The Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica Relief 30 Day Challenge Continues
With a Look at Failed back Surgery Syndrome and Chronic Back Pain
We recently dispelled the notion that degenerative disc disease is a disease, in much the same we have discarded the notion that failed back surgery syndrome is a syndrome. Failed back surgery syndrome is a not a syndrome, it is a reaction to a myriad of factors, a set of behaviors and stresses placed on the body generally and the musculoskeletal system, and the spine, specifically.
Failed back surgery syndrome begins, necessarily, with spine surgery at some level. Back surgery, and I am speaking about neck and back surgery when I refer to back surgery, is the ultimate deadend. There is no coming back from it, pun accidental but I’ll take it. Once you open Pandora’s Box, your body is never the same. Many, myself included, have said time and time again that we will not submit to more back surgery, only to plead for our surgeon to do the deed one more time.
The neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica drives us to relent, to give in and give up, regardless of the incredible pain we know will be waiting for us upon awakening in the recovery room.
But this does not have to be the case! There is a solution, and it is not a painful one.
We simply have to change our habits and our behaviors in such a way that we deal effectively with the 5 factors I have spoken about at length:
1) Obesity or excess weight
2) Muscle weakness
3) Muscle imbalance
4) Inmproper diet and nutrition
5) Inadequate hydration leading to dehydration
If we deal with the 5 factors listed above and addressed previously, either before surgery or after, we may be able to:
a) Avoiding back surgery altogether by dealing with the 5 factors and thus alleviating and/or eliminating neck pain, back pain, and sciatica
Or
b) Assuring ourselves that we are in good shape going into the surgery, if there is no way out, and thus ensuring our recovery…and perhaps we will not have to repeat the same scenario time and time again!
Ultimately, failed back surgery is about behavior, or lack of behavior, and the failure on our part to deal with the 5 factors leading to the majority of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. It is also about the failure of the medical community, reactive instead of proactive and preventative in nature. The combination of a lack of education, and a reactive mindset and method of treatment for neck pain, back pain, and sciatica, ensures a continuous
highway into the operating room…and a revolving door at its entrance.
I will deal with this in greater depth in a series of articles at:
Chronic Neck Pain, Back Pain, Sciatica, and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
In order to properly understand failed back surgery syndrome, we must first define it. Unfortunately, failed back surgery syndrome is something of a misnomer. In fact, FBBS is no more a syndrome than degenerative disc disease is a disease, and yet, they both contribute to neck pain, back pain, and sciatica. FBBS is actually an expression of chronic neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica after one or more surgeries.
The etiology of chronic back pain associated with FBBS is usually attributed to one or more failed spine surgeries, along with a myriad of other contributing factors. The failure of the surgery, combined with an array of physical, psychological, cultural, and even socio-economic factors, results in what is commonly referred to as failed back surgery syndrome.
Failed back surgery syndrome is one of the most perplexing, and costly issues facing orthopedic medicine generally, and orthopedic surgeons specifically. The cost of FBBS is not only a reality in terms of the human cost, it has trememdous social and economic costs, as well.
Particularly problematic is the fact that the spine is an incredibly complex structure and there are as many reasons why people have neck and back surgery as there are reasons why that surgery fails. Researchers have generally divided back pain sufferers who have undergone surgery into one of two groups.
In the first instance, the first group, the neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica sufferer underwent surgery that was never really called for or, if it was called for, a positive outcome was doubtful from the start. Or, the patients had surgery, it was necessary, but the outcome was less than desirable. Interestingly, individuals with a sciatic nerve pain complaint, sciatica, were more likely to achieve a positive outcome. However, individuals complaining of the more general “back pain” did not.
The remaining group of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica patients underwent operations that were inadequate and/or incomplete. Patients in this category, particularly those affected by a bulging or herniated disc, often had other pathologies, such as stenoses, that were overlooked, missed or even ignored.
Failure in most of the medical literature to address things like patients returning to work and to a productive lifestyle, make it difficult to quantify with any confidence the long term success of most back surgeries. However, the data suggests that the overall outcome is not good, particularly when the area causing the pain cannot be clearly identified or when more than one level of the spine is affected, as in the case of an individual presenting with chronic and/or acute neck pain, back pain, and sciatica; and, showing signs of advanced degenerative disc disease.
Failed back surgery syndrome is a major problem for patient and surgeon, alike. Not only are there issues associated with continuing neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica but there are social, cultural and financial considerations as well.
In the next two articles we will explore in depth some of these factors and why an individual should do everything possible to avoid spine surgery if at all possible. The best strategy for neck pain, back pain, and sciatica treatment and relief is not back surgery, in fact it should be the last alternative, one that should be avoided if at all possible. Failed back surgery syndrome is one of the most complex and least understood issues facing orthopedic medicine, we will discuss the reasons for this next.
John
Professor John P. J. Zajaros, Sr., The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com
The first picture in the video is really pretty close to what I looked like before I started stretching, then walking, and finally exercising! Or at least this is how I felt! John-the-Hutt! That was it, complete with rolls, double chin, the works! The amount of neck pain, back pain, and sciatica caused by this much weight must have been incredible! But the pain relief all started with stretching and walking!
