http://local.backpain.org/ The Charity for Healthier Backs 120 en-gb Articles@DirectoryM.com Articles@DirectoryM.com http://local.backpain.org/ The Charity for Healthier Backs http://local.backpain.org/Images/Image.aspx?Site=customDarkBlueWAdSense_en-GB There is some evidence that back pain has a genetic component associated with it. This genetic susceptibility can be the cause of many issues that can result in back pain including weaker muscles and bones of the back as well as postural problems. http://local.backpain.org/Genetic_Factor_to_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1393759-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Genetic_Factor_to_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1393759-Liverpool_EN.html Having large breasts can cause back pain as larger breasts put pressure on the upper and mid back. This can cause fatigued muscles and the development of abnormal kyphosis (curve) of the upper and mid back. This can result in changes to the shape of the spine over time and can also create poor posture which all result in pain. http://local.backpain.org/Can_Large_Breasts_Be_a_Contributor_to_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1393758-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Can_Large_Breasts_Be_a_Contributor_to_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1393758-Liverpool_EN.html High heels and ill-fitting shoes can contribute to back pain as they change the shape of the feet, whlch can cause muscular; postural and gait changes that can place the spine out of alignment and put pressure on the back resulting in pain. http://local.backpain.org/High_Heel_or_Badly_Fitting_Shoes_Cause_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1393757-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/High_Heel_or_Badly_Fitting_Shoes_Cause_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1393757-Liverpool_EN.html Stress is a major contributor to many health problems including back pain. When we are under a lot of stress the body releases stress hormones into the body whlch can have an adverse effect. In terms of back pain these stress hormones can cause muscles to tighten which reduces blood flow and therefore provison of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues in that area and the result is spasm and a build up of waste products and eventually muscle pain and weakness. http://local.backpain.org/How_does_Stress_Cause_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1393756-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/How_does_Stress_Cause_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1393756-Liverpool_EN.html Patients with a definitive diagnosis of the cause of their back pain, for example, a herniated disc or a fracture may benefit from surgery. There are many surgical techniques available, ranging from major surgeries to newer more minimally invasive procedures. http://local.backpain.org/Surgery_Liverpool-r1377274-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Surgery_Liverpool-r1377274-Liverpool_EN.html There is no doubt that many people with back pain experience pain relief when applying heat to the painful area. Some use a hot bath or heat pads. In this article I’d like to tell you about a few options that I have tried myself and perhaps they could help you as well. http://local.backpain.org/How_Heat_Pads_Help_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328747-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/How_Heat_Pads_Help_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328747-Liverpool_EN.html The surgical options are spine decompression when nerves are involved, and for mechanical back pain, spinal fusion with bone grafting, spine stabilisation without fusion or disc replacement. http://local.backpain.org/Osteoarthritis_Liverpool-r1328744-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Osteoarthritis_Liverpool-r1328744-Liverpool_EN.html Manipulation, mobilisation and massage are types of manual therapy that can also be provided by chiropractors and physiotherapists. For this reason, people often talk about ‘manual therapy’, irrespective if this is provided by chiropractors, osteopaths or physiotherapists. http://local.backpain.org/Osteopathy_Liverpool-r1328743-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Osteopathy_Liverpool-r1328743-Liverpool_EN.html I was diagnosed as having non specific low back pain. I then tried many of the alternative treatments available such as osteopathy, massage and acupuncture with only temporary relief. Previously I had been a keen squash player and had to give that up as it seemed to make the pain worse. Looking around for some low impact and gentler exercise to keep myself fit I came upon T’ai Chi. The very first class proved to be a real eye opener for me. Expecting something boring and slow it was surprising how challenging it proved to be. http://local.backpain.org/Tai_Chi_Liverpool-r1328741-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Tai_Chi_Liverpool-r1328741-Liverpool_EN.html Spinal surgery has been undergoing exciting times of late. The plethora of new devices brings responsibilities to those who treat these conditions. Treatments should only be offered which have adequate evidence or if they are being used in a controlled research setting. http://local.backpain.org/Developments_in_Low_Back_Spinal_Surgery_Liverpool-r1328740-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Developments_in_Low_Back_Spinal_Surgery_Liverpool-r1328740-Liverpool_EN.html