Spinal Decompression

The first experience I had with a pinched nerve, I was in my twenties and had no idea where it came from. It felt like someone had run me through with a dagger in my upper chest, and I was surely dying. I went to the clinic and they took a chest x-ray. I expected them to come back and tell me I had a major growth in my lung and only a matter of weeks till I died. At the time I hurt so bad, it would have been a good offer.

Well, the results were nadda, zip, zero. No growth, no dagger and no holes in anything. The doctor explained to me that I had probably "pinched a nerve" between my ribs. For the life of me it made no sense at all, because I could not recall doing anything that would have caused it.

I expected him to put me in the hospital and prescribe heavy doses of Morphine. What I got was, "go home, take an aspirin, and in a few weeks you will feel better". I wanted to throw apples at him, but followed his advice and in a few long weeks felt my normal self once more.

It was a few years later, still in my twenties that I injured my back. I took a running jump at a huge air cushion off the patio deck and missed it clean. Landed right on my tail bone and once again thought I was dying. With a few more bottles of beer, the pain passed in a couple hours and I was sore for a few days after. However...

Since that day I have had back problems. At first it was every couple of years I would throw my back out and be laid up for a few days. But, as I grew older, the episodes became more frequent, and lasted longer. Finally, it wasn't a matter of lasting longer, but one of forever.

Today, I have two ruptured discs, disc degeneration, stenosis and mobility issues as a result. Over the years, I have tried everything to keep me off of the operating table. Until recently the only thing that gave me any relief to speak of was pain pills and anti inflammatories. These of course threat they symptoms and not the root problem, but back surgery is the last thing anyone should try. The reason I say that is the alarming rate of failed back surgeries and the poor definition of successful ones. When the doctors can only offer you a 50/50 chance of improvement, and that improvement may not be substantial, you have to stop and think. What if it gets worse?

For thirty years I have avoided going to a Chiropractor. Perhaps it was foolish on my part, but I always thought of Chiropractor's a charlatans. Then, two years ago, I was in an automobile accident which added to my back problems. Because my auto insurance would pay for the Chiropractor (my regular medical won't) I did some research and decided to try Decompression Therapy. On paper, in theory, it looked promising.

The first Chiropractor I went to used a machine called the "Evolution DT". The procedure was simple enough. When I arrived at the office, they would first align my back using normal Chiropractic techniques. Then they would have me sit in a chair and apply a moist heat pack to my lower back for about 10 minutes to loosen me up.

The Evolution table is a newer model of decompression table. Think of it as a "split" bed that moves. The lower half goes South and the upper half stays fixed. For lower lumbar decompression, they have what amounts to a chest strap to hold you down to the table and then a hip or pelvis belt that is wrapped around your waist, just above the hip bones. This belt is what will pull your lower torso to the South.

The table has a built-in computer which is set, for the amount of pull or tension and the session time. The initial settings are based upon your weight and then gradually increase with each treatment until the tension equals half of your body weight. The machine goes through a series of applying tension and then releasing it. As I recall it is about 60 seconds on and then 30 seconds off. This creates a negative vacuum in the discs helping to pull fluids into the disc to revitalize it.

The session lasts about 20 minutes and then they have you sit in a chair again and apply a cold pack this time to reduce any swelling that the stretching may have caused for about 10 minutes.

I had good results with the Evolution for the first four or five treatments. But then, because I am on the obese side of overweight, the tension became too much and the hip (pelvis) belt would slip from my hips. Regardless of how hard they tried to tie me down to the machine, the style of the belt prevented it from getting a good grip on my hips. After six sessions, I started looking for a different machine. I knew the decompression was working because there was an almost immediate improvement in my mobility. Less pain.

I found the DRX9000 on the Internet and looked at dozens of reviews. The way it attaches to your hips is with what is more like a girdle than a belt. The DRX9000 is the latest in terms of innovation in Decompression tables. The overall procedure however remains about the same. They align, apply heat, you spend about 25 minutes on the table and then they put a cold pack on you.

The major differences in the two machines is the way your lower torso is held in place, the fact that you get into the machine standing up and it lays you down, and last but not least, they can change the angle that your lower torso is pulled at. This last feature allows them to be more specific in directing which vertebra they treat. They adjust the angle of the strap attached to the machine and belt attached to your hips. In my case, the ruptured discs are L4 & L5. The first ten treatments I had were directed at L4, the next ten at L5.

The first ten treatments I had were very effective. My range of motion without pain increased. The distance I could walk before I had to sit down doubled. My overall pain level decreased by at least 50%. After ten treatments I was feeling better than I had in a few years.

When they adjusted the settings on the machine to pull on L5, I did not improve any further. I think I would have been better off to have those 10 treatments focused on the L4 vertebra.

After 20 sessions I was impressed with the improvement. Thoughts of giving in to surgery had diminished and I was getting around much better. I finished those treatments about 18 months ago and although the benefits have slowly faded, I'm still in better shape than I was before I had them.

The cost is what keeps me from doing another series of treatments. Without insurance to pay for it, you are looking at around $3,000 for 20 visits.

Two months ago, I came across an article for a product called Spinal Stretch. Developed by a Chiropractor for his patients to use at home, it works on the same basic principles of the Decompression Tables. Compared to the tables it is low tech. You have a strap you either hold by closing a door on it, or attaching it to a hook you have screwed into the floor or baseboard. You then attach a belt around your hips, lie down on the floor and tighten it with a ratchet type device thus applying tension to your spinal column.

Although it doesn't apply as much tension, and does not cycle between on and off as far as the tension goes, it does create relief.

I have found that using it twice a day for 30 minutes has improved my back problems substantially. I have to be very careful on how I attach it to my hips because of the girth I carry, but by hooking the belt onto my regular belt I get enough of a grip to get the job done. I might add, that you use this machine while laying on carpeting. If you tighten it to much, you slip forward. I have not tried it while laying on something you can't slide on, but have given it thought to increase the tension.

In closing, if you have lower back problems, I'm a firm believer in the DRX9000 being able to help you. And, if you can't afford the $3000 for the treatments, shop around, you might find a Chiropractor that is willing to do it for less. If not, invest the $100 or so in the Spinal Stretch, it will be the best $100 you have spent this year.