While millions of people visit their medical practitioner daily for one complaint or another related to “back pain,” most complaints are based on lower back pain and sciatica.
UNFORTUNATELY!
Most medical practitioners still prescribe bed rest and, if they provide any sort of stretching or exercise advise at all, it is in the form of a cheap copy run off by an assistant and handed to you on the way out the door!
This was my life just over a year ago! I showed this once before, along with a much less glamorous shot with TuffGuy below!
I really wrestled with showing you the above shot again but I think it is important for you to get a real sense of just how bad a shape I was in because I listened to bad advise from my doctors!*
Bed rest actually exacerbates the pain!
One day, and I really don’t know what happened, I said enough is enough! The pain of my life became worse than the pain in my neck and back!
I got off the pain medication, a horrible ordeal in…but I did it!
I started walking, at first to the end of the driveway and back up to the house…and always with my wife, Connie, and my buddy, TuffGuy!
I started a stretching program and that led to an exercise program!
I stretched, walked, and exercised a bit more each and every day, CANI! Constant and never ending improvement! (Tony Robbins)
Neck and Shoulders Stretches for Neck and Upper Back Pain Relief
Rotate the head to the right and hold it for 6-8 seconds
Rotate the head back to the left and hold it 6-8 seconds
Repeat 10 times, slow and easy!
Do this 1 or 2 times a day at first, building up to 3-5 times a day over a period of a month or so. I have 2 compressed vertebrae in my neck and this helped immensely!
Neck and Shoulders Stretches for Neck and Upper Back Pain Relief
While holding arms loosely at your sides, head and neck relaxed, shrug your shoulders up and hold for 6-8 seconds
Repeat this 10 times, slow and easy, exaggerate the shrug and hold it.
Do this 1 or 2 times a day at first, building up to 3-5 times a day over a period of a month or so. I have 2 compressed vertebrae in my neck and this helped immensely!
Back Pain Relief Stretches
Sit straight in a hard-back chair
Hang your arms loosely to your sides
Bend forward slowly until your chest is as close to your knees as your condition will allow
Dangle your arms loosely while holding in position for 30 seconds or until it begins to be uncomfortable
Return to an upright position
Repeat 6-8 times
Do this 1 or 2 times a day at first, building up to 3-5 times a day over a period of a month or so. I have had 14 back operations and this helped immensely!
Back Pain Relief Stretches
Stand erect, feet shoulder width apart
Place your hands, palms in, on your lower back
Bend your torso backwards, gently!
Hold the hyper-extended position for 8-10 seconds and return to full upright
Relax for 5 seconds
Repeat 6-8 times
MAKE SURE YOU DO THIS GENTLY AND SLOWLY!
Do this 1 or 2 times a day at first, building up to 3-5 times a day over a period of a month or so. I have had 14 back operations and this helped immensely!
Back Pain Relief Stretches
Standing erect, feet a bit wider than shoulder width
Place hand on hips (my kids used to call it the “Jolly Green Giant” pose!)
Relax upper torso and neck
Bend to the side at the waist and hold for 6-8 seconds
Return to upright
Bend to the opposite side and hold 6-8 seconds
Return to upright
Do this 5-10 times to each side
Do this 1 or 2 times a day at first, building up to 3-5 times a day over a period of a month or so. I have had 14 back operations and this helped immensely!
Sciatica – Leg Stretch
Sit upright in a straight-back chair
Cross your affected leg across the other in a wide cross (the way “guys” cross their legs)
Rest the outside ankle of the affected leg on the top of the opposite knee
Allow the affected leg’s knee to protrude out to the side
Reach under the affected leg’s lower leg grasp the leg (or over it if you can’t reach under the leg to grasp the calf)
Pull the leg and ankle off the “good” leg
Feel the stretch all the way into the buttocks
Hold for 10 seconds
Replace and rest for 5 seconds
Repeat 5-10 times.
Also do the other leg for balance and stretch
Do this 1 or 2 times a day at first, building up to 3-5 times a day over a period of a month or so. I have had 14 back operations and this helped immensely with sciatica!
Main Points to Consider As You Begin Your Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica Relief Program
Get a medical practitioner to clear you and approve of beginning a stretching, walking, and exercise program for neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica relief!
Less is often more! Do NOT over do it, particularly at first! Rome wasn’t built in a day, remember CANI!
CANI! Constant (consistent) and never ending improvement
You should read the article on journaling, and your personal assessment below before beginning your stretching, walking, and exercise program!
The link will take you to an 8 minute introduction well worth the time…and a free trial. The strategies used in that program gave me my life back! A neck pain, back pain, and sciatica free life!
Sign in and click the link to the link given and then:
Sign up for the newsletter and confirm your registration.
Watch the 8 minute video in the upper left hand corner of the page.
Begin your new life, a neck pain, back pain, and sciatica free life!
There is no risk, there is a free trial and a 100% money back guaranteed!
So begin today!
And I will be with you every step of the way for the first 30 days! If you begin your program, you will have access to me via email or Skype IM for the first 30 days! Any issues whatsoever!
