Your Back Blog

Back Pain Help Q&A Forum

Sat, 05 May 2012 15:07:16 GMT

Find back pain help and information by asking your questions here. Discover more about what is causing your pain and what you can do about it. Learn what is working for other people.

I had Spinal Stenosis Surgery and my back still hurts can you help me?

Fri, 04 May 2012 22:06:37 GMT

I had back surgery six months ago for spinal stenosis and my back still hurts. What can I do? They did surgery on my L4 and L5 vertebrae to remove bone

Is Spinal Fusion Surgery The Best Option For You? Spinal Fusion Risks

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:41:25 GMT

Considering spinal fusion surgery requires that you understand the risks and benefits involved and how they relate to your symptoms. Do you really need a spinal fusion? Understand your options.

Epidural Steroid Injections for Back Pain or Leg Pain

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:42:05 GMT

Epidural steroid injections can be helpful for relieving back pain and/or lower extremity pain if you have the right problem. How much relief you will get with an epidural steroid injection will depend on exactly what is causing your pain, and everybody has a different situation to deal with. It is widely accepted that steroid injections are effective for reducing inflammation and swelling. Asking whether or not steroids work is not asking the right question. The real question is "What is causing my pain?" If your back pain or your leg pain is caused by inflammation and swelling in your back, then you have a good chance of finding some relief with epidural steroid injections, at least temporarily. One of the problems with steroid injections is that in many cases they don't really solve the problem. They only relieve inflammation and swelling. If your pain is caused by arthritis in your back, you will still have the arthritis. Relieving the inflammation and swelling may help to relieve the pain, but if the arthritis is still there your pain may return sooner or later. How much relief you may get with a steroid injection, and how long it may last, is very difficult to predict. It really depends on many different variables such as the severity of your arthritis or whatever is causing your pain, your activity level, and how smart you can be about your back. Practicing good back mechanics and avoiding bending and lifting can go a long ways towards making your injections last longer. Some people get one injection and their pain is relieved for years, other people get three injections and have little to no relief. The good news about epidural steroid injections is that the risk is very low. Anytime you have an invasive procedure there is always a risk of bleeding, infection, and damage to nerves. But when these injections are performed by a trained professional using modern sterile techniques and x-ray guidance the risks are very minimal. If after examining you and looking at your x-rays your doctor thinks your pain may be caused by inflammation and swelling epidural steroid injections may be worth considering Read more about Back Pain Injections

Back Pain Medications have Risks

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:06:06 GMT

All back pain medications and back pain treatments have risks. Even such seemingly benign therapies such as bed-rest or anti-inflammatories have risks. Bed-rest can lead to muscle weakness or atrophy, or blood clots in your legs. Anti-inflammatories increase your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcers. You need to be aware of potential problems associated with the specific medications or other treatments that you are taking. The best way to do this is to ask your doctor about your medications. Reading the package insert that comes with your medication can be very informative, but companies are forced to list every possible side effect that anyone has ever had. This may be a very daunting list of possibilities and may very well cause you to avoid a treatment that could be very helpful for you, when the real risk for you is actually very low or non-existent. Discussing your concerns with your doctor will help you understand what the real risk is for you and your particular situation. Your doctor can also alert you to early signs that a problem is developing. In many cases you can simply stop the medication and the problem will go away. Often the only way to know if a medication is going to bother you is to try it, and pay attention to how you feel. If it helps with the pain or other problems, but causes some mild side effects, the trade-off may be worth it. That is something that only you can decide. As always, "YOU" need to understand your particular condition and "YOU" need to know what any medicine is supposed to be doing to help that condition. Then by discussing the situation with your doctor "YOU" can decide what is the best treatment for you.

Latest Back Pain News

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:17:43 GMT

Here is the latest back pain news from around the world.The people who have it and what they are doing about it. Stay up to date with current information by signing up for an RSS feed.

Living with Chronic Pain Changes the way You Think

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:33:45 GMT

We all know that living with chronic pain can change your life in many ways. Now using functional magnetic resonance imaging scientists at Harvard Medical School have shown that chronic pain actually changes the way your brain works. When images of people with and without chronic pain were compared, they found that the brain's of people with chronic pain made more connections to areas of the brain that were thought to be "pain-protective", and stronger pain generated even more connections. This is very new technology and there is much speculation about just what these findings mean and how they can be used. I would like to hear more about the "pain-protective" areas of the brain. Do they really dampen or lessen the pain? Can we learn to use them more effectively? Or make them stronger? Because stronger pain makes more connections to different areas of the brain, scientists are considering that this test may be useful for developing an objective test for pain. This could be useful for determining pain levels in babies and small children or in people with severe dementia. Much more work needs to be done before tests like this become widely available, but this is very interesting stuff.

