What Is A Pinched Nerve?

What Is A Pinched Nerve
The nerves inside your body are the communication network that sends and receives messages that starts from your brain to the rest of your body organs and vice versa. Your nerves are very vulnerable to different types of conditions such as pinching, stretching, and compression. If such conditions occur, nerves can feel pain and discomfort
A pinched nerve is a term used in the medical field to define the injury and the damage of a nerve brought by various conditions and reasons. Pain and discomfort are the results every time you experience pressure on your nerves due to damages disc, inflammation, muscle tear, and injury. Pinched nerve causes the pain in body areas that are close from the injured part. Some people who are experiencing pinched nerve shares that the pain and discomfort is like that of a hot ice pick touching your body
Pinched nerve is being caused by the extreme force every time you work hard making your muscles and nerves to pull and lengthen. It is mostly located in the neck and back part of the body. Sometimes, pinched nerve is due to car accidents, injury that you got from sport activities, diseases in your spine, and work related activities such as bending too much and lifting things incorrectly that can cause neck strains
It can also result to numbness and severe pain. When you have pinched nerve you will be generally experience extreme pain on your legs or arms or whenever the injured part is located. You will have the feeling of weakness every time you try to move the fragile area. And also, the affected area is sensitive to pressure, pain, and compression especially when pinched nerve is located at the tendons, and muscles. You will feel sore for a very long period of time because of the compression, contraction, and pinching of the nerves. If you are experiencing this kind of pain on your body, you have to deal with it right away
Treating pinched nerve varies on how severe the conditions, its location, and cause of the pain. You can remove or lessen the pain of your pinched nerve into various treatment options. If it is being caused from repetitive activity then you can stop the activity that you are doing but in cases for a more serious cause, it is recommended that you visit a physical therapist. But first of all, you must have to determine and locate the injured area to know the treatment conditions that you can apply for it. Visit a physician and get checked before the pain get worse and get severed
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What is a Trapped Nerve and How Do I Fix It

What is a Trapped Nerve and How Do I Fix It
There might be many causes of pain the back and one of them is trapped nerves. A good specialist will be able to tell if the pain in the back is due to this.  If the pain is actually due to the compressed nerves then a specialist will recommend treatment accordingly.
The nerves in the back are 'pinched' or they may be stretched, compressed, irritated or constricted. These nerves could be irritated due to pressure from the surrounding tendons, muscles or bones. This situation causes pain and discomfort in the back which may gradually increase if treatment is not started soon. The pain could be any of general pain or muscle spasms, a tingling feeling or numbness.   These are some of the common symptoms
There are some recommend treatments like sleeping and sitting with the right posture. There is also physical therapy such as placing a heat pad on the back and also getting your back massaged by a specialist. You have to avoid lifting heavy things and abruptly turning left or right till the condition is brought under check. In most cases prevention is always better than cure and you should avoid anything that may increase the pressure on the nerves. The important point here is that further damage should be prevented. There are many people who suffer from a stiff neck and numbness in the toes and fingers. There are some extreme cases that may last for several weeks
The trapped nerve pain can be handled with a combination of therapies such as medications, exercises and massage. Preventive methods such as yoga are also recommended by some doctors
Ultimately, there could be a number of different reasons why you have back pain now, there are plenty of resources on how to fix a trapped nerve

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Easy Tips on How To Relieve Pinched Sciatic Nerve Or Lower Back Pain

Easy Tips on How To Relieve Pinched Sciatic Nerve Or Lower Back Pain
Pinched Sciatic Nerve pain describes a condition that stems from sciatic nerve compression. It is also known as sciatica and is usually due to bulging of the sciatic nerve. This can produce a dull ache to extremely excruciating pain
People the world over suffer from lower back pain often without knowing the underlying cause. It is therefore important to see a Doctor, Physical Therapist or Chiropractor in order to receive the correct diagnosis before coming to the conclusion that you are suffering from Pinched Sciatic Nerve Pain. Too many of us try to self diagnose but when it comes to something as important as your back you must seek professional help, particularly if your symptoms worsen or persist
Tips on how to prevent back pain
Posture. Something as simple as bad posture can over time do a lot of damage to the back. Hunching over a computer for example from 9 to 5 every day may increase pressure on the nerves and thus cause them to be compressed
It is possible to correct bad posture. Replacing your old office chair with a chair that supports the back would be a good start, and to be aware of your posture at all times. When you feel yourself slouching straighten up
Sleeping Position A poor or uncomfortable night's sleep is another common reason for back problems. Take a look at your mattress. Does it sink in the middle and have you had it for years? If your answer is yes then it is time for change. When choosing a new bed/mattress, choose one with sufficient back support and find a comfortable sleeping position. It is also helpful to look at your pillow and ensure your neck is also being supported. A blissful night's sleep should do you the world of good
Lifting and Carrying Lifting and carrying is another common cause of back problems. Attempting to lift something too heavy for you, or lifting and carrying incorrectly are the culprits. Always lift correctly. Do not bend from the waist and make sure your knees are bent before you pick up. Always listen to your body. If you feel strain or a twinge don't do it
Bending and Stretching As above when bending, knees have to be bent and when stretching know your limits. Do not overstretch
Weight Obesity is another common cause of back problems. Being overweight or obese can also put unnecessary strain on the back. If you are overweight and are experiencing back problems see a health professional for diet and exercise advice immediately
Age As we get older we may experience back problems due to wear and tear. It is never too late to take up exercise. Gentle exercise like walking is a good start. A combination of Yoga and stretching may be helpful in strengthening the back and spine which is crucial as we age. Exercise just makes us feel good no matter what age we are.
It just goes to show that making subtle changes in our every day lives could benefit us greatly in the future. Always look after your back and you will see the difference
Steve Turk is a personal trainer who was plagued with back problems in his early twenties. He runs an informational website that tackles all aspects of back pain relief

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Cervical Radiculopathy - Treating a Pinched Nerve in the Neck

Cervical Radiculopathy - Treating a Pinched Nerve in the Neck
Let's suppose that you have been diagnosed as having a pinched nerve in your neck, also known as cervical radiculopathy. If so, you probably have pain in the neck and one shoulder. The pain might radiate into your arm and you might have weakness or numbness in the arm as well. Moving your neck in certain positions probably worsens the pain
If you're a younger adult, the pinch could be due to a herniated (slipped) disc. Discs are the soft spacers that separate each pair of stacked neck-bones (vertebrae). If you're an older adult, the pinch is more likely due to a bony spur (spondylosis). In either case, you're in good company. A survey in Sicily showed that at any one time there were 3.5 active cases of cervical radiculopathy per population of 100,000. In Rochester, Minnesota, another survey showed 85 new cases each year of cervical radiculopathy per population of 100,000.
Let's say that your doctor has evaluated you thoroughly by taking a history of your symptoms and performing a physical examination. Perhaps with the additional help of an MRI of your cervical spine (neck) and electrical tests of nerve and muscle function (nerve conduction studies and electromyography) the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy is deemed definite. Furthermore, there is no sign that the spinal cord itself is pinched. Now what
Now what, indeed. Choosing a treatment for this condition is far from straightforward. Out of hundreds of published medical reports concerning treatment of cervical radiculopathy, most are case reports or case series. A "case series" translates roughly as: "We gave six patients in a row the same treatment and five of them got better." What can be concluded from a study of this kind? Did the treatment make the patients better or would they have improved anyway? We don't know
The missing ingredient here is a comparison group of untreated or differently treated individuals known as a control group. The other mark of a quality study is that the chosen treatment is randomized, meaning that the research subjects agreed in advance to be assigned to one treatment group or another based on the equivalent of a coin-toss. So out of the hundreds of published studies involving treatment of this common condition, how many were randomized controlled trials? Unfortunately, the answer is just one
Liselott Persson, Carl-Axel Carlsson and Jane Carlsson at the University Hospital of Lund, Sweden, randomly allocated 81 patients who had symptoms of cervical radiculopathy present for at least three months to any of three treatments -- surgery, physical therapy or a cervical collar. The patients ranged from 28 to 64 years old and 54% of them were male. The surgeons used the so-called Cloward procedure, removing fragments of protruding discs and spurs through an incision in the front of the neck, and then fusing two neck-bones together by means of a bone-graft. Physical therapy involved 15 sessions over a span of three months and consisted of whatever the physical therapist considered appropriate, variously including any of the following: heat application, cold application, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, massage, manipulation, exercise and education. In the cervical collar group, patients wore rigid, shoulder-resting collars every day for three months. Additionally, some of the subjects wore soft collars overnight
How did the study turn out? Three of the subjects who were assigned to surgery refused the procedure because they had already improved on their own. For statistical purposes their outcomes were included with those who actually received the operation. After three months the surgery and physical therapy groups reported, on average, less pain. After an additional 12 months patients in all three groups had less pain than at the beginning of the study and the outcomes of each treatment were statistically alike. Measurements of mood and overall function following treatment were likewise equal among the groups
So, over the long haul, no treatment was better than the others. Of course, within each group some patients did better or worse than others and this spread of outcomes was not reflected in the overall averages. In fact, five patients in the collar group and one patient in the physical therapy group went on to receive surgery owing to lack of satisfactory improvement. In addition, eight patients in the surgery group underwent a second operation that in one case was due to a complication of the first operation
With this Swedish study representing the only rigorous investigation of treatment outcomes in cervical radiculopathy, there are a number of unanswered questions. For example, what are the effects on cervical radiculopathy of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, local injections, systematic traction or other forms of surgery? We don't know. What happens if there is no treatment whatsoever? We don't know the answer to that question either
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Causes of Your Pain - Pulled Muscle, Pinched Nerve, Or Pain Syndrome

