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Spinal Arthritis

By Relax The Back on February 28, 2011
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Conditions.

There are more than 100 types of arthritis. The most common type that affects the spine is spondylosis, or simply osteoarthritis. Inflammatory types of arthritis also can cause joint stiffness and pain. These include juvenile or adult rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Spinal arthritis can affect the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (low back) spine.

Degenerative disorder
Spondylosis is a degenerative, wear and tear disorder related to growing older. This type of arthritis affects the spine’s joints; the facet joints. At the back of each vertebral body is a pair of facet joints. Like other joints, each facet joint is covered in cartilage to facilitate smooth movement. Age- and activity-related spinal degeneration contributes to erosion of cartilage. As cartilage wears away, joints become inflamed, stiff, and painful.

A degenerative cascade of cumulative effects causes osteoarthritis to alter the spine’s structures. Degeneration at one level can lead to change (deterioration) at another level of the spine. These changes can create stress and increase wear and tear of the spine’s discs and ligaments. Many patients with spondylosis also have degenerative disc disease.

Are you at risk?
Similar to other disorders, some risks are controllable and others are not.

Risks you control

Balanced diet
Body weight; extra weight (obesity) stresses spine structures
Do not smoke (tobacco use)
Exercise
Overuse of joints during work or sports-related activities

Risks beyond your control

Age; everyone ages (arthritis is common in people over age 50)
Family history of arthritis
Gender: women are at higher risk
Spine injury, trauma

Talk with your doctor
Sometimes arthritis symptoms flare up, such as during periods of increased activity, illness, or weather changes. No two patients with osteoarthritis are the same. Pain that is chronic, severe, and/or progressive is a good indication that you should see your doctor.

Treatment
Few patients require surgery to treat spondylosis. Most patients lead full and productive lives and manage osteoarthritis with cold/heat therapy, exercise, medications, spinal injections, and alternative treatment such as acupuncture.

Your doctor may recommend a physical therapy program to improve your posture, increase flexibility, and build strength and endurance. Biomechanics and ergonomic training is part of an organized program of physical therapy. Proper posture and movement at rest or during any activity benefits patients with spondylosis.

Disc Herniation

By Relax The Back on February 22, 2011
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Conditions.

A cervical (neck) or lumbar (low back) disc herniation is a common cause of pain. The intervertebral discs; the discs between each vertebral body, work with other parts of the spine to absorb and distribute stress. Each disc is made up of an annulus fibrosus; a tough tire-like outer band, and the nucleus pulposus; a gel-like inner substance.

A disc herniation occurs when the nucleus pushes through the annular wall. The nuclear material releases a chemical irritant that sets off a cascade of inflammation, nerve compression, and pain.

Symptoms
Typical symptoms of a cervical or lumbar disc herniation include:

Cervical Disc Herniation	Lumbar Disc Herniation
Neck pain	Low back pain
Movement may intensify pain	Bending, coughing, sneezing, other movement may intensify pain
Dull or sharp pain in the shoulders, upper back	Muscle spasm, cramping
Pain spreads (radiates) down into the arms, hands, or fingers (extremities). Called cervical radiculopathy	Sciatica (pain, burning, tingling, numbness that extends into the buttocks and legs)
Tingling, numbness in the shoulders, upper back, or extremities	Leg weakness, functional loss

Risk factors
Sudden stress from injury or trauma can cause disc herniation. Sometimes a disc herniation gradually develops over weeks or months.

Risks you control

Do not smoke
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat well; a balanced and healthy diet
Exercise
Practice good posture and body mechanics

Risks beyond your control

Growing older
Injury or trauma

Talk with your doctor
Sudden pain or pain that is severe, or that becomes chronic or progressive, requires evaluation by your doctor. Perhaps your doctor has already diagnosed you with a bulging (has not broken through the anular wall) or herniated disc. If that is the case, he will want to know about any new symptoms, especially weakness, problems with balance or when walking, or bladder or bowel dysfunction.