A foot drop represents a patient's inability to dorsiflex the foot (flex the foot towards the sky). There are a number of reasons it happens, and this article discusses foot drop that occurs from any reason outside of spine surgery. For instance, it can be the result of a spinal cord injury, stroke, tumor, or compression/injury to either the peroneal nerve or the lumbar nerve root itself.

When a patient develops a foot drop, the first important consideration is to figure out the cause. The primary contributor to a person being able to dorsiflex the foot is the L5 nerve root. Other nerve roots may help as well, such as L4, which can sometimes explain a partial foot drop. If the cause ends up being farther down the leg (more distal), it can be the peroneal nerve.

An electromyographic exam is a vital test to determining the level of the problem, whether it's in the back or in the leg. Along with this, an MRI can be vital to seeing if there is a herniated disc pushing on the L5 nerve root. That would be the most common cause, but in certain instances even something rare like a spinal cord tumor may show up. One should have an extremely low threshold for ordering an MRI for evaluation of a foot drop.

If the electromyography and MRI are consistent with a herniated disc compressing a nerve root, then the answer is clear. But what's the solution? There is no definitive answer as to how long it is acceptable to watch a foot drop. However, the current theory is that over 3 to 6 months it may be a permanent situation despite fixingthe problem. This means that if it is observed 6 months for improvement, none occurs, and then surgery is undertaken, it may never get better even with a perfectly done procedure.

So what's the answer? Patients are different in healing capacities, so it's not a black and white answer. But if a foot drop has been present for 3 months, heavy consideration should be given to decompressing the problem area. If this means a herniated disc on the L5 nerve root, a discectomy should be accomplished. If this means a compressed peroneal nerve, it is a short procedure to free it up.

It should never be ignored. The cause should be figured out, and then an action plan put into place. That may mean an observation period to see if it resolves, but after a certain point the risk of a permanent situation makes it prudent to take away the compression despite the surgical risks.

Chiropractic adjustment is a method of care designed to correct alignment issues in the body, most commonly in the spine. Other areas of the body such as the hips, wrist, knees, and elbows can receive benefit as well.

A chiropractor who uses the activator technique uses a spring loaded instrument with a rubber tip that is hand held. The activator adjustment instrument is used to target specific joints providing a thrust which is designed to move the vertebrae into proper alignment and restore nervous system function.

In preparation for the activator adjustments, chiropractors perform a complete musculoskeletal exam including looking for alignment problems in the spine. The tests help the chiropractor identify the exact areas needing correction. During the adjustment, the chiropractor places the activator tip against the skin close to the joint being worked on. The spring then fires, and the rubber tip taps gently against the joint. The activator is designed to deliver a controlled, high speed, low force thrust that the patient experiences as a gentle pulse. It is perfect for patients who are unable to tolerate a regular manual manipulation or for instance a pregnant patient.

The chiropractor may utilize the activator to tap multiple points along the spine, extremities, and pelvis. The goal is to realign vertebrae and pelvis improving the spine's range and quality of movement.

Spinal adjustments in the back and neck have been shown to be safe and effective for many pain conditions and may play a large role in restoring one's ability to enjoy life.

There are various ways to learn how to grow taller. Some are more effective than others and it's important to note that these methods can be used synergistically - all at the same time - to promote the quickest, most effective, and most permanent means of height increase.

The first method of learning how to grow taller is stretching exercises. It is entirely possible to learn how to grow taller with stretching exercises. Results do take time since there are three levels of development but this is the absolute most effective way to grow taller effectively.

Grow taller exercises - on their own - can add up to three inches of height permanently. While there are numerous exercises that target the spine, research has shown that the best possible combination of yoga style exercises that tone, strengthen, and develop the muscles that support the spine leading to height increase.

Once these muscles have developed appropriately, the spine will begin to lengthen as well as straighten another inch or two through spinal decompression. Then, with time and proper implementation of the exercises the spinal discs as well as the cartilage that supports your arms, legs, and spine will begin to thicken leading to a proportionate and taller body.

Learn how to grow taller using stretching exercises to read more about stretching exercises and their benefits.

Since you have to feed your body appropriately in order for it to have the nutrition it requires to grow taller, the second method of learning how to grow taller is proper supplementation. In short, the correct balance of height-supporting supplements are as important as implementing proper grow taller exercises. There are numerous supplements currently available but most of them do not contain the vital ingredients that stimulate growth.

Fortunately, most supplements that promote healthy height growth are available in your local grocery store. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive pills ordered over the internet from unscrupulous companies. In fact, it's much better if you didn't. The vast majority of companies that sell so-called "grow taller" pills online are deceptive at best and downright fraudulent at worst. "Buyer beware" when dealing with any company that sells any supplement that promises height growth.

One method that will definitely make a difference in your height, but is not recommended by any means for a number of different reasons is limb lengthening. Limb lengthening is a surgical procedure that requires either internal or external rods placed inside the limbs which have to be adjusted periodically. This procedure is currently being performed for cosmetic reasons outside of the United States. Although limb lengthening is very effective it does require extensive recuperation and time. Approximately 1mm of height per day can be added which translates to an inch per month. Pain medication, hospital stay, and a high cost makes this procedure almost very expensive and out of reach to most individuals.

Limb-lengthening is very expensive, very painful, and takes months and months for true height increase to take place. Added to that is the high risk of adverse side effects from the procedures including minor deformities, decreased quality of life, increased joint inflammation and even paralysis of the limbs.

On the other hand, you can learn how to increase your height using a combination of proven stretching exercises and nutrition and gain up to three to four inches of true, natural height in just a few months. You'll save tens of thousands of dollars and be an overall healthier individual.

If you have not noticed, the US is experiencing a verifiable epidemic when it comes to drug abuse. A CDC report last year showed that pain reliever abuse has increased 111% in the last 5 years.

In addition, a new Institute of Medicine report showed that over 100 million Americans are dealing with chronic pain, at a cost to the country of over $540 billion dollars a year. Yes, that is not a typo! Twenty percent of doctor office visits involve a narcotic prescription.