Causes of Your Pain - Pulled Muscle, Pinched Nerve, Or Pain Syndrome

Sometimes it's tough to know what is causing your painful symptoms. This is especially true if your pain is persistent, despite your attempts to relieve it and prevent it. If your pain continues for several weeks, or several months, many roots may be possible
Muscle Strains, Fascial Sprains.
You can perform a few simple tests to narrow your pain down to soft tissue injury. These may help you determine if your pain is related to muscles and connective tissue, as opposed to nerves or the neuromuscular system
Maybe you pulled, or strained, a muscle. You might have sprained the connective tissue, or fascia. Ask yourself these questions
*Does it hurt when I move in a certain direction
*Does it hurt when I press a body part against something (resistance)
*Does applying basic first aid provide relief
*Is my pain a deep soreness, nagging ache, or intense pain
If your pain feels like numbness, tingling, zapping, shooting pains, or weakness, then you should consider nerve injury
Pinched nerves
When you have pain associated with blocked nerve signals, it is called impingement. Nerve signs are different from muscular signs
When a nerve is impinged, or pinched, you are more likely to feel it at an area where nerve bundles pass through, instead of muscle pain that is felt in the muscle itself. You are more likely to feel shooting pain, numbness, tingling or weakness when nerve restrictions are causing your pain
Pain Syndromes.
There are several different types of pain syndromes, or symptom clusters, which may also cause your pain. Their symptoms might resemble those mentioned above, but they will require careful diagnosis and a different treatment plan
Myofascial Pain Syndrome might first appear to be pain in one or more areas. It may be confused for muscle soreness from exertion. Or it might feel like a muscle strain or tension. But the pain will eventually be felt in different parts of the body. And sometimes the pain in those areas might not seem related
Your pain might feel like a pinched nerve, or mixed nerve signals. But it might be related to a condition like a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This kind of syndrome affects the nervous system and can be difficult to distinguish from common nerve impingements
Perhaps you notice swelling, oversensitive skin or skin changes in the painful area, or circulation changes. If you feel these, alongside your muscular aches and/or nerve pains, especially if you have been experiencing a lot of stress in your life, then a CRPS should be considered
If a pain syndrome is underlying your ongoing pain, then you need to take a different approach to relief and treatment

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How Chiropractic Care Helps in Treating Pinched Nerves

How Chiropractic Care Helps in Treating Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve happens when there is too much pressure applied to a nerve by its surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. The pressure can cause disruption to the nerve's function which in turn may cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. This condition can occur in any part of your body, but it is more often to happen in the back. In the field of chiropractic, this term is identified as subluxation
In addition to the back, a pinched nerve may also occur in the neck, wrist, or elbow. There are many different potential causes for it, depending on the location of the nerve. If it occurs in the neck or lower back, it may be due to a herniated disc, arthritis, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. If it occurs in the wrist or elbow, it may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, or cubital tunnel syndrome. Other causes of this condition may be due to injury, bruise, or swelling of extremities during pregnancy
The symptoms of a pinched nerve may vary depending on which nerve is affected. The common symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness along the path of the nerve. When it occurs in the neck, there is pain or stiffness, along with the symptoms that radiates down the arm. If it is in the lower back, there is pain and stiffness with symptoms that runs down the leg. If it is in the wrist, the thumb, index, and middle fingers are usually affected and it may also cause weakness in gripping objects, and if it occurs in the elbow, it usually affects the forearm, the ring finger, and the small fingers of the hand
Chiropractic treatment can provide relief to pinched nerves without the use of drugs and expensive surgery. It begins with knowing the medical history of the patient and then a chiropractor will conduct diagnostic tests on the patient to determine the exact location and the cause of the nerve disorder. Once they are identified, the chiropractor will make some spinal adjustments using different methods to treat the problem.
Usually, three to six visits can show positive results. While in some cases, patients get instant relief upon their first visit. Additional visits to a chiropractic clinic can treat misalignment and promote nerve and joint health. If the pinched nerve persists after three to six visits, the chiropractor might use other treatment methods such as back brace or traction, electrical stimulation, physical therapy, and soft tissue therapy. The body has the capability to heal itself and the chiropractor supports its healing capabilities to improve its health
Chiropractors are the only professionals who specialize in detecting and eliminating pinched nerve problems. The goal of chiropractic care is to allow the flow of communication to the brain and from the brain and every cell, tissue, organ, and system in the body which is a prerequisite to health
It is important to have an early diagnosis to prevent further injury or complications brought by pinched nerves. Even the slightest misalignment can cause pressure and irritation to the nerves and may lead to more severe and disabling illness if not treated
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Think You May Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Back? Look Out For These Symptoms

Think You May Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Back? Look Out For These Symptoms
A pinched nerve in your back can be described as compressed or injured. From a medical-standpoint, there is very little difference in semantics. However, having a pinched, or compressed nerve, is something that should not be taken lightly-as if left untreated, it will likely leave you with a numb, weak, and even pain-ridden back. Here are some of the classic symptoms associated with pinched nerves, particularly originating from the back area
The most common indicators of a probable pinched nerve include numbness, or a part of the back which has lost much or all of its feeling; tingling; or weakness in the region that the nerve serves. There can also very well be sharp pains in the region of a pinched nerves-most notably numbness and pain in the legs. Twitching of the muscle(s) in the particular region or muscular spasms ("pins and needles") are also tell-tell signs of a possible pinched or compressed back nerve
The causes of pinched nerves are not simply defined. Historically, a compressed nerve has been determined to be the aftermath of such things as disc herniation, repetitive stress-related injuries, poor posture, being overweight, osteoporotic fractures and osteoarthritis. Take note, however, that long term pain in the back is rarely a sign of a compressed nerve, at least in theory, a completely compressed nerve
A partially compressed nerve, to the contrary, can likely be the culprit of chronic back pain and weakness, since a portion of the nerve is still transmitting, but what is being transmitted between the nerve and your brain is essentially "I'm injured and I need help". Usually a compressed nerve will cause only numbness and weakness, though
Tips to help alleviate pinched nerves include staying physically active and consulting with a chiropractor. By laying in bed, sitting still, or just lounging around much of the time, your heart is weakened-and thus, so will be your muscles. Do regular stretches and aerobic exercises. This will make the heart stronger, and in turn, provide much a better blood flow to the affected areas in your back (as well as other parts of the body that may be troublesome).

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pinched nerve lower back treatment

pinched nerve lower back treatment

Back pain is termed chronic if it persists for more than three months continuously. The pain tends to recur ever if an episode has been resolved. However, the recurrence is irregular and variable
If you are experiencing back pain for more than three months now then you are suffering from chronic back pain. In some cases, chronic back pain may recur after once the problem has been resolves. The chances of a chronic back pain recurring vary from one individual to another
Chronic back pain can be categorized into two main types. the first type of chronic back pain has causes that definite causes such as spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease. The second type of chronic back pain does not have any such identifiable causes. In such cases of chronic back pain, the pain draws a path within the nervous system. this disrupts the functioning of the nervous system and it sends wrong pain signals even when there is no damage to the tissue
But you need not worry as there are various treatments that can help you get rid of back pain. Pain relieving medications are usually the first choice to treat chronic back pain. Counterirritants, a category of topical medications can be used to treat chronic back ache. These medicines are available in a cream or easy to spray form. these medicines trigger your sensory receptors and enable them to fight the pain. Antidepressant medications, when taken in small doses can also help treat back pain. Nortriptyline, desipramine, amitriptyline, doxepin etc are some examples of tricyclic antidepressants that can help relieve back pain
Cold and heat therapies are also quite effective in treating back pain. Using cold therapy for back ache is quite simple and easy. Simply wrap ice in a cloth. Now apply this on the areas in pain. Make sure that you hold on the ice for at least 15 minutes. If you want to use heat therapy then you can apply a heated pad on the affected area. Alternatively, you can also take a hot water bath. Heat unknots the tissues and provides relief from pain
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is yet another technique that can help you get rid of back pain. This back pain treatment involves the process of delivering small electric currents through specific parts in the nervous system. this electric current relieves pain by blocking the fibers that carry pain impulses
You can also retort to physical therapy in order to overcome back pain. A wide range of exercises such as stretching, flexing, strength training and the like are included in physical therapy. It is important that you have an exercise program that is tailor made to suit your needs. This is because different individuals suffer from different kind of back pain.
Another way to get rid of chronic back pain is cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy helps you figure out the unhealthy practices that you have been following and in turn replace them with more positive habits
Source : http://thurmanstrong.wordpress.com/tag/pinched-nerve-lower-back-treatment/