The following is the introduction of an active back pack for preventing the back pain. Read on and get more information about back care. http://local.backpain.org/Active_Back_Pack_Liverpool-r1328739-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Active_Back_Pack_Liverpool-r1328739-Liverpool_EN.html If you have tried to manage your back pain by staying active, the use of medication and the other tips explained in ' What to do when back pain strikes' , and found that after a number of weeks or months your pain is still bothering you, you may want to explore some other options. http://local.backpain.org/Chronic_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328737-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Chronic_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328737-Liverpool_EN.html Our bodies are very efficient when it comes to using energy. We tend to use up the energy we take in through food with as little as possible left over. All well and good when your body is in working order but throw in back pain to the mix, the dealing of which uses up an inordinate amount of energy, and you'll soon feel your lethargy taking over. http://local.backpain.org/Pregnancy_and_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328736-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Pregnancy_and_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328736-Liverpool_EN.html There are several classes available offering gentle exercise, even some tailored to the needs of back pain sufferers. But to get started at home can help to give you the confidence to go to a class and have a more structured routine. http://local.backpain.org/Exercise_and_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328734-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Exercise_and_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328734-Liverpool_EN.html The most important thing to do when you experience back pain, is to continue your normal activities as much as you can. Although you might be tempted to rest and move as little as you can, this will only make your pain worse and lengthen the period that you are in pain. Extensive research has shown that prolonged bed rest does not result in a quick recovery. http://local.backpain.org/First_Aid_for_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328733-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/First_Aid_for_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328733-Liverpool_EN.html Back pain is not only common in people doing manual work, many office workers also experience back pain. However, with the right measures, most back pain can also be controlled in an office environment. http://local.backpain.org/Preventing_Back_Pain_in_the_Office_Liverpool-r1328731-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Preventing_Back_Pain_in_the_Office_Liverpool-r1328731-Liverpool_EN.html Most of the population will experience an episode of back pain during their lifetime that troubles them sufficiently to alter their ordinary function and seek some form of medical help. http://local.backpain.org/Cognitive_Behavioral_Approaches_to_Chronic_Pain_Liverpool-r1328728-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Cognitive_Behavioral_Approaches_to_Chronic_Pain_Liverpool-r1328728-Liverpool_EN.html The value of x-ray and MRI remains a hot topic in the back pain world. There is no doubt that these medical imaging technologies can play a great role in diagnosing certain back pain conditions and guiding subsequent treatments. However, there is more and more evidence emerging that in most cases MRIs and in particular x-rays do more harm than good. http://local.backpain.org/Medical_Imaging_Technology_Liverpool-r1328727-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Medical_Imaging_Technology_Liverpool-r1328727-Liverpool_EN.html I have suffered with a gradually deteriorating back condition for some 12 years now. Recently diagnosed as chronic, none of the antiinflammatories, pain killers or physiotherapy I’ve been treated with down the years has brought anything but short term relief. Never clinically diagnosed, the root cause of my problem has never been established. http://local.backpain.org/Alleviating_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328726-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Alleviating_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1328726-Liverpool_EN.html It is thought that there are three reasons for back pain whilst driving: vibration from the engine (something we drivers cannot change), our sitting position and the length of time we spend in our cars. http://local.backpain.org/Posture_While_Driving_Liverpool-r1328725-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Posture_While_Driving_Liverpool-r1328725-Liverpool_EN.html One can see why returning to work is so difficult. The constant pain, discomfort and loss of mobility can be overwhelming. Back pain sufferers often give up exercise because it is too painful, so they become overweight, which exacerbates the condition. This cyclical process of depression and loss of self-esteem can be extremely detrimental and is often compounded by long periods of unemployment. http://local.backpain.org/Joy_Anderson_on_Yoga_for_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1327110-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Joy_Anderson_on_Yoga_for_Back_Pain_Liverpool-r1327110-Liverpool_EN.html