Oh, My Aching Back

Diagnosed With a Herniated Disc?

By: Dr. Robert Duvall, DPT, ATC, MGFI
You've probably heard people say they have a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc in the back.

Sometimes they complain that their back "went out".
What they're most likely describing is a herniated disc. This condition is a common source of back and leg pain.

Discs are soft cushions found between the vertebrae that make up the spinal column (your backbone). In the middle of the spinal column is the spinal canal, a hollow space that contains the spinal cord. The nerves that supply the arms, leg, and torso come from the spinal cord.

The nerves from the neck supply the arms and hands, and the nerves from the low back supply the butt and legs. The discs between the vertebrae allow the back to move freely and act like shock absorbers.

The disc is made up of two main sections.
The outer part(the annulus) is made up of tough cartilage that is comprised of series of rings. The center of the disc is a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus.

A disc herniates or ruptures when part of the jelly center pushes through the outer wall of the disc into the spinal canal, and puts pressure on the nerves. A disc bulge is when the jelly substance pushes the outer wall but doesn't completely go through the wall.

What do you feel?

Low back pain will affect four out of five people during their lifetime. The most common symptom of a herniated disc is "sciatica".

Sciatica is best described as a sharp, often shooting pain that begins in the buttocks and goes down the back of one leg. This is most often caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve that exits the
spinal cord. Other symptoms include:

* Weakness in one leg or both legs
* Numbness and tingling in one leg (pins & needles)
* A burning pain centered in the low back
* Loss of bladder or bowel control (seek medical attention immediately)
* Back pain with gradually increasing leg pain. (If you have weakness in both legs. Seek immediate attention.)

How do you know you have a herniated disc?

Your medical history is key to a proper diagnosis. A physical examination can usually determine which nerve roots are affected (and how seriously).

A simple x-ray may show evidence of disc or degenerative spine changes. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is usually the best option (most expensive) to determine which disc has herniated.

Why do discs herniate?

Discs are primarily composed of water. As we become older (after the age of 30), the water content decreases, so the discs begin to shrink and lose their shape. When the disc becomes smaller the
space between the vertebrae decreases and become narrower. Also, as the disc loses water content the disc itself becomes less flexible.

While aging, excess weight, improper lifting and the decrease in water in the discs all contribute to the breaking down of discs, the primary cause of a herniation or bluge is uneven compression and
torsion that's placed on the discs.

This uneven pressure is caused by imbalances in muscles that pull the spine out of its normal position and then your body is forced to function in what I call a physical dysfunction. Every human being develops these dysfunctions over time and eventually they cause enough damage to create pain.

The best treatment options

When it comes to treating a herniated disc, there are traditional treatments such as ice/heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications and even surgery.

While these may deliver some relief, it will usually be temporary if at all.

But the major problem with these traditional treatments is that they can't fix or heal a herniated disc as they do not address the actual
cause of the problem.

For example, even if you were to have a surgery
and get some pain relief, the fact is the dysfunctions that caused the disc to herniated in the first place are still there and if not addressed, they will continue to place uneven pressure and strain on the discs and sooner or later you will likely have another problem with that disc, or others.

Without identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the problem,which is the physical dysfunctions caused by imbalances in muscles,
you will likely continue to suffer with this condition and the continuous flare ups for years.
Unfortunately, most doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists don't spend time or focus on identifying the physical dysfunctions that are responsible for the condition so most people end up jumping from one useless traditional treatment to the next and suffer for months or years unnecessarily.

If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, or are wondering if your back pain may be caused by a herniated disc, either way you must identify and address the physical dysfunctions that are causing your pain as part of your recovery.

To see other great articles by Dr. Duvall, please visit 7 Back Pain Mistakes.
There, you will find many more articles and resources to help educate and get rid of your back pain forever.

After watching my husband go through years of back pain and then back surgery, I knew that there was a better and less invasive way to help reduce or eliminate back pain.

