4 Steps To Relieve Back Pain

This article explores the 4 major steps learned by Michael J. Homan in his search for relief from pinched nerves from degenerative disk disease. Mike discusses the importance of flexibility of the spine, and relieving pain with acupressure, and also strengthening the surrounding muscles in support of the spine and its health.

I have found that 4 major things play an important part in your spines health.

First, there is posture. I know this is not the first time you have heard this, but it needs to be said again and again. Posture should be noted in sitting, standing, and sleeping. Start taking note of your posture at all times. If it is not straight, then start working on fixing it.

If you sleep in a position like I have in the past, with both hands under your pillow while you lay on your side, you can pinch a nerve in your neck if your shoulder of the arm that’s up starts to relax and leans in toward your head or neck. It would be better to lay your arm of your upper hand down on your leg while one hand is under your pillow.

And if you can, buy a few different thickness pillows for throughout the night. I do not know about you, but I can not have a high, fluffy pillow when I lay on my back. But a thin pillow gives me neck ache when I lay on my side.

The second thing on our list is the flexibility of your back.

What you want to do when you notice your back goes out a lot and you experience pinched nerves, is in getting your spine back into alignment and having it flexible.

Of course if you feel a chiropractor is your best choice, by all means seek one. But think about your progress if you could align your own back when ever you needed to. It’s not all that hard!

If you are in pain at the present, put ice or heat on the spot until the pain seems to lessen.

Do NOT, under any circumstances exercise while any of your nerves are inflamed or swollen!

To get your back more flexible you might want to learn kundalini yoga. Not all yoga styles are like those you may have seen on television, where they twist themselves up. Kundalini yoga has very good and useful spinal exercises developed to help flexibility. Kundalini Yoga is also a spiritual tool to help before meditation as well.

It is very important to strengthen your back and the surrounding muscles. This is the third step to a healthy back. Doing sit-ups is one such exercise, You do not have to do many sit-ups until you feel you can… step by step.

Take all of these things slow and at the pace of your body. Your body will let you know what it is feeling. Pain is a warning sign.Just remember… taking pain pills is okay when you really need them. But also remember that they do not heal the problem, they only mask the warning sign, they simply stop the warning sign, but not the underlying problem.

Health is more than just eating right. One has to consider mental health, environmental, and many other factors. It is not all that easy for a doctor to diagnose the complete problem and cure it, especially if it has roots in psychological issues and has gone a long time unchecked, and became a physical problem.

The fourth and last step in back health is to start a daily stretching routine. You have
seen cats and dogs stretch when they get up, try it for yourself!

The key to back health is in keeping it actively flexible and strong, or well supported by the stomach and back muscles. You may have to find that happy medium in between like I have, being too much strength in one area will pull out another.

Each person is uniquely different in many areas. So never think what worked for someone else is going to work for you. You may have to build on someone else’s information and work it into your own, personal program.

I recommend you learn a little about acupressure as well to maintain your pain when it flares up.
I have found that I can manage pain by using acupressure, simply by putting pressure on certain areas of the body. But that is something I suggest you seek a professional for help, or look for someone who does acupuncture, or take a course in acupressure like I did.

Massage Therapy Continuing Education

Fulfilling Massage Therapy Continuing Education Requirements

Massage therapy continuing education is not only a good idea for maintaining a career in massage therapy; in many states, it is the law. Likewise, massage therapy continuing education is a requirement of membership in the American Massage Therapy Association (the premier governing body for the field) and certification by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); certification by the NCBTMB is the standard for high quality care, and is the law in a number of states regulating massage therapy.

National Requirements For Massage Therapy Continuing Education

Regulatory requirements for massage therapists vary by state in the U.S.; up to 13 states do not regulate massage therapy, but in those states some local ordinances might apply. It is best for students to gain an understanding of their local requirements for continuing education as it applies to massage therapy to ensure that they are practicing legally.

In states that do regulate massage therapy practices (37 states and the District of Columbia) the standard that is used is often the standard for licensure set by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA); in fact, certification by the AMTA (in the form of the NCBTMB) is the licensing requirement in a number of states. Practically speaking, the best course for massage therapists to follow is to meet the educational standards of the AMTA, which will ensure that their practice is a quality practice with the versatility to practice throughout the United States.

What The AMTA Requires For Continuing Education In Massage Therapy

The AMTA requires students to complete at least 48 hours of massage therapy continuing education every four years; this requirement begins with the first full year a therapist holds Professional Active Membership in the association. Continuing education programs must meet the standards of the AMTA or be approved by the NCBTMB. The AMTA accepts trainings of a hands-on, experiential manner, trainings in theory, and research education as fulfillment of the requirement.