Chronic Back Pain is often the Result of Poor Posture

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:43:30 GMT

Is your chronic back pain the result of poor posture? Everyone understands the risks of improper bending and lifting. But, what about the positions where we spend hours at a time, such as hunched over a desk or driving. It is these positions where we spend so much of our time that can cause chronic back pain. Your spine was designed to have three curves. Your lower back or lumbar spine should have a gentle arch backward. Then your upper back or thoracic spine should gently curve forward, then your neck or cervical spine reverses that curve to hold your head up straight. Holding your shoulders back and your head up balances the three curves. When you sit or stand if you keep a little hollow in the small of your back it takes the pressure off of the little joints and ligaments that connect your vertebra together. When you strengthen the muscles that hold your shoulders back and head up it becomes easy to have good posture. The exercises are easy to learn and simple to do. You can do them while sitting at your desk or riding in your car. Correcting your posture may not completely relieve your chronic back pain, but it will make it better.

Spinal Fusion Risks and Benefits, Back Surgery, Spinal Fusion Surgery

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 20:20:54 GMT

Spinal fusion is major surgery, but sometimes it is necessary. Before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery you should know exactly what is planned, and understand the risks and benefits involved.

What is Spinal Stenosis and What are the Symptoms?, Lower Back and Leg Pain

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:39:30 GMT

Understanding "What is Spinal Stenosis?" will help you recognize and understand your spinal stenosis symptoms. This will help you decide which treatments can help you find spinal stenosis relief.

Improving E Stim for Chronic Pain

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:05:08 GMT

E Stim or electro stimulation has been used for thousands of years for the treatment of chronic pain. Modern day electro stimulation units use an implanted generator with leads that are threaded up into the spinal canal and lay directly on the nerves. They relieve pain by using a low voltage current to block or scramble the pain signal to the brain. One problem patients complain about with these units is that in some cases they can be very sensitive to position. For example, going from lying to a standing position will seem to turn the stimulation up or down. This occurs because changes in position slightly changes the position of the leads on the nerves. Latest developments in the use of new technology by the experts at Rush University Medical Center are compensating for these changes in position and keeping a more stable level of stimulation to help control pain. They are using the same motion sensor technology that is in your cell phone to sense changes in position and make adjustments automatically. These very exciting advances will make these units even more useful and more patient friendly for the treatment of chronic pain.

Back Pain Help

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 19:37:04 GMT

Hi, my name is Melanie and I need back pain help. I am 29 years old. I have had back pain for 2 years. I went to a private doctor in the beginning but

Pain Killers have Risks

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:35:35 GMT

People with severe chronic pain often require strong narcotic pain killers to control their pain, but there are risks. When managed and monitored correctly by trained professionals these medications can allow patients to perform normal activities and enjoy their life. Chronic pain is often a moving target and people using narcotic pain medicines should be seen regularly by their doctor. They should be questioned about the effectiveness of their current pain medicines, any new health problems or medications, and any side effects that they may be experiencing. People who are living with chronic pain need to be evaluated regularly for mental health problems that may be chronic or acute. Things like anxiety, depression, or PTSD can be like a magnifying glass on chronic pain and need to be treated aggressively with medication or behavioral health therapies. Yes pain killers do have risks, just like any other medication, but when they are prescribed and managed correctly they are a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain.