John Zajaros, The Bad Back Guy
216-712-6526
Skype: johnzajaros1
johnz@ultimatebadbackstrategies.com
TheBadBackGuy@gmail.com (my personal email address just for people who sign up for this neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief program)
NOTE: I am NOT a medical practitioner and my advise is anecdotal. These pain relief strategies have worked for me, however, as you apply these neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief strategies, make sure you take it slow and always refer back to your primary care physician if you notice anything out of the ordinary!
*You may have wonderful doctors and I am NOT a medical practitioner. Many physicians are up to speed when it comes to the latest neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief strategies, unfortunately mine were not! If you feel you are not progressing, get a second opinion at once, it is your life…protect yourself from bad medical advise. Just as in every area of life, there are good and bad specialists, make sure you have a good one…you only have one back and you only have one life!
Chronic Back Pain and Understanding Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
The Risk of Failed Back Surgery is very real! When facing chronic and/or acute neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica we will do just about anything to achieve pain relief. The fact is, we will do anything for just a little relief, and many agree to back surgery, even more than once, in an attempt to get just a little relief. I know, I’ve been there!
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome is a reality everyone considering back surgery of any kind should consider. The numbers for people experiencing complete neck, back or sciatic nerve pain relief from back surgery aren’t encouraging!
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome can actually be broken down into three parts and, in order to do it justice, that’s what I am going to do with it. Failed back surgery syndrome is a reality for people who have had back surgery that has failed, but it is also a reality for people considering back surgery and for people about to undergo back surgery. Unless considered individually, the full impact of this condition will be lost on those most at risk…those suffering from chronic neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica having had surgery taht failed and for people about to go “under the knife.”
The 30 Day Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica Relief Challenge: Walking and Pain Relief Part II
As you begin to plan your neck pain, back pain, and sciatica treatment relief program, whether as part of the 30 day challenge or simply as a way to overcome acute and/or chronic pain, stretching and exercise will come into the picture almost at once.
Stretching and low-impact exercises are generally the pain relief strategies most medical practitioners start you out on. This is mainly because these medically supervised pain relief strategies are conducted in a controlled environment, one they have you visit in order to undergo some sort of physical and/or exercise therapy, sometimes one in the same.
However, if you are beyond the physical therapy stage, either because your insurance has run out or because you have given up on traditional medicine (actually quite common with chronic pain sufferers), you can still walk out your front door and have access to one of the best exercise strategies for your neck pain, back pain, and/or sciatica; and that’s walking!
Walking is a great overall exercise, offering aerobic benefit, core muscle development, and overall muscle tone and strengthening!
The combination of benefits offered by walking, including real and lasting neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief, if instituted and integrated properly, will have a spill-over effect into virtually every area of your life.
The video below addresses some of the finer points you need to know as you begin a walking program designed for neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief.
As noted in the previous video, your shoes and socks are crucial, along with basic foot care. There is an article and a video on footwear and care of the feet, focusing on some of the issues you may face when beginning your neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief program, as well. In addition to footwear, the surface you walk on is crucial and if you must walk on concrete, as many in urban and suburban areas must, then footwear becomes all the more important.
I hope this video helps, I put it in as an add-on because this is such an important topic.
If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me, I am always available for people suffering from neck pain, back pain, and sciatica because I know where you have been. If you have any other questions or concerns, you may find the answers in articles at:
Walking is said to be one of the best overall exercises you can do. I would extend that by stating that walking is the best neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief exercise you can do. Not only is walking great for leg strength, it helps improve core muscle strength and aerobic fitness, as well.
Walking allows you to start slow and build each and every day until you have acheived real and lasting neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief.
Walking, if only to the end of the driveway or to the end of the block and back is an excellent way to begin introducing activity back into a sedentary lifestyle. Often, when plagued by chronic pain, particularly spine-related neck, back or sciatic nerve pain, we cease all activity; and this is normal! We tend to avoid things that cause us pain. However, inactivity actually exacerbates pain. So, unbeknownst to us, we actually end up making the problem worse.
Walking helps to develop overall muscle tone, obviously improving leg muscle strength and tone but it also helps with core muscle strength. The core muscles, particularly the lower back, abdominal and oblique muscles, are central to the issue of back pain relief. The more we do to develop the core muscles, the more relief we achieve.
The muscles of the neck are also affected my a sedentary lifestyle, the many small muscles of the neck are equally responsive to activity and develop strength and tone quickly with increased activity.
Aerobic fitness has a spill-over effect, meaning the more fit you are, the more energy you have, the better your attitude becomes, the more you are able to do. The more you are able to do, the more neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief you will be able to achieve through walking and other forms of physical activity. One activity builds upon the next until you have real and lasting neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief.
Ultimately, it takes the first step. That’s it! Beginning with a decision, followed by the first step, and building one day upon the next until you are a new and different person.
I can tell you from experience, and you will see first hand when you watch the video for Day 8 of The 30 Day Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica Relief Challenge that taking the first step will lead to an amazing new future, one you can’t possibly comprehend at present but one that will lead you to real and lasting neck pain, back pain, and sciatica relief.
