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Natural Health and Wellness

back pain

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Types of Back Pain and Symptoms

sciatic-nerve-painBack pain is one of the most common conditions among the human race. And, it can also be one of the most debilitating because the back is so important for mobility.

This is the reason that many personal fitness trainers advocate doing regular back strengthening exercises and to work the core, because it is integral to overall health and body strength, especially as we age.

Back pain can be indicative of a variety of conditions that can range from being benign to very serious. Most people who experience back pain take medication to relieve the pain and go about their business, but they do not realize that stopping the pain is not stopping the problem. Due to the uncertainty of this type of pain it is important to explore all the potential causes for it.

Many conditions present themselves with other symptoms alongside back pain, making it a little easier to decipher between them.

If you have been struggling with constant back pain, it is important to understand the different types of back pain and the symptoms they bring so that you and your doctor can move forward with effective treatment plans.

Types of Back Pain and Symptoms

The back is one of the largest areas of the body because it takes up a lot of surface area. Due to the size of this body part, there is a lot of potential for pain, discomfort and other problems to arise. The back is also a sensitive area because of the nerve endings and vertebrae located in the spine. These highly sensitive parts and organs are prone to damage and strain, making them the prime area for pain to manifest when there is a problem. Also due to the size of the back, there can be pain all over—from the upper shoulders and neck, to the center, to the lower back, you can experience back pain virtually anywhere.

While not all back pain is the same, the more in touch with your body you are, the more likely you are to identify one hurt from another. For example, back pain from the menstrual cycle is extremely different from the pain one feels from a sprain. This is because the various muscles and nerves respond differently to different cause of pain. The most common types of back pain are the following:

• Upper Back Pain
• Lower Back Pain
• Middle Back Pin
• Upper, Middle, and Lower Back Strain
• Lower Back, Leg, and Hip Pain
• Nighttime Pain
• Stiffness
• Soreness
• Sprain or Strain Pain

Many people experience these forms of back pain on a daily basis. While they are common, that does not mean they are not cause for alarm. There are certain accompanying symptoms that may indicate the need to visit your doctor. The following complications may require medical attention and include back pain as part of their common symptoms:

• Sciatica: This condition occurs when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve located in the leg or upper thigh. The sciatic nerve can cause both back and leg pain if it is subjected to too much pressure. This can happen when a person is overweight or even underweight because the nerve will be exposed to either a lot of extra pressure or friction respectively.

• Cuada Equina Syndrome: This syndrome can negatively affect the bowels and bladder and may even lead to paralysis. When out of hand, this condition could also require emergency surgery as to avoid any lasting damage to the abdominal area.

• Hernia/Herniated Disk: A hernia occurs when the abdominal tissue “falls” out of place, usually due to heavy lifting or excess strain. While this mostly affects men, it has the potential to affect women as well, especially if the condition is hereditary. When a hernia occurs it could cause serious lower back pain that will almost definitely require immediate medical attention.

Play It Safe

If you have persistent back pain it is best to put the painkillers away and pick up the phone. Your doctor can perform a thorough examination and assess your unique back pain. Do not wait until your pain has gotten out of hand. Play it safe and contact your medical care provider as soon as possible.

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Body Back Buddy Review

Body Back BuddyWhen it comes to back massagers, very few products on the market today can measure up to the potency of Body Back Buddy. After all, it is sought-after commodity that has been rated as one of the top selling massage tools and manipulation therapies on Amazon.

As a matter of fact, this pain relieving product has already received over 1,980 positive reviews from customers on its Amazon page, with many raving about how wonderful it is for easing pain and sore muscles.

Applying pressure along the spine and to trigger points, this back massager can be used for the entire body as well, treating sore muscles, pains and aches.

With its controllable, powerful and deep pressure, the Body Back Budd will surely take the sting out of your weary body and jaded spirit.

How It Works

The Body Back Buddy is, by no means, a run-of-the-mill self massager. Unlike other therapeutic products, it has a reliable and dynamic design that reflects decades of feedback from physical therapists, chiropractors and massage therapists.

