Neck Alignment and Neck Pain
September 19, 2008
Many people have been to a chiropractor. If you are one of them, and you came in for a neck and/or shoulder problem; or headache, you may have been advised by the chiropractor to take a lateral (side-view) cervical (neck) x-ray. The reason for doing so was to determine if the seven vertebrae that comprise the neck are in proper alignment relative to one another. The chiropractor may have gone on to say that if the neck is not aligned, it recruits the neck muscle to balance the weight of the head in an inefficient manner, causing neck strain and possible headaches. Also, abnormal alignment may lead to increased pressure in the discs and facet (rear) joints of the vertebrae resulting in arthritis, and possible nerve encroachment (pinching).
So, the question is, is this true? I believe the analysis has merit. It basically transfers engineering principles to the human body.
Most chiropractors will explain to their patients that the neck, when viewed to the side (x-ray) must form a gentle arc, with the convexity in the front of the neck. When the alignment is reversed (convexity at the back of the neck), or if the neck is like a straight line (no curvature), it causes problems in the joints, which can lead to things like a stiff neck, headaches, and even arm symptoms (pain, numbness, tingling).
Consider the arc. Even centuries ago, ancient civil engineers knew that an arc imparts strength to a structure. Ancient roman aqueducts had arched ceilings to prevent them from caving in. If you look at a bridge, you will notice that it has an upward arc to support the traffic that crosses it each day.
The head weighs about 8-10 pounds, and is supported by the neck. If the neck has an arc, the arc acts like a spring, balancing the weight of the head so that minimal neck muscle contraction is required. But flatten out the curve, and more neck muscle contraction is needed to hold up the head. Reverse the curvature, and the demands increase. And, pressure increases in the discs and facet joints, causing them to wear out faster.
It’s believed that the curvature of the neck is formed during infancy. When an infant lies on its stomach and raises its head, it forces the neck into an arc. This starts the process of shaping the neck into the gentle, forward-convexity arc.
The things that cause the arc to flatten include poor posture, prolonged or repeated forward bending of the neck, such as when sitting at a desk looking down, or at a computer monitor; and accidents like whiplash and sports injuries to the neck.
So, if you are experiencing neck pain and/or headaches, or symptoms like tingling in your arms/hands, go see a chiropractor and have your neck x-rayed. The information will be useful in diagnosing the problem, and deciding on a proper treatment plan.
Dr. Dan
Source: San Francisco chiropractor
Battery-Operated Device Gives Hope To Chronic Back-Pain Sufferers
September 18, 2008
A relatively new device is helping to soften the blow of chronic back, neck and leg pain in patients of all ages, and folks from all over the Four-State region are coming to Hagerstown to try it out.
Chambersburg native Shirley Byers has suffered from chronic back pain for more than 20 years.
«I had spinal stenosis and a herniated disk, and vertebrae had gone,» she says.
After four unsuccessful surgeries, she says the scar tissue was pinching the nerves in her back so much, when she walked into Dr. John Olenczak’s office at Hagerstown’s Pain & Spine Institute, she could barely walk.
«I was walking with a walker,» she says.
Now, thanks to a device called a neuro-stimulator, getting around isn’t such a pain anymore.
«I’m not completely pain-free, but it’s nothing compared to what I had before,» says Byers.
«I implant a device into the spinal area and map out the area where the patient is having pain and then turn the pain into a nice, pleasant tingling sensation,» says Olenczak.
The stimulator is controlled by a battery and antenna, used by the patient to increase or decrease flow to their pain spot. The surgery to implant the device is outpatient, and minimally invasive.
Doctors say traditionally neuro-stimulation is viewed as a last-ditch effort to ease pain. But they’re hoping with the help of support groups, like the picnic held at Halfway Park Monday, that patients will be able to get the word out about the procedure, as an alternative to invasive surgery.
Wesley Wilken opted for the device after having seven foot surgeries, and then finding out the pain in his feet was the result of a problem with his back.
«I feel like it was the right thing to do because I didn’t want to have back surgery. That was the main thing – opening my back up and introducing more pain,» he says.
«This is really a totally reversible device. If it doesn’t work or there’s an issue, I can withdraw it,» says Olenczak.