That is when I started to research natural products and nutrition which could help others avoid the pain and suffering of back issues without always having to opt for surgery.

On this page you'll find the most effective products and information available.

Bruising after surgery (bandage pad covering staples)

Staples Used Instead of Stitches



Scarring on Back from Surgery

X-Rays Showing Titanium Screws and Bolts

As you've likely experienced, most doctors are too busy treating the symptoms of back pain with treatment like anti-inflammatory medications, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and cortisone injections, and they simply ignore what is one of the biggest factors that contributes to back pain.

This contributing factor is spinal compression.

An Inversion table allows you to lie on your back relaxed, in an inverted position. This position eliminates some or all gravitational compression, depending upon how far back you position your body.

Inversion therapy is the safest, quickest and most effective way to increase the space between your vertebrae. Numerous clinical studies published in reputable medical journals have confirmed that inversion really does increase the separation between the discs of the spine, which brings relief from back pain.

This inversion table comes with a 5 year warranty along with a laminated user manual and an instructional video on DVD.

When you first use an inversion table you don't invert all the way, then slowly when you get accustomed to how the table inverts you invert to a higher degree. You also start off with just a few minutes (1-3) then build up slowly to 10 minutes, twice a day.

To learn more about Inversion Therapy just click on the Inversion Table below. Inversion therapy isn't just for people with back aches, it also can help with circulation problems and many say that it help to reverse of the signs of aging that gravity can have on the body.

Far too many people live with chronic pain. Whether western medicine has let them down or they're just tired of having to take over the counter pain medication, a lasting and natural solution may be sitting on the dinner table right now.

Let's take a look inside Mother Nature's medicine cabinet...

1. Alfalfa. The leaves of the alfalfa plant are rich in vitamins, protein and minerals however beyond the high levels of basic nutrients it is also a natural anti-arthritic due to its high Chlorophyll content.

Alfalfa can be found at your local market or in your health food store. It is most often found in the form of sprouts, however juice and supplement capsules are also beneficial.

2. Chamomile. Chamomile is widely known as a natural relaxant and is most commonly found in tea however it is also an anti spasmodic and an anti inflammatory. The easiest and tastiest way to consume this flower is with a regular cup of tea.

3. Fenugreek. Fenugreek is an herb most commonly used to season curry. You can eat the plant's leaves, seeds, and sprouts.

Look for it in your local ethnic or Indian market. The greens and sprouts are a tasty addition to a salad and the seeds provide excellent seasoning to a variety of meats, stews, and sauces.

Fenugreek is an anti-inflammatory and has phyto steroid properties to help rebuild tissues. Recently it has been tested for it's affects on cancer.

4. Flax. Omega 3 fatty acids have been studied in depth for their anti inflammatory properties as well as their ability to help the body heal and regenerate.

It has also been linked to fighting cancer and reversing diabetes.

Flax seed can be added to just about any meal and flax seed oil can be used to cook with or make dressings and sauces. It can also be consumed as a tea.

5. Ginger. Ginger is a delicious seasoning for a variety of foods. From tea to ice cream Ginger is easy to consume and provided tremendous health benefits.

It helps to stimulate blood flow for improved circulation and it is an anti inflammatory.
Less inflammation means less pain.
Ginger is just one of the 11 powerful pain fighting ingredients in "Heal-n-Soothe".

Thousands of people are reporting great results - many have even been able to dump their existing medications for this all-natural alternative.

Click here to learn more about this powerful formula

6. Licorice. No, not those black candy whips you find at the grocery! Licorice is a root. In Italy it isn't uncommon to see people chewing on the root as a snack or breath freshener.

Take care though, too much pure licorice can be dangerous.
It is an anti-inflammatory and is rich in phytosteroids.

7. Salmon. Salmon is a food source rich in omega three fatty acids which have been proven to provide a variety of health benefits the least of which is as an anti-inflammatory to treat arthritis.