Most physicians, when asked if they drug test their patients, say "I know my patients, they are not selling it or diverting it." This is a fallacy, as studies have shown that 30% of patients divert their medications. This means they are either selling it, giving it to someone, or trading it for illicit substances. The culprits include young patients who one would suspect all the way up to retired individuals looking to supplement their social security.

Here are 5 reasons why doctors should drug test their patients who they are prescribing narcotics.

1. Drug testing provides the clinician with an objective test documenting prescription adherence. With the numbers of patients diverting their medications in all age groups, testing will help make sure that patients are taking their medications and also not abusing illicit drugs. How betrayed will a pain doctor feel if his patient is negative for the medications prescribed and positive for heroin and cocaine? It happens more than you would think!

2. As states become more regulated with narcotic prescriptions (e.g. Washington state), drug testing your patients will become the standard of care. Multiple medical boards now recommend it for chronic narcotic patients. With its low cost of doing the testing, instituting it now is an excellent pre-emptive maneuver for compliance.

3. Protects your practice from legal issues. If a patient sells the medication they are being prescribed to a person who becomes impaired while driving and hurts someone, the trail of narcotic may lead back to the prescribing doctor. If a screening mechanism has been in place to detect prescription compliance, it will serve as a legal deterrent to anyone who tries to say that the prescribing doctor was not properly monitoring the patient.

4. Places the practice on a level playing field. Testing on a random basis is a very common pain management screening method with urine cups. However, it is not random if only the 18-15 year old crowd is selected. A "level playing field" for testing would include random testing for all age groups receiving chronic pain medications.

5. Patients who call in early for refills or are first time patients. Establishing a baseline for patients' narcotic usage or illicit substance intake should be standard practice for first time patients at the office. This will ensure that patients' results correlate with what they write on their history and the medical records detail. Also if a patient is calling in early for refills a smart approach would be to make the patient show up in person for a refill and find out what's going on and perform a urine screening to ensure legitimacy with the request.

Prescribing narcotics is risky business these days, but with proper precautions can be effectively monitored for diversion. One of the best methods currently is urine drug testing.

Chiropractic Treatment has become essentially mainstream in the US. About thirty percent of patients with low back pain use the services of chiropractors. Chiropractic Manipulation is now included on a very short list of national guidelines for managing acute low back pain.

There are many different "schools of thought" with chiropractic education, and hence chiropractors treat patients with various disciplines. These include variations with the types of spinal manipulation administered. But what a lot of people do not realize is that chiropractors do a lot more than just manipulations.

These additional treatments include Spinal Decompression Therapy, Physiotherapy, Physical Rehabilitation, Bracing, and Manipulation Under Anesthesia. A lot of Chiropractic Doctor Offices resemble physical therapy centers with all of the pain management treatments being offered. Certain Chiropractic Schools teach physical rehabilitation, which includes many of the same concepts as physical therapy such as core strengthening, lumbar stabilization, etc.

In conjunction with the physical rehabilitation, chiropractors include therapeutic modalities for pain relief including interferential treatment (transcutaneous electrical stimulation), cryotherapy (ice), ultrasound, and massage therapy. A typical rehab session would include active stretching and strengthening, therapeutic modalities, spinal manipulation, and potentially spinal decompression if indicated.

Bracing for patients can provide significant pain relief as well for the spine, knees, and extremities. Certain Chiropractors are trained in identifying who it will help and are also able to fit patients for them.

All of these treatments can be performed within the scope of a chiropractic doctor's training depending on the program attended. Completing additional certification in spinal decompression treatment along with manipulation under anesthesia expands the potential pain relief options.

Manipulation Under Anesthesia can be an excellent option for patients with stiff shoulders, pelvis, and spinal column if they have failed primary conservative treatment.

As you can see, going to see a chiropractic doctor can involve multiple options for pain relief on top of simply receiving a spinal manipulation.

Chiropractor treatment has expanded in the past 15 years dramatically. Decades ago, chiropractic treatment consisted mainly of spinal manipulations and a few exercises along with maybe some weight loss treatment. That is no longer the case by an exponential amount as multiple additional treatment are now being offered by chiropractors.

Chiropractors receive considerable education after college that it's actually four years just like medical school. They receive a very good education on the musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, and treatment of the problem. As with most modern medical fields, advancements in chiropractic treatment have definitely kept up with the rest of pain management.

Upon going to a modern chiropractic doctor's office, you'll often see a significant amount of electronic equipment. This includes a spinal decompression therapy machine, which is a technology involving computerized intermittent traction that can effectively relieve back pain, neck pain, or arm and leg pain. This has revolutionized the treatment of degenerative disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and facet arthritis along with ruptured or bulging discs.

Another piece of treatment equipment you may see is electrical simulation and ultrasound. These devices are great for helping patients get better and involve laying on the table and having foam pads placed over the painful area. Then electrical stimulation is administered through the skin in order to alter the way that pain is perceived by the brain and is designed to tire out the muscles that are being treated in order to relieve pain. Ultrasound can help decrease inflammation along with pushing steroid medication from the skin a couple centimeters into the soft tissues acting as an intense anti-inflammatory medication.

Additional equipment that you may see in a chiropractic office might look exactly like physical therapy equipment. The reason is that a lot of chiropractors are trained in physical rehabilitation, which is the same exercises involved in physical therapy except being performed by the chiropractor. This can work exceptionally well for low back and neck pain and along with the other treatments now being offered. This explains why chiropractic treatment is over 85% effective in the US.

At any one point in time, over 10% of Americans are under the care of a chiropractic clinic. Based on the continually modern treatments being added to the profession, one can easily see why. Chiropractors in the US do not prescribe medications, yet the success rate for effectiveness in pain management is very high. The reason that these treatments along with spinal manipulation are great, and provide patients with the pain relief needed to increase their functional abilities.

The Logan Basic technique is a very low force treatment that some chiropractors use. It involves the muscular structure that surrounds the sacrum and is used as a lever system. The doctor puts a light pressure on a leverage spot on the sacral bone while the patient is in a face down position. He holds the pressure for a few minutes as he uses the other hand to rub the back muscles to release tension. This causes the entire spine to move toward balance. The light pressure allows the muscles to relax. This is a very gentle treatment but it's extremely effective.

