Can A Decompression Belt Treat Your Herniated Disc?

April 2nd, 2012 AmeeL

Dr. Ho’s Decompression belt is a new product marketed to people with chronic lower back pain, particularly pain caused by a herniated disc. The product is fairly new on the market, and as such, studies supporting its effectiveness are lacking. It is important to research back pain products like the decompression belt before making a purchasing decision.

Spinal decompression is a form of therapy that has been used for some time to treat discogenic pain. The goal of spinal decompression is to increase disc space, allowing a damaged disc to receive nutrients and hydration, eventually regenerating the disc. When discs herniate, their fluid-filled centers begin to leak out. Since the fluid is comprised of inflammatory proteins, it irritates the nerves around the spine. Discs that degenerate dry up and fail to absorb shock and support the weight of the upper body. Increasing intervertebral space allows discs to reabsorb lost fluids and return to their normal shape.

Though the decompression belt has not been studied for its effectiveness, the principle of decompression on which it rests has. A number of studies put the effectiveness rate of spinal decompression as a herniated disc treatment above 85%. For a compilation of studies, see www.lakepointechiro.com.

Typically, decompression is achieved either with an inversion table or a decompression machine. Inversion tables simply tilt the body upside down to varying degrees, allowing gravity to reverse its pull on and elongate the spine. Decompression machines can be found in some chiropractor’s offices. When receiving this form of treatment, you lay on a table on the machine and a belt is attached to the area of your torso that needs increased intervertebral space. The machine gently pulls the vertebrae apart. Decompression machines have a biofeedback mechanism that allows them to monitor your muscles’ responses to this pull, which helps prevent muscle strain. Decompression is more expensive than inversion, but more targeted and safer.

The decompression belt invented by Dr. Ho stretches the lumbar spine when it is inflated. The wearer inflates the belt and should follow safety instructions to prevent stretching the spine and muscles too quickly. Putting decompression technology in the hands of pain patients at home is one main advantage of the belt. It is true that an inversion table can be purchased for the home for a comparable price, however the belt can be worn throughout the day when being active. This eliminates the time constraints that might hinder people from keeping up with inversion treatments.

Aside from herniated discs, the decompression belt may help treat pain caused by overloading of the lower back. Like any back brace, it provides support to the back muscles and spine, eliminated excess stress due to heavy lifting or prolonged periods of sitting or standing. It also encourages proper posture, eliminating pain caused by poor body mechanics.

Precautions

As with any back pain treatment, there are a number of concerns to consider before pursuing it. One is that prolonged use of the belt may weaken the muscles of the core, as the belt is supporting this area instead of the muscles. If you have a weak core, it is always a good idea to strengthen it for the health of your back. If you wear the decompression belt and exercise regularly, you will most likely counteract any weakening effects.

Another concern is overly-tight lower back muscles. Shortened, taut muscles tend to resist being stretched by contracting even further. Attempting to stretch the lower back muscles by inflating the belt could cause further pain. If you have tight lower back muscles, self-myofascial release should be pursued before using a decompression belt. See http://ezinearticles.com for more on this treatment.

Use of this belt is contraindicated for this with osteoporosis, lumbar spine fractures, rib fractures or hip fractures. It should not be used by pregnant women or children. Those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases also should not use this product.

The regular price of a decompression belt is over $300, but is currently on sale at half price. For more on the belt from Dr. Ho’s website, see www.drhonow.com. Though many insurance companies may not offer coverage of this new product, Medicare recently approved it as a reimbursable form of back pain treatment.

Assessing the pros and cons of back pain products like Dr. Ho’s decompression belt puts you in a position to make an informed decision. The decompression belt could be part of an effective back pain treatment plan.

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Can a TENS Unit Help You Manage Back Pain?

March 30th, 2012 AmeeL

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units are one of many treatment options available to those with pain. TENS units belong to the class of pain treatments that interfere with nerve signals to decrease the sensation of pain.

Using a TENS unit entails placing electrodes in the form of patches on the skin over the area of pain. Wires attach the electrodes to a small machine that generates electrical pulses. When the machine is used properly the pulses are gentle and harmless, but they are strong enough to replace the feeling of pain with a tingling sensation.

TENS units can be used by people with acute injuries or those with chronic pain. People with arthritis, muscle pain, recent surgeries or chronic back pain may use TENS to manage pain. The amount of time you use TENS for depends on the type of pain you are treating.

Pros

TENS units come with a number of advantages. One main appeal of this treatment option is that it can be used at home with minimal training. This empowers patients and leaves them less dependent on trips to the doctor for treatments.

TENS units are also small and portable. They can easily be brought with you throughout your daily activities.

The cost of a TENS unit may be over $100, but with a prescription, some insurance companies will reimburse the cost.

Finally, and most importantly, using a TENS unit may reduce the amount of pain medication patients rely on for relief. Pain medications carry risks of organ failure and dependency, especially when used for a prolonged period of time. There are very few TENS risks comparatively.

Cons

We’d all like to think that treating pain is as simple as pushing a button or popping a pill, but unfortunately, treatments that simply mask pain don’t really treat the cause of the problem. TENS units may be useful while pursuing other treatments but shouldn’t be considered treatment itself.

Medicare recently dropped coverage of TENS units due to conflicting evidence from studies on the treatment’s effectiveness in treating chronic lower back pain. Those on Medicare won’t be reimbursed for TENS units unless they are participating in a randomized and controlled study.

If you have weak sensation, you may need to turn your TENS unit to a higher intensity to achieve results. For someone who doesn’t feel sensations easily, it is possible to cause small burns where the electrodes are located that aren’t noticed until the electrodes are removed.

