Cure My Low Back Pain

posted by editor on Mar 6

Chinese Medicine, classical and traditional involves a range practices originating in eastern Asia. Although well accepted throughout China and many other parts of the world, it is considered an alternative medicine in the West. Practices include use of herbs, dietary adjustments, movement therapies, massage therapies, moxibustion and acupuncture.

While western medicine is based upon theories related to anatomical function and physiology, Chinese medicine is based upon at least five major theories relating the human body and its life energy to nature, the universe, and a higher being. Its practices have roots that are thousands of years old.

One aspect of Chinese medicine, acupuncture, is the procedure of inserting and manipulating very fine needles into points on the body to treat and cure medical disorders, including pain. Acupuncture points, stimulus placement sites, are situated along body meridians through which our theorized life energy flows. Modern acupuncture texts present meridians as conceptual targets. While there is no physical evidence to support their existence, consider that the only evidence of gravity is the fact that bodies attract each other in predictable manners (e.g., objects stay on the ground). Similarly, people respond to acupuncture stimulation along meridians in predictable manners. Moreover, acupuncture does not cause undesired side effects like most regularly prescribed medications.

The earliest recognized written record of acupuncture is from the second century BC. Different variations of acupuncture are practiced throughout the world. Acupuncture has been difficult to study by western medical researchers due to the invasive nature of the practice (having to place needles). Scholarly reviews are often biased by origin of the researchers. However, there is general agreement that acupuncture is safe when administered by well-trained practitioners using sterile needles, and further research is ongoing. Alternative treatment approaches are available to the untrained and general public via electroacupuncture and acupressure. These are applied at the same points, along the same meridians, without the risks related to needle use by the novice, in case I wish to cure my own low back pain.

One extraordinary source of information on acupuncture is A Manual of Acupuncture, published by the Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications. Following research of many years, Peter Deadman, editor-in-chief of The Journal of Chinese Medicine, and colleagues created the primary reference for the study and practical application of acupuncture points and meridians. With subtle use of color to illustrate the acupuncture points and anatomical features in approximately five-hundred illustrations, it is a very comprehensive, attractive and user-friendly tool for the novice and professional. The index identifies every part of the body reached by each meridian, and there are separate indexes to direct readers to address health issues via Chinese medicine categorization and western medicine symptom approaches.

posted by editor on Feb 28

Whether you want to reduce back stress or fatigue or stimulate your blood circulation, an inversion table makes a great household accessory. An inversion table contributes to your body’s overall health via lumbar traction, relieving pressure on your vertebral discs and nearby structures, stretching muscles in your torso and promoting circulation. Additionally, when your back starts to relax, the rest of your body follows. For frequent and relentless symptoms, even reduced pain is a relative cure for your or my low back pain.  A table can also help with flexibility for improved athletic performance, reducing the apparent aging effects of gravity, relieving pain related to prolonged sitting or standing. Spine inversion is better than manual adjustments and it pays for itself within a few sessions.

Quality products boast durable tubular steel frames that are light, yet strong. More importantly, inversion systems are a breeze to use. You rest your body against comfortable foam backboards, slipping your feet into the ergonomically molded ankle cushions, simply reaching your arms overhead to initiate your treatment. As your arms go up, your body gradually inverts, as far as 90 degrees as desired. All that is needed is you, your inversion table and gravity.

Quality tables have non-skid floor stabilizers, keeping the table stable, and extra-long safety handles to provide an easy return to upright. Tables weighing less than ninety pounds that can support frames up to 6 feet 6 inches, weights up to 350 pounds, with easily adjusted ratchet ankle locking systems are ideal for the consumer market. With chronic pain, even intermittent markedly reduced pain is a relative cure for your or my low back pain.  Spine inversion has been around for more than two thousand years.  Spine inversion is better than manual adjustments because it is effective and pays for itself within a few sessions.

posted by editor on Feb 9

Do you think hanging upside down to relieve back pain is unusual, or a new-age approach? Reconsider your perceptions. Spinal inversion probably goes back to the dawn of documented human medical care.