An examination is given to a patient before the Logan Basic technique is administered. This is usually done while the patients in a standing and lying position. The examination includes a weight bearing postural analysis which looks at the structural landmarks of the body. This gives significant information to the doctor. Full spine A-P and lateral x-rays may also be taken. Patients that are very large or tall usually aren't candidates for full spine x-rays because it's difficult to get a good image. All parts of the x-ray film need to be of diagnostic quality so the doctor can read it accurately.

Fatigue poisons or build up chemicals in the body can cause severe exhaustion. The Logan Basic technique releases these poisons by relaxing the muscles. This treatment may be an effective treatment for eliminating headaches, fatigue, insomnia, digestive problems, mood swings, sinus and allergy problems. It works well for low back and pelvic alignments. Patients with osteoporosis can be treated with this method because of its low force adjustments. The low force also makes it an ideal and gentle treatment for infants, children and the elderly.

Logan Basic technique is often used successfully to treat women during their entire pregnancy and labor. Pregnant women may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as tightness and pain in their hips and lumbar and gluteal muscles. This treatment can reduce some symptoms and help the pelvic function correctly. The table used to give the treatment is a high-low table which is very comfortable and safe. Procedures that are used include piriformis contact, sacral unlock and the main contact called apex. The apex contact is meant to establish proper sacral alignment. Perineal contact is used starting at the fifth month to improve muscle tone in the pelvic muscles which helps with a healthy delivery. Doctors may need to get verbal and written permission before using the perineal contact.

The Logan Basic technique involves analyzing the spine and its biomechanics in normalcy and with problems that are caused by sacral subluxations. Biomechanics means studying the stability, motion and deformation of the spine/ it's learning about various spine disorders and the best way to treat them. Dr. Logan, the inventor of this technique, stated that since the spine rests on the sacrum, it could obstruct the stabilization of spinal subluxations if the sacrum were unleveled or subluxated. This gentle but powerful treatment has helped many people find pain relief and correction of postural distortions.

Over five million Americans live with back pain every day of their lives. Many of the Low back pain people who suffer are found to possess the pain related to the Sciatica Nerve. Dealings with back pain, both physically and mentally is something many people have to endure most of their adult life.

Lets look into out the human spinal column

Sciatica, in its most essential form, is compression of one particularly long nerve called the sciatic nerve. The Human spine should be discussed when talking about Sciatica and why nerve compression takes place. We should also discuss the human nervous system. The human CNS, or "central nervous system," is comprised of the spinal cord and all of the millions of nerves that are distributed across the body.

The central nervous system is what really is responsible for transmitting millions of chemical messages across a large network of tissues, organs, and cells. It is the lifeline of the brain and the control of voluntary muscle tissues that puts all this together for us. The human central nervous system is powerful enough to simultaneously and effortlessly communicate with billions of cells in the human anatomy.

Now, how is the brain able to communicate with cells, tissues, and organs throughout the different levels of the human body? The Nerve highway or the spinal column is how the brain accomplishes this wonderful form communication. The human spinal column is a solid, bundled column of nerves running from base of the skull all the way down to the coccyx, or human 'tail bone.'

This nerve column branches off into the various areas of the body, which then allows uninterrupted communicating between the brain and the different systems of the human body.

As you can probably see, the human spinal column is a very important structure in your body. Chiropractors are specialized in this area, and I believe, personally, can fix a whole ton of problems by igniting the communication nerves in the body, by knowing the spinal column inside and out. Unfortunately the medical world, for whatever reason, does not fully recognize chiropractic work as 100% legit. Sometimes I feel that is a conspiracy to keep us on drugs, and I believe, as we learn more and more about the spinal column, and certain exercises, and natural cures, many would agree with me.

The Sciatica nerve, is one of these nerves, and when its pushed against, it can be painful in the buttocks area, and that is called Sciatica. Of course, you would get "pain pills" for this from a doctor, but there are plenty of ways to cure Sciatica, per say, and lots of exercises to do to get rid of sciatica when you get it, and/or prevent it from every happening.

As shown above, five million Americans, and who knows how many world wide, have and live in back pain, and many of them have sciatica, and many do not realize that most of sciatica can be relieved in hours or even a few days, and in some cases, minutes!

I suggest you look around for Sciatica exercises, and cures. There are many, and they are not strenuous at all, in fact, Sciatica exercises are some of the few I know where your feeling better while exercising, its actually awesome! Why don't doctors tell you this? I don't know, maybe that topic is for another day.

The disc is a gel like structure that sits between the vertebrae and when it becomes herniated it pushes out of its normal position. The herniated disc is a problem because it is irritating to the spinal nerves which are close to the discs. As we become older the spinal disc becomes less flexible. Some individuals as young as thirty years of age have been seen to have deterioration.

When the spinal disc loses its flexibility it can become ruptured. When that happens then the disc will push out of its normal position and is then herniated. When this occurs then the spinal nerves become pinched. There is usually some space between the spinal cord and the nerves but when the disc is pushed out of its normal position it will become compressed.

A herniated disc can happen in the case of an accident or an injury or it can happen slowly during a strain on the back caused by a job or sports. Sometimes it may happen when the space between the spinal cord and the nerves becomes smaller. A small space between the cord and the nerves can cause irritation of the nerves.

Some of the symptoms of a herniated disc are: leg and arm pain, weakness in the muscles, numbness, and in more severe cases there could be bowel and bladder incontinence. If you are feeling any of these symptoms it is a good idea for you to see your chiropractor and get a diagnosis as to what kind of condition you may be suffering with.

Treatment for a herniated disc that is most often recommended is spinal decompression. Spinal decompression therapy is a not invasive nor is it a surgical procedure, but it relieves the pressure from the nerves. Spinal decompression creates a vacuum effect that sucks the gel like structure back into position thus relieving the pressure on the nerve.

About eighty percent of the American population suffers from some form of back pain either intermittent or chronic. If you are one of that eighty percent you should see your chiropractor and get a diagnosis as soon as possible. If you have a herniated disc it will not go away on its own if it is ignored. A herniated disc can become progressively worse if it is not treated.

