It’s no wonder that many people feel extra soreness and aches in their backs during winter months — they’re often not getting enough vitamin D. The body makes vitamin D from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so it’s known as the sunshine vitamin. However, even in the sunniest parts of America, this essential vitamin for keeping bones healthy is in short supply during late fall and winter.

Up to 8 out of 10 persons will have back pain in their lifetimes. In many cases, there is no evidence of any injury, disease, or bone problem like a slipped disk. An extensive review of clinical research in a report from Pain Treatment Topics found that help may be available from a surprising champion of pain relief Vitamin D.

According to Stewart B. Leavitt, MA, PhD, Executive Director of Pain Treatment Topics and author of the report, “our examination of the research, which included numerous clinical studies, found that patients with chronic back pain usually had inadequate levels of vitamin D. When sufficient vitamin D supplementation was provided, their pain either vanished or was at least helped to a significant extent.”

The report, “Vitamin D A Neglected ‘Analgesic’ for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain,” which was peer-reviewed by a panel of experts, includes the following important points:

– Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Among other things, inadequate vitamin D intake can result in a softening of bone surfaces, called osteomalacia, which causes pain. The lower back seems to be particularly vulnerable.

– In one study of 360 patients with chronic back pain, all of them were found to have inadequate levels of vitamin D. After taking vitamin D supplements for 3 months, symptoms were improved in 95% of the patients.

– The currently recommended adequate intake of vitamin D up to 600 IU per day is outdated and too low. According to newer research, most children and adults need at least 1000 IU per day, and persons with chronic back pain would benefit from 2000 IU or more per day of supplemental vitamin D3 (also called cholecalciferol).

– Vitamin D supplements interact with very few medicines or other agents, and are generally safe unless very high doses such as 10,000 IU or more are taken daily for a long period of time. However, it is always wise to check with a healthcare professional before starting a new dietary supplement.

– Vitamin D supplements are easy to take, usually have no side effects, and typically cost as little as 7 to 10 cents per day.

Besides the comprehensive research report there are available a shorter Practitioner Briefing for healthcare providers summarizing the full report and a *Patient Brochure explaining what vitamin D is, how it works, and how it can help in relieving aches and pains.

In conclusion, Leavitt stresses that vitamin D should not be viewed as a cure for all back pain conditions, and it is not necessarily a replacement for other pain-relief treatments. “While further research would be helpful,” he says, “extra vitamin D should be considered for all persons during winter months, and especially for those who have back aches and pains.”

The Pain-Topics.org website, a project of Pain Treatment Topics, provides open and free access to noncommercial, evidence-based clinical news, information, research, and education on the causes and effective treatment of the many types of pain conditions. It is independently produced and currently supported in part by an educational grant from Purdue Pharma L.P., Stamford, CT, a leading manufacturer of opioid analgesic products. NOTE: Neither the author nor the sponsor has any financial interests in vitamin D products or the nutritional supplement field.

Source: Pain Treatment Topics

Most of us think of back pains as an overall ache, or even a stinging zap going across the back. We rarely think of it as just in one particular area. This is because with most chronic back pain, it is a generic pain and not specific to one region. But sometimes, a misalignment in the body, in the way you hold yourself, sit, or walk, will create a pain that is localized and immune to pain drugs.

If you have lower left back pain, you have a very specific type of back pain, and one that needs to be treated as such. The human tendency is to go back and try to remember what you did, how you tweaked it or pulled it, but that doesn’t really matter. The chances are likely that you actually had a bad back before you traumatized it, and that the trauma only made it worse. So if you’re thinking of mulling over what it was you did before your back started aching, forget it. It may matter to some extent in that you will know what made the pain act up. But know that if your back had been healthy in the first place, it’s highly unlikely a little bending here and there would result in excruciating agony.

A pain like lower left back ache can be treated in the short term with over-the-counter medications, but you will probably find that they do little over time. If you have hurt your back, then you need to reverse that damage, not just mask over it with drugs. Masking is precisely what pain relievers do. They fool your pain receptors, making you think you’re not suffering pain when in reality you are. In other words, they make you believe you’re well when in reality, you’re not.