The AMTA does not approve courses themselves, but relies on the student to make the determination as to whether a course in massage therapy continuing education fits the description of a qualified program (the description can be found through the AMTA). Alternatively, students can choose a course approved by the NCBTMB.

Once coursework is completed, therapists will also need to know where to submit proof of the work in massage therapy continuing education; some states may be satisfied with submission to the AMTA, but others may require submission to the governing state body as well. The AMTA requires proof upon membership renewal (every 4 years), but does accept submissions prior to filing as courses are taken (submission is a matter of filing a simple form, available online).

Continuing education in massage therapy is never a waste of time, as it can only further a massage therapy career. Understanding requirements for completion and submission of massage therapy continuing education is an important part of maintaining a professional massage therapy career.

What to Expect From Chiropractic Medicine

It appears the general population is divided into two camps, those who believe in chiropractic medicine and those who think it is flawed science at best. Regardless of individual opinion, it can’t be denied that this practice of treating the body as a whole has helped millions of people since its birth in 1895. The philosophy on this type of medical care is that the spine, muscle system, and all other systems of the body work together as a complete unit. When one system of the body is damaged, the others are at risk as well. So when treatment is given for the injured system, work must also be done on the other systems of the body for complete healing. Chiropractic medicine is considered to be one of the holistic healing arts.

One of the most situations that lead patients to the chiropractic medicine industry is neck and back pain, though other ailments can be helped with these practices. Even non believers have been known to decide chiropractic care when conventional medicine doesn’t help with misalignments of the spine and other musculoskeletal issues. Logical reasoning tells us that medication isn’t going to correct an incorrect alignment of any of any of the joints of the body. It may mask the pain caused for a short period of time, but remaining on pain and muscle relaxing medications isn’t safe for the body. Once a traditional doctor makes the decision to stop pharmaceutical treatment, the patient is often right back where they started with horrible pain that interferes with their quality of life. Once a patient tries chiropractic care for this kind of ailment, the treatments are usually a success and they can get back to the business of living.

Most people are well acquainted with going to the doctor by the time they reach adulthood. One of the biggest things that stops many people from trying out chiropractic medicine in the first place is fear of the unknown. Unlike some traditional treatments, chiropractic care is nothing to be afraid of and causes no discomfort to the patient so there isn’t anything to be worried about. On your first visit, you can expect a tour of the facilities as many chiropractors have additional services like massage therapy and/or acupuncture specialists. A detailed medical history and description of your current symptoms will be taken. Your chiropractor may decide to take X rays of the spine or problem area to check for misalignments or minute breaks. He or she will want to be sure it is safe to treat you before proceeding.

Chiropractic medicine has grown into one of the most popular forms of treatment for people who want real help for spine and neck problems. This holistic approach to care leads to injured people living more productive, pain free lives.

Chiropractic medicine has come a long way since its beginning in 1895. many people have been helped with chronic pain due to its holistic, natural approach to treating the body as whole.

Massage Therapy—A Return To Ancient, Proven Healing

With so many modern medical advances, it has been easy to lose sight of many proven, natural, old-world techniques like massage therapy; as those advances continue to move forward, as a culture we often revert back to the more natural, well-proven techniques for health management and healing. On of the most proven methods of boosting health and healing is massage therapy.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is an umbrella term that is used in reference to a number of bodywork techniques which promote healing and relaxation (and healing through relaxation). Massage has roots in ancient cultures (as far back as 3,000 years ago in China); due to the extensive benefits of Massage therapy, it has become a mainstay of many mainstream medical and physical treatments. Massage is no longer considered “quack” therapy, and is gaining in popularity by the day.

Massage, in its most general sense, refers to rubbing and manipulation of the body. It may be performed on target areas of the body, or a session may include the whole body.

The basic techniques employed in massage therapy include:

• Rubbing of muscles, soft tissues, and joints
• Manipulation of joints, muscles, and soft tissues
• Touch therapies, re-patterning, and movement of body structures
• Stroking
• Kneading
• Tapping/light thumping
• Compression
• Vibration
• Applying pressure

Each of these techniques are used in different ways and combinations, comprising the more than 250 types of massage therapy. These therapies are known by many different names, including Swedish massage, bodywork, touch therapy, reflexology, sports massage, somatic therapy, acupressure, sports massage, and neuromuscular massage. Some massage therapists will specialize in one specific type, or modality, of massage; others are capable of performing a range of massage therapies. Each massage therapist will tailor therapy sessions toward the specific needs and goals of a client to achieve the optimal result.

