Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica Relief Strategies of The Bad Back Guy

The Bad Back Guy on Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica: Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis

The musculoskeletal system exhibits a significant number of changes as we age, not only do the joints change but the surrounding tissue changes as well, thus causing varying degrees of neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica. Two of the changes that we will focus on in this article are osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis, as the label of a condition, is somewhat misleading because inflammation is not generally related to this condition, although pain may be. Degenerative joint disease is perhaps a better label. Osteoarthritis generally affects individuals over 50 years of age. Osteoporosis is caused by an imbalance in bone absorption over bone formation and is thought to be found most frequently in postmenopausal women. In both conditions, other factors come into play and may be exhibited in other segments of the population, other demographic groups, as a result. In both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis inactivity, immobility, and a sedentary lifestyle may exacerbate the condition leading to more neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process affecting the joints, particularly in the elderly, and may be asymptomatic (pain-free) or may cause considerable pain, particularly in the lower back and legs (sciatica). Joint changes may include erosion of the cartilaginous surface of the joints, degenerative changes to the soft tissue in and around the joints, and ossification or calcification of the connective tissue, particularly the ligaments and the edges, both superior and inferior, of the vertebrae themselves (osteophytes or bony bridges, spurs). All of the aforementioned factors may lead to a pain complex of back pain and sciatica. While it is difficult to say just how much these changes are directly associated with aging and how much is due to trauma, accident, and/or inactivity, it is obvious, both microscopically and macroscopically (to the naked eye), that aging is a factor. During research I conducted at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH), the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), and the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) The Smithsonian, it was immediately apparent that osteoarthritis is an age progressive, degenerative phenomenon. Osteoarthritis appears most frequently in the secondary curvatures of the spine, those of the cervical and lumbar regions. With each decade after the age of 30, calcification and ossification grow increasingly prevalent. It seems likely that this is an adaptive response to weakening muscles and connective tissues as we age. With decreased activity and increased age-progressive phenomena, it is likely that pain, particularly neck pain, back pain, and sciatica, will become increasingly prevalent.

Osteoporosis, as noted above, has to do with an imbalance between bone absorption and bone deposition. While generally believed to affect the long bones, the vertebrae are markedly affected by osteoporosis. A few of the factors contributing to this condition are the inability to absorb calcium through the gastrointestinal tract, diminished or loss of gonad function in postmenopausal women, inactivity, immobility, and a lack of weight-bearing stress on the skeletal system, the bones themselves. Additionally, osteoporosis may be caused by heightened levels of cortisone in the body, both exogenous (coming from outside of the body) or endogenous (being manufactured in the body). Regardless of etiology or cause, osteoporosis is increasingly evident as we age and is responsible for a large number of fractures experienced in individuals over 50 years of age. With fractures, particularly fractures of the vertebrae, neck pain, back pain, and sciatica are evident and, in fact, quite common.

Both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are age-progressive phenomena, growing ever more prevalent with each successive decade of life. While different factors come into play, it is apparent that inactivity, immobility, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to both of these conditions, and the associated neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. While it is true that there is a progression, it is not true that it is unavoidable or irreversible. In both instances, it seems apparent that there is an adaptive response on the part of the body to offset inactivity and immobility. The fact that osteoporosis seems more prevalent in individuals who are inactive and underweight, and osteoarthritis seems more prevalent in people inactive and immobile, this would seem to indicate that an individualized and medically supervised program of exercise would help to offset both conditions, in varying degrees. The complex factors involved in both conditions are neither inevitable nor irreversible, as noted above, and should be evaluated holistically and individually. The musculoskeletal system, and the body as a whole, is remarkably resilient and adaptive. Given the proper exercise program, an individual may, in fact, reduce his or her “skeletal age” significantly, thus alleviating or eliminating neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica.

For further information and 3 intelligent programs of treatment and/or exercise, one that will work for your neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, guaranteed, go to:

http://www.HowToStopSciatica.info

For additional information and links to several excellent back treatment programs; ice-compression braces for inflammation and swelling; New Balance running shoes, the best for heel cushioning when pain is at its worst; other heel and foot cushioning devices; orthotics for days when running shoes won’t get it and you need cushioning and support; and, and awesome array of other products for neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain sufferers you can also visit:


http://www.UltimateBadBackStrategies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Zajaros

A Simple and Easy Program of Exercise for Back Pain and Sciatica Relief

We will discuss the piriformis muscle stretching exercise, the psoas major muscle stretching exercise, and the hamstring (also known as the leg biceps) muscle stretching exercise.