There are several ways you can help to strengthen your core region and the areas around your lower back to help relieve your lower left back pain. These serve to re-align your spine, and in fact your entire body so that less pressure is being put on the sensitive area. Before you go to the expense of seeing a back doctor, or spend thousands of dollars being “re-aligned” by a chiropractor, you might want to try some exercises that are meant to re-align you at home. This is the easiest and most inexpensive way to get rid of that chronic back pain.

Cellaplex Can Provide Back Pain Relief: The Answer to Your Debilitating Problem

Lower back pain is the most common cause of work-related disabilities. It is second only to headaches as the most common neurological disorder. In fact, in the US alone, Americans are spending more than 50 billion dollars annually for pain relief and treatments.

The Causes of Lower Back Pain

There are many causes of lower back pains. For example, acute back pains are normally caused by trauma or injury. Your movement can be hampered because of stabbing pain in your back. If left untreated, acute back pains can lead to permanent paralysis.

There are also chronic lower back pains. If there is a persistent pain in your back that bothers you everyday, then it could be chronic. This is a more problematic disorder and you need immediate medical help so you can find effective lower back pain relief.

Age is a determining factor that causes back pain. As you get older, the strength of your backbone and the elasticity of your muscles will decrease also. The disc will gradually lose its fluid thus it will not be able to properly support the vertebrae.

Conventional Pain Relief

The most common approach to alleviate pain is through medication. However, this is a palliative solution because it only numbs the pain. So you will still experience shooting pain back whenever the drug wears off.

Surgery is also an option. Surgical procedures are ideal for those with severe disorders. However, this is a very expensive and risky treatment. It will also take months before you can fully regain your mobility.

Natural Supplements

Natural supplements for the treatment of arthritis and degenerative joint disorders can provide an effective solution for chronic back pain. One of the formulas on the market is Cellaplex. Cellaplex addresses all of the common back pain problems and is recommended by the top orthopaedic doctors in the country.

Cellaplex contains natural anti-inflammatory ingredients (chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and bromelain) which are your best and safest option. This can significantly reduce or eliminate pain symptoms. Cellaplex also contains glucosamine, hydrolyzed collagen, and resveratrol which can rebuild damaged tissues and restore the normal functioning of your lower back.

This unique, pain-fighting supplement would be the best remedy as these natural substances can effectively boost natural lubrication of joints thus restoring flexibility and mobility. Cellaplex also contains essential mineral and vitamins needed for healthy bone growth and regeneration. These ingredients help keep your bones healthier and can aid in fighting inflammation and strengthen and promote cartilage growth.

Unfortunately, not all natural joint pain supplements are created equal. You should choose one that passed controlled clinical testing but this is almost impossible as the FDA does not require over the counter products to be tested and approved. Doctor and physician endorsements or recommendations are also very good as that means a product has been used in their rehab facilities and has yielded positive results. Cellaplex is recommended by numerous doctors and physicians and that is a good sign of its efficacy.

Lower back pain is a nasty disorder. It could significantly affect the quality of your life and could prevent you from doing normal physical activities. Once you suspect that you are suffering from this ailment, you have to immediately treat it in order to avoid serious complications. Cellaplex now makes it possible to live a normal, pain free life again!

Back pain also known as “dorsalgia” is pain experienced in the back that normally originates from the muscles, nerves, bones, joints or other structures in the spine. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 80% people at some point during their lives.

The pain can often be classified into neck, upper & lower back or tailbone pain. Back pain can range from a constant ache to a sudden, dull, sharp. Acute pain comes suddenly and normally lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Back pain can be termed as chronic if it lasts for more than three months. The pain might be related to a certain movement or might be painful always. It may be a dull ache, or a sharp or piercing or burning sensation. Back ache can be in a small area or experienced in a radiating pattern, coming from a central “hot spot”. Pain can be a symptom all by itself or might be joined with other sensory sensations. The most common of these additional symptoms are numbness, tingling and weakness.

Neck pain (or cervicalgia) is a common problem, with two-thirds of the population having neck at some point in their lives. There are a wide range of symptomatic conditions which can cause cervical pain due to injury, disease or degeneration. Neck ache is known to affect many surrounding tissues, as well, including the head and face, shoulders, upper back and arms.

Back pain can have many underlying reasons, but often no specific cause will be found and it will stop.