Diagnosis
Your doctor collects and compares information gathered while talking with you about your medical history and past and existing symptoms. A physical and neurological examination looks for limitations of movement, balance difficulties, and what exacerbates and relieves pain. During the exam he tests your reflexes, muscle strength, sensations, or other signs of neurologic loss. Your doctor may order imaging studies such as plain x-ray, CT, or MRI to study and confirm you diagnosis to direct your treatment plan.

Treatment
Most cases of disc herniation do not require surgery. Often, one or more non-surgical treatments are very effective at relieving symptoms. These include:

Medications: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain; muscle relaxants to calm spasm; and, occasionally narcotic painkillers.
Cold/heat therapy
Spinal injections
Physical therapy: stretching to increase flexibility, therapeutic exercise to build muscle strength and endurance; posture and importance of maintaining good posture (ergonomics) at rest, work, and during other activities.
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture

Surgery may be recommended if pain cannot be managed, spinal instability develops, or neurologic symptoms develop or progress. Your doctor will explain why he recommends surgery and the type of procedure involved, including what to expect before and after surgery.

Spinal Stenosis

By Relax The Back on February 22, 2011
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Conditions.

Spinal stenosis develops when either the spinal canal or spinal nerve pathways narrow. The term stenosis means to abnormal narrowing. The spinal canal is a vertical hole that contains the spinal cord. The shape and structure of the spine’s bones help to protect the spinal cord. In the low back (lumbar spine), the spinal cord becomes the cauda equina; a bunch of nerves resembling a horse’s tail. Discs between each vertebral body serve to create natural passageways called foramen through which spinal nerve roots exit the spine.

Cervical spinal stenosis is a common cause of neck pain especially in people over age 50 or those with a history of neck injury or trauma. Some people are born (congenital) with stenosis. There are three types of cervical spinal stenosis:

Cervical central stenosis means part of the spinal canal is narrow
Cervical foraminal stenosis means one or more of the spinal nerve root pathways is narrowed
Both cervical central stenosis and foraminal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis

is a common cause of low back pain in people over age 50. Wear and tear and common conditions including osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and development of bone spurs (osteophytes) contribute to stenosis.

Typical symptoms

Cervical Spine Stenosis	Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Neck pain; mild to severe	Low back pain; mild to severe
Numbness, weakness (shoulders, arms, or legs)	Numbness, weakness (buttocks, legs)
Hand clumsiness; coordination difficulties	Difficulty and pain when walking, standing, bending backward
Burning, tingling sensations in the arms or legs	Pain relieved by resting or leaning forward
Difficulty walking	Burning, tingling sensations in legs
Bladder or bowel dysfunction (rare)	Bladder or bowel dysfunction (rare)
Paralysis (rare)	Paralysis (rare)

Talk with your doctor

Sudden pain or pain that is severe, or that becomes chronic or progressive, requires evaluation by your doctor. Perhaps your doctor has already diagnosed you with cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis. If that is the case, he will want to know about any new symptoms, especially weakness, problems with balance or when walking, or bladder or bowel dysfunction.

Diagnosis

Your doctor collects and compares information gathered while talking with you about your medical history and past and existing symptoms. A physical and neurological examination looks for limitations of movement, balance difficulties, and what exacerbates and relieves pain. During the exam he tests your reflexes, muscle strength, sensations, or other signs of neurologic loss. Your doctor may order imaging studies such as plain x-ray, CT, or MRI to study and confirm you diagnosis to direct your treatment plan.

Treatment

Most cases of cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis do not require surgery. Often, one or more non-surgical treatments are very effective at relieving symptoms. These include:

Medications: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain; muscle relaxants to calm spasm; and, occasionally narcotic painkillers.
Cold/heat therapy
Spinal injections
Physical therapy: stretching to increase flexibility, therapeutic exercise to build muscle strength and endurance; posture and importance of maintaining good posture (ergonomics) at rest, work, and during other activities.
Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture

Stretching for Back Care

By Brendan on October 27, 2010
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Prevention.

Stretching Exercises

The 3 basics of good back care are doing daily extension stretches, strengthening your core muscles and supporting the lumbar spine. Stretching exercises are a great, low-cost way to stay in shape and keep your muscles limber. They can also clear your mind and increase your circulation, as well as provide a bit of fun. Below are some simple stretches you can do in the morning, noon, or night, while traveling or in the office.

