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With up to eight out of ten people developing back pain, or back problems, at some point in their lives, it is more important than ever to find ways of avoiding or relieving these distressing and often debilitating back conditions.
Dear DVE Customer,
| Your backbone (vertebral column) is actually a stack of more than 30 small bones called vertebrae. Together, they create a bony canal that surrounds and protects your spinal cord. Small nerves enter and exit the spinal canal through spaces in your vertebrae called the foramen.
These vertebrae are held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments. Between the vertebrae are discs, which act as "shock absorbers" and prevent the vertebrae from hitting one another when you walk, run or jump. They also allow your spine to twist, bend and extend. Since the lower back is the hinge between the upper and lower body and carries most of your weight, it is especially vulnerable to injury and is the site of most back pain. When low back pain strikes, we become acutely aware of just how much we rely on a flexible, strong back. |
Do you suffer from backpain? |
If you have a back problem or back pain, we would always recommend you seek qualified medical advice, but there is much you can do to prevent these problems occuring.
| Common causes of low back pain are:
Pinched Nerves - Pressure or impingement on nerve roots in the spinal canal can be caused by:
Herniated Disc - A herniated disc, (also called bulging disc or slipped disc) is a rupture often brought on by repeated vibration or motion (as during machine use or sport activity, or when lifting improperly), or by a sudden heavy strain or increased pressure to the lower back. Back pain and leg pain can result when the herniated disc pinches one of the nerves. A herniated disc in the lumbar region can affect the nerves, which runs from your spinal cord to your leg. Compression or inflammation of this nerve causes sciatica - a sharp, shooting pain in your lower back, buttocks and leg.
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Degenerative Disc Disease - As we age, the water and protein content of the body's cartilage changes. This change results in weaker, more fragile and thin cartilage. Because both the discs and the joints that stack the vertebrae (facet joints) are partly composed of cartilage, these areas are subject to wear and tear over time (degenerative changes). The gradual deterioration of the disc between the vertebrae is referred to as Degenerative Disc Disease.
Bone Spurs - also termed osteophytes (os-tee-o-fights). Osteophytes may be found in areas affected by arthritis such as the disc or joint spaces where cartilage has deteriorated. The body's production of osteophytes is a futile attempt to stop the motion of the arthritic joint and deal with the degenerative process. It never completely works. The evidence of bony deposits can be found on an x-ray or MRI. A bone spur may cause nerve impingement at the neuroforamen (nu-row for-a-men). The neuroforamen are passageways through which the nerve roots exit the spinal canal. Sensory symptoms include pain, numbness, burning and pins and needles in the extremities below the affected spinal nerve root. Motor symptoms include muscle spasm, cramping, weakness, or loss of muscular control in a part of the body. |
Spinal Stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal by a piece of bone, ligamentus flavus thickening or disc material. This can cause weakness in your extremities and typically develops with age.
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Back Pain - Prevention and relief
The more time you sit in front of a desk, driving and sitting in front of the television, the more aware that you must be of avoiding back pain.
Do not do this exercise if it causes or increases back or leg pain.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor (use a blanket if the floor is cold).
Bring one knee to your chest, keeping the other foot flat on the floor (or the other leg straight, whichever feels better on your lower back). Keep your lower back pressed to the floor. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
Relax and lower the knee to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg.
To get more stretch, put your other leg flat on the floor while pulling your knee to your chest.
If you are in too much pain to exercise - then try lying on the floor (use a blanket if the floor is cold) with legs on a chair. 
Bodyweight and backpain
The back injury can be the cause of obesity and the obesity can be the cause of back pain. The pain slows you down and causes emotional responses. You can become helpless and live your life lying on the back.
The fact of the matter is that the muscles should have proper movement daily to avoid the problems. Therefore, daily routine exercises are a must for all. You need to exercise on a regular basis to keep these muscles active. The exercise can also help you in keeping your weight down. Once you start your daily workouts you will find the difference in your spine and reduced back pain.
You can try different variety of exercises available. You can join a gym and exercise there daily or you can join dance aerobics which will help you burn the fat. The muscles and joints will relax and you will feel better in no time.
But beware, do not overdo it or you will face the problem of back pain again.
Shoes and Backpain
To keep the back healthy we need to take care of our feet and wear proper shoes while walking. Girls - High heels should be avoided at all cost, they shift your weight forward and spoil your natural position. The toes are to support your body, when you wear high heels the toes are narrowed which in turn will increase the pressure on the back. Everyone should also ensure that they have adequate heel support. Orthoheels are a great idea, however make sure you get full length ones for your shoes. If you have no or a small arch you'll find that your shoes will wear unevenly, exacerbating the problem. In this case, throw your shoes out and get new good fitting shoes with Orthoheels. They are worth it!
Back Pain - Supplements that can assist pain management or relief.
Calcium and definately Magnesium (I can vouch for Magnesium being very helpful with my back pain) can be very helpful in relieving back pain and other cramp like pains. Supplements such as Blackmores Bio-Magnesium or KMag, can be very effective along with all in one supplements such as Endura Max. Herbs Of Gold Pain Eze can assist with pain and Zen Therapeutics Oil can also help when massaged into the pain zone. Microgenics Celery 4000 has traditionally been used for the temporary relief of arthritic pain, swelling and restricted joint mobility. Blackmores Celery 3000 is also a traditional herbal remedy for the temporary relief of the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and gout. Another very worthwhile supplement is Mobicosa which is made from New Zealand Green lipped Mussels, which is a marine shellfish that contains many nutritional benefits and it rebuilds joints, contains essential fatty acids and is anti-inflammatory, this wonder product was featured on TV recently! |
Scroll below to view helpful natural supplements.
The best in good Health,
Tony Caruso
Discount Vitamins
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