The most common causes of back and neck pains are:

Disease or injury to the muscles, bones, and/or nerves of the spine.

Pain arising from the discs themselves called discogenic pain

Normal pregnancy can cause back pain in many ways, including stretching ligaments within the pelvis, irritating nerves, and straining the low back.

Pain from arthritis of the facet joints - the joints that hold the spine in alignment, also called facet joint syndrome

Pain arising from abnormalities of organs within the abdomen, pelvis, or chest may also be felt in the back. This is called referred pain. Many intra-abdominal disorders, such as appendicitis, aneurysms, kidney diseases, bladder infections, pelvic infections, and ovarian disorders, among others, can cause pain referred to the back.

The following are the common treatments used to relieve back and neck pain:-

Minimal rest then exercise

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Spinal cord stimulation

Magnet Therapy

Relaxation and biofeedback

Physical therapy

Opioid therapy

Membrane stabilization

Epidurals, facet joint blocks, etc.

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Mini-invasive therapies: IDET, annuloplasty, nucleoplasty, etc.

Surgery, if warranted

Intrathecal therapies

Chiropractic is conservative care without surgery or also drug less. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for acute low back pain, Chiropractic treatment is based on the concept that restricted movement in the spine. Chiropractors may also use massage and stretching to relax muscles that are shortened or in spasm. Chiropractors also often work with massage therapists in treating back pain. One best way using chiropractic practice equipment which is chiropractic tables which may use to reduce pain. Chiropractic tables are specialized section of medical equipment used in chiropractic cure. Mostly people are not in a condition to do exercise daily, so for them chiropractic tables are easy to use. Chiropractic the technique is very fast and has a very positive effect. Chiropractors sometimes also suggest the need for exercise for pains. As chiropractic tables uses to make a correction to spinal distortion.

Back Pain is one of the most common pains suffered by human beings. Mostly we feel pain in our body and much time especially in our back when we are sitting for a long time or in a bad posture. Back pain can be start from sleeping habits, too much of stress and bad sitting posture. Some pains is seen mostly such as lifting of heavy objects, swelling in your feet, improper sitting conditions, sitting for a longtime, bone malformation, neck strain, weakness of ligaments etc. Back ache also develops from accidents or falls and also can come in many forms and in different ways.

As you know body pain is difficult to treat and there is no proper treatment to cure this pain. Exercise daily is a good way to keep your body fit but wrong exercise may gives you bad result and multiple causes. Back pain can cause loss of physical activities and your working stamina while you are sitting in front of your computer or doing your other work like studies, playing etc. Spine injuries such as sprains and fractures can cause chronic back pain. Sprains are tears in the ligaments that support the spine and they can occur from twisting, bad movements or lifting improperly due to bones are fractured and become weak. Causes of back ache are physical and it is very important to know that emotional stress can play a role in how severe pain is and how long it lasts. Stress can also affect the body in many ways, including causing back muscles to become tense and painful.

Some of the steps that help in preventing the back pain while lifting or bending are given below.

? Do not try to lift heavy objects alone

? Get a proper support by spreading your legs to a comfortable position

? Be as close to the object being lifted as possible

? One should always bend at the knees and not at the waist while bending

? Do not bend forward as one lifts the object and do not twist the waist while lifting or carrying the object

? Sit properly while sitting in front of computer or while studying

? When sitting for long time keep the knees at the level of the hips or slightly higher, use a small pillow behind the lower back

Millions of people suffer from either intermittent or chronic back pain on a daily basis. With various types of back problems, corresponding treatment options will likely vary as well. In addition, therapy and medication may be only scratching the superficial surface where a solution is concerned. For many medical professionals, discovering how to cure back pain is something of an unsolved mystery. For the chronic back ache sufferer, this results in pacifying and dealing with the pain rather than resolving it.

So, what are some of the treatment options for back ache sufferers? Firstly, if your condition is severe, then surgery is probably your only option - which is risky at best and offers no guarantees. Medication for relieving the pain, inflammation and muscle spasms, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be purchased over-the-counter, but will often be prescribed by a doctor. Cold and/or hot packs placed directly on the back may also provide temporary relief. Relaxation, massage and rest may also be recommended. These are just a few of the treatment options prescribed by medical professionals.