In order to live a comfortable life in retirement, millions of Americans sacrifice now by putting money into their 401K and other retirement plans. One question to consider is: What good is it to have this nest egg when my hips and back hurt so badly that I can’t enjoy it? Like a financial plan, ensuring a future without low back pain and activity restrictions requires regular and consistent diligence. This article outlines an exercise program that is simple and easily done at home—without requiring exercise equipment or access to a gym or fitness facility.

Exercise program to stretch the back and legs

The following are some stretches that aid in pain relief by helping take stress off the low back and hips and may greatly reduce the advancement of arthritis in the spine. These exercises should be performed in a pain free manner. If pain is experienced, it is best to discontinue the exercises and consider being evaluated by a licensed physical therapist that specializes in treatment of the spine. If one already has low back pain or other health condition, it is advisable to first be evaluated by a physician and, as appropriate, receive guidance on how to do the following exercises by a spine specialist.

1) Piriformis muscle stretching exercise

The piriformis muscle runs from the back of the femur (thigh bone) to the sacrum (base of the spine). Tightness in this muscle has been linked to sacroiliac joint dysfunction and even sciatica-type pain along the sciatic nerve. To stretch the piriformis, lie on your back and cross the involved leg over the other. With both knees bent, place both hands together under the knee of the other leg (the lower leg), and gently pull the bottom leg toward your chest and hold both thighs closely until a stretch is felt in the buttock area.

Hold 30 seconds

Repeat

1-2 times per day

2) Psoas Major muscle stretching exercise

The Psoas Major muscle attaches to the front portion of the lower spine (from thoracic vertebra 12 through lumbar vertebra 5) and can greatly limit low back mobility when tight. It often is one of the sources of low back pain in patients who have difficulty standing for extended periods or kneeling on both knees. This muscle can be stretched in a half kneeling position (kneeling on one knee). Rotate the leg outward and tighten the gluteal muscles on the side you’re stretching. Next, lean forward through the hip joint rather then bending through the lumbar spine. A stretch should be felt in the front of the hip that the patient is kneeling on.

Hold 30 seconds

Repeat

1-2 times per day

3) Hamstring muscle stretching exercise

The hamstrings run from the back of the ishial tuberosity (pelvic bone) to just below the back of the knee. They are responsible for bending the knee and assisting the gluteal muscles to extend the hip. These muscles are very important to stretch because, when tight, they make it nearly impossible to sit up straight. People who do not sit with an erect posture run the risk of early onset of degenerative disc disease and neck pain. Tight hamstring muscles are also associated with low back pain. One way to gently stretch hamstring muscles is to lie on the back and grasp the leg behind the knee with the hip flexed to 90 degrees and the knee bent. Attempt to straighten the knee with the toes pointed back toward you.

Hold 30 seconds

Repeat

1-2 times per day

This is meant to be a stop-gap measure, something to get you going until you can initiate a complete, individualized program…such as those below!

For further information and 3 intelligent programs of treatment and/or exercise, one that will work for your neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, guaranteed, go to:

http://www.HowToStopSciatica.info

For additional information and links to several excellent back treatment programs; ice-compression braces for inflammation and swelling; New Balance running shoes, the best for heel cushioning when pain is at its worst; other heel and foot cushioning devices; orthotics for days when running shoes won’t get it and you need cushioning and support; and, and awesome array of other products for neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain sufferers you can also visit:


http://www.UltimateBadBackStrategies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Zajaros

How to Stop Sciatca: Understanding the Age-Progressive Phenomena and Processes Affecting the Spine

The process of aging may have multiple impacts and/or effects on the spine, with myriad symptoms expressed. Some symptoms of a more severe, underlying condition may include neck pain, back pain, and sciatica nerve pain, also known as sciatica. Some consequences of aging that lead to pain are degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. In addition to these conditions or pathologies, an individual may develop osteophytosis, bony spurs or bridges from one vertebral body to the next, osteoarthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and a myriad of other, often related pathologies.

Sciatica is often a consequence of one or more of the above mentioned conditions. The medical term for sciatic nerve pain, also known as sciatica, is radiculopathy. Radiculopathy is a term that means, in layman’s English, that the disc in between the vertebral bodies is out of position and is irritating the nerve root, the radicular nerve. Sciatica may be experienced at any point along the nerve route. Specifically, sciatica is a symptom or set of symptoms. Sciatic nerve pain is not the ultimate diagnosis but rather an expression of the pain itself. In its simplest expression, sciatica is pain that generally radiates across the buttocks and down one or both legs. The reason sciatica is referred to as a set of symptoms instead of as a diagnosis is because it does not explain the underlying cause of the pain. In fact, there may be many causes and or many factors that are contributing to what we commonly referred to as sciatica.

