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

Most Common Causes of Neck and Spine Pain

Neck and spine pain can be common occurrences for many individuals, and you’ll find a number of factors contributing to the pain and discomfort. Treatment can be as simple as a chiropractic realignment and inflammation medication or as challenging as surgery.

 

What is Neck Pain?

 

Pain or discomfort associated with your neck or spine can be serious for some individuals. There are a number of sources at the center of the pain which can include whiplash, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and neck strain. It can also come from diseases or illnesses such as meningitis, tuberculosis, and fibromyalgia. A physician can assess the areas for damages and implement the right treatment plan based on your injury.

 

Sources of Neck and Spine Pain

 

There are a number of factors that can contribute to your neck and spine pain. Individuals who overuse their muscles by lifting weights, working in the yard, and sitting hunched over in front of the computer can suffer a muscle strain. Your body can also suffer wear and tear as you age and osteoarthritis can develop throughout your neck area. Illnesses and diseases can also cause neck pain and can include rheumatoid arthritis, meningitis, tuberculosis and cancer.

 

Other things such as whiplash from a vehicle accident can require a significant recovery treatment plan due to the severe pain and discomfort. When the vehicle is hit at a high rate of speed, your neck tissue is stretched beyond its normal limit. Car accident injuries are particularly stressful, and you may be due compensation to help you get well. Whether you need to contact a Florida, Kansas, or New York accident lawyer, there are people whose job is to help you get the funds you need to recover.

 

Treatment

 

Depending on the type of injury and pain that you’re going through, you can treat your neck injury in a number of ways. A physician should diagnose your pain first and can offer a number of tips for treatment. Something less severe can be treated through simple at home methods. Applying heat by way of a heating pad, bathing in warm water or a hot shower can soothe the pain and distress. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation and lessen your discomfort.

 

Exercise

 

Exercises to strengthen the spine and neck areas may also be beneficial, but you need to go slow. Keeping the area mobile is your primary goal, and you may have to take gradual steps to achieve that level. Deep tissue massage therapy or a chiropractic alignment can also soothe and strengthen your body. By concentrating on the areas where you’re experiencing the most discomfort, a massage therapist can work out the knots and tension.

 

Most expect an easy fix in one treatment, but you may need to schedule a number of appointments until you begin to experience relief. Individuals with cancerous tumors or more serious problems associated with the neck area may be required to have surgery. This is typically a last resort and a second opinion should always be discussed before you go under the knife.

 

Stiffness, soreness and being unable to move the neck is a common problem suffered by many, especially those injured in a car accident. Fortunately, most individuals find relief from the pain within four to six weeks. However, for those whose pain fails to disappear, you may need further consultation to get at the root of the problem.

 

Savannah Bobo is a blog contributor and freelance writer from northwest Georgia who has experience neck and spine pain and soreness from car accidents and work-induced injury. If experiencing pain and soreness from an accident, New York accident lawyers at the Perecman firm have experience with construction, malpractice, and car accident cases in their state, and can help you by answering your questions with concern and diligence.

Categories: car accident, meningitis tuberculosis, most common causes of neck and spine pain, Neck, neck area, neck pain, Pain, pain nbsp, spine, spine pain, york accident

Physical Therapy to Relieve Neck Pain

Sedentary lifestyle with unhealthy habits can cause a host medical conditions. We rely on computers to get our work done, there is hardly any movement as we sit behind our desks. Our activity levels are very low and many of us suffer from back and neck aches.

Did you know that nearly 90% of American population suffers from spinal neck pain symptoms? Every progressive episode of neck and back ache can worsen the condition and the pain may even radiate to other parts of the body.  To prevent serious medical conditions, it is advisable to visit a physical therapist who can prescribe certain simple exercises to help relieve neck ache. Furthermore, you will learn how to strengthen the muscles in order to avoid future recurrence and flare-ups.

Physical therapy for your neck

 

Physical therapy for neck pain consists of exercises that help stretch and strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the spinal cord. Flexibility of the muscles accelerates healing and reduces neck pain. Your physical therapist will also guide you on the correct posture.

Some of the common passive treatments for neck pain suggested by physical therapists include:

Hot and Cold Therapy

In this treatment, heat is applied at the point of pain to increase the blood flow and bring more oxygen and nutrients to the site of pain. Proper blood flow also helps remove the waste by-products caused by muscle spasms. On the other hand, cold therapy helps to slow down the circulation thus decreasing inflammation and pain. Physical therapists usually alternate between hot and cold therapy to achieve maximum results.

 

Deep Tissue Massage

This technique concentrates on the core of chronic muscle tension.  It is at the core that tension builds up due to daily stress. Direct pressure is used on the soft tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments. This helps relieve stress and decrease neck pain.

 

Traction

In this method, the therapist will try to stretch your spine either by using their hands or a mechanical traction device. Traction also helps mobilise the spinal muscles and reduce pain.

 

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

It is a machine that stimulates the muscles with the help of electric currents. TENS machines are safe to use and can also be used at home. It helps reduce muscle spasms and increase the production of endorphins which are natural painkillers produced by the body.

 

Neck Therapy: Future Flare-ups

 

Flare-ups can happen even after getting the neck pain treated. In order to manage the pain and reduce the symptoms, your physical therapist will advise you on the proper posture to sit, stand and move around. The therapist may also design a low impact exercise program to further stretch and strengthen the muscles.

Spinal and neck pain can be avoided by maintaining proper at all times. Proper posture along with mild exercises can keep aches and pains at bay.

Categories: blood flow, flare ups, muscle spasms, muscles tendons, neck pain, physical therapist, Physical Therapy, Physical Therpy, relieve neck, relieve neck pain

The Two Leading Causes Of Back Pain & What To Do With Them

One of the most common chronic complaints which many people suffer from today is pain of the joints or the back. A lot of this can be caused by work or not getting enough of certain kinds of exercise. The fact is that people simply don’t necessarily have time to treat their own pain. They’ll just keep plodding along until the pain seems normal. This can lead to more severe and even permanent damage to the back. For this reason we at Yourwellness have put together some information on the two most common complaints and the solution to these issues:

-       Neck and Back Pain

Generally caused by long periods of inaction, sitting down or a general lack of exercise. People who spend most of their time working at a desk commonly suffer from this condition and as such it’s become much more common in general within the last decade or two.

If this sort of pain persists for a long period of time then you should go and seek medical advice from your GP. There’s a whole host of different things which they can prescribe to help you deal with your pain and cure the condition on the whole. These may include physiotherapy, medications, exercise or even surgery in extreme cases. The earlier you get this seen to the less damage it will do you in the long run.

-       Scoliosis

An abnormal curvature of the spine, scoliosis comes in many different varieties and is caused by many different things. Women are the most susceptible to this condition, especially if it runs in the family. This is generally treated through steady monitoring by a physician and then the use of a back brace to help to straighten your spine out again. In extreme cases surgery may be required to ease the strain on your back.

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The Two Leading Causes Of Back Pain & What To Do With Them

Categories: back pain, joints, neck pain