There is a growing consensus among back ache sufferers that medical professionals such as doctors and therapists are lacking when it comes to a viable way to cure back pain. The implication is that while doctors specialize in their particular field, they focus too much attention on symptoms and medication rather than the cause and cure. They are not far off in their pronouncements. If you want to be healed, it makes perfect sense to seek a professional who specializes in misaligned spinal columns, bones and specific muscles… to be sure.

Here’s some key facts - Back surgery is risky and offers no guarantees. It is also the only surgery to have a syndrome named after it - Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). Pain medication is not designed to eliminate the cause of back ache - its only function is to reduce the pain. Similarly, while anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants do provide temporary relief, they do not address the cause. Moreover, the side-effects of these medications could have major long-term ramifications. And lastly, while physical therapy may provide cookie-cutter exercises that might be helpful to someone else, it could be harmful to you.

Chronic back pain has many causes - it can be the result of a back injury, a disease, or just the combined effect of many years of emotional stress. Whatever the cause, it can be debilitating and keep you from enjoying your life to its fullest.

Learning to cope with chronic back pain is key to minimizing its overall effect on your life. The single most important factor in managing back pain is making sure you have adequate posture and back support in all situations - whether you are at the office, at home, on an airplane, or in the car.

TruComfort’s ergonomic back support is lightweight and portable - you can take it with you no matter where you go to make sure you have proper back care. In an airplane, while watching TV, and even in a movie theatre, your back can be properly supported.

If you work with a computer every day, most companies will also provide you with ergonomic support to make sure your chair height, keyboard and mouse are all positioned correctly to minimize the stress on your back and carpals.

At night, it is critical that you have a good mattress with solid back support. An old or flimsy mattress will not provide proper support and will intensify your pain. Simmons Beauty Rest mattresses work well, as do the new memory foam mattresses that conform to the shape of your back. A cervical pillow for your neck will also help provide support for chronic neck pain sufferers.

Good posture is another key to managing pain, simply being conscious of posture is enough to help most people start to eliminate bad habits that affect overall back health. The Wii Fit gaming console fitness solution focuses heavily on posture with the use of a balance board. You stand on the balance board, and internal sensors tell you whether your body is shifted too far left or right. Games designed to improve posture and balance are included.

Many herbal formulations can also be found that are most helpful with chronic pain - the most common being Valerian root. This plant is the basis for the oft prescribed drug Valium, and acts as a de-stressor and muscle relaxant. Just be careful not to take too much of it - as it can cause depression in susceptible individuals. The recommended dosage is 150-300 mg in capsule form. Valerian is also a great remedy for insomnia.

If you enjoyed this article about posture and back support, please feel free to post it to your site or blog and forward this link to your friends. Have a great day!

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If you are a chronic back pain sufferer who has been to doctors and chiropractors only to find they can’t help, you may end up treating the pain at home yourself as a last resort.

The sad thing is that you best chance of success comes from what you do on your own. Your body will respond to what you do for it, not to what others do and certainly not to any pill. Treating yourself at home should really be your first choice.

If you search the web, you will find a lot of varied advice on what to do. Most of it involves exercise of one kind or another. The exercises are not difficult to do and can give you some relief. Extension exercise is first aid for an aching back.

But that doesn’t really address the cause. Doctors can’t cure your back pain because they don’t teach you correct posture on your first visit. Until you have corrected your postural problems you cannot get long term relief because your spine will remain in an unnatural position.

The first step in treating your chronic back pain at home is to correct your posture. It’s not that hard, but you must understand exactly what it is you are doing. Good posture is more than sitting and standing with you back straight.

Good posture is the maintenance of the lumbar lordosis. That is the inward curve of your lower spine. Your challenge in achieving correct posture is in keeping that curve as close to its natural state as possible.

Here’s how to find your natural curve. Sit in a chair and slouch forward. You have just lost your lordosis and are at one extreme. Note what it feels like.

Then, over correct your slouch by extending you back and creating as big a curve as you can, without strain. That is excessive lordosis, the other extreme.

Your correct lordosis is in the middle of those two extremes, give or take a little bit. Your body will tell you.

Your job is not to sit and stand straight, it is to maintain the proper curvature of the lumbar spine. The longer you are able to maintain it, and it will take some thought and time, the quicker your back pain will subside. Even if you do nothing else.