Olenczak has implanted neuro-stimulators in more than 60 patients from all over the Mid-Atlantic region over the last two years.
The Pain and Spine Institute, which is run out the Mid-Atlantic Orthopedic Group, is third in the state for number of neuro-stimulators installed, to date.
You can watch short video about this back pain device.
Source: Your4State.com
Tips: Biking and Back Pain
September 18, 2008
Hey,
I am an avid biker and cycle almost everyday. But lately I have been getting terrible back pain. Could improper posture while riding cause this? And if so how should I sit?
— Biker Chick
I think biking is a great form of exercise and transportation, but not if it is killing your back. I think the issue could be three fold. To see what I think you can do to reduce your pain, just read more.
The first thing to check is your bike fit. I am wondering if you adjusted your bike in any way recently because slight adjustments can create serious changes in your body mechanics. Raising the seat too high could cause some serious back pain. Adjust the seat of the bike so when pedaling your knee is just shy of being totally straight on the down stroke. Have someone look at you from behind while you ride to make sure you are not rocking your pelvis side to side as you ride. For more tips read How to Fit a Bike. You can also have your bike adjusted professionally at most bike stores.
Another culprit of back pain could be your posture. Like sitting and standing, you shouldn’t slouch when you are riding. Don’t round your back, but keep the spine long and straight. Tip forward from your pelvis to reach your handlebars rather than bending at your waist. Your shoulder blades should not be up by your ears either.
Your back might also be weak and the ligaments lining the spine could be aching from being in an overstretched, rounded position. While biking, it is good to put a little tension back into the stretched ligaments by occasionally exaggerating arching your back. While riding, I often hyperextend my spine by doing the arching half of the popular yoga warmup cat and cow. Off your bike you should do back strengthening and core exercises. Nothing feels better than doing some back extension moves on an exercise ball after getting off a bike, or post spin class. I also have found that the Superman exercise, which requires no equipment, can really help to strengthen weak backs and alleviate back pain. It is important to stretch your legs — quads, hamstrings and calves — after riding. Try this piriformis stretch when you are out riding, it can help reduce back pain as well.
Hope my answer helps you get back in the saddle again.
Source: FitSugar.com
Suffered From Back Pain Woman Sues Her Insurance Company
September 15, 2008
Debra Voss is in constant pain because of a back problem. She believes she needs an operation. Fortunately, she has health insurance. Unfortunately, the health insurance company won’t pay for the operation.
«I don’t know what to do,» she said.
Voss is 41. She is divorced. She has three children, the youngest of whom is 10. She attended secretarial school after graduating from Bishop DuBourg High School. She has spent most of her working life in the advertising business, most recently as an executive assistant.
The problem with her back began on the Saturday before Christmas.
«My leg started hurting,» – she said. «I’d been on my feet all day, and I thought maybe I had twisted my ankle. Then the pain went into my back. But I wasn’t really worried. The agency I worked for is off between Christmas and New Year’s, so I figured I’d just take it easy and I’d be all right.»
But the pain did not subside. She went to a chiropractor. That did not help. She went to her doctor, who prescribed painkillers and physical therapy. She also ordered an MRI. The MRI revealed degenerative disc disease. At least that is one reading of it. She went to a neurosurgeon. He referred her to a pain specialist who gave her a series of injections. That didn’t help. She had a discogram in which needles were used to probe her discs. That didn’t work. The neurosurgeon then suggested an operation, a lumbar spinal fusion.
This happened over a period of several months. Voss was still working, but she said the situation was becoming unbearable. She was in pain and also groggy from the medication. She said she was nervous about surgery, but she felt she had to do something. She visited another neurosurgeon for a second opinion. She said he agreed that surgery was her best option.
The surgery was scheduled for June at St. Anthony’s Medical Center. She decided to take a leave from work to recuperate. The day before the surgery was scheduled, she got a call from her neurosurgeon’s office. The insurance company had refused to authorize surgery.
The insurance company is Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. It explained the decision to deny surgery in a letter to Voss. “The clinical information provided does not support the medical necessity of Lumbar Spinal Fusion as this procedure is considered not medically necessary as a treatment of low back pain and/or leg pain due to degeneration of lumbar discs unless there is evidence of spondylolisthesis (lack of proper spine alignment) on preoperative X-rays.”