Find Back Pain Remedies

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:47:19 GMT

Finding back pain remedies can be a difficult search, and I know it seems obvious, but the answer will not be the same for everyone. The correct treatment for relieving "YOUR" pain will depend on finding exactly what is causing "YOUR" pain. Something to consider is your fashion sense and clothing styles. Things like wide belts, tight pants, and high heel shoes can contribute to a wide range of back and lower extremity symptoms. On a related note, breast surgery may cause back pain, or help to relieve back pain, depending on exactly which surgery is performed. Breast Jobs May Make You Healthier

Stem Cell Treatments

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:35:33 GMT

Stem cell treatments using a person's own stem cells are finding success for many different orthopedic problem. The implications for successfully treating chronic low back pain are fascinating. Stem cells are used to relieve arthritic knee pain. Why couldn't they be used to treat facet joint arthritis in your lumbar spine. Research is being done showing stem cells can be used to help repair degenerative discs. This is all very exciting news for someone who has been living with back pain. You can read more at: Treatment of Degenerative Disc Disease by Bone Marrow Stem Cells Stem Cell Therapy: A Future Treatment for Lower Back Pain?

Back Pain in Pregnancy

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:06:24 GMT

Why am I having back pain so early in my pregnancy?I just found out I am pregnant. How can my back be hurting so soon? Could something else be going on?

Medical Marijuana

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:31:57 GMT

It is not normal I don't think it is right to employ marijuana in controlling pain because there are numerous other ways this can be done. Ben Hi Ben,

Kidney Back Pain Exercises

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:06:55 GMT

What exercises can I do for kidney back pain? My doctor told me that I have a kidney infection and gave me some antibiotics but my back still hurts. What

Suffering with Chronic Pain

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:49:43 GMT

Pushing through each moment of each day. Wanting to not feel pain. Wanting so badly to have my life back. Wanting to be a productive, proud, happy person

Living With Chronic Pain, Dealing With Chronic Pain

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:03:33 GMT

Many people are living with chronic pain, and some do it better than others. Dealing with chronic pain requires learning the skills and attitudes that can make life fun again. Finding out more is easy

Kidney Stone Symptoms and Kidney Infection Symptoms May Include Back Pain

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:10:45 GMT

Anytime you are having mid or lower back pain that is on one side or the other you should at least consider that it may be coming from on of your kidneys. Your kidneys are located in your mid-back, on either side of your spine. Any inflammation or swelling of a kidney may cause back pain. Pain from a kidney stone may begin as back pain, then migrate around to your flank, abdomen, and groin, as the stone travels through your urinary tract. Do you have any other symptoms, such as burning with urination, that may be related to your kidneys? Do you have a history of kidney stones or kidney infections? Kidney stones may pass, but infections do not go away without treatment, and pain medicine from your doctor can make you more comfortable while you wait for a stone to pass. Anytime you are having unexplained back pain that lasts more than a few days you need to see your doctor and be evaluated. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to relieving your pain.

Thanks

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:37:12 GMT

Just want to say thanks for this site. It helps with the fear to hear your experiences and the experiences of others. No need to post thi

Dangerous Symptoms Of Kidney Failure, Warning Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:29:31 GMT

Symptoms of kidney failure may be subtle or severe, and they may develop suddenly. Recognizing the symptoms and knowing when they are dangerous, can help you decide when you need to see a doctor.

Warning Symptoms Of Kidney Disease, Symptoms Of Kidney Failure

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:09:37 GMT

Knowing the important symptoms of kidney disease can save your life. Your kidney has many different functions and the symptoms of kidney failure can be subtle unless you know what to look for.

Serious Symptoms Of Kidney Cancer, Important Warning Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:37:38 GMT

Knowing the symptoms of kidney cancer can help you know when something is wrong. Your kidneys effect many different parts of your body and these symptoms may appear in unexpected places.

Your Kidney Pain Location, Kidney Location, Kidney Failure Symptoms

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 20:22:58 GMT

Understanding your kidney pain location may reveal the cause of your pain, but be careful. Pain at your kidney location may not be coming from your kidney at all. Discover the important signs.

Kidney Cyst Symptoms, Earliest Symptoms Of Kidney Disease, Kidney Pain Location

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:00:10 GMT

Kidney cyst symptoms can affect your body in many different ways. Understanding the main functions of your kidney, and the 3 categories of cysts, can help you know what your kidney cyst symptoms mean.

Earliest Symptoms Of Kidney Disease, Kidney Location, Kidney Failure Symptoms

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 14:29:39 GMT

Understanding the earliest symptoms of kidney disease can help you decide when you need to see a doctor. Discover the earliest signs and symptoms and learn what they can mean.

Owen Marcus On Rolfing And Structural Integration

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:24:44 GMT

Owen Marcus is a Certified Advanced Rolfer and he is advancing the boundaries of this amazing technique. In this interview he discusses Rolfing and the benefits it can have for people in pain.