One funny thing will happen if you are moving in the right direction. Your spine will feel rubbery and you may get a little muscle soreness. Just like working out with weights, the muscles that are supposed to be supporting your lordosis have been on vacation and are getting sore now that they are being used again.

Take it as a sign of progress and know that it will go away in a day or two. Most likely your back pain will as well.

Back pain can be, well a real pain in the backside quite literally. Much of the population, seven out of 10 suffer lower back pain at some stage of their life. Sometimes it is simple to rid sometimes more difficult. Although back pain is a very common condition it can be rather uncomfortable but not generally serious.

It is useful when trying to understand reasons for back pain to have good notion on the parts and functions of the area.

The structure of the back consists of: 24 Vertebrea (small bones) which support the body weight and form a protective canal for the spinal cord. Intervertebral discs which cushion the bones and allow the spine to move. Ligaments which hold vertebrae and discs together Tendons which connect muscles and vertebrae. Spinal Cord, which is a nerve signal carrier between the brain and the rest of the body Nerves Muscles

Pain in the lower back is usually thought of as a symptom of stress or trauma to ligaments, muscles, tendons or discs. A well known and common pain is called Sciatica. Sciatica is a general term as is Lumbago for lower back pain. This is where a nerve in the back is pinched or irritated. Pain can radiate down the buttocks, thighs, side of the knee, down to the foot and toes. The lower down the body the pain or nerve discomfort is the found the more serious the trauma or trap to the nerve.

There can be many reasons for lower back pain, such as slipped or prolapsed disc, minor trauma and even arthritis. Back pain usually lasts between a few days and six or seven weeks. On most occasions lower back pain will be self rectifying. If a sufferer has concerns then they should consult their medical practitioner straight away. Sometimes pain can persist for several months or longer (chronic back pain)

There is another condition affecting the lower back that can have serious consequences on the sufferer and it is important that once symptoms of are found that the medical condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome is ruled out by medical professionals as soon as possible. Cauda Equina, is so named because the area of nerves look like a horses tail.

The condition known as Cauda Equina develops when the nerves in this location suffer trauma, when this happens it is known as Cauda Equina Syndrome.

The following are known as Red Flag Symptoms:

Bladder dysfunction

Bowel dysfunction

Weakeness in both legs

Numbness in the saddle area (around the anus)

Sexual dysfunction and sensation

Severe pain.

Red Flag Symptoms demand immediate medical attention Unfortunately many of our medical professionals are unaware of this urgent medical condition. Once symptoms present it is expected that the sufferer has a maximum of 48 hours to have corrective treatment, failure may result in permanent damage.

The medical world does little to inform and advise of the dangers of Cauda Equina Syndrome. It is of paramount importance that Red Flag Symptoms are thoroughly investigated and ruled out. There are far too many instances of Clinical Negligence for Cauda Equina Syndrome.

The most effective type of massage therapy for lower back pain is called neuromuscular therapy. Neuromuscular therapy is also called trigger point myotherapy and sometimes acupressure. This form of massage therapy as an effective treatment for back pain caused by a soft tissue injury such as a muscle strain.

Neuromuscular therapy consist of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The massage therapist applies pressure using fingers knuckles, or elbow. Pressure should be a steady pressure applied for ten to thirty seconds.

One of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is that it helps release “feel good” hormones called endorphins, which can help alleviate the painful symptoms of chronic back pain. Other benefits are:

1. Improved circulation of both the blood and lymphatic system..

2. Massage also improves sleep.

3. Massage helps to relax the body and relieve stress.

Obviously Neuromuscular Therapy must be done by someone certified to perform the therapy. After a massage any soreness should fade in twenty four to thirty six hours. Tight muscles should feel more relaxed and you should have relief from your pain. This usually lasts four to fourteen days depending on your level of activity.

Neuromuscular therapy is not a stand alone treatment and should not be relied on as a cure for back pain. However when used with other therapy such as the Lose The Back Pain System developed by therapists and doctors of the Healthy back Institute can be the answer to getting rid of your pain.

As someone who has suffered with a bad back and who has endured months of physical therapy and an operation, I can tell you there are solutions for your discomfort. To help myself and others cope with an aching back I have created a bog.