With more than ten therapeutic knobs, this tool provides a deep and tranquilizing treatment by pinpointing trigger points and stimulating your muscles.

Whether you are tormented by sports injuries, arthritis or chronic migraines, the Body Back Buddy has curative properties that can help relieve any tingling sensation in your body.

Even though Amazon has classified it as a back massager, it actually does more than just back massage treatments. As a matter of fact, you can practically use it on every muscle group in your body, including neck, feet, hamstrings, quadriceps, shoulders, chest, abdomen, as well as lower and upper back.

It is quite versatile, allowing you to treat your muscles from a variety of angles in a very creative manner due its curved design. With the Body Back Buddy, you can take time to experiment, and discover which position works well for you.

What’s Included

– An instruction booklet with a dozen of pages
– Body Back Buddy

Features
– A strong, powerful and deep pressure that you can control manually
– Applies pressure to your body’s trigger points
– Provides soothing massage treatments along your spine
– Eases stress and pain caused by fibromyalgia, and other kinds of chronic muscle pain
– Can be used to alleviate sore muscles, aches and pains all over the body

Pros
– It is not electronically powered, but the Body Back Buddy is ergonomically designed so that it requires very little strength to use
– The Body Back Buddy is pretty flexible, even though it is made from hard plastic
– Ideal size to control and command comfortably
– The Body Back Buddy is very affordable, when compared to other self massagers
– It is very easy to use. To use this piece of equipment, you just have to be creative, and use a small amount of strength
– It is portable, lightweight and handy, making it an ideal tool for those who travel frequently
– The product is very durable, and will last for a number of years

What Customers Say
As one of the most popular therapeutic products today, the Body Back Buddy boasts an incredible customer rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 stars from more than 1,980 customers on its Amazon page.

As expected, most of its users think that the product is very effective in treating pain and stress. In fact, one customer says the Body Back Buddy is the Cadillac of therapeutic massage tools.

And many others consider it as one of the best tools for treating pain.

Final Thoughts

The Body Back Buddy is truly a dependable and proficient tool you can use to alleviate the pain in your body. With its flexibility and 11 curative knobs, the Body Back Buddy can help you soothe physical pain in nearly all areas of your body.

As a bonus, it is light and portable, meaning you can bring it wherever you want. As for the price, you certainly don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the healing benefits of the Body Back Buddy.

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10 Natural Remedies For Back Pain

back_painIt has been estimated that between 60-80% of people who come and see a doctor do so because of some type of back pain. Some people experience back pain as a consequence of injury such as lifting a heavy object some people experience back pain as an accompanying symptom of an underlying medical condition or disease. There are some who experience back pain simply because of daily activities, lack of exercise, improper posture and improper sleeping posture.

Back pain is debilitating. It is irritating and it causes people to withdraw from their usual activities. While there are medications that may help relieve back pain, it is probably wiser to determine what causes back pain and correct the underlying causes instead of treating the pain without knowing the exact cause.

In order to find habits and activities that trigger or aggravate back pain, you must observe yourself closely. If your work involves sitting down for long periods of time in front of a computer screen or a handheld device, your neck muscles are probably stretched as your head is lowered to read items on the screen on your lap or in your hand. This back pain will be located around the neck and shoulders.

If you sleep and keep one position for too long during the night, chances are, your muscles get tense because you do not shift your weight to ease the pressure on the muscles. If you usually sleep lying on your back, you will probably not have any support for the small of your back. If you sleep on your side, you may be unduly putting pressure on your hips. If you sleep on your belly, you will probably have pain near your waist.

What can you do to ease your back pain, then?

1. Change your habits. If you find yourself slouching, then maintain good posture. If the cause of your back pain is staring at a computer screen that is too low or too high, then adjust your seat or your computer screen so that it is level with your eyes.

