed, we tend to exert that side more often, making it more prone to injury. Keep in mind a sharp or stinging pain near the small of the back on either side can indicate a serious kidney problem. It is always best to seek the advice of a back, or lumbar pain, specialist when you are not completely sure what is causing your lower back pain on right side.

    Your degree of lower back pain on right side, may not be like hers.

    Did you know that two people can both suffer from a herniated disc; one with excruciating pain and the other with no pain at all? Such disparity is even more common among those who suffer from lumbar muscle strains. Researchers in a study in the New England Journal of Medicine determined that people can suffer the same back conditions while experiencing wildly different pain levels.

    So why are you suffering and not the other guy?

    In most cases, you can blame your lower back pain on right side, on a muscle imbalance along your spine. Years of miss-use and poor posture have allowed our muscles to develop in ways for which they were not designed. Most likely your ancestors were hunters, gatherers, farmers or factory workers. They did not get out of bed, sit in a car to drive to the office, then sit in a chair hunched in front of a computer all day, sit in a car to drive home, sit at the table to eat dinner and sit on the couch to watch TV. See a pattern?

    Even when we stand, our posture is usually poor. Once in a while we may try to get in shape, but will work out the wrong muscles, having no idea that we created a muscle imbalance from the lack of proper movement. For those who work out often, chances are they may be working on the wrong muscles to put their backs and spines back in balance. It is likely that the muscles in that side of your back have developed inadequately.

    So what can be done to relieve your lower back pain on right side?


    1. Look for a muscle balance specialist who can pinpoint which muscles you need to work on in order to build up weak areas. There are some pretty good ones out there so do your homework and you should be fine.

    2. Immediate relief can be found with medication, but check with your doctor first. He will probably recommend Tylenol first, then an anti-inflammatory such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve or even aspirin.

    3. You can lie in bed, but only for a couple days. More than that and your muscles will begin to atrophy and will create more lower back pain on right side. If you do take some rest, make sure you get up and move around every hour or so, even if it hurts. Movement will help you recover sooner.

    4. Ice may be good for a day or two, but only if there is swelling. After the swelling goes down, switch to heat as it will help to increase blood flow to the painful area.

    5. Yes, movement is important, but if your lower back pain on right side, is really bad, take a rest every now and then by lying on your back with your feet or knees propped up. Some people like to put their legs on a chair with their back flat on the floor. If you use a laptop, you can still get some work done this way as you rest your back. Do not stay on the floor too long. Be sure to get up and move around. Did we mention that movement is our friend?

    Please remember that if you are in doubt as to the cause of your lower back pain on right side, see a specialist so they can rule out any serious problems.

    Are You Willing to Follow Eight Yoga Exercises For the Lower Back?


    EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEF

    Many people believe that rest is best for a painful back, but actually, what your back really needs when it's hurt is exercise. Regular exercise relieves back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine and helps to prevent future injury. This is a use it or lose it situation: the more you rest, the weaker your back gets, even if it is hurt. Studies have actually shown that you can heal your back pain faster and get back to your regular activities with just two days of rest. This article will focus on Yoga Exercises. Remember to contact your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

    YOGA EXERCISES FOR YOUR BACK

    A good, regular yoga practice will go far in relieving the stress and tension that sometimes cause mild back pain, and in fact, studies have shown that yoga is the number one most effective exercise for relieving back pain. However, not all yoga poses relieve back pain, and some can in fact aggravate existing pain, so it is important to know which poses will be most helpful in relieving back pain. It is best to do these exercises under the supervision of a certified yoga instructor, and if you encounter any problems with these poses, you should consult an expert. Even just one or two sessions with a yoga instructor can help, as an instructor will help you with your form and posture during poses. Here are some of the best yoga poses for relieving back pain. Each pose should be held from five to ten seconds, depending upon your level of comfort, and should be done on a mat or other soft, supportive surface.

    CORPSE: Lie flat on your back in a relaxed position, arms resting at your sides, palms down, and legs lying naturally, with knees turned out slightly. If it hurts your back to have your knees turned outward, do this pose with knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Breathe in and out for a few seconds while allowing any tension to leave the body.

    CAT STRETCH: Start out on your hands and knees with a flat back. Your hands should be directly under your shoulders with fingers spread. Knees should be directly under the hips. Head is held loosely so that you are looking at the floor between your hands. Inhale, and as you exhale, arch your back toward the ceiling, tuck your chin in to your chest so that you are looking at your navel, and tuck your tailbone underneath. Hold, then release back into your original position.