Physiotherapy is constantly trying to prove that it is as good and as science-based as medicine. There are several similarities between physiotherapy and healing practice. Physiotherapists have to get close to their patients, invade their personal space and help them to relax. It is a hands-on profession; a good physiotherapist communicates through his or her hands and works with the body. http://local.backpain.org/The_Physiotherapist_as_Healer_Liverpool-r1327109-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/The_Physiotherapist_as_Healer_Liverpool-r1327109-Liverpool_EN.html I hurt my back in October 2002 by lifting a car wheel out of a boot awkwardly. I had never previously had back trouble. This gave me (a couple of hours later) some pain in a small area of the lower right back, just above the buttocks, followed soon after by pain down the right buttock and thigh. I did not have, and have never had since, any problem with stiffness or lack of mobility. http://local.backpain.org/Hurt_Back_Lifting_Car_Wheel_Out_of_Boot_Liverpool-r1327107-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Hurt_Back_Lifting_Car_Wheel_Out_of_Boot_Liverpool-r1327107-Liverpool_EN.html It has been estimated that there are more than 200 different treatment options for back pain. Some of these are well-established and have been thoroughly researched while others are more experimental and less mainstream. When having to decide what treatment to try, you may want to ask yourself the following questions. http://local.backpain.org/Treatments_Liverpool-r1327106-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Treatments_Liverpool-r1327106-Liverpool_EN.html I know it sounds obvious, but many of us don’t do this. Before you go, make sure you check that travel is safe for your back, with your doctor, osteopath, or other healthcare provider. You never know, they might also give you some helpful suggestions as to how to keep yourself pain free during your stay in the Bahamas. http://local.backpain.org/The_Trials_of_Travel_Liverpool-r1327104-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/The_Trials_of_Travel_Liverpool-r1327104-Liverpool_EN.html If you have ever seen a truly graceful professional athlete run you will undoubtedly appreciate how comfortable it looks. Cut to the weekday high street lunchtime joggers, and you can equally appreciate why running is considered so bad for your joints. Many runners run with poor style, literally pounding the roads with a force that a herd of elephants would be proud of, at a speed which looks uncomfortable, and in knackered shoes. http://local.backpain.org/Running_Your_Back_to_Health_Liverpool-r1327103-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Running_Your_Back_to_Health_Liverpool-r1327103-Liverpool_EN.html Being overweight often carries health risks, and the more overweight, the higher the risks. Obesity, or being more than 20% overweight, with a BMI above 30 (see the box to calculate your BMI), can reduce life expectancy by as much as seven years and increases the risks of diseases such as heart disease, Type2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, and certain types of cancers. http://local.backpain.org/Taking_a_Load_off_Liverpool-r1327102-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Taking_a_Load_off_Liverpool-r1327102-Liverpool_EN.html Copper and magnets for relief of arthritic inflammatory pains. An American survey under 232 patients of a rheumatology clinic found that 42 patients had used copper bracelets and/or magnets, however only 21% of them reported that it was helpful. As with many types of complementary medicine there will always be a group who report benefits. http://local.backpain.org/Copper_and_Magnets_for_Relief_of_Arthritic_Inflammatory_Pains_Liverpool-r1327100-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Copper_and_Magnets_for_Relief_of_Arthritic_Inflammatory_Pains_Liverpool-r1327100-Liverpool_EN.html Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into the body to relieve pain. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that involves the stimulation of certain key points (acupuncture points) on the body by the insertion of fine needles. In the context of back pain this is done to relieve pain. http://local.backpain.org/Acupuncture_Liverpool-r1327099-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Acupuncture_Liverpool-r1327099-Liverpool_EN.html Executive stretching is the type of stretching that can be done while you are performing other tasks, something even the busiest executive could achieve with ease. Putting aside 15 minutes in the day for stretching is in reality quite difficult, not just because of a lack of time in the day but also because although our motivation may be excellent at the beginning, you can pretty much guarantee that most of us will have lost the will to carry on after a few days, or at most a couple of weeks. http://local.backpain.org/The_Executive_Guide_to_Stretching_Liverpool-r1327097-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/The_Executive_Guide_to_Stretching_Liverpool-r1327097-Liverpool_EN.html The Expert Patients Programme(EPP) is an NHS self-management programme delivered for and by lay people, those who know the most about day-to-day problems of living with long-term conditions, the ‘expert patients’. The programme, easy and simple to follow, encourages group and individual participation and is facilitated by trained tutors