2. Avoid keeping one position for extended periods. Shift your weight. Get up and stretch out a bit. If you job entails standing on your feet, then wear comfortable shoes with good support. Wiggle your toes while you are standing up and roll on the balls of your feet to shift the weight. Walk around slowly and stretch your calf muscles.

3. If your daily activities include lifting heavy objects, then make sure that you lift using your leg muscles instead of your back muscles. Do not bend from your waist. Bend your knees instead and rise with the heavy object using the strength of your knees and legs.

4. Engage in sufficient physical exercise that includes strengthening your core muscles (the abdominal and back muscles); and engage in weight training to build muscular strength.

5. Lose weight. Back muscles suffer because often, our frame was not made to carry so much weight in fat. People who are overweight tend to experience more back pain.

6. If you carry a big purse or if you carry around a laptop computer, it may be wise to invest in a trolley so that you don’t have to carry the heavy objects, but instead, pull them along.

7. Use a lot of pillows to support your back when you sleep. Put a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side. Put a pillow underneath your knees if you sleep on your back and a rolled up towel underneath your lower back.

8. Check your mattress. If it is too lumpy and soft, then it is probably not giving you enough support for your back. If it is too hard and too firm, your back pain might just be bruised from the overly firm mattress.

9. Use hot compresses or heating pads to relieve the back pain.

10. Invest in therapeutic massage or see a chiropractor. Sometimes, a good massage and a good stretch of the back muscles will relieve the back pain. Make sure, though, that the massage or chiropractic treatment is with the advice of your doctor.

There is hope for relief of back pain but the solution might not be just one thing but a lot of small things that you need to adjust or do without.

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Home and Alternative Remedies For Back Pain

Heat-PadTried of popping ibuprofen to ease your painful back? There are many natural remedies to help with pain in the back. Besides, herbs, supplements, and acupuncture, there is good old fashioned exercise.

Back pain frequently strikes when something’s wrong with the delicate column of bones, muscles, ligaments and joints that holds you up. There are also various medical conditions that cause pain in the back, including, arthritis, and kidney infections, just to name a few.

Back pain is a common health issue today that affects at least 8 out of 10 people. It is a prevalent problem and one of the most common pain conditions suffered by Americans.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports that about 31 million people have back pain in the US alone.

Common Causes of Back Pain:

Accidents and sports injuries are the most general causes of chronic back pain. But, sometimes, even plain actions or activities – like bending over to pick up an object from the floor – can activate pain.

There are also a number of other factors that can boost your threat of back pain, such as:

• A sedentary lifestyle
• Poor posture
• Not being fit, and regular exercise which helps to build a strong back
• Blood clots, infections and kidney stones
• Obesity and overweight
• Psychological/emotional stress
• Osteoporosis or bone loss

Natural Remedies to Heal Back Pain:

• Ice first, heat later

As a pain reliever, ice works great. It momentarily blocks pain signals and helps diminish swelling. Several times a day, lay an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes.

During the first few days of home treatment, apply the ice pack as frequently as necessary. Later you may still want to use ice after exercise or physical activities. After about 48 hours, switch to moist heat to stimulate blood flow and reduce painful spasms.

• Perfect your posture

Look to maintain a posture that places the least stress on your back. Mom was right when she said stand up straight!

• Healthy Diet

Eating healthy whole foods, eliminating junk food will help your body’s immune system, and to prevent common ailments. Using fish oil supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids will allow the body to better repair itself and fish oil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent pain.

• Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water may help reduce the shrinkage that happens in the spongy disks of the back.

• Rise and shine

Each morning before you get out of bed, lie on your back and slowly stretch your arms overhead.

• Rub in some relief

Ask a partner to massage the aching area or visit a professional masseuse.

• Sip ginger tea

Another natural remedy for back pain is fresh Ginger. Dice a slice into a cup of hot water and enjoy.

• Relax with B-Vitamins

Vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12; these help muscles relax and can decrease neuropathic pain.

• Eat up Omega-3s

The back loves omega-3s because the fatty acids help reduce inflammation and, as a result, back pain.