Massage therapists use a number of products and supplies to further enhance the benefits and comfort of a massage therapy session. These include tables, oils, creams, and lotions, as well as aromatherapies. The most effective tool of all used during a massage is the skilled set of hands of the massage therapist.

Massage has proven an incomparable physical therapy with far-reaching medical and physical benefits. The benefits of massage have been linked to numerous health conditions ranging from circulatory dysfunctions to stress related illness and sports injuries. As medical professionals and individuals have increasingly come to realize that pharmaceuticals are not the only option for treating ailments and injuries, the demand for skilled massage therapists has grown dramatically. Today, massage therapy is being recognized as both a supplemental and independent health treatment as well as a means of preventing illness and injury.

Benefits Of Physical Therapy

The benefits of physical therapy are undisputed. After all, the practice has been around since Ancient Greece. Physical therapy is used in multiple ways for multiple reasons all with the single desired result of restoring mobility and reducing pain in order for the patient to regain normalcy. There are several reasons that someone would seek out the aid of a physical therapist, ranging from stiff muscles to back pain, and even arthritis. Each of these conditions can benefit greatly from a trip to the physical therapist office.

Perhaps one of the most popular forms of physical therapy is the hands on treatment of massage. This massage differs greatly from the amateur massage of co-workers and friends; this massage actually does some good. A massage given by a physical therapist can help in any number of ways. For overall health, the benefits of the physical therapy massage can reduce the stress by unknotting muscles and causing the body to relax. It can also increase blood flow and circulation which will help in reducing toxins in the body. Massages will even improve range of motion and increase flexibility. Therapists do a lot more than hand out massages and everything they do and accomplish is a benefit of physical therapy.

Back pain is an increasing issue in today’s society and luckily patients can derive many benefits from physical therapy that will improve the back and reduce the pain. Back pain from daily stress and overuse, or from operations or other conditions can greatly decrease the quality of life. Physical therapist are to prescribe several treatments and procedures that will help the patient regain normal use of the back, improving reach, reducing pain, and restoring mobility. There are several ways that the physical therapists can improve the back and each of them has their own benefits.

Another benefit of physical therapy concerns joint pain such as arthritis. The therapist will assist the patient in a number of exercises and procedures aimed at regaining the range of motion that the joint once enjoyed. Usually, joints are stiff due to lack of use because of the pain that patients do not wish to endure. Therefore, the patient will perform actions to loosen up joints that will restore movement and ease any discomfort.

The general benefits of physical therapy can also include any manner of education, including the particular ailment and procedures, necessary exercises, and even diet plans. Physical therapy does not end when leaving the office and is a commitment and a lifestyle change. The benefits of physical therapy are innumerable as each case and each potential benefit are very different from one another.

Causes of Neck Pain and Headaches

Many athletes that suffer from neck pain and headaches describe their headaches as starting at the bottom or base of the neck. From there it moves up their neck, to their eyes, temples and then their head. This is important because it tells the doctor that the headache is referred pain caused by an injury to the athlete’s body or neck. There are many different types of headaches and severity levels but what many people do not realize is there is often a connection between neck pain and headaches. A person suffering from a stiff neck may experience a very tense painful feeling in their neck that sends sharp pains every time they move or turn their head. To make matters worse, they have a headache at the same time. A common symptom of a stiff neck is neck pain and headaches.

In most cases, a cervical spasm or stiff neck is very painful but not considered serious. Sleeping in an uncomfortable position or using a pillow that does not support your neck and head properly is often the cause of neck pain and headaches resulting from sore muscles.

One of the most common causes of neck pain and headaches is poor posture. Poor posture habits are easy to start because most of the time you do not realize that your posture is bad. Curling up in front of the television, working on the computer with the screen positioned too high or low, reading in bed, carrying a heavy purse over your shoulder, or slouching while you walk can all cause neck pain and headaches.

Other causes of neck pain and headaches include medical conditions and diseases such as high blood pressure and meningitis. One of the many signs of meningitis is worsening neck pain when you move your chin downward, towards your chest. Severe headaches and neck pain can occur after an accident such as falling off a high ladder or suffering a blow to the head resulting in a concussion.

If you are suffering from a frequent stiff neck, neck pain and headaches or the pain continues to worsen, seek medical attention to find out the cause of your pain so you can receive the proper medical treatment. Also, consult your doctor if your neck pain and headaches do not start to lessen within twenty-four hours, you feel confused or nauseated, you are experiencing tingling sensations in your arms, or for any other unusual symptoms. Talk to your physician first if you are interested in starting any type of home exercise program to help relieve your neck pain and headaches.