Sciatica may range from a slight discomfort in the buttocks or behind the knee to a severe, debilitating, and even disabling and/or crippling level of pain. In most cases, sciatic nerve pain will affect or impact only one side of the body, pain may be limited to a single region or it may express itself all the way down the leg and even into the toes. The actual sciatic nerve pain or sciatica may range from mild discomfort and tingling to a burning sensation that worsens upon sitting. Weakness, loss of feeling, and even loss of function may be a consequence of sciatica. Because the condition is a symptom and not the ultimate diagnosis, if it should last more than 48 to 72 hours, a medical practitioner should be consulted.

Degenerative disc disease is but one cause of sciatic nerve pain or sciatica. However, it is one of the most common, if not the most common, of the many causes of not only sciatica but also back pain and neck pain. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most misunderstood of all spinal pathologies. Because it is termed “degenerative” people often assume that there is a progression, ultimately worsening with age. In fact, the opposite seems to be true, the degeneration of the intervertebral discs (IVDs) is a natural consequence of aging. Pain associated with degenerative disc disease, like sciatica itself, ranges in its expression from mild to severe. Degenerative disc disease is, in fact, completely mislabeled, for it is neither degenerative in the sense that it is a relentless, ongoing pathology, nor is it a disease in the sense that it is an illness. It is not! Finally, if diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, you are not doomed to a progression ultimately leading to disability but, rather, it is within your power to deal effectively with the symptoms of low back pain and sciatica.

Spinal stenosis or simply stenosis generally refers to a narrowing of the nerve canal through which a nerve or bundle of nerves pass through. So, if you picture a small hole, one that over time becomes narrower and narrower, eventually becoming so restrictive that the nerve becomes pinched and pain ensues, you have a basic idea, a picture, of what stenosis is. There are many causes for stenosis, some having to do with bone deposition due to stress, others with inflammation, still others with a complex of factors. Ultimately, they all lead to the same set of symptoms, neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica. Stenosis may be the most difficult condition, pathology, to deal with and may ultimately require surgery to reopen the passage so the nerve can pass through unrestricted. However, there are alternative treatments strategies available for those unwilling or unable to undergo surgery.

Herniated discs often cause severe, even debilitating neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. The condition is most common in white males 35 to 40 years old, and older. The IVDs most affected are those of the secondary curvatures of the spine, the cervical (neck) and lumbar (low back) areas or curvatures. However, other sectors of the population and the other curvatures of the spine can be and are affected as well. Picture a jelly doughnut, that’s right, a jelly doughnut! The intervertebral disk or IVD is very much like a jelly doughnut. The IVD is made up of circular rings of cartilage surrounding a fluid center. When a disc herniates or ruptures, the fluid center bulges out from the center placing pressure on the nerve root. The pressure on the nerve root causes neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, varying from mild to debilitating. Once again, as with spinal stenosis, the prognosis depends on the severity of the herniation or rupture, and degree of damage or possibility of damage to the surrounding area. A herniated disc, putting pressure on the nerve root, depending on the level affected, may express itself in myriad ways. In all cases in which pain presents itself for more than 48 to 72 hours, a medical practitioner should be consulted.

Age-progressive phenomena such as osteoarthritis, osteophytosis, and others will be discussed more completely in a subsequent article. However, many age-progressive phenomena are a consequence of a complex of issues related to aging, combined with muscle atrophy, due to a sedentary lifestyle, and our body’s attempt to strengthen the primary and secondary curvatures of the spine. Because we stand erect, our secondary curvatures, those of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine come under tremendous stress and pressure, particularly as we age and muscles weaken. The complex of weakening muscles, aging, and other factors leads to an adaptive response by the body, particularly by the spine, to strengthen an area under stress. Osteophyte bridges, also known as bone spurs or bony bridges, occur as an adaptive response to the weakening of muscles responsible for supporting the curvatures of the spine, particularly the secondary curvatures. Ultimately, this condition is avoidable, through a program of exercise and stretching to maintain those muscles, avoiding excess stress and pressure in the IVD and the vertebrae themselves.

Degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and even osteophytosis may be effectively dealt with by adding an individualized and intelligently maintained exercise and stretching program to your daily routine. Because there are so many factors involved in any pain complex, particularly when expressed as neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, when unsure we should always defer to our medical practitioner. A pain reduction strategy that includes exercise, stretching, ice-compression braces, the proper shoes, orthotics for those times when soft-soled shoes are inappropriate and even anti-inflammatory medication may be more than adequate for most expressions of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica symptoms and/or expressions. Once again, should pain continue for more than 48 to 72 hours, individuals suffering from severe back pain and sciatica should see their medical practitioner.

