Lower back pain is one of the leading reasons people in the United States visit their doctors. It will inhibit the lives of millions of Americans this year.

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Learn how to get rid of your back pain fast. Check out this website.
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If you suffer lower back pain, you are not on your own. Probably nearly all adults at some point in
their lives will experience this condition that interferes with their work eg there is a high incidence
of lumbar pain in drivers, everyday activities, sports (eg lumbar pain in golfers) or hobbies. Lower
back pain or sciatica is considered the most common cause of job-related disability and the
highest contributor to absenteeism in the western world. For example, it is second to headaches
as the most common neurological ailment in the United States. Generally, most occurrences of
lower back pain or lumbar pain subside after a few days, although some instances may take much
longer to resolve or very occasionally lead to more serious conditions.
Short-term pain (Acute) generally lasts from a few days to a few weeks, and this condition tends to
be mechanical in nature, the consequence of trauma to the lower back or a condition such as
arthritis. Back pain from trauma may be caused by an injury sustained through sports activity,
household jobs or working in the garden.
Sometimes, sudden jarring from a minor fall, or other stress on the lower back bones and tissues
could be the root cause of low lumbar pain or sciatica. Symptoms of lumbar pain may range from
aching muscles to shooting or sharp stabbing pain, limited flexibility and/or range of motion, or an
inability to stand straight. Sometimes, pain felt in one part of the body may stem from a disorder or
injury incurred in other parts of the body. Very occasionally acute low back pain syndromes could
become more serious if untreated.
Definitions of what period or duration constitutes chronic back pain vary but pain that persists for
over 12 weeks would generally be described as chronic.
Often the initial cause of the back problem is not known and this condition can sometimes be
progressive The good news is that the vast majority of occurrences can be treated without
surgery. Back pain treatments include analgesics, to reduce inflammation, to restoring proper
mobility and strength to the back, by a variety of back pain products and therapies, to strategies
for the avoidance of recurrence of the injury.
Usually patients suffering lumbar pain recover fully and don't incur continuing loss of functionality.
It's advisable to contact your GP if there is no improvement or reduction in the back pain and
inflammation after 3 days There is a plethora of exercises, medication, or therapy products and
gadgets available to sufferers, designed to provide either, relief, prevention or both.
Although some of these back pain products (such as Magnatherapy or aromatherapy) would be
described as 'alternative' or pseudoscientific ie they have few empirically or scientifically proven
benefits, many are developed through the application of sound medical principle and theory. It's
worthwhile asking your GP for recommendations on any therapies as well as making sure that the

2. cause is not more serious
Back pain therapy devices PGAT devices
Inversion Tables
Inversion is a natural form of passive gravity assisted traction (PGAT) that uses the patient's body
weight in conjunction with gravity to decompress weight-bearing joints. While the patient is rotated
and suspended, gravity effectively creates a traction, resulting in a customized stretch that extends
the spine, from the sacroiliac to the cervical joints of the neck, increasing the space between the
vertebrae, which relieves the pressure on the discs and nerve roots. By reducing this pressure
there is less interference with the spinal nerves thus reducing lower lumbar pain. Inversion is
considered to be an effective therapy This is typically performed on what's called an inversion
table.
The table allows you to lie on your back relaxed, in an inverted position. This position eliminates
some or all gravitational compression, depending upon how far back you position your body.
Inversion therapy relieves back pain, and it works even better when it's part of a well-rounded
therapy plan that addresses the specific muscle imbalances you have. But even by itself it is highly
effective. A recent study done at Newcastle University found that over 70% of patients who
performed inversion therapy were able to cancel their scheduled back surgeries.
CPM Mobilisers
Backlife
Backlife is designed to apply a Continuous Passive Movement (CPM) to the lower back pain
sufferer in a similar way to how a healthcare professional, as part of his back pain therapy, would
apply in order to help relieve pressure between the vertebrae, and therefore relieve pain in the
lumbar region. In order to apply CPM the user would lie on the floor bending their knees over the
upper section of the machine. As the upper section moves, it gently rotates the pelvis in a circular
fashion, allowing the joints to move, whilst the joints remain relaxed. The advertised benefits of
Backlife for pain relief are that it reduces the stress and pressure on the lower back, restores back
mobility and improves stability. In addition it reduces lumbar pain with regular use, improves
posture, and reduces muscle tension.
Back in action Mobiliser
The Back in Action Mobiliser is an extremely powerful medical grade spinal joint mobilisation
system, available for home or professional use for back pain relief. It's described as usually very
effective at decreasing the symptoms of long term and chronic musculo-skeletal problems. The
system applies very localised pressure to the muscles either side of the spine, simulating a
practitioners 'thumbing technique,whilst mobilising the spine, flexing and extending the spine,
freeing up stubborn vertebrae. In addition to this the mobilise provides a continuous passive
motion (CPM) considered to be beneficial to health and aid healing The mobilise has been used to
treat conditions such as: lumbago; prolapse /slipped disc, sciatica; scoliosis, arthritic hips, sacro-
iliac dysfunction, whiplash injuries; fibromyalgia and many other disabling conditions. It is also
comprehensively tested and endorsed by medics, so that it is probably the most commended back