    WIND-RELEASING POSE: Lie flat on your back as in Corpse pose. As you inhale, bend your knee, place your hands right below the knee, and draw your leg towards your chest. Your left leg should remain flat on the floor. Exhale and bring your forehead up to touch your knee. Inhale, and then as you exhale, return to your original position. Repeat with the other leg.

    SAGE TWIST: Warning for this pose-it involves twisting your back, so you should take particular care not to twist too far or you risk aggravating any existing back pain. This should be a gentle stretch; twist just as far as is comfortable. Sit on the floor with both legs out in front of you. Bend your right knee, lift your right leg over your left, and place your right foot on the floor next to your left knee. Sitting with spine straight, place your left elbow on the right side of your right knee. Bend your left arm so that your left fingertips are touching your right hip, while at the same time, twisting to look over your right shoulder. This is where you need to be careful not to twist too far. Hold for a few seconds, release, and repeat on the opposite side.

    PALM TREE: Stand with feet facing forward, arms at your sides, weight distributed evenly on both feet. Raise both arms over your head, interlock your fingers, and turn your hands so that your palms are facing upward. Next, place your palms on your head and turn your head so that you are looking slightly upward. Stretch your arms upwards, and at the same time, come up onto your toes if you can do so without pain. Stretch your entire body upward and hold, if you can. Some people have difficulty balancing during this pose, so just do the stretching part if you need to.

    FISH POSE: Lie on your back with knees bent and arms at your side. Arch your back as far as you comfortably can and raise it off the ground by pushing the floor with your elbows. If you can, tilt your head backwards and rest the crown of your head on the floor. Breathe deeply from the diaphragm and hold pose for one minute if you can.

    LOCUST: Lie face down with arms at the side, palms down, and elbows slightly bent with fingers pointing towards the feet. Raise your legs and thighs as high off the ground as possible without causing your back any pain. Hold for one second and repeat up to twelve times. This can be a vigorous exercise so you must take care to strain already injured muscles.

    BENDING FORWARD POSTURE: Stand up straight with feet together and arms hanging loosely along your sides. Breathe in deeply and raise your arms straight above your head. While breathing out, bend forward and touch your toes if you can. If you can't reach your toes, grab hold of your ankles or calves. To complete the pose, you should touch your head to your knees, but this may be too difficult for many who suffer from lower back pain. Your movements during this pose should be smooth, not jerky.

    PMS Symptoms - Back Pain


    PMS is the time just prior to your menstrual cycle. This time usually brings with it some uncomfortable symptoms for many women. The severity of which can be from mild to severe enough to be debilitating. Back pain is just one of the symptoms of PMS.

    PMS SYMPTOMS

    Believe it or not those food cravings are real and have real basis. The cravings for chocolate and other sweet treats are occurring because these foods can cause a rapid increase in the levels of serotonin. Serotonin is the brain chemical that helps to manage mood, sleep cycles, and your appetite. Giving into these cravings can cause weight gain.

    Weight gain can also be attributable to water retention. Cramps are spasms and can be very painful. Fatigue, irritability, anger and aggression are also symptoms that can affect you just prior to and a couple of days into your period. You might also experience concentration problems and sleep problems. Mood swings, anxiety, and depression may also occur to varying degrees.

    Hormonal effects on symptoms can include migraines, sore breasts, and bloating. These symptoms are not the same for every woman. The quantity and severity is different for each one. It is also notable that for yourself the symptoms you may experience can be different from month to month.

    Back pain is also a primary symptom of PMS. Back pain in the lower back can be very uncomfortable. The degree of back pain can be anything from a very dull twinge of pain to absolutely spasmodic pain. The good news is that there are things you can do to alleviate PMS symptoms, back pain.

    PMS Symptoms, Back Pain Treatments

    Medication both OTC - over the counter and prescriptive medications can benefit PMS symptoms including back pain. An Anti-inflammatory may be used to deal with the pain and the inflammation. Water retention may also contribute to back pain as it does to pre -period weight gain. There are medications to deal with this but there are also some things you can do that do not require medication.

    Back pain can benefit from a heating pad applied to the lower back, Stretching exercises can help and so can the Yoga pose "legs up the wall" You lie on the floor with your buttocks against the wall and your legs flat against the wall. You will be in the form of an L. Massage is a treat but also beneficial to body aches including PMS symptoms back pain.

    Due to the serious side effects from some of the prescribed medications, many are looking for natural treatments such as herbal supplements to help give them relief from the uncomfortable PMS symptoms. Herbs that may benefit your PMS symptoms include Black Cohosh, Red Clover, and Damiana among others.