Voss went through the appeal process at Anthem. Her appeals were denied. She has also filed a complaint with the Missouri Department of Insurance.
Her neurosurgeon is Dr. Charles Wetherington. I asked him if other insurance companies approve lumbar spinal fusion when there is no evidence of spondylolisthesis.
«Most do. Some are getting kind of difficult, but generally, if you talk to somebody, they’ll be reasonable,» – he said. In this instance, he spoke with Anthem’s medical director, Dr. Wayne Meyer, but without success.
«We adhere to certain guidelines,» – Meyer said. «They’re clear on this, and they have nothing to do with cost.»
He said the evidence does not show that lumbar spinal fusion is successful or appropriate for most people with lower back pain. «I was in surgical practice myself until two and a half years ago,» – he said. «I still believe in evidence-based medicine.»
I asked about a study that Wetherington referred to from Sweden. «That’s only one study and as I understand it, there are flaws in that study,» – said Meyer.
Meyer also spoke about the appeal process. He said two neurosurgeons from outside the organization reviewed the case and upheld the decision to deny the surgery.
Voss, meanwhile, is beside herself. She has been on unpaid leave from her job since June. «I don’t know what I’m going to do. I can’t work. I’m never comfortable or without pain,» – she said. She said she has nearly exhausted her savings. «I think I might be able to make it though October, but then I don’t know what I’ll do.»
Wetherington said that he performs about 10 of these surgeries a month and he estimated that about a third of them don’t have the conditions that Anthem requires.
Source: stltoday.com
Tips For Pregnancy Back Pain
September 15, 2008
I’m now at almost 27 weeks pregnant and 23 pounds gained. I’m not as concerned, though, ever since I learned on Friday that Logan is developing at a quicker rate than most. I’ve had major non-stop hunger lately, but there’s obviously a reason!
I can also tell I’ve moved on to another phase of pregnancy because today I’m feeling nauseated again
And, I experienced my first heartburn yesterday. I was lying on the couch and all of a sudden the area below my breast bone started burning. It kept getting worse and worse and that’s when it hit me–uh, that must be why they call it heartburn. It was weird, ‘cuz I thought people got it after they eat, but this was before supper. It actually went away once I ate.
Unfortunately, my stomach is going numb even when I lay down now, so I have two things (that and back pain) when I’m trying to relax. Otherwise, though, those are the only ailments I have these days.
I keep thinking back to my appt. on Friday and how it was another exciting moment in this pregnancy.
I forgot to mention that my doctor was feeling my abdomen and said, «oh here is he, hanging out» and that’s how she knew where to put the doppler to hear the heartbeat (on my left side). When I feel my stomach it’s just a hard wall so it’s amazing that she could feel exactly where he was!
On Saturday, my mom & stepdad came over and we bought our car seat/stroller
We absolutely love it and can’t wait to pick it up (it’s being ordered from Lincoln, so it’ll take another week before we bring it home). It doesn’t sound like they make anything better than the Chicco travel system!
On Sunday, we put up the moon & stars wallpaper border in our nursery which is so adorable!
Yesterday I just vegged out, as my energy is still low these days, and am doing the same today. So, I’ll continue where I left off on Friday with pregnancy symptoms of the second & third trimesters. Aside from the skin changes, a common one (as you know) is back pain. The American Pregnancy Association says the following:
You are not alone if you are experiencing back pain during your pregnancy. The prevalence varies with reports, showing between 50 to 70 percent of all pregnant women having back pain.
Back pain during pregnancy is related to a number of factors. Here is a list of potential causes of back pain or discomfort during pregnancy:
Increase of hormones – hormones released during pregnancy allow ligaments in the pelvic area to soften and the joints to become looser in preparation for the birthing process of your baby; this shift in joints and loosening of ligaments may affect the support your back normally experiences.
Center of gravity – your center of gravity will gradually move forward as your uterus and baby grow, which causes your posture to change.
Additional weight – your developing pregnancy and baby create additional weight that your back must support.
Posture or position – poor posture, excessive standing, and bending over can trigger or escalate the pain you experience in your back.