For further information and 3 intelligent programs of treatment and/or exercise, one that will work for your neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica, guaranteed, go to:

http://www.HowToStopSciatica.info

For additional information and links to several excellent back treatment programs; ice-compression braces for inflammation and swelling; New Balance running shoes, the best for heel cushioning when pain is at its worst; other heel and foot cushioning devices; orthotics for days when running shoes won’t get it and you need cushioning and support; and, and awesome array of other products for neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain sufferers:

http://www.UltimateBadBackStrategies.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Zajaros

Back pain and sciatica are treatable! Back pain and sciatica sufferers are not doomed to the surgeon’s blade. A bad back can be dealt with effectively, without surgical intervention, if proper bad back strategies are implemented early and followed consistently.

Have you ever gotten out of bed and felt that nagging feeling in your back, a kind of stiffness that doesn’t seem to want to go away with normal movement? Have you ever started to bend over and felt that twinge in the lower back, perhaps radiating down the leg? Have you ever bent over to pick up a child, a pet, even a package and felt a blast of pain? Has your back pain and sciatica ever gotten so bad you had to stop what you were doing and rest?

If you have answered yes to any of the questions above, you are in good company. Unfortunately, back pain and sciatica are a pain complex suffered my literally millions of Americans every year. In fact, almost half a million people are operated on every year for what most people refer to as a bad back. Severe and chronic pain may be caused by many things but is often the result of the stress, strain, and trauma we impose on our muscles, connective tissue (tendons and ligaments), discs, and even the vertebrae themselves. While it is true that many back injuries are the result of significant trauma and disease, the majority of back pain and sciatica results from normal, day-to-day activities. The activities resulting in back strain and injury may be as mundane as working around the garden, sweeping the driveway or raking leaves, shoveling snow (always a good one), lifting laundry or grocery bags, household chores, and picking up children or grandchildren.

Often, simple adjustments to movement and behavior, properly and consistently implemented, go a long way towards preventing or at least minimizing back strain and its consequences. A few bad back strategies in particular are quite effective in minimizing the consequences of back stress and strain: first and foremost, be aware of body position while engaged in activities that may impact the back, particularly the lower back; next, maintain good posture through exercise, conscious thought, and eventually, habit; third, make sure to stretch often, usually as part of a total exercise program; along with the third bad back strategy, integrate a consistent, individualized, and professionally supervised exercise program into your life; next, make sure to always know your limits; and, always listen to that still, small voice in your head, if it says you’re pushing it, you probably are; finally, lose weight. Significantly, added weight may have more of a negative impact on back health that any single factor. If you are carrying extra weight, you are placing incredible stress and strain on you back. The combination or all of these strategies, tied to an intelligent weight loss and exercise program, will do wonders, often alleviating, then eliminating, back pain and sciatica

Ultimately, a medical consultation may be the wisest strategy, particularly if your back pain and sciatica continue for more than a few days. Do not wait for it to worsen! If you have engaged in an exercise program and are losing weight, you should begin to experience relief quickly. You will be amazed at how soon after beginning an intelligent, focused, and individualized exercise program you start feeling real relief. If you do not, see your physician and he or she will recommend a good orthopedic surgeon or neurologist. Don’t wait until you are disabled to get help, it is not necessary and the damage may be irreversible without surgery.

Bad back strategies are easy to implement and, from personal experience, are easily made habits, allowing you to significantly minimize, and ultimate eliminate, your pain. After years of pain and surgeries, weight loss and exercise, along with the other strategies mentioned above, allowed me to re-enter life as a participant and not just as a spectator, miserable, depressed, and disabled. It is not easy and it takes conscious effort but it is doable and the results are amazing! So remember, posture, positioning, lifting, exercise, and weight loss. If you follow these five bad back strategies you will alleviate, and eventually eliminate your back pain and sciatica.

The following programs are excellent for neck pain, back pain, and sciatic nerve pain or sciatica:

http://www.HowToStopSciatica.com

http://www.HowToStopSciatica.info

Or! Dr. Graeme Teague’s X-Pain Method! New and Exciting, 4 Simple Steps!