Neck Stretches

Relax your arms at your sides. Breathe normally and then turn your head to one side. Hold for 5 seconds, then turn to the other side. Repeat this 4 times making sure to breathe at a relaxed pace. This stretch is particularly good for the muscles running along the side of your neck, but you can also stretch the back of your neck by slowly tilting your head forward, holding for 5 seconds and then tilting it back. For added flexibility, you can also try Dr. Riter’s Real-Ease Neck Support, in our Neck Therapy section.

Upper Back Stretches

If you have back pain, stretches are an excellent way to relieve tension and stiffness. To stretch your upper back muscles, lie on your stomach and prop yourself up on your elbows. Then slowly extend your back by straightening your elbows. Hold this position for a few seconds, until you feel a gentle stretch. Then, return to the first position and repeat.

Middle Back Stretches

To stretch your middle back, find an open space and stand with your fee shoulder-width apart. Place your hands on your hips and slowly twist your torso to the right, until you feel a stretch. Stay like this for 15-20 seconds and then rotate back to your original position. Stretch your other side by slowly twisting your body leftwards. Hold for 15-20 seconds and then return to neutral position.

In addition to your middle back, you can also stretch your arms, wrists and hands by interlacing your fingers with the palms out and extending them in front of you. Hold for 15-20 seconds, relax and then repeat. This exercise works well while using a FitBall Exercise Gym Ball, which focuses on core strength, balance and coordination.

Lower Back Stretch

For this one, find a sturdy chair without armrests. Push your posterior all the way to the back and then lean over gently to touch your toes. Try to feel the stretch in your lower back muscles and hold for a good 15-20 seconds. Then slowly come up, relieving the tension until you’re completely upright. Repeat 3-4 times. If you would like a deeper stretch, position your feet farther out in front of you. This stretch is good for reducing tension from sitting in a fixed position all day. For other back stretches, the Corestretch is a safe way to stretch muscles, tendons and ligament and offers a variety of and 10 length adjustments.

Calf Stretches

This calf stretch is called the “wall lunge.” Stand about a foot away from a wall, then extend one leg behind you. You may lean on the wall with your forearms but make sure both feet are flat on the floor. Then, lean into the stretch until you feel a gentle tension in your calf muscle. Hold for 10 seconds and then switch legs.

Stretches like these can increase circulation and improve flexibility. Stretching is also good exercise, which can elevate mood and keep your mind fresh for the million things on your daily to-do list. If you would like to learn more about stretching or convenient ways to relieve stress and muscle tension, please visit our Fitness and Therapy section at www .relaxtheback .com for more information.

Review: McCarty’s Sacroease Back Support

By Brendan on July 29, 2010
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Product Reviews, Products, Travel. | 2 Comments

Reduce tension on your back while driving with a Sacroease.

Calling all Lexus, Mercedes Benz and BMW owners – your luxury car may not be complete without a proper ergonomic back support.

I love my Lexus. On the days I get it washed and detailed, it’s like riding in a luxury hotel suite. As someone with a heavy daily commute, that’s a wonderful thing. Still, I have to admit, its seating is a little less than luxurious. I did some research and discovered that Mercedes Benz and BMW drivers often have the same complaint. It seems that luxury cars are well-known for high-performance engineering, but they leave a little to be desired in the ergonomic seating department.

After an informal poll, I found that a LOT of vehicles, luxury automobiles included, make it difficult to maintain good posture. Most seats, whether made with rich, Corinthian leather or not, encourage bad posture by not supporting the lower back and spine. This often results in drivers, like me, hunching over the steering wheel, their backs contorted into a “C” shape.

But, rather than gut my Lexus to put in all-new seating, which would have been way too expensive, I decided to try the Sacroease, from McCarty. The difference was immediate and profound. Instead of driving hunched over, the back support practically forced me to maintain a healthy posture. It helped me to sit in an ergonomically correct “S” curve when driving. It also provided support behind my back and under my hips.