3. pain therapy care system available. Its most significant disadvantage is that it is made in small
numbers and is expensive to buy however they are available to hire.
Backstretcher
The Backstretcher, also known as the Rolastretcher provides relief with a combination of massage
and stretching movements, allowing the user to move and stretch different parts of the spine by
moving up and down the frame. The rollers also provide pressure (acupressure) on the back
muscles either side of the spine where dysfunctional trigger points (knots) often occur. It provides
back pain sufferers the opportunity to complement their therapeutic treatment with a device, which
is portable, The effectiveness of this device has been confirmed by scientific study by the
University of Iowa's Spine Centre.
Flexibak
Flexibak is back support cradle that is designed to ease lower back pain problems, reduce
discomfort, and promote relief, by decompression of key joints, allowing natural movement to
return to the user. Flexibak, developed by 2 leading British osteopaths, is designed to encourage
the lumbar and sacroiliac joints to open up, and encourage the return of natural movement as
pressure on inflamed muscles is relieved.
Back cushions and wedges and Supports Cushions
Back cushions
These are custom shaped soft cushions which are tailored to the natural shape of the user's lower
back and designed to offer support whilst maintaining an ergonomic and comfortable posture
whilst sat on a chair or in the car, thus providing an element of relief for low back pain.
Seat wedges
Seat wedges provide lumbar pain relief in a natural passive manner. Sitting on a seat wedge has
the effect of moving forward the pelvis which has the effect of causing the users spine to adopt a
more ergonomically correct upright posture. Seat wedges maybe useful for lumbar pain suffering
car drivers by angling their backs into more comfortable driving positions, or in sedentary
workplace situations where the back pain sufferer may be adopting a suiting position for several
hours, for example call centre workers. Ideal for everybody working in a sitting position, especially
PC users. A variant of the seat wedge is the coccyx wedge which incorporates a cut away section
to reduce or avoid pressure on the sacrum or coccyx which could be causing lower back pain or
tail bone pain.
Back Braces
These aim to constrict the affected area of low back pain low afflicted area, these strap-on body
braces help reduce lower back pain and help to correct poor posture.
TENS units

4. TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is the application of electric current produced
by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. In this case we are referring to
portable stimulators used to help with back pain. The unit is usually connected to the skin using
two or more electrodes or semi adhesive pads. Although the first units developed in the US for
testing tolerance of chronic back pain sufferers to electrical stimulation in preparation for surgically
invasive implants, many patients reported deriving relief from the TENS itself. A number of
companies began manufacturing TENS units after the commercial success of the Meditronic
device became known TENS is regarded as a non-invasive, safe nerve stimulation intended to
reduce pain, both acute and chronic. Controversy does exist over its effectiveness in treating of
chronic back pain. In 2007 a feature in the Pain Journal concluded that ENS was effective for
chronic musculoskeletal pain whereas the journal Neurology advised against recommending
TENS for chronic lower back pain,but other neurologists in the same journal suggested that in
some patients TENS is useful. TENS units available from high street retailers Baxolve offers
immediate relief for lower back pain through a combination of TENS therapy and lumbar support in
one easy to use convenient belt.
Heat and cold back pain products
There is little empirical evidence that the application of hot and cold compresses actually
effectively relieve back pain conditions, although the use of hot and cold compresses may provide
relief by helping to reduce the lower back pain, spasms, and inflammation, in turn allowing for
improved mobility for some back pain sufferers. Immediately after the trauma, the sufferer would
apply a cold compress (generally ice packs or refrigerant gel) to the affected area of the lower
back pain, maybe after a strain, for up to about 20 minutes a few time a day, for a couple of days
to help reduce tissue inflammation. After a couple of days the back pain sufferer would then apply
heat to the affected area, using a variety of methods such as heat pads, heat lamps etc for short
durations. This has the effect of dilating the blood vessels which increase blood flow to the
affected tissues, and encouraging the healing process. It also has the effect of relaxing the
muscles similar to having a warm bath after exertion. As with any back pain treatment it's
advisable to consult your GP before commencing a treatment.
Magnet therapy
Magnet therapy can be described as an alternative or pseudoscientific method of back pain
treatment, using magnetic fields on the body to promote back pain relief and healing, with a
perceived, though not understood positive effect on blood oxygen content. There is no scientific
basis to conclude that small, static magnets can relieve pain It has its origins in Traditional Oriental
Medicine (TOM) dating back some 2000 years, centered around 'Chi'or 'energy flows' around the
body and instrumental in health and wellbeing, with magnetic wave therapy having associations
with acupuncture or and acupressure. Although it is regarded with an element of scepticism due to
seemingly physical and biological implausibility, in Eastern countries, therapeutic magnets are
licensed as medical devices, and it does appear to be gaining some recognition within the US
medical community, with an example of affirmative research of published in the MDBR Journal of
Rheumatology. The downside to this is the difficulty associated with establishing true blind testing
of magnets and associated 'placebo or Hawthorne' effects within test groups. By all means have a
look at what's available but remain sceptical.
Ultrasound

5. Ultrasound is often used as a method of pain relief by physios and therapists in combination with
other pain treatments, such as manipulation, massage, ice treatment and interferential
(electrotherapy). The ultrasound device causes millions of sound waves to penetrate deep into
tissue in order to promote healing of inflamed or damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments. It's
claimed that ultrasound can reduce tissue inflammation by stimulating blood flow, promote healing
by stimulating soft tissue, and assist in the absorption uf analgesics, and reduce pain. Again there
is conflict over the effectiveness for lower back pain treatment with both positive user testimonials
offset by inconclusive meta analysis. See Physical Therapy article Jul 2001 and New Zealand
Journal of Physiotherapy Jul 2008
Ultralieve
Ultralieve Pro is a mains operated or portable hand held medical grade device designed for home
use to help with pain and promote healing by conducting ultrasound waves into the damaged
tissue. Although the device is easy its perhaps best if the user has received ultrasound treatment
previously from a physio or healthcare professional, and again it's advisable to check with your GP
or physio before using one to derive pain relief It should not be used as a replacement for
conventional help with back pain but in conjunction with it in between sessions. Again there is
conflict over the effectiveness to help with back pain with both positive user testimonials offset by
inconclusive meta analysis.
David Pegg from Manchester UK is a director with Lumbacurve International, manufacturers of
back pain relief products. LumbaCurve provides exercises and drug free natural cures for back
pain to help give relief for sufferers of lumbar pain.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Pegg
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Learn how to get rid of your back pain fast. Check out this website.
www.aboutbackpain.info
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