8. Rosemary. Rosemary is an excellent food to treat pain because it naturally eases nerve and muscle tension and pain. It's even good for chronic headaches.
It contains salicin which is a natural form glycoside - which aspirin is made from.

Rosemary can be found anywhere and is an excellent herb for flavoring meats, salad dressings, stews, soups, sauces and even tea.

9. Sage. Sage isn't just for Thanksgiving Day dressing. Sage helps improve achy muscles and inflammation and is great to keep your mind clear.

Sage is actually in the mint family and is exceptional for flavoring food.

White sage is a strong anti inflammatory and is most often consumed as tea while common sage can be consumed as tea or used to season food.

10. Shitake mushrooms. Shitake has most recently been used to treat immune deficiency resulting from chemotherapy, hepatitis, aids and other chronic infections.

It is a strong cancer fighter and anti viral. It is an excellent treatment to arthritis and chronic joint pain.

Shitake mushrooms can be enjoyed raw, sauteed, baked, added to just about any meal and they're easy to find in your local supermarket.

This is by no means an exhaustive list... there are tons of other "super foods" and the more whole foods you can eat the better.

Chronic pain doesn't have to rule your life. Nature has provided us with a wealth of healthy solutions and treatments for what ails us.

Take a look in your refrigerator and see what remedies are right in front of you.

Get the latest, cutting-edge information about back pain, what causes it and how to get lasting relief. Millions of people suffer from back pain
unnecessarily - don't continue to be one of them.

There are 4 different conditions that can cause Sciatica.

Sciatic pain is simply caused by pressure being placed on the sciatic nerve and there are primarily four things that can create this... you may have one or more of the following conditions:

Condition #1 - Piriformis Syndrome
This is the most common cause of sciatic pain and is created when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle.

Muscle imbalances pull the hip joints and pelvis out of place and this change of position typically shortens and tightens the piriformis muscle, which then places pressure on the sciatic nerve.

To read the about the other 3 conditions and to learn more about Sciatica more in depth, please just click on the banner below. You can also listen to a a Free audio of 7 Back Pain Mistakes right on the page.

If you have found that your back pain has been stopping you from losing weight then you should listen to this informative and Free audio.

Have you found that since your back has been bothering you, you have gained weight? Then you should listen to this audio.

This Interview was conducted by Fitness Expert Kyle Battis and Back Pain Specialist Jesse Cannone. In it, they discussed how back pain sufferers can achieve fat loss while managing or improving their back pain. Here are a few things we covered in this audio:

* Safe and effective exercises for back pain sufferers
* Tips on Increasing Metabolism and Burning More Fat
* How simple stretching can relieve pain in only a few days
* Fat Loss Secrets that Will Safely Speed Up the Fat Loss Process
* Common Mistakes People Make That Keep Them in Pain
How To Train For Fat Loss While Managing Back Pain

Just click on the link and take a listen. There is no cost, you don't have to put in your name or email--nothing. Just listen and learn.

The first half of the audio discusses back issues in general and then going into the second half nutrition and weight loss is discussed.

I found this information very eye opening and even if you don't have back pain but are interested in losing weight or keeping your weight stable this is for you.

"I've been taking a double dose of celebrex for 10 years now and that only gave me partial relief. Finally, my fear of liver damage pushed me to try your all-natural product. It worked better and I was able to stop taking the celebrex completely. Thank you so much!"

- Kaye Whitlock, Dallas, TX

Click here to learn how you too can reduce your pain safely and naturally

If you suffer, or know anyone who suffers from back pain, be sure to pick up a copy of this free report. Get Your Free Report by Clicking Here Now!

By Steve Hefferon, CMT, PTA and co-founder of
LoseTheBackPain.com

An Anti-Inflammatory Diet Could Be the Ticket to Feeling Better

When I say the word "inflammation," it's likely to evoke thoughts of painful joints and muscles, swelling, and a loss of mobility. But did you know that recent research shows that chronic inflammation in your body can lead to serious diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and Alzheimer's disease, to name just a few?