Stress – stress usually finds the weak spot in the body, and because of the changes in your pelvic area, you may experience an increase in back pain during stressful periods of your pregnancy.
Back pain may not be prevented completely, but there are things that you can do to reduce the severity or frequency. Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce the back pain you are experiencing:
- Use exercises approved by your health care provider that support and help strengthen the back and abdomen.
- Squat to pick up something versus bending over.
- Avoid high heels and other shoes that do not provide adequate support.
- Avoid sleeping on your back.
- Wear a support belt under your lower abdomen.
- Make sure your back is aligned using a chiropractor.
- Get plenty of rest. Elevating your feet is also good for your back.
- Here are some other common interventions:
- Ice or heat.
- Braces or support devices.
- Sleep on your left side and use a support pillow under your knees.
- Medications used to treat inflammation.
- Use a licensed health care professional such as a chiropractor or massage therapist.
Just like when I gave the rundown on morning sickness a few months ago, unfortunately I, personally, haven’t found relief in these options. But I think that is because my back pain is in a different area than most. I really haven’t experienced lower back pain, i.e. the pelvic region. Mine has all been in the upper back, and so sleeping on my side actually makes it worse because the natural thing to do is round your shoulders forward. (I have a body pillow but, once again, that seems to give more support to my lower back.) I also haven’t tried the «belt» because that goes around the lower back. Nor do I feel the couple of times I go out each week in my high-boots affect my upper back. Most of the time I am relaxing and getting proper rest. . .I believe my pain is all related to weight gain (especially in my chest area). Therefore, exercises seem the most likely to help in my case, as well as getting a prenatal massage. I am lucky to have an aunt who is a masseuse, although she lives in Kansas City so I can’t really use her during this time! However, she was able to add the following:
«. . .relaxation techniques, breathing. . .healthy fluids. Be sure you get a masseuse who is experienced in prenatal massage even if you have to drive a ways. An electric heat pad is not the best thing to put on your back for more than a few minutes at a time. It must be set at a moderate/medium temp–never a high setting. Far-infrared heat is the best. . .Consult your doc for referrals. No lifting. . .You may stretch all you can but relaxing those back muscles, sitting, standing, leaning, bending are most important at this time. Let someone help you with the heavier tasks, instead of bending at the back, stoop, kneel or bend 1 knee to reach things lower in cabinets / oven , etc.»
All of this talk about back pain is making my back ache now, lol.
Source: momwriterme.blogspot.com (very interesting reading, very recommend to subscribe to she’s RSS)
Non-Surgical Treatment for Lower Back Pain
September 15, 2008
With the advancement of technology, a new treatment technique called non-surgical spinal decompression (NSSD) has emerged. It has proven to be one of the most effective methods in low back pain treatment and is widely used all over the world.
With a variety of treatments available now for low back pain relief, most people prefer non-surgical treatment methods. Non-surgical treatment, usually referred to as the onservative treatment, includes heat, physical therapy, hydrotherapy, electrical nerve stimulation, spinal bracing, chiropractic care, epidural steroid injection, tissue mobilization and therapeutic spinal traction.
Low back pain is usually caused by degenerative disc, excessive stress to the back, arthritis of the spine, minimal movement, malpositioning of vertebrae and by problems in ligaments and tendons in and around the spine, spinal cord infection, Piriformis syndrome and other spinal conditions. Low back pain symptoms vary in different people depending on whether the pain is acute or chronic. X-rays and MRI scans are used for determining the source of low back pain.
Low back pain can be successfully treated either with non-surgical treatment methods, conservative care, or surgery. With limited success in eliminating disc problems completely, back surgery is opted only when the non-surgical methods become ineffective. Patients suffering from low back pain can achieve equally beneficial success as those obtained from surgery with non-surgical treatment methods.
Physical therapy is one of the most popular non-surgical treatment methods for low back pain. The non-surgical treatment methods are very effective even for chronic low back pain. The conservative methods make use of manually or mechanically created forces to stretch spinal muscles to alleviate back pain. With the advancement of technology, a new treatment technique called non-surgical spinal decompression (NSSD) has emerged. It has proven to be one of the most effective methods in low back pain treatment and is widely used all over the world.?Drugs such as Opioids and Narcotics are used to treat acute back pain. For chronic low back pains, NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used.