Spinal decompression is definitely an available treatment option if you live in the Bala Cynwyd / Philadelphia Pennsylvania area. You should see a chiropractor right away. They can tell you what treatment you should have for your herniated disc condition. They will gladly explain your condition to you and what therapy will help to relieve the pain.

There is no need to suffer from back pain when there is help available to relieve the pain, and allow you to take part in your former activities whether they are everyday activities of sport activities.

My personal experience of leg and hip pain comes as a result of the arthritis I have suffered in my hip for over four years now, and I fully sympathize with you if you have to live with pain and restricted movement in your joints. Apart from the obvious physical discomfort, I personally found that the constant aches and pains wore me down mentally, and left me feeling short-tempered and depressed.

After much trial and error, I have found that exercise and certain supplements provide the most relief from the symptoms of my arthritis.

Exercise the pain away

Many (relatively) fit and healthy people are exercise-phobic. They have become masters of procrastination, always putting off that jog or visit to the gym as they don't have time right now. Those who suffer from pain and restricted movement in their joints have a much better excuse -- it can be difficult enough just standing up to walk to the bathroom, let alone taking any real exercise. However, the benefits of motivating yourself to exercise regularly really do make the initial effort worthwhile.

There are many exercise programs specifically designed for people who suffer from arthritis or similar complaints. I would suggest you ask your doctor or physiotherapist for advice regarding the best exercise regime for your particular situation. My doctor stressed that warming up before a workout is absolutely vital, starting off slowly with some gentle stretching to help to warm up my muscles. I was advised not to bounce when stretching. Also, If it started to hurt, then I was to stop that particular motion. My favorite exercise, and one which I've heard recommended time and time again, is swimming.

I find being weightless in a pool immensly relaxing in itself and swimming is an exercise that's easily tailored to your personal level of fitness. Lots of exercises, such as running, walking and cycling essentially consist of repetitive actions with the same joint motions occurring over and over again, and a specific set of muscles repeating the same movements for the duration of the exercise. This is where swimming really comes up trumps. It's gentle on your joints, and you can exercise pretty much any muscle group at will, with one session giving your whole body a workout if desired.

Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Cetyl Myristoleate

Ok, so that's not a heading that's likely to appeal to anyone except the odd chemist among you. But these three supplements taken separately or together, are the most popular ones currently on the market. Many studies have shown their beneficial effect in reducing the symptoms of arthritis and related conditions. Personally, I take a supplement which includes both glucosamine and CM, and I highly recommend this combination.

Sciatica is a painful symptom that may be caused by compressive forces resulting in irritation of the sciatic nerve or any of its nerve roots. It is most commonly associated with stinging, burning or numbing pain that may be experienced in the lower back, buttock, thigh, leg, or foot. Diagnosis of this particular symptom may be achieved through a physical examination or medical history review. If the condition that is causing this nerve-associated symptom is left untreated, it may have a huge impact on everyday activities such as walking, sitting, lifting and other simple movements.

This painful symptom may be caused by several conditions such as piriformis syndrome, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs and bulging discs. Although there may be several conditions that lead to similar symptoms, only herniated discs, bulging discs and degenerative disc disease are associated with the intervertebral disc.

Sciatica caused by an intervertebral disc related condition may have a wide range of painful effects. Sciatica caused by compression or irritation may produce stinging or burning lower back pain, which will quickly work its way along the buttocks and leg. In several cases, the shooting pain may lead down to the foot causing numbness. When a person is experiencing sciatica symptoms, it may be difficult for them to live a normal or active lifestyle. Unless the condition is treated, a person may not likely be able to partake in normal daily functions which may also lead to depression and other negative effects.

A physician may recommend a certain treatment option based on age, general health, medical history and degree of the sciatica causing condition. Common treatment options associated with sciatica causing conditions may include bed rest, pain medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, surgery and traction.

A relatively new treatment option to consider for intervertebral disc related conditions that lead to sciatica problems is called non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. A highly recognized device that has been shown to provide back pain relief for symptoms associated with herniated disc, bulging or protruding intervertebral discs and degenerative disc disease is called the DRX9000 True Non-surgical Spinal Decompression System™.

This particular form of therapy is both non-invasive and non-surgical. Through the application of spinal decompressive forces to compressive and degenerative injuries of the spine, the DRX9000™ has given patients relief from painful symptoms and has allowed them to resume a healthy normal life.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from an intervertebral disc condition that is causing painful sciatica symptoms, contact your local DRX9000 physician to learn more about non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. To view available clinical research data on the DRX9000, please click here [http://axiomworldwide.com/research].

This article is not intended nor should be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician before considering any medical treatment method available.

Medical marijuana has developed into a treatment for painful gastrointestinal disorders that involve bowel inflammation and cramping. These diseases include colitis, Crohn's disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Often with these diseases patients can suffer from cramping, inflammation, chronic pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. Medical marijuana is often able to alleviate these symptoms substantially.

Crohn's disease represents a chronic autoimmune inflammatory bowel disorder that causes intense, severe pain. The cause is unknown. Digestion is adversely affected, and in very rare cases it can be fatal. The disease is destructive to the intesting. There are over 500,000 people in the US who suffer from Crohn's disease. In most states who have approved medical marijuana, Crohn's disease is an accepted condition for usage.

Traditional medications utilized for Crohn's include immunosuppressive ones such as Imuran, methotrexate, 6 MP, steroids, Mesalamine, and Remicade. These medications may cause the same symptoms as the disease including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Steroids have some side effects that may include adrenal dysfunction, bone thinning, ulcers, and glucose intolerance.

Various studies have shown promising results for medicinal marijuana alleviating the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's.

A 2005 study published in O'Shaughnessy's found that cannabis helped a lot with the symptoms of Crohn's disease. It was a pilot study using marijuana at the Society of Cannabis Clinicians in a dozen patients with Crohn's and patients described significant improvement for appetite, nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and depression. There were less flare-ups and fewer stools per day. Patients were able to decrease the amount of immunosuppressive medications necessary as well.

