The Best Treatments for Chronic Back and Neck Pain

 

Chronic back and neck pain affect a shocking number of U.S. adults. Recent Gallup-Healthways research found that more than 30% of Americans polled suffer from a neck or back condition. Fortunately, there is help for those struggling with this health concern.

 

Heat and Cold

The application of heat and cold to a sore neck or back is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to combat chronic pain. Heat wraps, warm baths, hot gel packs and heating pads frequently offer pain relief. Moist or dry heat are two options that can be used to cope with neck and back pain. Applying ice to the affected area soon after any activity that causes stiffness or discomfort can also be a useful strategy.

 

Acupuncture

The use of acupuncture is gaining acceptance in the West though this ancient treatment technique, which has its origins in traditional Eastern medicine. The National Institutes of Health has acknowledged that acupuncture has beneficial pain-relieving qualities that might be useful as a treatment for back pain and other painful conditions. Several years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) published an official report listing 31 symptoms, conditions and diseases that have been shown in controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture. Lower back and neck pain were both included in this list. This pain management technique involves the application of needles to specific points throughout the body. It is believed that this action stimulates the central nervous system to release chemicals that naturally combat pain.

 

Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation

Physical therapy and rehabilitation treatment are commonly prescribed for those struggling with chronic neck and back pain issues. A physical therapist is trained to use stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobic exercises to assist in reducing pain associated with these conditions.The professionals often teach patients exercises to use at home to cope with reoccurring pain and discomfort.

 

Massage

Massage therapy has become extremely popular. Spine-Health.com reports that more than 50 percent of healthcare providers will encourage their patients to use massage therapy as a compliment to traditional medical treatment. Research has shown this therapy improves blood circulation to help the body heal sore muscles and that is can be helpful to improve range of motion. The actions of massage therapy also promote the release of neurotransmitters called endorphins. These chemicals are part of the body’s natural defense against pain and stress.

 

Various other treatments are available to relieve chronic neck and back pain, but these are some of the least invasive tools that can be used for relief. Consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is always recommended before starting any treatment. Relief is available for the many people affected by this common health condition.

 

Informational Credit to Alberta Back and Neck Rehab and Sports Injury Clinic

 

 

Categories: back pain, best treatments, Chronic, neck pain

Stomach Pain: One of the Biggest Problem in Children

When we think about illnesses that children suffer from there is actually a huge number of them that instantly come to mind. Of course there is the chicken pox which blights the young lives of many children (although is actually more a serious conditions if contracted later on in life). Asthma is another problem that we mostly only think of as one of that children tend to suffer with but one that they often shrug off later in life. Other issues that children have include skin rashes and obesity. But perhaps there is another problem that we don’t think about but should be more in our thoughts than some of the others. This is chronic stomach pain.

 

Chromic stomach pain has brought more closely to public attention recently by a report by German researchers that suggests children to dwell on and fret about chronic stomach pain are likely to have a lower quality of life than those children who have a better attitude about the condition. The report also noted that parents can play a very key role in the way that their child copes with the problem itself. This clearly shows that we should be thinking more about the problem of chronic stomach pain and parents should be equipping their children with strategies on how to deal with it.

 

Another of the more surprising aspects of study was that children with chronic stomach pain were found to report a lower quality of life than those kids who have to deal with asthma, skin rashes and obesity. This is a very worrying trend that appears to suggest that chronic stomach pain is one of the worst conditions for children to have, as it can affect their life for a long time and do a lot of damage to their overall wellness and wellbeing.

 

“If the children [with the condition] think, ‘My pain will not stop,’ then this can lead to further impairment and increase psychological strain,” said Claudia Calvano of the University of Potsdam in Germany who is a co-author of the study. Given the fact that it is estimated that between 8 and 25 per cent of young people suffer from chronic stomach pain and bring it with them into adulthood this is certainly something that we have to look at in terms of sorting out the problem and improving the wellness of many people around the UK and the globe in general.

 

The researchers looked at two different forms of stomach pain – firstly, the kind which doctors can identify a medical reason for the pain, which is referred to as organic pain, and secondly, another type where doctors can find no clear source, which known as functional pain. The more obscure of the two, functional stomach pain may come as a result of interactions between stress, diet, exercise or psychological challenges for child. This can much so much be harder to identify that specific problems and find a solution for them. Organic stomach pain may be present alongside obvious symptoms like vomiting or fever, although it can also simply be a standard pain in the stomach that does not go away.

 

When Calvano’s team of researchers examined data on 170 children and teenagers from the ages 8 to 18, the team found that it was poor coping skills, rather than gender, economic status or type of abdominal pain, was directly linked with the child having a lower quality of life. We must find ways to give children better coping strategies to deal with the pain so that they can lead a normal life more easily.

Categories: Asthma, Children, Chronic, chronic stomach, life, Pain, skin rash, skin rashes, stomach, stomach pain

Five Ways to Deal With Your Chronic Pain

Pain warns us of injuries. It’s a sensation that can normally be depended on to fade, but chronic pain defies this typical behavior. An underlying condition generates pain that never leaves. Managing chronic pain is a lifetime challenge, one that must be met if the sufferer is to enjoy life. Although managing your pain can be a difficult and trying experience, there are different ways of minimizing the pain in order to move on with your life.

 

The Practice of Meditation

Find a space and a period of time each day to sit and become conscious of mind and body, visualizing a force of relaxing energy flowing and washing away the pain. Meditation is an established means of bringing balance to the mind, and the mind has great power over pain. It may take time and education found in classes and literature, but a novice can learn to clear the mind and, in turn, reduce pain. When you take the time to focus your mind on something positive, it can do wonders to take your mind of your chronic pain.

 

Pain Medications

Physician prescribed to ease the pain of arthritis and degenerative spinal ailments, prescription pain medications may be what you need to relieve your chronic pain. It can be tough to rely on a medicine day in and day out to live a comfortable life, so it’s best to combine this method with other more natural methods to try to find balance in your relief.

 

Acupuncture Treatment

Whether we subscribe to the Eastern understanding or simply believe the mountains of proof, there’s no denying that acupuncture can relieve chronic pain. Placement of hair-thin needles by a qualified acupuncturist lead to lasting pain relief. Consult a certified professional and learn more. Many people are skeptical of this practice, but it is generally safe when done by a certified professional and it can’t hurt to try it.

 

Pain Management Specialists

Instead of diluting effort with tiring research, consolidate energy and turn to an authority in pain relief. In Oklahoma this authority comes with the backing of programs offering viable alternatives for fighting ailments that cause long-lasting pain. Visit a pain management Oklahoma City resource and learn of the many effective ways of mitigating chronic pain. If you have tried all the more natural methods of pain relief and still have trouble doing basic everyday things, this may be the best option for you.

 

The Practice of Yoga

A perfect companion to meditation and other Eastern practices, a daily routine of yoga exercise raises awareness of the body. The Asanas, postures, strengthen the core, improve circulation, easing emotional turmoil. Many people find that getting proper exercise can strengthen their body and releive pain, but be sure to consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

 

Chronic pain stresses the mind almost as much as the body. There’s a very real feeling of pervasive hopelessness that quickly transforms into depression. Although it can often be hard, you can still live a full life while minimizing your pain. There are many different options, both natural and medical that can soothe debilitating pain.

Categories: certified professional, Chronic, chronic pain, deal, lasting pain, Natural Methods, nbsp pain, Pain, pain management, pain medications, Pain Relief, ways