with direct experience of a long-term illness. http://local.backpain.org/The_Expert_Patients_Programme_Liverpool-r1327094-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/The_Expert_Patients_Programme_Liverpool-r1327094-Liverpool_EN.html People have different shapes and sizes. Similarly, spines come in many different shapes and sizes. Generally speaking your spine is curved in an S-shape with, when looking from the side, a curve in your neck and in your lower back. When looking from behind most spines are straight with all vertebrae in one line. However, exceptions do apply. http://local.backpain.org/Posture_Liverpool-r1327093-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Posture_Liverpool-r1327093-Liverpool_EN.html Children of all school ages often struggle with unsuitable loads every day of the week and with the absence of lockers in many schools the problems persist between lessons too. Our research on children’s health has highlighted that as much as 30% of bodyweight can frequently be carried on one shoulder. http://local.backpain.org/Back_Packs_Liverpool-r1327092-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Back_Packs_Liverpool-r1327092-Liverpool_EN.html On the occasion of BackCare’s 40th anniversary, we have produced 40 tips for a healthier back. These tips enable you to reduce your chances of developing disabling back pain and show you some useful dos and don’ts when back pain strikes. For example, regular physical activity is very important in keeping your back, and the rest of your body, fit and healthy. Choose an activity or exercise you enjoy doing. http://local.backpain.org/BackCares_40_Tips_for_a_Healthier_Back_Liverpool-r1327091-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/BackCares_40_Tips_for_a_Healthier_Back_Liverpool-r1327091-Liverpool_EN.html Employment and Support Allowance offers financial help and personalised support for new customers unable to work due to illness or disability. It provides access to a specially trained personal adviser and a wide range of further services designed to help individuals move into suitable work, if and when they are able. http://local.backpain.org/Introducing_Employment_and_Support_Allowance_Liverpool-r1327089-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Introducing_Employment_and_Support_Allowance_Liverpool-r1327089-Liverpool_EN.html Once you have had your last treatment (for a while) with your physiotherapist or practitioners a new phase of your back treatment starts – the home care phase. This is the time when the acute pain is gone or at least has dissipated, you are back to work and perhaps near normal activity. It is not unusual to feel insecure and worried about sudden pain, at the same time as feeling hopeful about the improvements, comfortable and pain free. http://local.backpain.org/Pilates_Inspired_Home_Care_Liverpool-r1327087-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Pilates_Inspired_Home_Care_Liverpool-r1327087-Liverpool_EN.html Under the DDA 1995, it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a disabled person by treating them less favourably than anyone else for a reason connected to their disability (unless this can be justified), or by failing to make reasonable adjustments. This applies to all employers, except for the armed forces. http://local.backpain.org/Disability_and_Work_Liverpool-r1327085-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Disability_and_Work_Liverpool-r1327085-Liverpool_EN.html More and more evidence indicates that children get back pain and, furthermore, it appears that adolescents who experience back pain often take it with them into adulthood. Results vary but studies have found that between 13% and 50% of teenagers have already had episodes of back pain. It could be that as many as two in every class of 15-18 year olds experience back pain on a recurrent or chronic basis. http://local.backpain.org/Back_Care_for_Children_Liverpool-r1327084-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Back_Care_for_Children_Liverpool-r1327084-Liverpool_EN.html Traditionally back pain has often been associated with certain activities such as repetitive heavy lifting, bending and awkward postures. These factors certainly play a role and simple measures can reduce these risk factors. However there are also others factors that you may not directly associate with your back but have proven to be very important in keeping persons with back pain at work. http://local.backpain.org/How_to_Remain_at_or_Return_to_Work_Liverpool-r1327083-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/How_to_Remain_at_or_Return_to_Work_Liverpool-r1327083-Liverpool_EN.html Our core muscles consist basically of the abdominal musculature, hip musculature, lumbar spine musculature, thoracic spine musculature and cervical spine musculature. The main role of these muscles is to stabilise the spinal area throughout our body’s movements. While this doesn’t sound too difficult, for the muscles involved, it is not easy. http://local.backpain.org/Good_Vibrations_Liverpool-r1327081-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Good_Vibrations_Liverpool-r1327081-Liverpool_EN.html It is often difficult to diagnose and therefore difficult to treat with wrong diagnoses usually leading to unsuccessful treatment. Difficulty in treatment is also compounded by the fact that the nerve injury that causes the pain in these cases may no longer be present but the pain messages to the brain