How to Treat a Pinched Sciatic Nerve

How to Treat a Pinched Sciatic Nerve
What does it mean to have a pinched nerve? What does it feel like? There are many ways that people describe this pain, a shooting, burning pain, an electrical shock. No matter what words you choose, the bottom line is this
This pain stinks
When the pinched nerve is the sciatic nerve, the pain becomes an even bigger problem. One of your most sensitive nerves is literally being pinched. Sciatica pain can also be described as a shooting, burning pain
It is like both of these conditions have joined forces against you.
So what are you supposed to do? The pain is enough that you barely make it through the day, if you can get through the day at all. Where does it end
Taking some form of ibuprofen to relieve the pain is great. Ice is equally as great. Both will give you relief and that is a good thing.
But that relief is still only a temporary fix. And you will find yourself in pain again. It starts to seem like a never ending cycle. Take the pills, use the ice. Pills wear off, take more pills, get more ice.
That is no way to live
And you should not live this way
I am not big on spending money, I feel that there is almost always a natural alternative to dealing with pain. But sometimes it is well worth spending money to find some type of real relief
Many people are learning how to treat a pinched sciatic nerve with seated massage therapy. While this is most likely not covered by your insurance, the benefits of doing this once a week are well worth the price
This is hard to deal with, you wonder if the pain will ever go away. It doesn't have to be like this

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Spinal Decompression, Pinched Nerves, and Treating Lower and Upper Back Pain

Spinal Decompression, Pinched Nerves, and Treating Lower and Upper Back Pain
When people think of back pain, they often dread having to deal with incurable discomfort for the rest of their lives, having trouble getting up from a chair and forcing their bodies into strange positions in order to get into and out of their car. A life of back pain may be a life spent lying down and sleeping most of the day, trying to escape from having to perform any of the numerous movements that can cause a twinge in the back or a pinching of the nerve that can lead to not being able to walk at all for hours or days
And surgery to fix back pain issues is usually ineffective or, even worse, counterproductive. Modern science can fix a lot of issues on the front of the body, from taking out an appendix to removing entire sections of the intestines and stitching them back together. But when it comes to the back and the spinal column, many doctors and hospitals are ill-equipped to handle chronic spine pain issues. Thankfully, new methods and technology have been developed outside of the traditional medical care industry to address such problems
One relatively new method that is being used effectively in the treatment of back pain and pinched nerves in the spinal column is called spinal decompression therapy. The treatment is designed to relieve pressure on the joints of the spine and the nerves, while releasing any pinching of the nerves throughout the spinal column. The method that this type of therapy uses is traction, and it can be used to address such issues as degenerative, bulging, and herniated discs. Even sciatica or leg pain can be treated with spinal decompression
The main draw of the procedure for many back pain sufferers is that spinal decompression does not involve invasive surgery, injections, or large amounts of drugs. Instead, it uses decompression and relaxation cycles over a period of about a half hour to promote healing of the nerves and joints of the spine. Typically, there are fifteen cycles that alternate, which is how the procedure gets to about thirty total minutes of treatment time. Several sessions are done over time to further the healing processes of the body
The point of the procedure is to reduce the pressure on the discs while allowing the body to deliver nutrients and water to the area. A suctioning or vacuum-like effect is observed during spinal decompression, and it is theorized that this is what allows nutrients to enter into the area being worked on, and which also promotes healing of the disc and nerve. This can be especially important for people suffering low back pain, as the spinal discs usually receive poor circulation to begin with
Thus far, there is relatively little research discussing the effectiveness of spinal decompression for treating back pain. Although some studies have been done indicating that the treatment can reduce chronic back pain, more research will need to be done to discover just how effective it is. However, testimonials and the great demand of the therapy indicate that the general public, at least, is quickly becoming convinced of the effectiveness of spinal decompression in treating lower back pain and pinched nerves in the spine
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A Pinched Nerve May Be the Culprit Behind Your Back Pain

A Pinched Nerve May Be the Culprit Behind Your Back Pain
Some people endure terrible back pain for many years without really knowing the reason why.  People try exercises, medicines, and even change their posture, but yet they still have no luck.  People buy car seat support for their automobiles, spend thousands of dollars on ergonomic chairs or even get expensive massages, but yet they still have back pain.  Many people just don't realize that they might have nerve problems in their back commonly caused from a trapped or pinched nerve.  Usually a doctor or chiropractor can identify this problem quickly, usually in only one examination
People who experience pinched nerve pain, sometimes do not even have a pinched nerve at all, but may be suffering from more serious nerve injuries.  The pinched nerve feeling they're having could very well be caused by the nerve being inhibited in some way from its normal function.  It may be constricted, compressed or even stretched causing further damage to the surrounding nerves and tissues.  Sometimes this can be caused because of the surrounding tissues and bones putting pressure on the nerves.  Sometimes it's the other way around.  However, when this is the case the problem will only intensify if further left untreated, and should be dealt with as soon as possible
Back pain, in general, can be very hard to diagnose accurately, due to the fact that people experience back pain in different ways.  Some people experience short and often unpredicted tweaks to their back, while some endure constant nagging pain.  Others might have regular spasms which can lock your back, while others might experience a stinging feeling or even numbness.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms the best thing to do is to go see a chiropractor, so you can get properly diagnosed
There can be a long list of causes and reasons for back pain, including bad posture, having poorly made furniture, to serious nerve injuries.  However, as long as the list is of symptoms of back pain, there is an equally long list of treatments and cures.  You don't have to suffer from back pain, forever; the sooner you take action the sooner your back pain will be a distant memory.  The most important thing you can do is to get your back looked at by a professional chiropractor, so he can diagnose the problem and begin treating it immediately

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How to Fight Back Pain and Pinched Nerve Pain & Make it Completely Go Away

How to Fight Back Pain and Pinched Nerve Pain & Make it Completely Go Away
I bet you're one of us... people that no matter how hard you try sit with terrible posture, sit all day long, slouch on the couch, wake up with stiffness, and so many other issues that plague us. It's a simple fact that the majority of people (I personally think everybody) suffers from major posture problems that cause nerves to be pinched and pain to be felt
However, there are things you can do that will help you fight back and more or less cure this problem from every happening again
One thing that you should never do is begin popping the pain relief pills and taking other drugs that just mask the issue at hand. It's OK to take these if you're actually going to do something to cure the problem, but you need to make sure you do something. Many people will just take drugs to help with the pain and never do anything extra to actually get rid of the problem
Another popular method of fighting the issue of pain is to go to a chiropractor, get some acupuncture, or a physical therapist... even a personal trainer. All of these are great options and you should seriously consider them. Some actually work great together
For example, going to a chiropractor is usually a good idea just to have a professional look at the problem and diagnose some of the issues. On of the major things that can cure a lot of your issues with exercise and working out. So finding a trusted personal trainer can help build a stronger body and muscle system that will usually fix many problems you might be facing
However, there is also a third way to help your body fix these problems you're facing and that is to do it yourself and do it naturally. When you take this approach it is always a good thing to start with something that is very low risk and low impact. For example, many people find that simply riding a bike can help heal sciatic pain that comes from the lower back
Other things that people do to really help are yoga and pilates. Both of these are extremely closely related to a fitness program, but they work. In fact a good flexibility program, taken slowly, can really help relieve tons of stress in the lower back and it's been proven to help heal pinched nerves over time
There are also some great ergonomic books on the market that you can purchase. These books have very simple exercises that only take 10 minutes a day, but if you do them for a month or more, you can completely cure many alignment and pinched nerve problems
As you can see there are many ways to attack the issue of pinched nerves. The important thing is to cure the problem and not just mask it over by taking pain drugs. You don't want the problem to get worse and then later down the road have to deal with something like surgery or worse
Jim is a personal trainer and helps people all the time who suffer from many pains. He realizes that seeing a doctor or chiropractor will probably be your first best step, but doing so will help when you want to permanently fix the problem
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Pinched Nerves - How to Determine If You Have One

Pinched Nerves - How to Determine If You Have One
Sciatica, everyone has probably heard of it but do you know what it really is? Most might say that it's a pain you get in your leg but do you know where it comes from? What confuses a lot of people and even doctors is that sciatica is not a diagnosis, I repeat that sciatica is NOT a diagnosis, in fact there are 10 reasons at least as to why you can get sciatica, so if you go to your doctor and they give you that diagnosis and hand you a pill, get them to think again. Sciatica by definition is pain experienced in the distribution of the sciatic nerve, the sciatic nerve consists of 5 nerves exiting your lower lumber (back) area and exiting your sacrum (pelvic area), these nerves join as one and is called the sciatic nerve. This runs down the back of your leg to your ankle and sometimes affects the sole of your foot. The sciatic nerve feels sensations and allows you to move the muscles in your leg. Sciatica is a symptom rather then the cause
Here is a list of the 10 causes of sciatica pain:
    Sacroiliitis - an inflammatory process within the sacroiliac joint (pelvis) can be due to infection, sprain of the joint (misalignment), or an arthritic condition
    Iliolumber Syndrome - inflammation or sprain of the iliolumber ligament, a big ligament that runs across the top of your pelvis used for bending and twisting
    Quadratus Lumborum Syndrome - heard of the QL muscle, this is a muscle in your lower back; it can get tight and painful and refer pain down your leg
    Trochanteric Bursitis - the bursa at the upper side of your leg is inflamed
    Ischialgluteal Bursitis - inflammation of the bursa in your buttock, when you sit it is aggravated
    Posterior Facet Syndrome - facet joints are a part of your vertebra, they can be misaligned or degenerated

    Meralgia Paraesthetica - a nerve entrapped that passes through your hip flexor muscle within your pelvic area, can be due to pregnancy, tumours and infection
    Disc Herniation - also known as a prolapsed disc or bulging disc these days, when you injure a disc in your lower back due to strain or misalignment
    Lateral Canal Stenosis Syndrome - degeneration or arthritis where the nerve passes through the spine causing symptoms
    Myofascial Syndromes - when muscles are tight around the lower back and pelvic area they can cause referring pain.