Some of the Chiropractic Techniques

When most people think of chiropractic techniques, the standard neck or back adjustment is what comes to mind. However to understand why chiropractic care is so useful, it is imperative to be aware that doctors of chiropractic have a lot more tricks up their sleeves other than just the famous back adjustment. Chiropractors treat more areas of the body than just the spine. These highly trained professionals go to school for in depth training of techniques and when and where they are appropriate, as well as detailed study of how the body works in relation to all aspects of health. Muscle and bones are just a part of their training. They also are taught how disease and injury affect each region of the body and how to treat it for optimum healing. Take a look at some of the chiropractic techniques you may be less familiar with.

One of the most interesting of the chiropractic techniques is known as the applied kinesiology technique. This one deals with more than just the alignment of the spine and joints. The placement of the bones can’t be correct unless the muscles surrounding them are in correct placement as well. Using light massage and manipulation of the acupressure points, chiropractors can encourage normal and healthy muscle function. This restored balance helps the bones move back into the proper ailment. This technique is an interesting look at how all the systems of the body work together as one.

Since the spine related adjustments are the most familiar to most of us, here’s a look at some of the spine chiropractic techniques and what they are used to correct. The Cox flexion distraction is first up on our list. This technique involves using stretching or traction of the spine to correct lower back pain and misalignment. The Thompson terminal point technique is another one of the frequently used techniques. Using a special drop style table, this technique is used to adjust the entire spine. Another fascinating example of the dynamic of how different areas of the body can adversely affect a seemingly unrelated area of the body is neck pain. In some cases the Sacro-Occipital technique is used. The patient lies on their back with padded blocks placed under the pelvic region. This allows the body to adjust itself and reduce neck pain. There are hundreds of other techniques chiropractors can use to improve the performance of the body and promote pain relief. These are just a few.

The various chiropractic techniques are an interesting look at how every area of the body directly impacts its neighbor. Understanding the purpose of some of the things your chiropractor may do is a good way to reduce fear of the unknown and take a proactive stand in your own health care.

Each of the chiropractic techniques was designed to heal a specific problem. These techniques help to relieve pain, improve joint flexibility, and increase body function without the use of medications or surgeries.

Physical Therapy Exercise

The visit to the physical therapist is just one step in the road to recovery. Patients will be required to participate in exercises directed at their problem and condition. Some of these physical therapy exercises can be performed at home while others must be assisted by the therapists.

The psychical therapy exercises will vary due to the area of concern. All exercises should be performed just as the therapist directs as any deviation may result in injury or be ineffective. The physical therapy exercises run the gamut from basic stretching to the intense exercises required in rehabilitation such as learning how to walk again.

Some of the examples of basic physical therapy exercises, like stretching, may seem easy enough but must be done in a precise way to avoid a pulled muscle. One of these physical therapy exercises is the sitting stretch. This is a relatively easy exercise. Sit on the floor and wrap a towel at the end of your foot. Use the towel to pull the foot towards your body and hold for a few seconds. You will then repeat this with the other foot. Go slow and do not over stretch yourself.

Other exercises used after an operation are necessary to improve blood flow and circulation to reduce the risks of clots and to ensure that the operation was a success. As such, these physical therapy exercises will be more intense and focused. The patient may be required to perform these exercises for certain durations up to several weeks, months, or even a lifetime to maintain a quality of mobility required for day to day life. An example of an advanced exercise required after hip replacement surgery involves an elastic tube that increases resistance to the leg and thus forces the hip muscles to work harder. This will improve muscle strength and aid in rehabilitation.

Other physical therapy exercises will help the patient in learning how to use a cane, walker, or crutches. These devices aid in walking and are very important. It may take time to learn how to use such devices effectively. These devices can even be used in other exercises to enable increased mobility and allow the patient to cast them off and walk on their own again.

Physical therapy exercises take a certain amount of dedication. Patients must understand that any exercises prescribed by the therapists are necessary and should be done exactly as given. These exercises will improve the body and quicken recovery time. Some of the physical therapy exercises will be assisted by the therapists. It is up to the patient to keep up with any exercises that need to be done in the home. Rehabilitation is made up of many steps and each of them needs to be followed. Dedication and commitment, as well as the exercises, will help when recovering from an operation or just living a full life.

Physical Therapy: Why should i use?

It may occur in your lifetime that you require the services of physical therapists for any number of reasons. And while you may believe that you can perform the necessary functions required for recovery of whatever ailment or condition that you have been diagnosed with, the simple fact is that if you are directed to seek out the services of a rehabilitation specialist, it is necessary to use a physical therapist. If the question; ‘Why should I use physical therapy’ remains, there are a few simple facts to answer that.