John Zajaros, The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@thebadbackguy.com

Back Pain, Sciatica, Failed Back Surgery, and Alternative Strategies for Relief: Exercise

The back pain and sciatica sufferer facing surgery today faces a much happier future than the prospective back surgery patient of a few years ago. Years of pioneering work, focusing on the integration of a multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and care, before and after surgery, has completely changed the prognosis for literally thousands of back pain and sciatica sufferers facing multiple surgeries. For patients who have had back surgery that has failed, a new hope is now justified as a result of improved techniques and advances in the science of orthopedic surgery. Back pain and sciatica sufferers who have had previous surgery or surgeries and who were integrated into this new system, evaluated through a multidisciplinary approach, had success rates as high as 80% versus a rather discouraging 30-35%
described in the medical journals. Interestingly, the success rate not only applied to single incidence patients but to patients who had undergone a number of back surgeries, like the author of this article.

The Focus Changes for Back and Sciatica Pain Sufferers: A Holistic Approach

The focus on the back pain and sciatica patient as a whole person, referred to as a holistic approach, is the primary reason for the success of this surgical method. The addition of a team concept, engaging physicians, practitioners, and therapy specialists, to evaluate the individual singularly and as a group, looking at the entire history of the patient, has offered new and exciting insights. The holistic approach has resulted in an entirely new process, one that works for a remarkable number of back pain and sciatica patients.

Ultimately, the support system of the patient, combined with their motivation to return to an active, productive lifestyle was crucial to the overall success of the intervention. In other words, the mind plays a pivotal role in the recovery of the back pain and sciatica sufferer. We will return to this.

The remaining 20% of back pain and sciatica sufferers, having undergone one or multiple surgeries, remain a source or frustration, as these patients present with a myriad of symptoms. Not only does this failure affect the back pain and sciatica sufferer, it impacts the family, friends, co-workers, associates, and even the physicians involved in the individual’s care. It is not uncommon for individuals to experience and express, anger, frustration, despair, and even depression as symptoms persist and even grow worse over time. Unfortunately, in many of these cases practitioners are at a loss to explain exactly what is going on and why.

As the back patient and sciatica sufferer succumbs to the pain, inactivity and disability only feed into the loop that ultimately contributes to further disintegration, pain, despair, depression, and hopelessness. The symptoms of back pain and sciatica sufferers in this group often include but are not limited to: severe and debilitating pain; numbness in the feet, legs, and back; overall weakness and loss of muscle tone; sciatica in one or both legs; possible neurological deficits such as foot drop and/or a loss of function; and, other physiological problems beyond the scope of this article. The typical back pain and sciatica patient in this negative, failed-back loop deal with: weight gain and obesity; a de-conditioning or atrophy of the musculature; inactivity leading to a sedentary lifestyle; and, chemical or drug dependency often occur, as well. The back pain and sciatica sufferers in this group, and their support systems, often families, are often stressed and even dysfunctional. The entire negative feedback loop closes in on itself and fuels the disintegration of the patient and their support network until the patient is fully and completely incapacitated and isolated. The problems are myriad and unless something is done, the outlook is not encouraging. The above condition, and it gets worse, is referred as “failed back surgery” or “failed backs” or “failed spine surgery.” The name is really secondary to the impact the failure has on the individual and individuals involved.

The question becomes: When is enough, enough? And, when is enough, too much? The focus and central issue, particularly for the latter 20% is, what are the chances of an additional surgery being even remotely successful? If a potential surgical problem still exists, is it wise to pursue it or are other alternatives available? If they are, why aren’t they fully exhausted prior to additional surgical intervention? These are all questions the patient should be exploring with his or her physician and, given a multidisciplinary approach, clinicians should be asking each other prior to another surgical event.

An Alternative Strategy for Back Pain and Sciatica Sufferers: Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands and Exercise

Ultimately, the 20% must pursue other means of rehabilitation if they are to have any chance for a real life, ever. It is this author’s personal experience that, beyond a certain point, the surgical alternative is a doomed pursuit, one that will only cause more harm and, ultimately despair, pain, and depression. This is the point where the back pain and sciatica sufferer must take things into their own hands and seek alternative solutions. Exercise, ice, positioning, diet, weight loss, and other methods can, and will, help but the individual must be motivated and the importance of support from family and friends cannot be overstated. It is up to the individual but the end result does not have to be a life of pain and hopelessness. This author was in the 20% for a long time, years, and I know there is a way out, you just have got to want it! Start with an intelligent, individually designed and supervised exercise program and work from there. We will discuss addition strategies in upcoming articles.

For further information and an intelligent program of exercise, one that works for back pain and sciatica, guaranteed, go to:

John P. J. Zajaros, Sr.
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Zajaros