Finally, TENS units are not safe for everyone. It is generally recommended that pregnant women and those with cancer avoid this form of treatment. People with pacemakers can’t use the TENS unit. People who have seizures or blood problems can’t use the TENS unit on the neck or head. The TENS unit can never be placed on the front of the neck. Electrodes should never be placed near testicles, breasts or the face.

While a TENS unit may be used to reduce the amount of pain medication needed to manage chronic pain, the machine isn’t a cure. Weighing the benefits and risks will help you make an informed decision about whether TENS should be part of your treatment plan.

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Prevent Back Pain When Gardening

March 28th, 2012 AmeeL

As snow melts and the first flowers of the year poke through the ground, many people’s minds – and bodies – turn to their gardens. Anyone who gardens knows that it’s hard work. If you haven’t kept in shape over the winter or if you practice poor body mechanics, you may find yourself with gardening back pain soon into the season.

Though many may not think of gardening as a rigorous activity, it is physically demanding. Digging, weeding and lugging around heavy equipment like hoses and wheelbarrows take a toll on the back. As with any physical activity, avoiding pain and injury requires preparation. To prepare your body for gardening, it is a good idea to do core exercises and pay attention to your body mechanics throughout the day, as well as during gardening activities.

Digging

Digging is about leverage; you use your body weight to transfer forces through an object (the shovel) to move another object (dirt). Proper form when digging in the garden not only protects your lower back from strain but also ensures that your energy is being used efficiently. When the spine is straight, the muscles of the core are able to engage and assist the transfer of bodily forces through the shovel.

Aside from efficiency, a straight spine is imperative to preventing lower back strain and possible disc injury. If you round out your lower back by bending at the waist rather than the hips, your back muscles will be overstretched and overworked, since the abdominal muscles will not be able to assist them. It is also possible to sustain injuries to the ligaments that run along the spine, which are overstretched and strained when you bend at the back.

See http://backandneck.about.com for a slideshow depicting proper body mechanics while digging.

Weeding

As with digging, form is key while weeding. If you’re hunched over the ground on your knees or the balls of your feet, you’re likely bending at the waist. One way to encourage proper posture while weeding is to sit on a bucket or stool. Opening up your legs to provide a wide-legged base will encourage you to keep your buttocks out and your lower back straight. It helps to visualize your hips as a hinge and your upper body as one solid piece.

Helpful Resources

A strong core will help you keep a neutral spine and transfer your forces effectively while digging, weeding and carrying heavy objects around the garden. See http://backpainsolutionsonline.com/back-pain-exercise/lower-back-pain-exercises/four-back-pain-relief-exercises to learn 4 core workouts.

You can search sites like Amazon.com for ergonomic gardening supplies; ergonomic products are designed to reduce strain on the body during their use. Read customer reviews to ensure the product is of high quality.

Finally, if you have a hard time maintaining body awareness throughout the day, you may benefit from the Alexander Technique. This method of retraining movements focuses on maintaining optimal posture and body mechanics with every movement. More on this can be found at www.alexandertechnique.com.

You deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Prevent back pain this gardening season by firming up your core and being aware of your body mechanics.

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Best Types Of Yoga For Back Pain

March 24th, 2012 AmeeL

Developed over 5,000 years ago, yoga is one of the best time-tested forms of back pain exercise. It uses postures called poses to stretch muscles, elongate the spine and build strength. Well-known benefits of yoga include strengthening the core muscles, increasing flexibility, correcting bad posture, elevating mood and increasing focus.

It is difficult to speak of yoga as one thing, since there are a many different types. Each type of yoga emphasizes something different, whether it be meditation, strength-building, stamina or breath. Many people with back pain can benefit from yoga; the type of yoga you pursue should depend on the type of back pain you have and the goal you’re working toward.

Viniyoga

Viniyoga is rehabilitative; the student works one-on-one with the teacher to tailor a yoga program that suits his or her specific body, injury, age and preferences. Depending on the student, Viniyoga may include poses to build strength and flexibility, breathing exercises to increase focus, meditative work to increase relaxation, chanting to introduce a spiritual component – the only limit to what Viniyoga means is the student’s preferences.

Iyengar

Iyengar yoga teaches proper alignment achieved by intentional movement. It promotes strength, flexibility and balance throughout the body. Iyengar is also highly adaptable to the individual’s needs; it involves the use of numerous props, such as blocks and bands, as well as pose modifications to make it accessible to people with disabilities. The adaptability of Iyengar makes it possible for people to exercise with back pain after a recent injury. It is especially ideal for those with alignment problems and poor body mechanics.

Power

Power yoga is an adaptation of Ashtanga yoga,whose focus is on strength-training. Power yoga incorporates calisthetic moves like push-ups and lunges, while also maintaining traditional yoga practices like stretching and breathing exercises. Power yoga is not appropriate for people with current injuries, beginners or those without a basic level of fitness as it is high-intensity. It is ideal for people who are looking to enhance fitness and prevent back pain by gaining muscle tone to support the spine.

Caution

Those with certain types of back pain should take caution when pursuing any new exercise plan. Certain aspects of yoga may not be appropriate for you depending on your condition. Forward bending poses, for example, can be harmful if you have a loss of lordosis (inward arch) in the lumbar spine or tight hamstings. If you have sacroiliac joint dysfunction, poses that require standing on one leg may be painful.

When beginning yoga, it is important to start slow, especially if you have back pain. Stretching your body too far can lead to muscle and joint strain, worsening your pain rather than helping you recover. It is always best to pursue yoga for back pain under the guidance of a professional instructor to ensure that your posture and form are correct.

One of the above types of yoga may make a wonderful additional to your back pain treatment plan. Make sure your workout is suited to your specific needs.

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