According to back specialists, this kind of support takes the strain off your spinal discs, allowing fluid to flow in the spine. Occasionally, I’ve noticed an uncomfortable swelling in my lower back after long road trips. After using the Sacroease, however, I found that my back could “breathe” better and my muscles felt less tense. Since I’ve started using it, I’ve also experienced fewer pinched nerves, which in the past have affected my entire body.

But perhaps the biggest difference has been less road vibration. No matter how often I replace my car’s shock absorbers, gravel, potholes, bumps, dips and other road hazards make it rattle like a mini earthquake. With the Sacroease, though, I’ve noticed that a lot less. It seems that the road vibrations are absorbed by the rubber support, not my spine and hips.

I will say that one advantage the Sacroease has over other posture correction products is its customization. It’s not made one-size-fits-all like other wood or plastic travel supports. It’s made of a bendable metal that I went to my local Relax The Back to have fitted to my body’s unique contours. Relax The Back remains one of the few specialty retailers that provides this service, but you have to do it in-store.

One last reason I recommend trying the Sacroease is that it comes with a five-year warranty, the same as my Lexus. In that way, my vehicle, back support, and me are made for each other.

Find Relief From Back Pain; Make Yourself Aware of the Solutions

By Brendan on November 16, 2009
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Prevention. | 1 Comment

80% of Americans suffer from back pain, and eight out of ten people will experience it at some point in their lifetime. It has become undeniably clear that back pain is very common for people all ages, and can happen to anyone.

Even with such a large population of people suffering, the percentage of those who are aware of ways to relieve back pain and prevent it in the future, are surprisingly low. Whether back pain is caused by sciatica, scoliosis, a herniated disc, or just simple stress, there are simple solutions people can take to find relief.

The most important part of ensuring spinal health is having strong spinal muscles to support your frame. Active forms strengthening exercises can rehabilitate the spine, alleviate and avoid recurrences of back pain, and reduce severity of future episodes. Acting as a natural stimulus to heal the back, exercise can keep the discs, muscles, ligaments and joints healthy.

While it’s true that active individuals are less likely to have an episode of back pain, it can affect all people regardless of their level of activity.

Another method of back pain relief is the use of ergonomic furniture and, a number of other products, which are designed specifically to place you in less compressive positions throughout the day. Functional furniture and products, such as a zero gravity recliner, ergonomic office chair, lumbar cushion or a supportive neck pillow can reduce back pain while driving, traveling, sitting at home, at work, and sleeping.

Products like the Self Inflating Back Rest and the Tempur-Pedic travel pillow are the only way for some commuters and travelers who suffer from lower back problems to be able to sit in chairs and actually get some rest during a hotel stay. There is a whole population of people who find work commutes and plane rides agonizing, they toss and turn in hotel beds, they can’t sit comfortably in restaurants, but when they discover the supports like those offered by Relax The Back, comfort outside of home no longer seems so daunting.

Sitting in office chairs for prolonged periods of time is also a major cause of back pain. Besides being uncomfortable, poor sitting posture can damage spinal structures and contribute to recurrent episodes of back pain over time. For those sitting at their desks for 40 hours a week and more, ergonomically designed chairs, such as the Lifeform chairs, which relieve stress on employee’s neck, shoulders and back and provide lumbar and lateral support to help posture, are a must to surviving the week.

You may even be contributing to your back pain when you sleep. Having the wrong mattress can aggravate existing aches and pains and cause new ones. Many sufferers of back pain have found that sleeping on a Tempur-Pedic® Mattress, which is made from pressure-relieving material that provides customized support, has greatly reduced the back pain they feel throughout the day.

Taking care of your back should be a priority! It is the platform from which your arms and legs work, and there are ways to help you function productively and pain free. Make yourself aware of the above solutions and the many others that exist.

For information on these products, or to find a Relax The Back store near you, or visit www.relaxtheback.com. For more detailed information on back pain and spine strengthening exercises SpineUniverse.

Backpack Safety Facts

By Brendan on August 11, 2009
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Neck Pain, Prevention.

A University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine-led team found that how loads are distributed under backpack straps may help identify the source of shoulder and back pain in children. The study, published in the December 5, 2005 issue of the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, concludes that the average backpack load that children are now carrying should be reduced.