The amount of inflammation in your body varies and is dependent on a number of factors - including your activity level,the amount of sleep you get, the degree of stress in your life, and even the foods you eat.

What you have to realize is that these factors are cumulative - meaning they build up over time. And the more that any or all of these factors get out of whack, the risk for disease increases.

Early in life, these levels can be so low that you might not even be aware that you have any inflammation in your body. That's because our bodies do a fairly decent job of controlling the inflammation - at least for a while.

Then one day you wake up and you're in your 40s and something is just not right. That's when the fear begins to set in, and you think to yourself: What did I do wrong? or What can I do now to help myself?

The first step is to get your C-reactive protein (CRP)levels tested. C-reactive protein is produced by the liver, and the level of CRP rises when there is systemic inflammation in the body. Ask your doctor about this (you may have to demand to have the test done). All it requires is a blood sample that will be evaluated by your doctor.

And because diet can play a large role in how much or how little inflammation you have, you may want these levels looked at by a registered dietician who can help you formulate an appropriate eating plan.

If you have pain due to inflammation, you may choose to take the traditional medical path, which includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and even joint- replacement surgery in extreme cases.

The good news is that there are natural ways to fight inflammation without the undesirable side-effects that often result from the treatments listed above.

What You Eat Makes All The Difference

The food we eat is a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to controlling inflammation. The typical American diet consists of too much fat, tons of sugar, loads of red meat, and a frightening amount of processed foods - all of which are likely to increase inflammation and contribute to obesity, which itself is can cause inflammation.

By switching to an anti-inflammatory diet plan consisting of healthy whole foods, you can actually decrease inflammation and ease the pain and discomfort associated with it.

The first step is to avoid processed foods, foods high in sugar, and junk food whenever possible. Instead, choose fresh whole foods, especially anti-inflammatory varieties such as lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

But choose carefully.
Many vegetables and pre-packaged "health" foods can actually work against you. Use this handy list of the best and worst foods for controlling inflammation:

Anti-inflammatory foods

Atlantic Salmon (wild)
Fresh whole fruits, vegetables
Bright multi-colored vegetables
Green tea
Water
Olive oil
Lean poultry
Nuts, legumes and seeds
Dark green leafy vegetables
Old fashioned oatmeal
Spices, especially Turmeric and Ginger

Inflammatory foods

Sugar, from any source
Processed foods
French Fries
Fast Foods
White bread
Pasta
Ice Cream
Cheddar Cheeses
Snack Foods
Oils such as vegetable and corn
Soda, caffeine and alcohol

In addition to these dietary changes it is also recommended that you:

* Maintain a healthy weight - There is no question that eating healthy is not easy nowadays, whether you're at home or at a restaurant.
But at the very least, you must try to decrease your intake of sugars and hydrogenated oils and increase your daily intake of fiber.

Ideally, you should be consuming 35 grams of fiber (that is a ton of fiber, but it's worth shooting for).

* Get better sleep - 7 to 9 hours of sleep is a must for optimal health; getting a good night's sleep is key to controlling systemic inflammation.

* Relax more often to lower stress levels - Find time for yourself throughout the day to focus on your breathing and clear the clutter from your mind; learn to stay focused on the most important tasks in your life.

* Exercise on a regular basis - People always ask me: What's the best exercise to do? I always tell them: Do something you like to do and, if your body can tolerate it, aim for 15-20 minutes three times a week.

* Demand to have you CRP levels tested - This simple blood test is the best indicator of the amount of systemic inflammation in your body. Have the levels evaluated by a certified health care
provider who can suggest the most appropriate action.


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The information on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not dispense medical guidance or medical assistance. Nor does it intend to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases or ailments.
The information on this page is not intended to replace proper medical care.
Please seek medical care when necessary or if you have any questions about your health.