Yes: Stop the Black Market and Increase Tax Revenue

Sat, 30 Oct 2010 01:25:09 GMT

In less than a week, people from California get to vote on Prop 19, to legalize the sale of pot. While no solution is perfect, I think it is a step in

Pilates, back block, relaxation, acupuncture

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 02:36:02 GMT

I've had back pain on and off for years. Sometimes it disappears for months on end, but then comes back. I think it is probably mostly caused by stress.

Living with Back Pain

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 20:02:57 GMT

Learning and understanding are the keys to managing your back pain. Learning about your condition, and understanding the options, allows you to decide which treatments may or may not interest you.

Tell me what you think

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 15:04:12 GMT

I am interested in your opinion about today's back pain news.

E-stim, inversion therapy and my chair

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:22:14 GMT

I crushed two vertebrae in my back in 1970 and over the years I have tried many different things and a lot of them seem to help at least for awhile.

Do Back Pain Treatments Work?

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:16:07 GMT

Do back pain treatments really work? This is where you can find out what other people have tried. We are all sharing our experiences, what worked and what didn't.

Try This New Free Trial!!!

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:29:21 GMT

This is the latest free trial offer from The Healthy Back Intitute. Find out for yourself what all the excitement is about.

Further evaluation of medical marijuana

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 21:24:17 GMT

Drs want to reclassify marijuana and allow further study of the medical benefits.

This is EXCITING!!!

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:53:59 GMT

It is starting to look like using your own stem cells to grow yourself a new disc to replace your degenerated disc is becoming a real possibility.

Back Pain Bookstore, Latest Back Pain Information

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:19:31 GMT

Information is the key to understanding your back pain. I have combed the internet for you and collected the latest back pain information here for your review. Check them out.

Other Causes Of Back Pain

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 14:03:46 GMT

This article from Great Britain reminds us that back problems are not the only possible cause of back pain.

Kay pleads with men: 'Get yourselves tested for prostate cancer'

New Relief For Central America

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:52:13 GMT

This press release on Marketwatch.com reveals a new pain medication that is going to be available in Panama and throughout Central America.

Nutra Pharma Begins Drug Registration Process in Central America for Its Nyloxin Pain Reliever

Don't Miss This!!

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 03:27:46 GMT

"The Complete Healing Formula For Back Pain" is a program for treating back pain that Jesse Cannone at The Healthy Back Institute has been selling for $79. I just got word that he has converted this to a FREE program. That is correct, FREE. So for a limited time you can click on the link and download a copy without paying a penny. It is a great deal so check it out and get your free copy.

Aggressive Pain Management

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:23:26 GMT

This essay from The Oregonian discusses things that you can do to proactively manage your chronic low back pain.

Attitude is the key to dealing with chronic low back pain

We Were Not Designed To Sit Still

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:37:13 GMT

This report from cnn.com reviews the problems and health risks associated with a sedentary job and lifestyle.

Is your desk job bad for your health?

This Can Really Help

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:14:50 GMT

This article from New England suggests yoga as a treatment for back pain. Several pictures demonstrate useful exercises and postures.

Om on the Go: Yoga for Back Pain

Time May Be The Best Treatment

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:22:49 GMT

This essay from Jacksonville, Florida suggests treating low back pain with over the counter preparations and postponing expensive studies.

Study: Back Pain Will Fix Itself

Study Finds: Better Than Oxycodone

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:01:02 GMT

Posted on docguide.com this article reviews the latest studies on a new pain medicine that is being tested in Europe.

Tapentadol Prolonged Release Relieves Osteoarthritis, Other Pain: Presented at EULAR

Liquid Marijuana Discussion

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:55:29 GMT

This blog post seen on nj.com discusses separating the psychoactive component of marijuana from the pain management component, and using liquid marijuana as an alternative to more addictive pain management drugs.

Non-Addictive Potential Pain Management

Taking Advantage Of Patients And The System

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:37:26 GMT

Reported on whas11.com, this Indiana pain management doctor is facing multiple allegations of fraud and abuse.

Citizens Are Taking A Proactive Approach

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 12:56:34 GMT

Posted on berkshireeagle.com this story describes efforts by the citizens of Berkshire County, Massachusetts as they fight the epidemic of deaths and other problems with prescription drugs.