We know that inversion has been used at least since 400 B.C., when Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, first observed a patient have his knees and ankles tied to a ladder to be hoisted upside down for a dose of what has come to be known as inversion therapy.

The Greek theories on inversion are still valid, but today there is a much easier way to relieve the back pain than having your family and friends hoist you with ropes. The process is called spinal inversion therapy, and it can be the natural way to a better back and a better body.

Inversion-traction and Tissue Movement Studies

The journal – Spine: 1 May 1998 – Volume 23 – Issue 9 – pp 1061-1063

Study Design. Experimental study of 30 patients diagnosed with low back pain resulting from lumbar disc herniation, disc degeneration, and segmental instability. Patients underwent gravitational traction, and widening of the intervertebral space and posterior facets was measured on x-rays. This same procedure was performed with a group of 30 healthy individuals.

Objectives. To determine the effect of gravitational traction on the widening of the intervertebral space and the other vertebral structures in patients with low back pain and in healthy individuals.

Summary of Background Data. Gravitational traction is performed by suspending the patient in a hanging, upright position for an extended period of time. (inversion)

Methods. A specially designed apparatus was used to apply gravitational traction. Before and after inversion x-rays were obtained to study the changes in the L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 intervertebral spaces. Other data was also collected.

Results. Inversion-Distraction/traction created more than 3 mm of increased intervertebral disc space in subjects.

Conclusion. Spinal gravitational traction (inversion) had a very measurable effect on intervertebral space and was found to be an effective method to distract lumbar vertebrae.

Other studies

1) Kane, M, et al: Effects of Gravity-facilitated Traction on Intravertebral Dimensions of the Lumbar Spine. Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 281-288, Mar 85. Study found gravity-facilitated traction (inversion), produces significant intravertebral separation in lumbar spine.

2) Gianakopoulos, G, et al: Inversion Devices: Their Role in Producing Lumbar Distraction. Arch Physical Med Rehabil 66: 100-102, Feb 85. Study found all subjects experienced intervertebral separation in the lower lumbar vertebrae.

3) Nosse, L.: Inverted Spinal Traction. Arch Physical Med Rehabil 59: 367-370, Aug 78. Study found EMG activity (an indicator of muscle activity, which tends to be greater with pain) declined 35 percent within the first 10 seconds of inversion

4) Nachemson, Alf, et al: Intravertebral Dynamic Pressure Measurements in Lumbar Discs. 1970. The study measured internal disc pressure (in the 3rd lumbar disc) during a range of activities, including standing, sitting, bending and vertical and traction. The study results identified that a traction load equal to sixty percent of body weight was sufficient to reduce the internal disc pressure to zero. This suggests that pain related to intradiscal pressure can be relieved by inversion.

5) Sheffield, F.: Adaptation of Tilt Table for Lumbar Traction. Arch Physical Med Rehabil 45: 469-472, 1964. One-hundred, seventy-five patients who were unable to work due to back pain were treated. After eight inversion treatments, 155 patients were able to return to their jobs full time. Study concluded that the main basis for improvement was the stretching of paraspinal vertebral muscles and ligaments and possibly the widening of intravertebral discs. The study found significant improvements in patients with a variety of diagnoses including spondylolisthesis, herniated discs, lumbar osteoarthritis with sciatica, and coccydynia.

6) Dimberg, L, et al: Effects of gravity-facilitated [spinal inverson] traction of the lumbar spine in persons with chronic low back pain at the workplace. One-hundred sixteen people were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial that lasted for 12 months. The study compared inversion trained subjects to a control group who did not perform inversion to asses the effect of gravity inversion on pain level and absenteeism due to low back pain. After 12 months of training program, the employees performing inversion 1 or 2 times per day decreased sick days due to back pain by 33 percent. Moreover, the average number of sick days used due to back pain fell by eight days per individual in the inversion group.

If you have some disc bulging or herniation, and you are not a surgical candidate or do not wish to proceed with surgery, many of you will markedly decrease your pain with inversion-traction.