With the latest advancements in the medical field, low back pain relief is possible for most patients. Mild symptoms of back pain should not be ignored and the right treatment should be taken.
Source: www.internet-3.info
Back Pain Hits Record High
September 14, 2008
DON’T pick up a duster this weekend. More Brits than ever are suffering with back problems and most of us believe housework and cleaning really are a pain, a new survey reveals.
A massive 52 per cent of the population now gets back pain – up five per cent in just a year – a poll for the British Chiropractic Association has found.
Spring cleaning and housework are the most common perils, with 47 per cent of sufferers saying they have caused problems.
Driving is the main trigger for 31 per cent of sufferers and 23 per cent said it makes travelling difficult.
Tim Hutchful from The British Chiropractic Association says: «Back pain in Britain is continuing to rise at an alarming rate and poor posture continues to be the main culprit.
«The study has highlighted what a detrimental effect back pain can have on people’s lives.
«The major thing it prevents people from doing is exercise – adding to our increasing sedentary lifestyles.
«But lack of sleep and driving shows the extent of how back pain really is affecting every aspect of our lives.»
Obesity and lack of physical fitness are also known to contribute to back problems, and may be a factor in the rising number of sufferers.
Many problems can also be avoided by taking care when lifting heavy weights. Experts advise keeping the back straight and bending from the knees.
Carrie Writes: Tips for Living With Back Pain
September 12, 2008
I have suffered from lower back pain, off and on, for as long as I can remember.
The lower back, defined as the area between the ribs and upper legs, connects the upper and lower body, carrying most of the body’s weight. It can be easily strained or injured through overuse. Injury can come as a result of lifting, reaching or twisting the body.
The symptoms of lower back injuries include sharp pain that can be isolated to one area or spread over a larger area, muscle spasms and stiffness. At-home treatments include bed rest, along with icing the area for two to three days for 15 minutes every two to three hours, followed by using a heating pad for 15 minutes every two to three hours for two to three days.
If the lower back pain persists, you should see your doctor, who may recommend physical therapy. There also are some things you can do at home to help with back pain, such as laying on a hard floor and avoiding soft surfaces like couches, beds and recliners. You should always sleep on your side, wear low-heeled shoes, bend your knees when lifting heavy objects and be aware of what you can truly do with your body.
Exercise can play a factor in both preventing and healing lower back injuries. Some excellent activities include walking, swimming, strength training and any kind of cardio. The practice of yoga is very healthy for your back because it teaches the body balance and flexibility while strengthening muscles. Pilates is also very good for your back since it teaches body alignment and builds a strong core.
Every day, I practice yoga and Pilates to keep me flexible and pain-free. I also walk, either outside or on my treadmill, along with using a stationary bike. And I remind myself not to lift too much or do too much that could strain my muscles. When I do have a sore back, I take it easy but try to do my normal activities while using heating pads or ice to relieve the discomfort.
My theory is that back pain is your body’s way of saying, «Slow down and take care of yourself.»
Carrie Barrepski, a native of Livonia, Mich., lives in Western Massachusetts. You can learn more about Carrie at her Web site, www.carrie writes.net
She can be reached at cbarrepski@carriewrites.net
How To Prevent Back Pain At Work
September 12, 2008
You bend over to grab a folder from your filing cabinet and you feel it-a sudden flash of fiery pain that shoots through your spine. But while that motion may have set off the painful sensation, bending down was probably just the straw that broke the camel’s back, so to speak.
Day in and day out we treat our backs poorly, mostly with improper and repetitive movements. It only makes sense that a big part of the problem is how we move-and, more often, don’t move-at work, where most of us spend a major portion of our lives. Other factors play a role as well, such as the number and variety of manual tasks performed on the job, along with age, genetics, your schedule, desk setup and stress load. Experts say all these things combine to create unnecessary discomfort.
«It’s important to know that aspects of the work environment can make things better or worse,» – says Dr. Jeffrey Katz, associate professor of medicine and orthopedic surgery at Harvard Medical School, and author of the book Heal Your Aching Back.