You can have one of those conditions occurring or you can have 3-4 at once occurring but until you get a proper diagnosis of your condition and the primary cause discovered you will not get better. Sciatica occurs when the function of the nerve is affected, weakness, numbness or pins and needles can be present in the legs with or without lower back pain. Certain treatments are affective with sciatica, such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. What is also important is giving your body the nutrients it needs for tight muscles, inflammation and arthritic conditions, those include

- Calcium and magnesium, a good mineral supplement with calcium and magnesium restores the balance back in your muscles and relaxes them, also prevents cramping.
- Fatty acids, a good fat supplement such as flax seed oil or a fish oil supplement is good for your joints and bones helping arthritis and joint problems
- Glucoseamine has been shown to help with arthritic conditions I also use it in my clinic to get stability within the ligaments and joints.

Lifestyle changes are necessary to help the condition and to prevent recurrence, such as stretching and exercises. First, get the problem professionally diagnosed, take supplements to support the condition and make changes in your lifestyle

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6459691

Techniques For Reducing Pinched Nerve Treatments In The Winter

Techniques For Reducing Pinched Nerve Treatments In The Winter
Once more, the cold cold months of winter are here. Most of us decide to hibernate during this time, since our absolute favorite outdoor activities tend to be more challenging to participate in. Some of us can be driven to stay energetic by means of jogging, biking, snowboarding, winter hiking, etc., and putting on more layers to do the activities we enjoy. I have recognized, during my ten years in practice, that there is a rise in the number of people entering the office this time of year, complaining of serious pain connected with pinched nerves
The spine is made of individual spinal vertebrae and houses the spinal cord. The spinal cord stretches to every organ and system of the body by using a network of nerves leaving the vertebrae or bones of the spine. These vertebrae can easily turn and alter their placement resulting in pinching of the nerves of the body. This may result in soreness, feeling numb, tingling, a decrease of strength, along with a decrease of function. Other methods that nerves might pinch is simply by pressure from a spinal disc, also known as a herniated disc, as well as pressure coming from soft tissues which include muscle, ligament, or tendon. The most typical parts of the spine to get a pinched nerve is in the lower cervical spine, in the neck, especially at the fifth, sixth, or seventh cervical vertebrae
A lot of men and women with cervical pinched nerves can have pain in the neck, shoulder, shoulder blade, any area of the arm, the wrist, and normally may have numbness or tingling in the fingers. A person may have any just one of these types of symptoms. I have several patients with a pinching of the nerves in their neck that only have discomfort inside their shoulder, pain in the wrist, occasionally confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, or even just numbness and tingling in their fingers, and they are unsure where the cause of the problem is originating from. They may have no neck pain or neck immobility but the reason for the difficulty is actually coming from the spine, as this is the location where the nerve begins. Easy orthopedic tests, and dermatome, each vertebrae is associated with a certain skin area where pain or numbness and tingling exists, tests can establish which vertebrae should be remedied to eliminate the pressure off the nerve
Another popular area for a pinched nerve in the spine is in the lumbar spine, in the lower back, mainly the third, fourth, and fifth lumbar vertebrae. The most typical pinched nerve in this region of the spine is sometimes referred to as sciatica if it necessitates the sciatic nerve. The fourth lumbar is the origin of the sciatic nerve. With regards to this impingement, a patient might have pain just in the back of the leg, it can be shooting, sharp, as well as burning. They can have pain simply in the buttocks, or pain just in the foot or ankle. Just like in the neck they might not have any discomfort in the low back. Many of these people are convinced there is a leg or foot issue, when the reason for the problem is actually coming from much higher up in the spine
The frigid winter months cause our muscles, tendons, and ligaments to be tighter than in the hotter temperatures. Envision our muscles, tendons, and ligaments similar to rubber. Rubber stretches more when in warmer temperatures, but loses elasticity in the colder weather. This is the same way the soft tissues of our body work. So, in the wintry temperature months our muscles, tendons, and ligaments will not be stretching out as a lot and are basically pulling somewhat harder on the vertebrae of the spine. This might lead to a vertebrae going out of alignment and triggering a pinching of a nerve
Preventing Pinched Nerves
The most beneficial injury and pinched nerve prevention, when you are engaging in a task in winter months, would be to do a very delicate warm up. For about 10 minutes before you participate in the activity mimic the movements that you do in your activity. For example mild running, twisting, throwing, lifting, and this really should be at about 10 to 15 percent of your maximum output. This will increase blood flow to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, allowing them to be more flexible and shock absorber ready
Proper stretching after the warm-up, and then again after the exercise is key for attaining optimum injury prevention and hopefully protecting against pinched nerves. The issue is that stretching out is frequently carried out improperly. The majority of people extend too much and too rapidly. Stretches must be mild, and produce a relaxing sensation of gentle stretch or tension. There should be no pain, discomfort, or bouncing movements. The stretch should be kept for around thirty seconds, but no less than twenty. Stretching too strongly, or for less than twenty seconds might trigger a stretch response which could actually cause the muscle to tighten-up even more
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5678449

Low Back Pain, Sciatica and Pinched Nerve Pain

Low Back Pain, Sciatica and Pinched Nerve Pain
Spinal stenosis is a condition where for a variety of reasons the spinal canal becomes more narrow. This narrowing can put additional pressure and compression on the spinal cord and can cause a pinching of the nerve roots. If the narrowing is in the lower part of spinal cord it is referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis and if the narrowing is in the upper part of the spinal cord then it is referred to as cervical spinal stenosis. While stenosis can also occur in the thoracic or upper back region, the lumbar and cervical areas are the most common
Who Gets Spinal Stenosis
While some people are born with stenosis, most of the time spinal stenosis is seen in people over the age of 50 who already have some disc degeneration just as a consequence of getting older as well as the gradual wearing down on the spine from normal activities. As we get older, our spinal ligaments can calcify, bone spurs may form, and we can get herniated or ruptured discs. All these conditions can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal which can compress and pinch the spinal nerves.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include back pain radiating to the legs, numbness or pain in the buttocks that worsen when walking or exercising, leg weakness, decreased physical endurance, loss of balance, and leg and neck pain.
Spinal Stenosis Treatments
In general doctors tend to take a conservative approach when initially treating spinal stenosis. Drug therapy such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling are usually prescribed first, along with bed rest and reduced physical activity. Steroid injections can also be use to help reduce swelling although the pain relief is normally temporary
Traction and spinal decompression may be prescribed, along with physical therapy which can be used to help increase flexibility as well as build endurance.
If the pain is acute, then surgery may be needed in order to widen the spinal canal and to correct the conditions that are contributing to the nerve compression.
Some of the surgical procedures used to treat spinal stenosis are:
Decompressive laminectomy. This is used for treating lumbar spinal stenosis and involves removing the top of the vertebra to create more space for the nerves.
Laminotomy. This is a partial removal of the lamina which can be done to widen the spinal canal and relieve compression on the nerve roots.
Foraminotomy. Removal of bone, scar tissue, or other obstructions that are compressing the nerve root exiting the spinal canal.
Due to the risks involved, many doctors will resort to surgical treatments only after non-surgical treatments have been tried first.
This article is not meant to replace the sound advice of a personal physician. Patients should discuss with their doctor all their treatment options before taking any medical course of action
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1587220