Over half of people who perform spinal inversion regularly do so to relieve back pain. But, to discount inversion as simply a back pain remedy would be to ignore a wide range of benefits that can be easily achieved by a passive, or more active, inversion session.

Inversion represents the quiet side of fitness, helping your body to recover from the compressive effects of gravity and daily activities. Doctors, physical therapists and sports trainers recognize spinal inversion as a safe and effective form of therapy for the spine and weight-bearing joints. In fact, the US Army is evaluating including spinal inversion into its worldwide physical training.

Whatever your reason for inverting, inversion equipment provides a comfortable and easy method to turn your painful world upside down.

posted by douglas34 on Apr 27

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians assess spinal anatomy.

MR imaging employs a powerful magnetic field, sonic pulses and a computer to create detailed images of soft tissues, bone of and around the spine. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed or copied to CD.

MR images allow physicians to better evaluate the spine and nearby structures in a manner not possible by other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT/CAT scanning).

An MRI of the spine shows the anatomy of the vertebrae that make up the spine, as well as the disks, spinal cord and the spaces between the vertebrae through which nerves pass. Moreover, MRI is presently the most sensitive imaging test of the spine in routine clinical practice.
However, it only provides an image. The image is not always diagnostic. As with images of a person, food, a place, that do not describe personality, taste and experience, the MRI may be substantially suggestive, but are open to interpretation and may not reveal anything at all about the underlying pathology or symptoms.

MR imaging is performed to:
1. assess the spinal anatomy.
2. look for anatomical variations.
3. look for diseased tissue in the spine.
4. look for non-spinal diseases effecting the spine.
5. monitor changes in the spine after a significant injury or operation.
6. guide the placement of injections to relieve spinal pain.

Spinal MRI is a great diagnostic tool. However, it has its diagnostic limitations, it is expensive, and does not need to be performed as part of the diagnostic process for all occurrences of back pain.

posted by editor on Mar 30

The salt spray wafting in with the softly rolling waves.  Strolling across the bridge, over crystal teal waters, to tree-shaded bungalows, you search out enchanting sounds and aromas enticing forward. Enjoying cool beverages, cheering with your friends, exclaiming towards the big screen in the lounge, your favorite teams exchanging leads.  Later, soothing music playing in the background you espy your partner on the beach, relaxing peacefully under the tanning rays. Exhilarated, you are socially active again.  Shooting waves, casting lines, snorkeling through rainbows of sumptuous life. Lets read about the natural, alternative ways you found that regularly bring you back to life. Get to it.

There are numerous causes of paraspinal pain. We will address many of them over time although primarily addressing mechanical pain. Some topics will be equally applicable across all spinal segments, cervical through lumbar. Others will be segment specific, often lumbar. We are about alternatives, complementary treatment and self-care. We link to traditional medicine sites and encourage you to familiarize yourself with standard medical and surgical views. However, western medicine and surgery are usually focused upon injury and disease management. We focus upon  contemporary health, nutrition, fitness, injury prevention, self care and alternative perspectives.

This site does not intend for you to replace service via your primary or specialty medical/surgical clinician, particularly for those of you who can afford it and are satisfied with services delivered to date. Rather, we will supplement your knowledge, point you to complementary/self-care tools and offer alternative lifestyle and care perspectives including ideas that should  steer you into directions that you may not have previously considered.

Look at discussion of: prescription medications, homeopathic medications, naturopathic medications, herbs, cannabis/marijuana, acupuncture, acupressure, electroacupuncture, electrical stimulation (various forms), chiropractic, physical therapy, inversion, traction, massage, trigger point intervention, light therapy (infrared, laser), hypnosis, psychotherapy, mental distraction, thermal intervention (heat, ice), dietary adjustments (foods and anti-inflammatory effects), spiritualism, weight control, exercise/stretching, treatment of concurrent diseases that contribute to the pain, other behavioral adjustments (e.g., quit smoking tobacco), and cessation of activities that worsen symptoms.

We are about alternative perspectives and strategies. Moreover, where possible, we hope that you cure your back pain.