• Chiropractic Care

Find a chiropractor who not only does manual realignment of the spine but also incorporates exercise, strength training, stress management, nutrition and stretching into treatment programs for back pain.

• Aromatherapy to the rescue

For topical relief, make your own massage oil with a base oil and healing essential oils, such as peppermint, rosemary and lavender.

• Alternative Therapies

Natural therapies can be used instead of or alongside conventional medical care, these include, Biofeedback, acupuncture, massage, yoga, exercise, acupressure, and even hypnosis.

Chat with your primary care provider about your back pain to rule out severe situation that need to be treated by a professional. If you are in the clear, then be sure to practice proper lifting techniques, follow a healthful lifestyle and incorporate the natural remedies above to promote long-term pain relief.

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Dr. Cohen’s Acuball Set Review

Dr. Cohen's Acuball KitThe Dr. Cohen’s Acuball is, without a doubt, one of the rising and most intriguing pain management products on the market today. A favorite tool among professional athletes in the NBA and NFL, this pain management ball is a revolutionary healing product that has been recommended by highly acclaimed medical experts and therapists.

As a matter fact, even the world-famous Dr. Oz considers the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball as a must-have kit for patients who are suffering from neck and back pain.

With all the accolades and recommendations that it has garnered, it is easy to see why thousands of Yoga studios and clinics all over the world are using the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball Kit.

But, it is the ball’s incredible therapeutic properties that make it special and popular. With the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball, you get to relax connective tissue and tight muscles, as well as, enhance joint movement. Not to mention, it helps lose weight by increasing blood flow, and flushing out the toxins in the body.

How It Works

The Dr. Cohen’s Acuball has a curative feature that relaxes every tired muscle and joint in your body. Likewise, the ball’s heat and acupoints can help stimulate the flow of blood within your system. This, in turn, increases blood circulation and oxygenation, which helps nourish your tissue. Moreover, this flushes out all the accumulated toxins in the tight muscles.

As the toxins are being flushed out, the muscle affected will start to relax itself. The direct pressure provided by acupoints will also mobilize joints as well as massage your muscles. Aside from that, the ball’s acupoints can be used to stimulate your CNS (Central Nervous System) as well, helping release mood-enhancing, relaxing and natural painkilling chemicals in the body, such as, endorphins and enkephalins.

Thanks to this unique ability, people who use the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball enjoy deeper sleep and enhanced feelings of relaxation.

From athletes to pregnant women, the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball is ideal for everyone who wants to improve their overall well-being.

As a therapeutic tool, the acuball is a great natural therapy for people are suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, as well as, those are dealing with hip, shoulder, back and neck pain.

What’s Included

– DVD
– A book with over 180 pages
– Easy start-up guide
– Mini acuball
– Large acuball

Features

– Improves the flow of energy in your nervous system
– Releases the body’s natural sedatives and painkillers
– Flushes out the built up wastes in the muscles by stimulating blood flow
– Reduces irritation in the nervous system
– Improves movement in joints
– Soothes tight muscles
– Its heating ability helps penetrate deep tissues to provide a greater healing effect

Pros

– Both the DVD and book contain a plethora of information that can be very beneficial to your health
– Its portability is truly one of the biggest and most obvious benefits of using this curative tool. With the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball set, you get to enjoy soothing massage therapy wherever and whenever you want. It is like having a professional massage therapist with you for twenty four hours a day
– Unlike other self-massaging products, the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball Kit can reach areas that are hard to reach

Cons
– The larger ball can be a bit difficult to use, especially for patients who have little to no experience in self-massage

Final Thoughts

Whether you are dealing with back spasms or chronic headaches, the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball Kit can be a terrific option for your pain management therapy. Applying some of the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this acuball not only soothes pain, but, offers a ton of other benefits to your health as well.

With the Dr. Cohen’s Acuball, you get to improve circulation and relieve pain and it can also help you lose weight by flushing out the toxins in the body.