How Chiropractic Care Helps in Treating Pinched Nerves

How Chiropractic Care Helps in Treating Pinched Nerves
A pinched nerve happens when there is too much pressure applied to a nerve by its surrounding tissues such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. The pressure can cause disruption to the nerve's function which in turn may cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. This condition can occur in any part of your body, but it is more often to happen in the back. In the field of chiropractic, this term is identified as subluxation
In addition to the back, a pinched nerve may also occur in the neck, wrist, or elbow. There are many different potential causes for it, depending on the location of the nerve. If it occurs in the neck or lower back, it may be due to a herniated disc, arthritis, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis. If it occurs in the wrist or elbow, it may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, or cubital tunnel syndrome. Other causes of this condition may be due to injury, bruise, or swelling of extremities during pregnancy
The symptoms of a pinched nerve may vary depending on which nerve is affected. The common symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness along the path of the nerve. When it occurs in the neck, there is pain or stiffness, along with the symptoms that radiates down the arm. If it is in the lower back, there is pain and stiffness with symptoms that runs down the leg. If it is in the wrist, the thumb, index, and middle fingers are usually affected and it may also cause weakness in gripping objects, and if it occurs in the elbow, it usually affects the forearm, the ring finger, and the small fingers of the hand
Chiropractic treatment can provide relief to pinched nerves without the use of drugs and expensive surgery. It begins with knowing the medical history of the patient and then a chiropractor will conduct diagnostic tests on the patient to determine the exact location and the cause of the nerve disorder. Once they are identified, the chiropractor will make some spinal adjustments using different methods to treat the problem
Usually, three to six visits can show positive results. While in some cases, patients get instant relief upon their first visit. Additional visits to a chiropractic clinic can treat misalignment and promote nerve and joint health. If the pinched nerve persists after three to six visits, the chiropractor might use other treatment methods such as back brace or traction, electrical stimulation, physical therapy, and soft tissue therapy. The body has the capability to heal itself and the chiropractor supports its healing capabilities to improve its health
Chiropractors are the only professionals who specialize in detecting and eliminating pinched nerve problems. The goal of chiropractic care is to allow the flow of communication to the brain and from the brain and every cell, tissue, organ, and system in the body which is a prerequisite to health
It is important to have an early diagnosis to prevent further injury or complications brought by pinched nerves. Even the slightest misalignment can cause pressure and irritation to the nerves and may lead to more severe and disabling illness if not treated

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4880203

Pinched Nerve Relief

Pinched Nerve Relief
Many people in our modern world struggle with the pain that arises due to pinched nerves and sciatica. This is often due to a combination of factors including
    poor ergonomics in the work place
    a sedentary lifestyle
    imbalanced exercise patterns
    poor dietary patterns
    injury or trauma
    chronic stress
There are a variety of natural approaches that can work for pinched nerve pain. If you haven't pursued therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, or physical therapy these therapies can work well, but they can also be expensive with a prolonged treatment plan in order to make substantial progress.
Still, it is better to pursue these natural therapies first before you would rely on Western medications to keep the pain under control. The Western medications are like putting a bandage on the real issue; they don't treat the root cause and may even delay the healing process if they are relied upon excessively
There are a variety of exercises and stretches that you can do at home that can offer substantial benefit for pinched nerve pain. Sometimes these very simple and gentle approaches can even resolve the pain completely. Always start with the most simple, gentle, and inexpensive approach
For instance, many people find that riding a bike for even 10 minutes a day can heal sciatic pain that radiates from the low back down the leg. Others find that certain yoga postures like plow pose or standing forward bend can profoundly relieve pinched nerve pain. Others have used approaches like applying pressure to the affected nerve with a tennis ball to increase blood circulation to the area.
Generally speaking, there are a lot of natural approaches you can take to heal pinched nerve pain before you rely on medications or consider surgery
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2357675

Pinched Nerve Neck Pain

Pinched Nerve Neck Pain
if you're experiencing chronic pinched nerve neck pain, don't hesitate to see a chiropractor for treatment. The following article discusses causes, symptoms, and effective methods of chiropractic treatment for pinched neck anguish
What are the symptoms of pinched nerve neck pain
Common symptoms of nerve neck pain include neck anguish (chronic or less severe) as well as pain radiating down the neck and arms or sometimes even as far down as the hands. The reason individuals experience nerve neck anguish is because your nerves, the cells that specialize in transmitting messages throughout your entire body become damaged
Pinched nerve neck pain: how does it occur
You can damage, injure, or "pinch" a nerve in a variety of ways: overstretching the nerve, constricting the nerve, and compressing are a few. Nerve neck pain can result from bony growths in your neck that occur from arthritis or any degenerative disease that places pressure on the nerves in the neck. You may suffer from neck anguish due to spinal stenosis, a condition that causes the space between your neck and spinal vertebrae to narrow. Spinal stenosis applies increased pressure to nerves. Herniated disks are also a contributor to pinched nerve neck anguish-in those cases, disks can "slip out of place". Carpal tunnel is also a cause of nerves, as that area which all finger tendons and nerves pass through the hand is a bottleneck area
If you suffer from neck pain, consult a chiropractor for treatment options. Common pinched nerve neck symptoms include numbness in the hands or legs, back spasms, tingling, burning, or hot/cold sensations
Are you experiencing pain radiating from your neck
Does your neck feel weak
Do you feel a numb, prickling, or burning sensation in your neck
Do any of the sensations/pain extend beyond your neck
If you're experiencing any or all of those neck anguish sensations, it's best to consult with a chiropractor. Very few patients need surgery for pinched nerves; for most of them, non-surgical treatments such as Chiropractic Care, physical therapy, or medication will provide relief from nerve pain. There are a variety of focused therapies to help you find relief from all your nerve symptoms and have a better long-term outcome. Let a chiropractor work with you to develop a treatment plan and get you on the road to recovery
Consult a chiropractor about your neck anguish-although some nerve problems can be resolved without any treatment, others can degenerate and numbness, damage, burning, or tingling sensations can become permanent
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4391720

Causes of Your Pain - Pulled Muscle, Pinched Nerve, Or Pain Syndrome

Causes of Your Pain - Pulled Muscle, Pinched Nerve, Or Pain Syndrome
Sometimes it's tough to know what is causing your painful symptoms. This is especially true if your pain is persistent, despite your attempts to relieve it and prevent it. If your pain continues for several weeks, or several months, many roots may be possible
Muscle Strains, Fascial Sprains.
You can perform a few simple tests to narrow your pain down to soft tissue injury. These may help you determine if your pain is related to muscles and connective tissue, as opposed to nerves or the neuromuscular system
Maybe you pulled, or strained, a muscle. You might have sprained the connective tissue, or fascia. Ask yourself these questions
Does it hurt when I move in a certain direction
Does it hurt when I press a body part against something (resistance
Does applying basic first aid provide relief
Is my pain a deep soreness, nagging ache, or intense pain
If your pain feels like numbness, tingling, zapping, shooting pains, or weakness, then you should consider nerve injure.
Pinched nerves.
When you have pain associated with blocked nerve signals, it is called impingement. Nerve signs are different from muscular signs
When a nerve is impinged, or pinched, you are more likely to feel it at an area where nerve bundles pass through, instead of muscle pain that is felt in the muscle itself. You are more likely to feel shooting pain, numbness, tingling or weakness when nerve restrictions are causing your pain
Pain Syndromes
There are several different types of pain syndromes, or symptom clusters, which may also cause your pain. Their symptoms might resemble those mentioned above, but they will require careful diagnosis and a different treatment plan
Myofascial Pain Syndrome might first appear to be pain in one or more areas. It may be confused for muscle soreness from exertion. Or it might feel like a muscle strain or tension. But the pain will eventually be felt in different parts of the body. And sometimes the pain in those areas might not seem related
Your pain might feel like a pinched nerve, or mixed nerve signals
But it might be related to a condition like a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This kind of syndrome affects the nervous system and can be difficult to distinguish from common nerve impingements
Perhaps you notice swelling, oversensitive skin or skin changes in the painful area, or circulation changes. If you feel these, alongside your muscular aches and/or nerve pains, especially if you have been experiencing a lot of stress in your life, then a CRPS should be considered
If a pain syndrome is underlying your ongoing pain, then you need to take a different approach to relief and treatment

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1588669

Back Pain - How Does a Pinched Nerve Cause Back Pain

Back Pain - How Does a Pinched Nerve Cause Back Pain
What is a pinched nerve and how does it cause back pain? We have all heard the term either from a doctor or friend. If like me you suffer from an aching back then you maybe a victim of a pinched nerve. All you know is it hurts! All you care about is finding a way to lose the pain. Hopefully this article will help
A pinched or compressed nerve is what happens when a nerve is irritated because of an injury to the surrounding tissue. In the case of back and spinal conditions the problem is usually from a disc that has bulged out from the vertebrae and is pressing against the root of a spinal nerve. The medical term for this is condition is "radiculopathy". Pressure on this nerve root can send pain radiated down the nerve. In my case a herniated disc in my lower back pressed against my sciatic nerve resulting in pain shooting all the way to my right foot. In addition to pain you may also experience tingling sensations, numbness and cold
Is there a cure for a pinched nerve? The good news is yes! In most cases taking Tylenol or other over the counter medication, rest and an ice pack will relieve the pain. In more severe cases spinal injections and even surgery maybe necessary. However more and more doctors are recommending physical therapy and/or some form of exercise program in lieu of surgery
But how do you prevent a pinched nerve? How do you lose the pain and get on with your life? Well the answer is to find a system that strengthens the back and abdominal muscles correcting muscle imbalance. One of the top rated programs is The Lose The Back Pain System developed by The Healthy Back Institute. This program has helped thousands to lose their back pain for good. The Lose The Back Pain System custom designs a program of specific movements and exercises tailored to your exact needs
The Buck Stops Here! You deserve relief from your aching back and to live pain free There are alternatives to suffering and surgery. As someone who has suffered with debilitating back pain, I believe you owe it to yourself to know all the facts
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2684701