A Common Problem
Back pain is a much more common problem than most people realize. Lower-back pain is cited as the No. 2 reason why Americans see their doctors, second only to colds and the flu. And patients suffering from backaches consume more than $90 billion annually in health care expenses, according to 2004 research from Duke University.
On the whole, up to 80% of people will deal with this health problem at some point in their lives, Katz says. In an office setting of 100 people, he estimates that on a given day, 10 to 12 people probably have some kind of back pain.
Despite the prevalence of the problem, most people don’t put in the effort to examine and tweak their regular work habits to prevent it.
«People don’t take care of themselves until they’re in pain,» says Todd Langer, a Boulder, Colo.– ased corrective exercise expert and creator of the P.A.S.T. Functional Fitness Method, which aims to relieve pain through unique balance-board-driven exercises.
Langer, who works with back pain sufferers at One Boulder Fitness Health Club, says the biggest mistake office workers make is continuing to sit in their desk chairs for hours on end. Sitting for sustained periods of time puts too much pressure on the discs and joints in your back.
To give your body a break, Langer suggests regularly moving your rear around in your chair and shifting your weight. If you spend a lot of time on the phone, stand up occasionally during conversations and try to take a short walk at least every half-hour, even if it’s just to the water cooler or printer. Use your e-mail to send yourself reminders until it becomes a habit.
It’s also a smart idea to examine your work stations for potential causes of imbalances, says Stefan Aschan, owner and founder of Strength123, a provider of nutrition and fitness programs in New York City and online. Are the floors in your office uneven? Does your chair rest half on and half off a thick, plastic rug pad? Do you, as many men do, keep your wallet in your back pocket and sit on it all day long? Do you cradle the phone between your head and shoulder instead of wearing a headset?
If so, you may be changing the way your body weight is distributed on your discs, Aschan says. Over time, that pressure may cause a disc to bulge, which can be painful.
While you’re looking at your desk, check on the positioning of your chair, computer and phone. You may have heard this advice before, but following through is another story. Todd Sinett, owner of the New York-based Midtown Chiropractic Health and Wellness practice and author of The Truth About Back Pain, recommends asking your company for an adjustable chair that will help maintain the natural curves of your spine, supporting your lower back. (Placing a pillow behind you will also do the trick if your boss won’t spring for an ergonomic chair.)
Your feet should lightly rest on the floor or, if you’re short, on a footrest. You shouldn’t have to crane your neck forward, up or down to see your monitor, and you shouldn’t have to strain to reach your phone. The goal is to square yourself.
Emotional Element
Work-related stress can take its toll on your back too, Sinett says. While people manifest stress in different ways, it usually creates muscle tension. That constant contracting, over time, can cause muscle spasms and headaches-and possibly make you more vulnerable to injury.
If you’re too tired and stressed out after a long day of work to do anything but pass out on the couch, you could be compounding the problem, says Dr. Stephen Courtney, an orthopedic surgeon at Texas’ Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano. Just as you should be stretching your muscles throughout the day, you should also be giving them a regular workout, either at the gym, on the court or in the yoga studio.
As with any change you make to your daily habits, there’s no guarantee an exercise regime will protect you from back problems. But it might decrease the frequency of recurrent episodes, according to Katz. For people in pain, it’s a move in the right direction.
Allison Van Dusen
Source: Forbes.com
Back pain? Then take a load off
September 10, 2008
You haul 16 tons, and what do you get?
If your answer is “back pain,” the BackTpack is here to help.
The weight in a regular backpack is all behind you, causing you to hunch over to compensate. In the long run, of course, that’s bad news.
The BackTpack ($65, backtpack.com), designed by a physical therapist, aims the weight of your cargo straight down your spine, so you carry it more naturally.
Bound to your body by shoulder, sternum and hip straps, the 13-inch-by-13-inch nylon side bags have pockets just about everywhere, inside and out, including an iPod pouch with a headphone hole. Available in a variety of loud colors, the BackTpack is definitely designed more for comfort than style. And comfortable it is. Compared with a regular backpack, a loaded BackTpack is practically effortless to carry, whether walking or on a bicycle, and it promotes better posture instantly. The bags hang at the hips, where you can forget about them until you need something.
The downside? You’ll have to take it off to drive a car or sit in a chair with arms.
THE (COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.) GAZETTE