Another study from 2001 called Cannabinoids and the Gastrointestinal Tract found that the cannabinoids found in marijuana represent a potentially excellent option for the treatment of numerous GI disorders - including inflammatory bowel diseases, functional bowel diseases, gastro-esophageal reflux conditions, secretory diarrhea, gastric ulcers, and colon cancer. There are receptors both in the brain and the GI system named CB1 receptors. In animals the study showed that agonists for these receptors delayed gastric emptying and inhibited gastric acid secretion. CB1 receptors are mostly located in the brain.

A 2006 study published in the Journal of Endocrinolog Investigation demonstrates that activation of the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors exert biological functions on the gastrointestinal tract.

There are CB2 receptors in numerous cells outside of the brain, including in the GI tract lining. Marijuana contains cannabinoids which activate the CB2 receptor - this is thought to decrease inflammation in the GI tract along with reducing pain and swelling. There is another compound in cannabis named beta-caryophyllene which turns on the CB-2 receptors as well.

Spinal decompression is primarily the relief of pressure on a pinched nerve. It is normally used for treatment of chronic back pain, prolapsed discs, herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis and spondylitis. Spinal decompression can be achieved through surgical, as well as non-surgical procedures.

Spinal decompression using minimally invasive surgery involves a surgical procedure with the aid of an operating microscope, where a portion of the herniated disc is removed with a surgical instrument or laser. Invasive surgery involves removal of a portion of the arched bone to relieve pressure on the pinched nerve.

The modern technique of non-surgical spinal decompression was developed by 1985 by Dr. Allan Dyer who later introduced a non-surgical decompression table in 1991. Although similar, as it is a development of an old concept, there is a great difference between the old system of spinal decompression through mechanical traction that used weights and pulleys and the modern computerized decompression tables.

This is a system of mechanical decompression that uses a traction device to reduce the body's tendency to withstand external force and produce muscle spasms. The entire procedure is controlled through computers and allows application of targeted traction force to decrease pressure on the pinched nerve, as well as within discs.

The modern system of decompression not only reduces pressure on the pinched nerve, but also lessens the risk of injury, which was the hallmark of the old fashioned mechanical traction. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a proven and highly effective technique that has shown success rates between 60-85%.

Non-invasive decompression reduces pressure on the vertebral joints and retracts the herniated discs. The rest is left to the body's inherent capacity to self-heal.

The theory is that when pressure is reduced, it leads to diffusion of fluids, nutrients and oxygen into the affected area around the herniated disc. This leads to re-hydration of the degenerated disc. When pressure is reduced repeatedly, it aids in the retraction of nucleus pulposus, the jelly like substance found in the middle of spinal discs.

Patients need to contact a spine specialist who is qualified to treat lower back pain, herniated discs, and other spinal problems through decompression techniques. Modern techniques ofl decompression are innovative and provide relief from pain due to herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica and acute and chronic back pain.

The therapy can isolate each of the five lumbar vertebrae and distract them from the affected disc by as much as 5-7 millimeters. Treatment may involve up to 20-25 sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes. The entire process may take slightly more than a month.

Although the purpose is the same, there is a mild difference between non-surgical decompression techniques and chiropractic manipulations. A chiropractor uses manual therapy that includes manipulation of the spine, joints and soft tissues. Non-invasive spinal decompression techniques are highly technical and provide pain relief using modern computerized tables.

Complications from spinal surgeries can be severe and sometimes extremely debilitating. The concomitant medication that involves strong drugs too has serious side effects.

As compared to surgical procedures, spinal decompression is safer and cost effective.
Contact Information:

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal resulting in a lack of space to accommodate the nerves.

The spinal canal contains the nerves that connect to the skin and muscles of the legs. A normal size canal has sufficient space to hold these nerves. But, as a person ages, the canal is subject to narrowing. The narrowing may not always result in problems. But if the narrowing causes pinching of the spinal nerves, problems will develop.

Spinal stenosis isn't always caused by degeneration due to age. It can also be due to tumors, herniated discs, and injuries resulting from accidents. Spinal stenosis can even be present at birth but this is rare.

The symptoms of spinal stenosis vary depending upon the location of the compressed nerve. If the nerves in your neck or shoulder are pinched, you will experience pain in this area.

If the pressure is on the nerves that control your balance, you will tend to be clumsy or fall easily.

When the stenosis results from a herniated disc, the pain will begin in your hip or buttocks and travel down the back of your leg. In this case, the pain is confined to one side of your body but increases when you sit.

If the pinched nerves are in your lower lumbar region, you can have a condition known as false claudication. People with this problem have pain and cramping in their legs make it difficult to stand straight in one position for long periods of time. Sitting down relieves the discomfort. Walking is easier when bending forward which is why many people with spinal stenosis prefer to shop at stores that have shopping carts. Leaning forward on the cart makes walking much easier. False claudication also makes downhill walking difficult.

There is another form of claudication called vascular claudication, which is a blockage in the arteries in the legs. This also causes pain and cramping but unlike false claudication, it gets worse when walking up hill and gets better when you stand still.

Other symptoms of spinal stenosis are numbness in the arms, hands, feet, or legs and loss of bladder or bowel control. People who experience the numbness need to be careful, as it is possible to injure the body part and not be aware of it due to reduced sensitivity.

Anyone have problems with bowel or bladder control need to consult their physician immediately.

Doctors use radiographs and MRI's (magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose spinal stenosis. The radiographs show whether arthritis is present and if there is any slippage of the vertebrae. The MRI scan is needed to detect whether or not there is any pinching of the nerves. There are also special tests available for people who cannot have an MRI.

There are two basic types of treatment for spinal stenosis - surgical and nonsurgical.

Nonsurgical treatments involve physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and epidural steroid injections.

People need to be cautious about the anti-inflammatory medications as many of these have serious side effects. They should be thoroughly discussed with the doctor prior to taking the medications.

The steroid medication is injected directly into the nerve roots within the spinal canal. There are less side effects with this treatment and sometimes it will allow patients to avoid surgery.

The non-surgical treatments are only useful for providing relief from symptoms. They do not decrease the narrowing of the canal.

There are two types of surgical treatments. One, called decompression, consists of removing the bone and soft tissues that are pinching the nerve.