Pinched Nerve in Back

Pinched Nerve in Back
A Pinched Nerve in Back is often associated with a slipped disc, ruptured disc, prolapsed disc or degenerative disc disease. The most common term used to describe such condition is herniated disc. Others refer to it as bulging disc. It happens when the nerve that travels in between the vertebrae (known as the backbone) has been impinged or compressed causing symptoms of numbness, burning and a tingling-type of pain along the nerve path
The causes vary in nature but most have something to do with postural dysfunctions that put abnormal pressure on the disc situated between the vertebral bodies which eventually cause the wear and tear. When this happens, the area that has been affected gets in contact with the nerve thereby causing pain
Muscle imbalance or wrong pull of the muscle secondary to a wrong twisting motion and improper lifting manoeuvre can likewise cause pinched nerve in the back. In such cases, the muscles involved along with the other structures can cause abnormal pressure or impingement on the nerve causing dull and aching pain. In some cases it may even result in sharp, shooting and excruciating pain
Other symptoms include numbness along the affected area that radiates all the way down to the lower extremities, inability to move the trunk and limitation of motion, pain during walking and when standing up and a throbbing pain that does not seem to go away even when you are not engaged in any physical movements
People who have suffered from pinched nerve in the back complain of low back pain that can either be localized, diffused or radiating. The type and nature of pain depends upon the severity of the nerve impingement as well as the location (or level) of the affected nerve. Most people who suffer from this injury or condition experience limitation in their movements and difficulty moving around
There are some who can manage to walk with support but may require assistance in some of their activities of daily living or ADL's particularly in going to the bathroom, using the stairs and getting dressed. The pain can become very disturbing which, in more severe cases, can lead to disability
It should be understood that most cases of pinched nerve in the back, particularly the ones which are secondary to degenerative joint disease, does not happen overnight. It may be the result of a consistent bad lifting or posture habit that gradually causes increased presure on the nerve. It takes a relatively long time before the condition can cause a nerve to be put under significant pressure to cause the pain, numbness and tingling sensation that radiates in other parts of the body. This is something that should be understood about the course of this disease
In cases wherein postural dysfunction is the main cause of the impingement or slipped disc, the pain is indeed very sudden but usually, appropriate treatment and therapy are initiated as soon as the inflammation subsides. Lastly, pinched nerve in back is a painful condition that requires medical attention and physical therapy. Postural training and proper trunk movements are usually taught during the therapy sessions to avoid recurrence.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5840048

Pinched Nerve Relief

Pinched Nerve Relief
Many people in our modern world struggle with the pain that arises due to pinched nerves and sciatica. This is often due to a combination of factors including
    poor ergonomics in the work place
    a sedentary lifestyle
    imbalanced exercise patterns
    poor dietary patterns
    injury or trauma
    chronic stress
There are a variety of natural approaches that can work for pinched nerve pain. If you haven't pursued therapies such as acupuncture, chiropractic, or physical therapy these therapies can work well, but they can also be expensive with a prolonged treatment plan in order to make substantial progress
Still, it is better to pursue these natural therapies first before you would rely on Western medications to keep the pain under control. The Western medications are like putting a bandage on the real issue; they don't treat the root cause and may even delay the healing process if they are relied upon excessively
There are a variety of exercises and stretches that you can do at home that can offer substantial benefit for pinched nerve pain. Sometimes these very simple and gentle approaches can even resolve the pain completely. Always start with the most simple, gentle, and inexpensive approach
For instance, many people find that riding a bike for even 10 minutes a day can heal sciatic pain that radiates from the low back down the leg. Others find that certain yoga postures like plow pose or standing forward bend can profoundly relieve pinched nerve pain. Others have used approaches like applying pressure to the affected nerve with a tennis ball to increase blood circulation to the area
Generally speaking, there are a lot of natural approaches you can take to heal pinched nerve pain before you rely on medications or consider surgery
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2357675

My Lower Back Hurts! Pinched Nerves Can Rain on Your Parade

My Lower Back Hurts! Pinched Nerves Can Rain on Your Parade
Does your lower back hurt? Pinched nerves can be your nemesis! Studies show that over 80% of all adults will suffer from some form of back pain at some point in their life. The good news is that relief for lower back pain is possible. Forget about prescription drugs, costly treatments, and dangerous surgeries. Here you will learn how to bring fast relief for your lower back pain, and free your pinched nerves. These are 3 of the most popular ways to bring you relief and stop your lower back from hurtingHot Yoga
I personally like Hot Yoga because of its ability to loosen the muscles by warming them up. Yoga is gentle, and yet very effective in allowing you to stretch and gain strength in the different muscles used for balancing the body. Hot Yoga is SWEATY, but it sure is worth a try. You will feel much more limber, and the pain you once had, will be a faint memory. You can do hot yoga in your own home, just turn up the heat, and put in a yoga DVD. Of course, it probably WILL be better in a proper studio...
Rest
You must be thinking, "REST? Is he kidding me?". It's true, giving the area that is painful plenty of rest, can bring you relief faster than you might expect. Pain is usually caused by overworking or overloading a muscle. Rest is a sure fire way to relax the muscle, and relieve the pain. Be careful though, there IS such a thing as too much rest
 Heat Treatment
Use hot baths or heat pack to help relieve your lower back muscles. Heat relaxes the muscles, and when the muscles relax, the pain starts going away. Be careful not to over do it with the heat packs, too long and you might cause some damage to the tissues and muscles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2820094

Pinched Back Nerve - How to Treat Any Pinched Nerve Affecting Your Back

Pinched Back Nerve - How to Treat Any Pinched Nerve Affecting Your Back
For anyone who is having difficulties against the soreness resulting from a pinched nerve within your lower back, you can find a variety of treatments and workouts that should really demonstrate to be beneficial in reducing or eliminating the soreness. It is actually, obviously, essential to say initially that generally if the soreness has gone on for in excess of some weeks, it truly is most effective to visit your doctor and get an x-ray taken of the spine to rule out any kind of significant spinal concerns or ailments
Very simple actions to take are to make sure that you use a proper ergonomic station in the event you to utilize a laptop or computer throughout the day. Should you are likely to slouch considerably or even make your chest area concave as you are working, then this can wear out the organic flexibility of your lower spine gradually and lead to lower backside discomfort and sciatic issues
Also ensure you are performing a few minutes on a daily basis of basic conditioning physical exercises. Your own core will be the area just underneath your navel. Any time these muscles grow to be flaccid resulting from deficiency of use, your spinal strength might be jeopardized so you will likely be much more open to pinched nerve and lower back discomfort
Additionally it is advisable that you simply are certain that you are getting light motion on a daily schedule. Riding a bike is the best type of workout for a pinched nerve in the back, as many people obtain fantastic pain relief via the repetitive cycling motions. There exist in fact several workouts which can be of terrific assistance in lowering the pain and healing the spine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5680808

Pinched Lower Back Nerve

Pinched Lower Back Nerve
If you are struggling with the pain resulting from a pinched nerve in your lower back, there are a variety of treatments and exercises that should prove to be helpful in reducing or eliminating the pain. It is, of course, important to say up front that if the pain has persisted for more than a few weeks, it is best to see a doctor and get an MRI taken of your spine to rule out any serious spinal problems or illnesses
Simple measures to take are to make sure that you have a proper ergonomic station if you sit at a computer all day. If you tend to slouch a lot or make your chest concave as you are working, then this can wear down the natural elasticity of the lower spine over time and lead to low back pain and sciatic problems
Also make sure that you are doing a few minutes a day of core strengthening exercises. Your core is the area just underneath your navel. When these muscles become flaccid due to lack of use, your spinal integrity will be compromised and you will be much more vulnerable to pinched nerve and low back pain
I also recommend that you make sure that you are getting gentle movement on a daily basis. Bike riding is an ideal form of exercise for a pinched nerve in the lower back, as many people find great relief from the repetitive cycling motion. There are indeed many exercises that can be of great assistance in reducing the pain and healing the spine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2374759

Very Bad Lower Back Pain - Bad Posture and Pinched Nerve Remedies

Very Bad Lower Back Pain - Bad Posture and Pinched Nerve Remedies
Is your posture bad
Do you currently have any burning sensations in your lower back
Introduction
Lower back pain can be caused by a bulging disc, muscle strain or any number of spinal problems. This can limit your daily activities and cause you extreme anguish at any moment of your day. The bottom line is that you will probably want relief from these issues and it would be great if this could be done without having to go in for surgery, right? - This free health information can help you
Back Problems
Bad posture in either the sitting or standing position places much more stress on your spine. You may not always have noticed it, but its true. If you add on to this the action of lifting something, or even turning the wrong way, you may realize that you are literally in fits because your back pain is now taking over your days. Bulging discs can press on nerves in your lower back and this can send pain radiating down your lower back to your legs and even down to your feet
So what's the solution
Do you go in for surgery, or would it be helpful to try other non-surgical applications first to see if the pain will subside
 Non-surgical Treatment
In medical setting all over the United States and the rest of the world the application of low profile back supports can really provide quick relief. This is not a joke. People who use a quality made support can be low profile in design and can help to take the stress off of your lower back. It can also help to remind you not to make certain movements that can make your pain flare up. You may have never considered using a brace in the past, but it is a good idea to consider them. Why? - These supports are distributed on a daily basis in hospitals as a recognized treatment option for stability and pain relief. Not only that, back supports can also be billed to your insurance, which means that you may not have to pay a dime for the support you are getting
Note: This is health information. Medical advice on braces for your back should be provided to you by your local, licensed orthotist. These individuals have studied in the field of orthotics and know how to get you the best support for your needs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6118850