A University of Michigan Study found that up to 60% of children will experience back pain by the time they reach 18 years of age.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 7,277 emergency room visits each year result from injuries related to book bags. The CPSC also reports that backpack-related injuries are up 330% since 1996.

Waist belts may cause forced excessive distribution across a growing pelvis leading to possible pelvic abnormalities. (Congress of Chiropractic State Associations and Prof. Mary Hickey Northeastern University, 2002)

Roller backpacks may result in forward head and thoracic deviations just as severe as children carrying excessively heavy backpacks. Though the load of the backpack is no longer on the skeletal structure, dragging the backpack may result in rotary forces on the spine through the involved arm. (Physical Therapy Products, March, 2002)

A study by Northeastern University (June, 01) reported that the average student has a VAS (visual analog scale) pain level of 4.3 with a high percent reporting pain in the range of 8-9. The students who wore an AirPacks backpack for six weeks had a VAS pain level of 1.8, a 50% reduction in pain.

When 200 New England school nurses were surveyed, 66% reported seeing students with pain or injury that could be attributed to carrying backpacks that were too heavy.

A study by Simmons College found that 55% of students carry more than the recommended guidelines of 10 – 15% (February, 2001)

Example: A child weighing:

- 50 lbs. should carry no more than 7.5 lbs.

- 80 lbs. should carry no more than 12 lbs.

- 100 lbs. should carry no more than 15 lbs.

- 130 lbs. should carry no more than 19.5 lbs.

- 150 lbs. should carry no more than 22.5 lbs.

Many children, teens and adults are carrying up to 40 lbs. and are potentially injuring themselves. LIT-FACT-3300 15.02.06a

Tips On Wearing Your Backpack Safely and Properly

Distribute the weight evenly. Put the heavier items on the bottom to keep the weight off of your shoulders and maintain better posture.

Wear both shoulder straps unless your pack is designed for use on one shoulder. Carrying a heavy backpack using one strap can shift the weight to one side, which can lead to neck and muscles spasms, low back pain and walking improperly

Choose backpacks that have heavily padded shoulder straps and a lumbar support. Non-padded straps dig into the shoulders causing pain due to compressional loading of the acromio-clavicular joints and stress on the trapezious muscles.

Choose a backpack that has a lumbar cushion. The lumbar cushion will redistribute weight to the lower extremities, creating a fulcrum that facilitates anupright standing position.

How You Can Prevent Back and Neck Pain

By Brendan on May 27, 2009
This entry is filed under Back Pain, Neck Pain, Prevention.

As the owner of your body, you have as great an influence over your spinal health as your doctor does. Your doctor will help you get out of pain, but it’s up to you to keep the pain from coming back. By making some simple lifestyle choices, you can remove one of the leading causes of recurrent back and neck pain, poor posture. Incorrect posture. Slouching reverses the natural curves of the spine.

In general, the bad influences of age, heredity, or accidents are uncontrollable. Yet, these become small obstacles to long-term back and neck pain solutions when you take control of your posture. Furthermore, not just standing posture, for we sit, sleep, and recline up to 90 percent of each day, 365 days a year.

Posture and spinal healthResearch shows the positions we place our spines in during activity or when at rest, will be either beneficial or create harmful stresses on muscles, ligaments, discs, nerve tissue, and bone.

Prolonged slouching which reverses the natural curves of the lumbar and cervical spine, can cause damage to spinal tissues. Over the years, repetitive poor posture can cause discomfort, pain, and conditions that may lead to the need for surgery.
Sitting and spinal healthOver time, we can damage our backs by hunching over our work at the office and/or sitting slouched in an unsupportive sofa, chair, or recliner at home. Correct sitting posture will help you prevent pain from recurring.
Correct posture.The cervical and lumbar regions are curved inward and properly supported.

To protect your back while sitting:
Maintain your spine’s natural posture by resting your back against a firm backrest with lumbar support.
While at your desk, use inward adjusting armrests to support your body upright to reduce harmful slouching and to take the upper body weight off your wrists to help prevent repetitive stress injuries.
Adjust your chair height and position so you’re close to your work reducing the need to lean forward.
Keep your feet on the floor, or support your feet with a footrest to reduce seated pressure.

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