continue. Traditional pain killers often have little effect on neuropathic pain and other treatment options such as anti-depressants and exercise also have limited effects. http://local.backpain.org/Test_for_Diagnosing_Neuropathic_Pain_Liverpool-r1327080-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Test_for_Diagnosing_Neuropathic_Pain_Liverpool-r1327080-Liverpool_EN.html Lifting objects is part of our daily life and fortunately the strength of your back and the rest of your body allows you to do this. However, lifting (or manual handling as it is often called) is also a common cause of back pain. In order to prevent back pain it is best to lift with care and not to lift more than you can easily handle. http://local.backpain.org/Manual_Handling_Liverpool-r1327079-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Manual_Handling_Liverpool-r1327079-Liverpool_EN.html Chiropractors treat problems with joints, bones and muscles, and the effects they have on the nervous system. Working on all the joints of the body, concentrating particularly on the spine, chiropractors use their hands to make often gentle, specific adjustments (the chiropractic word for manipulation) to improve the efficiency of the nervous system and release the body's natural healing ability. http://local.backpain.org/Chiropractic_Liverpool-r1327078-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Chiropractic_Liverpool-r1327078-Liverpool_EN.html It is important to keep your back fit and healthy. This does not only put you in the best position to prevent back pain, but also enables you to control back pain when it strikes. Research has shown that it is difficult to prevent back pain completely, but there are a number of things you can do to. http://local.backpain.org/Good_Back_Care_Liverpool-r1327077-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Good_Back_Care_Liverpool-r1327077-Liverpool_EN.html Research has shown that exercise and physical activity can be very beneficial for people with back pain, especially when the pain has lasted for a number of weeks. There is ongoing research on what type of exercise is best and the optimal frequency and intensity, but it has become clear that there is not much difference between various types of exercise. http://local.backpain.org/Exercise_Liverpool-r1327076-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Exercise_Liverpool-r1327076-Liverpool_EN.html What happens when we have to choose between various (medical) treatments. Why do we exercise and eat our five-a-day? It is probably because we like to live long and healthy. But even the best exercises and the healthiest food will not give you any guarantee. At best it will increase your chances of leading a long and healthy life. Similarly, when undergoing treatment for back pain there is always the chance of unexpected side effects, which you have to weigh against the chances to experience benefits. http://local.backpain.org/What_are_the_Odds_Doc_Liverpool-r1327074-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/What_are_the_Odds_Doc_Liverpool-r1327074-Liverpool_EN.html The problem of back pain is one which affects over 20 million people in the UK each year. One of the major obstacles in the effective treatment and management of back pain is the difficulty in accurately diagnosing its cause. It can either be caused by a mechanical factor such as a muscle injury or by a neuropathic problem. Neuropathic pain is caused by physiological changes in or damage to the nerves of the central and peripheral nervous system. http://local.backpain.org/Neuropathic_Pain_Liverpool-r1327073-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Neuropathic_Pain_Liverpool-r1327073-Liverpool_EN.html I am a member of BackCare, aged 31 and have suffered with a bad back for nearly two and a half years. I haven’t been able to get to the source of all my symptoms yet, even though I have seen two spinal consultants, had two MRI’s and seen an osteopath. Please can you give me some guidance as to why I may feel some of the currently unexplained symptoms and if the surgery option that has been recommended may help to eliminate this symptom. http://local.backpain.org/Leg_Pain_and_Numbness_Liverpool-r1327072-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Leg_Pain_and_Numbness_Liverpool-r1327072-Liverpool_EN.html Pacing is simply performing tasks/activities in a manageable way – not doing them all at once. It is also learning to move about before your back pain discourages you from moving. Equally, it is also useful to know when to stop before your back pain may begin. In short, pacing is ‘taking a break before you need it.’ http://local.backpain.org/How_Can_You_Do_Your_Daily_Activities_without_Increasing_Your_Pain_Liverpool-r1327070-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/How_Can_You_Do_Your_Daily_Activities_without_Increasing_Your_Pain_Liverpool-r1327070-Liverpool_EN.html Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of chronic arthritis which affects the joints, tissues, bones and ligaments of the spine. It is an autoimmune disorder which affects both women and men, although it is five times more common in men. Its onset usually occurs between the ages of 15 and 35 and, although there is no known cause, it appears to have a genetic element to it. http://local.backpain.org/Ankylosing_Spondylitis_Liverpool-r1327068-Liverpool_EN.html http://local.backpain.org/Ankylosing_Spondylitis_Liverpool-r1327068-Liverpool_EN.html