Tag Archives: back pain
Obesity is a major health problem in itself because being obese can put a person at risk for many different diseases and can trigger a chain of other health problems. One of the major problems that result from carrying extra weight are aches and pains throughout the body. The human body was built only to sustain a certain amount of weight. The frame of the body can healthily handle a normal body mass index. A body with a healthy body mass index will be able to support it’s weight without causing any major problems. When the body mass index gets into the obese category that is when it starts to experience problems that lead to pain in the body, especially spinal pains. Anyone who has experienced major wight gain may be familiar with the stresses the additional weight can put on the body. Continue reading
As seen on the popular TV show Top Docs of Houston, Dr. Saqib Saddiqui with The Spine Center talks about a procedure to help individuals with back pain that is still persistent after other, non-surgical methods. Rhonda talks about her experience with Dr. Siddiqui and how he changed her life. Please watch the video below, let us know what you think, and share it with others! Continue reading
As seen on the popular TV show Top Docs of Houston, Dr. Saqib Saddiqui with The Spine Center talks about a procedure to help individuals with back pain that is still persistent after other, non-surgical methods. Rhonda talks about her experience with Dr. Siddiqui and how he changed her life. Please watch the video below, let us know what you think, and share it with others! Continue reading
The cause of back pain is not difficult to diagnose with all the modern tests and equipment available. There is also some newer technology, such as a sonogram, that may pinpoint what is causing your back pain. In some instances of back pain, invasive spine surgery may not be needed or recommended by a physician. It is also a good idea to get a second opinion.
After you have come to grips with what is causing your back disorder, treatment options and the good and bad of each procedure that has been discussed, read books, talk with some folks who have had the same problem and possibly the same recommended treatment. Also, check the internet and go to chat rooms. You need to know as much as possible about a pending surgery. It is also noted that back pain can also cause severe leg pain.
Be sure to do a check on your surgeon about qualifications and experience. It is especially best if he/she has engaged in a fellowship. That proves the doctor has worked at least one year in spine specialty, treating patients with back disorders. There are two different types of spine surgeons – orthopedic and neurosurgeon. The orthopedic surgeon works more on the bone, where the neurosurgeon is concerned with nerves. Continue reading
Since poor posture is one of the biggest reasons for upper, middle and lower back pain, it is vital that correct posture begin from the bottom up with proper fitting footwear. The type of support a person’s shoes need depends upon the shape of the foot and whether or not one has any foot instability.
Pronation, Over-Pronation and Under-Pronation
Pronation is the normal inward roll of your foot to absorb the shock of walking or running. Some pronation is needed for the foot to function normally. However, too much pronation, known as over-pronation, causes your arch to collapse which adds stress to the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the foot. Over-pronators need shoes with built in support features.
Some people Under-pronate, which means that the foot does not roll inward enough to adequately absorb shock. Under-pronators need flexible shoes with additional cushioning.
Shoes and Orthotic Inserts
Purchasing shoes which closely match your foot type is the best prevention for injury and pain. Some characteristics of the best shoes for back pain are as follows: Continue reading
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal Fusion surgery is a procedure in which vertebrae are fused together to prevent a painful movement at the joint. Inserting a piece of bone between the vertebrae and encouraging the bone to grow accomplish this process, fusing the vertebrae together, preventing movement between them and eliminating the pain. To eliminate movement, this process is repeated in the spaces above and below the target vertebra, isolating it from moving entirely.
Who Would Be A Good Candidate?
Spinal Fusion surgery is a method of treating several problems with the spinal column. Some of those problems include (but are not limited to):
· Degenerative Disc Disease
· A Weak or Unstable Spine
· Scoliosis
· When a Vertebra Slips Out of Place in the Spinal Column
· Deformities
These are some of the most common conditions under which a patient should talk to a doctor regarding their options on spinal fusion surgery. If a patient is experiencing severe back pain, s/he should immediately talk to a doctor to determine the cause and location of the pain to know how to best take care of the problem.
Continue reading
While you cannot prevent all back injuries or chronic back pain, certain lifestyle changes and healthy habits can prevent some issues from developing.
- Healthy Diet- Eating a well balanced diet works to promote
healthy bones and muscles, needed to support and protect your spinal column. - Healthy Weight- Excess weigh adds stress onto multiple portions of your spine. Work proactively to lose weight if you are currently overweight or obese. And if you are currently at an optimal weight, work to avoid adding weight as you age. Adding simple exercise programs into your weekly schedule coupled with healthy eating will improve your back health. Continue reading
Did you know that how you are sleeping could be the culprit of your chronic lower back pain? Sleeping positions can exacerbate or even cause back pain to develop. The good news is that whether you sleep on your side, stomach or back, simple changes at bedtime may be able to relieve or eliminate your current back issues.
If you love to sleep on your side, place a pillow between your knees and thighs to prevent your top knee from sliding forward onto the mattress. When this position occurs, it can cause your lower spine to rotate, causing back or even hip pain to worsen or develop.
Sleep on your Stomach?
Even though you may love this position, avoid sleeping on your stomach. This position causes your back to arch, one of the most common causes of lower back pain. If you can’t sleep any other way, consider placing a small pillow underneath your hips to put your spine into proper alignment. Continue reading