Pinched Nerve Treatment

Pinched Nerve Treatment
There are many things that can be done to treat a pinched nerve in your neck or back, but what is best for you will of course depend on what your underlying issue is that caused the pinched nerve in the first place
Pinched Nerve Treatment
Back brace or corset
When worn, a brace can help to limit the amount of movement that the back can make and it also helps to keep the spine properly aligned. By doing this you may be able to keep your nerve from being pinched. However wearing a back brace or corset for a long period of time after the back has finished healing will cause the back muscles to weaken.
Medications
Medications such as Ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation temporarily, while Acetaminophen can also be used to reduce pain or muscle soreness temporarily. There are also muscle relaxants that can help to reduce muscle spasms if that is a problem.
Rest
Sometimes a small amount of rest can be helpful by allowing the back to heal, but you will want to make sure that you do not rest to much as this can weaken the back muscles.
Cold therapy
This can be used if there is an acute injury, these are injuries that occur suddenly and not gradually over a period of time. This can be helpful by restricting the amount of blood that flows to the injured area helping to reduce swelling and pain.
Heat Therapy
This would be more useful if you have chronic back pain. Chronic back pain can be described as pain that occurs gradually and is long lasting. Heat therapy can help to relax sore muscles, increase joint mobility, and increase the amount of blood flow to the injured area. This increase of blood to the area can help to promote faster healing. If you have any swelling or inflammation you should not use this treatment as it will only make it worse.
Ultrasound
This can be used to promote tissue healing and is very effective if the pinched nerve is being caused by soft tissue irritation.
Massage therapy
Deep tissue massage can be helpful at reducing pain caused by a pinched nerve. This therapy can help reduce pain, increase blood circulation and increase joint flexibility, it is possible that the area may feel tender or inflamed following the massage, this should be only temporary.
Stretching
Making it a habit to stretch before and after an activity can help reduce the risk of injury by increasing back stability and flexibility. Before attempting any stretching techniques you should consult with your physician.
Exercise
Like stretching it can help to increase stability in the back by strengthening the muscles, improve flexibly and help to keep the body in good condition.
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese technique can be performed to relieve back pain and promote healing. It is done by inserting needles into the skin and applying heat or electrical stimulation to those needles. This helps to trigger natural pain relieving chemicals from the brain as well as reducing inflammation and relaxing tense or sore muscles.

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A Pinched Nerve

A Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can be the culprit in upper, mid, or lower back pain. A herniated, or bulging disc, or a slipped disc, can be the cause. A swollen inflamed disc can narrow the area through which a nerve passes, thereby creating the "pinched nerve". Relief is possible, as inflammation and swelling can be decreased, taking pressure of the nerve and other surrounding tissues
A slipped disc is one which has become swollen, inflamed, and has moved out from the vertebrae, or spinal bones. If treated soon enough, it may regain its former position completely
The easiest home care is icing. A fabric covered ice pack is the simplest to use. You can put it right next to your skin for 15-20 minutes, but no longer. A plastic covered ice pack can be wrapped with a towel. Used improperly, you can get a freezer burn on your skin. Use a timer and you can really relax
Chiropractic services for a pinched nerve would involve some therapy on the muscle tissues for relaxation. This could be followed by an adjustment to correct mis-alignments in various areas of the spine.
Sometimes trauma to one area refers tension to the other areas of the back. And mis-alignments follow in areas where you do not feel the degree of pain that you do in the original affected area
During your course of treatment your inflammation will decrease (assuming you are not re-straining your back in your daily activities) and at some point your chiropractor will show you some appropriate exercises to strengthen your back, and in addition, good stretching exercises
These may include exercise for your core area, or abdominal muscles. You have muscles that support your posture on the front part of your spine. When they are strengthened, future back injuries are less likely.
Everyone responds differently to back pain treatment, depending on previous injuries and overall health. Ask your chiropractor about exercise, diet, your sleeping position, or your office chair. Many things we take for granted can contribute to a sore back. Visit us and learn more about recovery from a pinched nerve

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Herniated Discs and Pinched Nerves

Herniated Discs and Pinched Nerves
How is your lower back feeling these days? Do you suffer from pain in your lower back that really is starting to hinder your daily activities
 Introduction
When you have a lower back problem, whether it is due to a herniated disc, pinched nerve or a muscle strain, the result can stay the same... Your back pain can start to consume your life! You can have lumbar or sacral pain problems due to a number of different ailments. We will review them in this article and help you find pain relief as well
Remember, a back problem is something that you do not deserve to deal with! - You should not have to deal with lower back pain for any reason! - If you suffer, then read through this brief, free article
 Herniated Discs
As a result of a herniated disc, you may have pain due to nerve compression in your lower back. You might also lose partial function of certain muscles that are effected by your herniated disc as well. - Unfortunate, but true. - So now what? - You can not let the disc problem win, so it is time to start thinking about your treatment options.
Treatment Options
Many times your physician might suggest that you undergo physical therapy and take pain medication. These two methods have helped people in the past, but there is a down side in our opinion. Pain medication can sometimes only mask the pain and how much physical therapy is enough? - Money can start pouring down the drain and now you will have to worry about the back pain, and in addition you will need to start worrying about your bank account as well!
Rest is also a very useful treatment option. It is, but how many of us can talk a lot of time off of work or school to lay in bed and rest? - Many doctors actually disagree with more than 2 days of rest anyways because your muscles that support you do not remain as strong and this can really start to be bad for your lower back as well
A Power Treatment Option - Conservative, Yet Extremely Useful
Lower back support is a medically documented treatment option that many physicians recommend. Why? - Biomechanically, a quality made lower back brace can off load your lower back and help to immediately alleviate your pain symptoms. This can help promote healing as well
Good posture can also be facilitated by the use of a lower back support. This can be a very good thing because when the brace helps to limit painful and damaging movements, you will then realize the benefits of the support. The truth is that you may forget you have the brace on but it does not forget about you. - When you block those one or two movements that will further your pain and injury level, per day, you will begin to promote healing and this is a very useful concept for people with lower back pain. Not only that, many quality made, low profile supports are easily concealed by the use of a t-shirt as well!
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Lower Back Pain and Pinched Nerve Pain Relief With Epidural Steroid Injections

Lower Back Pain and Pinched Nerve Pain Relief With Epidural Steroid Injections

Sadly, the vast majority of us are going to experience back pain at some point in our lives. Although many of us may be able to control this pain through over-the-counter painkillers or perhaps some light physical therapy and bed rest, there are going to be some of us that have back pain to the extent where we need to seek medical attention

A common type of back pain or pinched nerve pain that is experienced is as a result of a slipped or herniated disc. These discs are gel filled material that exist between the vertebrae of our spine and allow the vertebrae to move independently of each other and also protect it from damage. Should these happen to crack or slip out of place, the pain that we experience can be extremely severe

There are a lot of different ways that a slipped or herniated disc can be treated. These can include such things as physical therapy, bed rest, traction, spinal decompression, painkillers, surgery and natural forms of treatment. There may be times, however, whenever an epidural steroid injection is prescribed. What exactly is an epidural steroid injection, how is it administered and what can it do for you

An epidural is a rather broad term that refers to an injection which goes into the epidural space in the spinal column. The epidural space is in the outermost part of the spinal canal and it lies outside of the dura matter which encases the spinal column. The injected steroids mimic cortisone and hydrocortisone which can reduce the inflammation that surround the affected nerves. This can give almost immediate relief to the pain that is experienced in this area and can help to keep the inflammation down for a considerable amount of time in order to allow for more effective pain management

Unfortunately, the relief that is felt as a result of the epidural steroid injection is usually temporary. Also, the steroids that are injected can have side effects which may include weakened muscles, a decrease in bone density, and possible lowering of the steroids that your body produces naturally

Be sure to discuss with your personal physician the pros and cons of epidural steroid injections for providing back pain and pinched nerve pain relief

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Solutions For a Pinched Nerve