The other involves a spinal fusion during which two or more vertebrae are permanently fused together.

Surgery is usually viewed as a last resort to be attempted when all other treatments fail. However, if there is loss of bladder or bowel control, surgery will be performed immediately.

We put our bodies - and specifically, our spines - through an enormous amount of stress during a typical day. When we're young, this stress rarely produces discomfort in our lower backs and legs. When we reach middle age, however, the aches and pain become obvious. Most people dismiss such pain as a normal part of "getting old." In reality, it is often due to a herniated disc, a condition that can be remedied with professional chiropractic care.

To understand the goal of chiropractic in treating a herniated - or "slipped" - disc, it's important to understand how it causes lower back and leg pain. This article will present a brief explanation of a slipped disc, and describe how chiropractors diagnose the problem. We'll then take a look at how the condition is treated.

A Herniated Disc Explained

Your spine is partly comprised of vertebrae, which are made of bone. Between each vertebra lies a small, cartilage-based disc that functions as a shock absorber whenever you move. For example, suppose you jump from a chair and hit the ground. Without the discs between them, the vertebrae would impact each other, causing significant pain.

The discs also support spinal flexibility. On its own, your spine would be unable to provide sufficient elasticity for you to curl up into a ball and roll along the ground. In fact, your spinal range of motion would be severely hampered without the discs in place.

In the middle of each disc sits a jelly-like material called nucleus pulposus. When people mention a "slipped" disc, they're usually referring to a bulging of the disc, or a rupture that allows the nucleus pulposus to leak. Both are typically caused by a collection of factors, including lack of hydration, poor posture over a prolonged period, and lifting heavy items.

Even though it may seem as if a single event (e.g. swinging a bat) causes a disc to slip, this is rarely the case. Instead, the disc has usually been placed under prolonged stress, and a final event triggered the pain.

Diagnosing The Cause Of The Pain

A chiropractor will take your history, test your reflexes, and look for signs of muscle atrophy. He or she will also examine areas influenced by the nerves impacted by the herniated disc. The purpose of doing so is to determine whether these areas suffer any degree of numbness.

Your posture will also be analyzed to help the chiropractor identify areas of your spine that may be suffering from a ruptured or bulging disc. Lastly, x-rays are taken for further examination of your vertebrae.

Are Slipped Discs "Popped" Back In Place?

A common fallacy about chiropractic is that treatment for a slipped disc involves popping the disc back into place using methods that employ aggressive force. This is inaccurate. In most cases, chiropractic care involves gentle manipulation with low-force methods. In the event such techniques are unable to remedy the condition, your chiropractor will likely refer you to a specialist, or a medical doctor for emergency care.

How Chiropractors Treat A Herniated Disc

The two most widely-used forms of chiropractic treatment are flexion-distraction and pelvic blocking. The former approach uses a special table that is designed to gently stretch your spine. Your chiropractor will use a variety of techniques to separate the affected disc from the nearby nerve. This lessens inflammation, and usually reduces the level of pain felt in the lower back and legs.

Pelvic blocking relies upon gravity and gentle maneuvering techniques to separate the herniated disc from the nerve. These techniques avoid the use of force. Cushions are placed underneath your pelvis so your body is positioned appropriately.

Lower back pain can be debilitating. While the underlying condition may occasionally call for emergency medical treatment, most cases can be successfully remedied through chiropractic.

When you think that you have sciatica your doctor is going to be able to make your diagnosis based on a number of different things. These include: physical examination, medical history, and your symptoms. If you have only had it for a short period of time and there is no other signs of diseases then X-rays and lab studies could be needed.

If your pain last for many weeks then special studies might be needed of your back. These could be MRI's or CT scans. If there is history of HIV, steroid use, cancer, or IV drugs then your doctor might decide that an X-ray or a bone scan is necessary.

In some cases it might even be necessary for lab studies to be done. In a CBC test your doctor will be able to tell if you have anemia, infection, cancer, or other causes that might be unusual for sciatica. Sedimentation rate that is elevated might even be able to tell that there is inflammation going on in your body. If the doctor orders a urinalysis they can look for blood, infection, or kidney stones.

There are a number of different options that you have for sciatica treatment methods at home. Since pain from this will often limit your activity you will want to know what sciatica treatment methods will be best for you. Below are a few things you need to know:

• Make sure that you do not lift, sit in a chair that is low or soft, or bend because you pain is likely going to get worse.

• You can take pain medications that are OTC like: ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen which will help you with easing your pain.

• You can also use a cold pack and see if it helps you with your pain. If a cold pack is not available you can use frozen vegetables in a bad. You can also ask someone that you are close to, to help you by massaging you with an ice cube in a pattern that is triangular over your sore area. If the area begins to get too cold you should ask the person to move your ice.

• Once you have used the cold method you might want to use a heating pad. However, you need to be sure that you never go to sleep using one. If you don't have a heating pain you can use a towel that is wet with hot water and then wringed out.

Have you ever experienced serious back pain? I'm talking about back pain that was so bad that you couldn't walk or sleep or go to work? Researchers estimate that 60-80% of Americans will experience lower back pain at some point in their life. While it is not debilitating in most cases it can be quite severe and even life threatening. When your pain is as intense as what was described at the start you may have had a friend suggest that you could have a "slipped" or herniated disc. This article will describe exactly what this condition is and how you can tell if you might have it.

Your Spine: First, you must understand that the spinal column is made up of 25 movable segments. The bones in your spine are called vertebrae. Vertebrae are stacked on top of each other and span all the way from you're the base of your skull to your tailbone. The purposes of this column of spinal bones are to protect the spinal cord and to allow or limit movements. In between adjacent vertebra are intervertebral discs. These discs are made of a substance called fibrocartilage which is tough and rubbery. At the center of every disc is a gelatinous core called the nucleus pulposus. The purposes of these discs are to govern the flexibility of the spine and absorb the shock of forces on the spine.