    Quality supplements are a blend of standardized herbal extracts and other nutritive substances that are known to benefit PMS symptoms. Standardized herbal extracts are used because this is the location of the herb's most active ingredients. Quality supplements will have been put through rigorous testing. The ingredients' metabolism at the molecular level is examined as are the interactions of the ingredients. They will have been made to meet pharmaceutical grade standards.

    These above processes guarantee that you are getting exactly what the label says you are. They further ensure the purity, safety, and effectiveness of the supplements. Quality is not only guaranteed from pill to pill but from bottle to bottle. You should not take anything unless you consult your doctor because some herbs can affect the performance of prescriptions you may be taking for other conditions.

    Conclusion

    PMS symptoms back pain can be treated in a variety of ways. They include medications including an anti-inflammatory, over the counter (OTC) medicines and with herbal supplements. Stretching, some Yoga positions, and heating pads are all effective. An added treat could be massage. There is treatment and there are treatments with few if any side effects.

    Can Rapid Weight Loss Cause Back Pain?


    It is well-established that being overweight or obese increases one's chance of experiencing lower back pain. With that in mind, it makes sense to view weight loss as a back pain treatment. Rapid weight loss, however, can cause back pain in a number of ways.

    Malnutrition

    Rapid weight loss diets often revolve around the principle of ketosis, where the body burns its fat due to a decrease in the supply of sugars it receives to burn. Low-carbohydrate diets fall into this category. When cutting out grains and fruits, you will miss out on some of the nutrients you usually receive. The whole body is affected by malnutrition; muscles will not be able to function properly and may spasm or weaken, causing them to become easily strained.

    If your diet restricts certain food groups, you should be taking supplements to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Look for diets like Ideal Protein that take measures to compensate for nutrient loss.

    Dehydration

    Low-carbohydrate diets like Atkins and Zone are diuretic diets; they increase water loss to drop weight quickly. If uninformed or uninstructed, it is easy to become dehydrated while following one of these diets.

    The body is made up of about 70% water. Spinal discs rely on water to maintain height and their ability to absorb shock. Dehydration reduces the fluids available to spinal discs, which could lead to speedy disc degeneration, bulging or herniation. Muscles also need fluids in order to receive and absorb electrolytes. When dehydrated, muscles begin to cramp.

    If you want to follow a low-carb diet, make sure your plan involves instructions on water intake.

    Loss Of Muscle Tone

    Some people pursuing rapid weight loss plans with low-caloric intake are instructed to avoid strenuous activities such as exercise for a while, since the body is adjusting to less fuel. Being sedentary can cause rapid loss of muscle tone. The muscles of the lower back and abdomen are meant to work together to support the upper body and the spine's alignment. As these muscles soften, posture may suffer. Various muscles throughout the back, neck and shoulders become sore and strained due to bad posture.

    Over-Exercising

    Some people's weight loss plans involve high-intensity, regular exercise to help burn fat. If you're taking in less calories and burning more of them, you may be putting your health at risk.

    Your body needs calories for energy and repair. If you're working your muscles extra hard and giving them less fuel to work with, you're more susceptible to strains. Also, not resting long enough for muscles to heal is a cause of back pain among dieters. Intense workouts should not be done on a daily basis.

    Gallstones

    Though an exact reason for this is not know, diets that are very low in fat and/or calories can disrupt the functioning of the gallbladder. This organ assists the liver in the digestion of fats. It is thought that a limited supply of fat prevents the gallbladder from contracting and releasing its bile regularly, which could lead to the development of stones as substances in the bile stagnate and harden.

    Gallstones and bile retention cause the gallbladder to inflame. Since it is located in close approximation to the muscles of the lower back and abdomen on the right side, inflammation of the organ can cause radiating pain in the back and stomach.

    Warning: If Weight Loss is Unexplained

    If you are losing weight without dieting and have back pain, this could be a sign of a serious medical condition. Cancerous spinal tumors can cause weight loss, changes in appetite, fatigue, back pain, vomiting, fever and/or neurological problems. If you are losing weight unexpectedly, seek medical attention.

    For some people, losing weight quickly is a necessity. For others, it is a choice. Achieving a healthy weight is a goal that should be pursued for the good of your back and for your quality and length of life. Be wary of crash diets. Seek out plans that pay attention to nutritional requirements and hydration. If you experience back pain on a rapid weight loss diet, it could be a sign that your body is either not getting what it needs or that you are working out too hard.

    Don't let back pain get in the way of your weight loss goal. Picking the right diet will ensure you are quickly and safely losing weight. If possible, consult with a trusted health professional about your dieting plan.