Physical therapy is concerned with the rehabilitation and restoration of mobility and function of a patient. The therapist focuses on any number of conditions and their impact upon the body. The age range of patients is from young children to the elderly. The only requirement is that the patient is in need and can benefit from physical therapy. Before beginning any treatment, the therapist will perform a full assessment of the patient to determine the exact cause and area of the discomfort or problem. The physical therapists will help patients with post-operative pain and stiffness as well as arthritis, loss of limb and even back pain. If you suffer from any of these, or the wide variety of other symptoms that can be treated by physical therapy, you will find that attending sessions will greatly improve the quality of life that you enjoy.

Physical therapy employs many techniques and even the seemingly simple ones can improve the health of the patient. Massage techniques have been around for ages and its benefits are well known. Working on muscle tension will improve the range of motion of those muscles. If your back is stiff, this would mean being able to bend down further to pick up objects or to stretch over a greater distance. After operations, massages can release pain and stiffness and reduce myofascial adhesions. This is just one answer to that nagging question: “Why should I use physical therapy”

Another reason is the restoration of joint mobilization. Often times, pain and stiffness is caused by joint restriction and it is important to focus on the problem in order to restore movement and release pain and discomfort. The physical therapist will use various techniques to return the use of the joints. Using speed and distance will increase the motion of the joint. “Why should I use physical therapy for this?” you may ask. If the pain is too much or if the joints require special attention and care, you may not be able to or willing to perform the needed actions. The physical therapist can achieve this goal easily. This may involve rubbing bone surface onto each other which will not be painful when performed correctly by the therapist.

Education of the patient in proper exercise techniques is another reason to use physical therapy. “Why should I use physical therapy to teach me how to exercise? I know how!” You might think you know how but unless you are certain, then you may not be exercising properly. Physical therapists encounter individuals who swear they know the proper exercising techniques when in reality they are either doing more harm than good or their actions are completely ineffective. The physical therapists will take you step by step over the appropriate exercises for your condition and make certain that you are capable of performing them in the correct manner once you leave the office. This way, the rehabilitation process will be shortened and no further injury will be encountered.

There are any number of answers to that question; “Why should I use physical therapy”. It comes down to how much you value mobility and health. With the aide of physical therapists, you can reduce recovery time, heal properly, and improve your body’s functions and capabilities.

What Is Physical Therapy

What is physical therapy? We all know the words and have a vague notion of what it does and what it can accomplish but chances are physical therapy is more in depth that you realize.

Physical therapy is as old as Greece. During the 1800’s physical therapists formed the first known group of their professionals and in the 1920’s the foundation of what would be the American Physical Therapy Association was created in America. This gave rise to a far more organized and efficient organization that promotes and enhances the care of physical therapist to their patients. During World War One and Two, as well as the polio epidemic, physical therapists were instrumental in the care and rehabilitation of patients. In fact, one of the key focuses of physical therapy is the rehabilitation of those in need. No matter the ailment or cause, the therapist is capable of assisting the patient with quality care that will improve mobility and function. The physical therapist is able to work on back pain, muscle stiffness and even teaching those with a loss limb in order to attain a desirable quality of life despite the disability. That is the short answer to the question “what is physical therapy”. But there is more to it.

Physical therapists are highly trained individuals with degrees in the necessary fields which give them the appropriate information to properly treat and handle any number of conditions. Occupational therapists help to improve the day to day functions of those suffering. Sports therapy focuses on athletes that continually place their bodies through rigors and activities that others may not be subject to.

Some of the basic treatments such as back pain and arthritis are easily accomplished by both the therapist and patient. The therapist has many techniques and exercises from massages to electrical stimulation. Such procedures can reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness. Also, the education of the patient to the particular condition and how to exercise properly falls under physical therapy.

Physical therapy is often used after surgeries to reduce recovery time and to help the patient regain full use of the region that was operated upon. Used in tandem with the care of the acting physician, physical therapy is capable of achieving any number of goals. The duration of the physical therapy is dependent upon what brought the patient into the office in the first place and how well they take to treatment. The therapy does not end once the patient leaves the office, but continues on at the home which is why the therapists instruct patients in proper exercise habits. It may help to not look at therapy in terms of time but in terms of what the patient would like to achieve through the visits. Such goals are more tangible and provide a healthy attitude.

So what is physical therapy? Basically put, physical therapy is the restoration and rehabilitation of movement and increasing range of motion and achieving normalcy after any manner of conditions, ailments, illness or symptoms of operations.

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