Disc Injuries: Occasionally these rubbery discs can bulge or even tear. When this happens it is possible for the disc to deform to the point that it starts to compress nerve roots coming off of the spinal cord. These nerve roots provide all of the nerve connections from the body to the brain. Whether its fingers and toes or the liver or the heart, all parts of the body communicate with the brain through the nerve roots which are attached to the spinal cord. When these nerve roots are compressed it can cause numbness, tingling, or even weakness to muscle groups supplied by that nerve root. The most common locations for this to happen are the low back (most common) and the neck (next most common). This occurs in the mid back, also called the thoracic spine, as well but very rarely. A low back disc herniation will cause some leg symptoms and a neck herniation will usually cause arm/hand symptoms and very rarely leg symptoms as well. Disc bulges are more common and less serious than herniations. A bulging disc may not even cause any symptoms at all. This is just a stretching of part of the disc causing it to bulge in one direction. Often these will resolve own their own without any complications.

Herniations, on the other hand, occur when the outer fibers of the disc are torn and the nucleus pulposus begins to leak out. This can cause the nerve root to become compressed or inflamed. Disc herniations are usually symptomatic and can take months or years to resolve if they are not managed properly. Ways that you can determine whether your problem may be a herniated disc is the subject of my next article. Continue reading for specific signs and symptoms that you may have some damage to your disc. Once you know what a disc herniation is and how you can tell if you have one, you will be ready to learn about some of the treatment options which will be the topic of the third article in this series.

Attention Severe Back & Leg Pain Sufferers Seeking a Cure for Lower Back Pain...

Common Mistakes Made by Back Pain Sufferers

• Thinking it will just go away


• Thinking that medicine will fix a damaged disc or spine


• Thinking that endless chiropractic adjustments will sooner or later fix the problem


• Thinking that more exercises or massages will do the trick


• Thinking that steroid injections are safe and can fix the problem


• Thinking that your only alternative is surgery


• Thinking that all spinal decompression therapy is the same

Your Problem Is NOT Going to Go Away...

Severe low back pain and sciatica caused by stenosis, herniated disk, degenerative disc, bulging disc, ruptured disc, slipped disc, foraminal stenosis, failed back surgery and facet arthrosis will NOT go away on it's own. In fact, these conditions are progressive degenerative conditions that only get worse with time.

The Failure of Old, Traditional Treatments...

These back problems are caused by mechanical damage of the discs and nerves...so medicine and shots cannot possibly repair them. You can't put gas in your car to fix a flat tire.

Chiropractic and physical therapy are great for minor low back pain, but they simply cannot repair a damaged lumbar disc. Same for exercises, massage, acupuncture, etc.

The True Dangers of Shots...

Steroid injections are invasive procedures with all the inherent risks of surgery; infection, nerve damage, allergic reaction, failure. The steroids being injected into your spine are toxic. They cause loss of bone mineralization and weaken the supportive ligaments of the spine. Plus... injections do NOT repair the disc. They simply remove inflammation from the area...temporarily.

A Safer Alternative to Back Surgery...

In the old days, surgery was your only option for disc disease. This is the 21st Century! Advances in computerized medical technology has given us safe, effective and quick methods for repairing damaged discs without surgery. It's called Spinal Decompression or Intervertebral Disc Distraction (IID Therapy)

Beware of Wannabes and So-Called Experts...

Many clinics advertise "spinal decompression," but few actually use true spinal decompression equipment. Some use warmed over older traction machines or roller tables and call them decompression. They aren't. And some decompression machines are inferior in build quality and patient features that make treatment more comfortable. Not all equipment is the same. There's a reason why BMW's and Mercedes cost more than Fords or Nissans. It's in the construction and performance.

And not all doctors providing spinal decompression are the same. Some are just general chiropractors with no specific additional training in orthopedics or disc disease. Some have added spinal disc decompression merely as an additional revenue source to their existing clinics.

Are you experiencing elbow pain? You might be experiencing an elbow condition called tennis elbow. This is pain felt on the outer part of the elbow and is caused by the inflammation of tendon or tendons inside the elbow. The medical term for tennis elbow is called epicondylitis.

What are the symptoms of epicondylitis? The pain in the elbow can travel up and down the arm, which can be painful and uncomfortable. Since a person uses his hands throughout the day, any pain in the area can affect the performance of daily activities. A person with epicondylitis will experience weakness in wrist, tenderness on the outside of elbow, pain when moving arm, cannot extend the arm fully, long-lasting pain that go from 6-12 weeks, discomfort lasting from weeks to years and pain experienced when lifting, carrying or gripping objects.

How do you obtain elbow pain? The major cause of this is overusing the elbow. Repetitive and forceful movements on the wrist cause shortening of muscles. The attachment of these muscles to the outer part of the elbow is under tension and any sudden movement may result to a tear in the tendon or muscle. Those who play tennis or other racquet sports are prone to suffering from tennis elbow.

Chiropractic treatment is highly effective in stopping elbow pain and this is why people who suffer from tennis elbow seek chiropractic services. How is chiropractic treatment done? The first part of the treatment will focus on resting the elbow and reducing the inflammation afterwards. Ice therapy is very useful in the first 2-3 days of treatment but can also be used longer if needed. The chiropractor may require tennis elbow brace or elbow strap. At this stage, careful examination of the elbow, muscles and tissues around the area is done.

After the first stage of treatment, the chiropractor will then move on to improving the blood circulation in the elbow and forearm. The chiropractor will use hot and cold therapy as well as massage therapies in order to relieve stress and tension. Once the pain has subsided, the patient will undergo the rehabilitation program designed specifically for him. This treatment program will include stretching exercises to help make the muscles stronger. Chiropractors will make sure that exercises are taught and introduced because it should be carefully performed.

Stopping elbow pain is somehow connected to the misalignment of the spine. Misalignment of the spine results to poor health and spinal adjustments may be necessary. An aligned spine results to a healthier body. Chiropractors will definitely include spinal adjustments in the treatment plan. Moreover, chiropractic care is not only concerned with stopping elbow pain but most often, in preventing it from happening again. This is why chiropractors use a holistic approach in their treatment. The person will need a lifestyle change. There will be exercises introduced to ensure that the wrist and muscles in the forearm are stronger.

Stopping elbow pain is possible with the help of chiropractic services. However, you should not only focus on alleviating the pain but on preventing it from happening again.