Solutions For a Pinched Nerve

One of the most common causes behind complaints of neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain; a pinched nerve can cause excruciating pain until it is properly treated. After enduring intense massages, the next place that most patients turn to is a chiropractor.
The term pinched nerve means that a nerve has been compressed or forcibly stretched in some fashion. If the nerve originates in the neck or back, the condition can have symptoms of tingling, burning or numbness in either the back of the neck or behind the shoulder. This will also cause the muscles of the back to tighten in response, putting even more pressure on the nerves.
Realignment and Decompression
When you visit the chiropractor for a pinched nerve, you have two options available for you right away. The first, realignment, involves the manipulation of the bones surrounding the spinal column and those found within the affected area. The chiropractor will pop and stretch out those bones and muscles slowly and carefully, so that the pressure on the nerve will be eased.
Decompression is a non-surgical solution offered in some chiropractic offices as pinched nerve treatments. This involves a sophisticated multileveled table with proprietary biofeedback that manipulates the spine to form its own natural vacuum within it. This vacuum will ease the pressure from a pinched nerve, lower back pain and even a herniated disc.
Subluxation
A pinched nerve can also be the result of subluxation, a condition that occurs when a bone is partially pushed or pulled out of its usual position within a joint, like kneecaps, hips, fingers, elbows and shoulders. This is almost always caused by some trauma, like a direct blow to the joint affected, a fall, or by making a sudden twisting movement. This can happen to everyone, even during everyday activities.
The chiropractic treatment for a subluxation usually involves adjusting the joints and bones by twisting, pulling or pushing movements. Heat, electrical stimulation and ultrasound treatments are often used in conjunction with the manipulations to ease the threat to the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage that surround the joint. Care must also be taken so that no nerves or blood vessels are permanently injured during the treatment.
Herniated Disc
Pain that is thought to be the result of a pinched nerve might also be from a herniated disc. The bones that form the spine in a person's back are actually cushioned by small discs that literally act as shock absorbers. As we age, these spongy discs get drier and more brittle. Sudden trauma to the spine causes these discs to bulge or break open. When this happens it is herniated, and the bulging can cause nerves in the spine to become compressed.
A sure sign of a possible herniated disc is weakness or numbness in both legs or loss of bladder control in severe cases. Treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, heat and rest, depending upon the severity. A decompression table can also help restore the disc to its proper position.
Spinal Stenosis
This condition is caused by the narrowing of the spaces along the spine. When the space is reduced, the spine becomes compressed in a very painful way. The spaces are narrowed through arthritis or through the growth of bone spurs within the spinal column.
Spinal stenosis causes chronic lower back pain and can sometimes pinch the nerves that control muscle power and sensation in the legs. This is best treated through medication, manipulation or flexing of the spinal column and rest can restore some comfort. In extreme cases, surgery may be used to remove the spurs from the spinal column.
Resource
Don't let a pinched nerve hamper your movements any more. If you suffer from severe neck, back or shoulder pain brought on by a pinched nerve, a visit to a qualified chiropractor is set you right in no time at all. Visit Chiropractic Center of Lakeland today to stay pain free

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Think You May Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Back

Think You May Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Back
A pinched nerve in your back can be described as compressed or injured. From a medical-standpoint, there is very little difference in semantics. However, having a pinched, or compressed nerve, is something that should not be taken lightly-as if left untreated, it will likely leave you with a numb, weak, and even pain-ridden back. Here are some of the classic symptoms associated with pinched nerves, particularly originating from the back area.
The most common indicators of a probable pinched nerve include numbness, or a part of the back which has lost much or all of its feeling; tingling; or weakness in the region that the nerve serves. There can also very well be sharp pains in the region of a pinched nerves-most notably numbness and pain in the legs. Twitching of the muscle(s) in the particular region or muscular spasms ("pins and needles") are also tell-tell signs of a possible pinched or compressed back nerve.
The causes of pinched nerves are not simply defined. Historically, a compressed nerve has been determined to be the aftermath of such things as disc herniation, repetitive stress-related injuries, poor posture, being overweight, osteoporotic fractures and osteoarthritis. Take note, however, that long term pain in the back is rarely a sign of a compressed nerve, at least in theory, a completely compressed nerve.
A partially compressed nerve, to the contrary, can likely be the culprit of chronic back pain and weakness, since a portion of the nerve is still transmitting, but what is being transmitted between the nerve and your brain is essentially "I'm injured and I need help". Usually a compressed nerve will cause only numbness and weakness, though.
Tips to help alleviate pinched nerves include staying physically active and consulting with a chiropractor. By laying in bed, sitting still, or just lounging around much of the time, your heart is weakened-and thus, so will be your muscles. Do regular stretches and aerobic exercises. This will make the heart stronger, and in turn, provide much a better blood flow to the affected areas in your back (as well as other parts of the body that may be troublesome
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Low Back Pain, Sciatica and Pinched Nerve Pain

Low Back Pain, Sciatica and Pinched Nerve Pain
Spinal stenosis is a condition where for a variety of reasons the spinal canal becomes more narrow. This narrowing can put additional pressure and compression on the spinal cord and can cause a pinching of the nerve roots. If the narrowing is in the lower part of spinal cord it is referred to as lumbar spinal stenosis and if the narrowing is in the upper part of the spinal cord then it is referred to as cervical spinal stenosis. While stenosis can also occur in the thoracic or upper back region, the lumbar and cervical areas are the most common.
Who Gets Spinal Stenosis
While some people are born with stenosis, most of the time spinal stenosis is seen in people over the age of 50 who already have some disc degeneration just as a consequence of getting older as well as the gradual wearing down on the spine from normal activities. As we get older, our spinal ligaments can calcify, bone spurs may form, and we can get herniated or ruptured discs. All these conditions can lead to a narrowing of the spinal canal which can compress and pinch the spinal nerves.
Spinal Stenosis Symptoms
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include back pain radiating to the legs, numbness or pain in the buttocks that worsen when walking or exercising, leg weakness, decreased physical endurance, loss of balance, and leg and neck pain.
Spinal Stenosis Treatments
In general doctors tend to take a conservative approach when initially treating spinal stenosis. Drug therapy such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling are usually prescribed first, along with bed rest and reduced physical activity. Steroid injections can also be use to help reduce swelling although the pain relief is normally temporary.
Traction and spinal decompression may be prescribed, along with physical therapy which can be used to help increase flexibility as well as build endurance.
If the pain is acute, then surgery may be needed in order to widen the spinal canal and to correct the conditions that are contributing to the nerve compression.
Some of the surgical procedures used to treat spinal stenosis are
Decompressive laminectomy. This is used for treating lumbar spinal stenosis and involves removing the top of the vertebra to create more space for the nerves.
Laminotomy. This is a partial removal of the lamina which can be done to widen the spinal canal and relieve compression on the nerve roots.
Foraminotomy. Removal of bone, scar tissue, or other obstructions that are compressing the nerve root exiting the spinal canal.
Due to the risks involved, many doctors will resort to surgical treatments only after non-surgical treatments have been tried first.
This article is not meant to replace the sound advice of a personal physician. Patients should discuss with their doctor all their treatment options before taking any medical course of action
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Pinched Nerves, Bulging Discs, Herniated Discs, Now What

Pinched Nerves, Bulging Discs, Herniated Discs, Now What
You're suffering from a pinched nerve, a bulging disc or even a herniated disc? Have you been told you may need surgery or injections? Are you seeing a chiropractor several times a week, with slow improvement? Do you understand what is actually causing your pain
Most people do not really understand the cause of a pinched nerve, a bulging disc, or even a herniated disc. Usually our vertebrae are blamed for the distress in our body. What we fail to understand is our bones cannot pinch anything without our muscles. In fact if you were to remove your muscles, your bones would just collapse. So how can your bones be the cause of your pain
Let's take a look at your back and neck, where most pinched nerves and disc problems occur. On each side of your spine lay 2 muscles that run from the base of your skull to the top of your pelvis. From the moment you stood up on 2 feet, you disc started to degenerate as the pressure grew from your body growing. Just picture a stack of blocks with rubber spacers between them. On the outside of the blocks there are 2 rubber bands connected to the top and the bottom of the blocks. As I shorten the rubber bands the blocks will come closer together, squeezing on the rubber spacers, literally flattening them out. If I tighten one side more than the other, the stack will lean. This will cause pressure on one side to be greater than the pressure on the other.
What you are visualizing is your back moving each day of your life. The only thing that will take that pressure off is to stretch your back muscles with Active Isolated Stretching. I am not talking about traditional stretching like you see in the gym, it just doesn't work.
Traditional stretching requires you to hold a stretch for more than 2-3 seconds. This engages your stretch reflex in your muscle causing it to contract to protect itself. It becomes more of a isometric strength training exercise which actually shortens the muscle. Active Isolated Stretching(AIS), only requires you to hold the stretch for 2-3 seconds then repeat 10 times.
Now back to your back! Once you open up the muscles in your hips and shoulders, you will start to take pressure off your spine. This will relieve pressure on a pinched nerve stopping the pain. For a bulging disc, the pressure will be relieved and blood flow will return to the disc allowing it re-lubricate. Now it will slide back into place. This will stop the pain. Herniated discs are discs that have been cut by the pressure applied to the vertebrae. Once you take that pressure off, the disc can heal and go back to its job.
Many people use inversion tables or tables that stretch out their back. These work momentarily until you stand back up. Yes you did take the pressure off the spine, but you did not lengthen the hip muscles or the shoulder muscles, so once you stand back up the pressure is re-applied.
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