Back pain is one of the most common debilitating disorder in the world today. The pain affects 90% of people at some point of their lives. Human back comprises of various structures (see figure) which are nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, any or all of which can be a source of pain. Once back pain occurs, it may become chronic (more than 4 weeks) and you shall need to consult a pain physician for relief and accurate diagnosis.
Since prevention is always better than cure,  you can save yourself from having back pain if you follow these basic tips.
Regular Exercise in Correct Form: Regular exercise is important to maintain proper muscular strength of the back. Human back is supported by several big muscle groups (see figure). They serve two functions - one is to facilitate the posture and movements of the back itself and the other is to help movements of the rest of the body appendages (arms, head, pelvis and legs).The health of these muscle group is important to take stress off the spinal bones and maintain proper function. Most of these muscles are red muscle fibers as they need to maintain their activity for prolonged periods of time. Just to give you an idea - your biceps (arm muscles) have to work only when you bend your arm. But your back muscles have to function all the time - whether you sit, walk, stand or even sleep. But the point is what kind of exercises are good for your back? The best exercises for back include body weight low impact aerobics like brisk walking, swimming, stationary bicycling, extension exercises and yoga. What is important to remember while doing these exercises if that you need to be gentle in your movements and achieve correct "form" - this is possible if you can ask someone (preferably a trainer) to observe and point out whether the back stays straight during the exercise. It has been seen that arching and excessive bending is associated with injury to the back while exercising.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Natural Nutritious diet:The inter vertebral discs contain 70 - 80% water. The muscles and tissues have 60% water content. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated. In addition, you must eat a nutritious diet consisting of green leafy vegetables, good protein source and just enough carbohydrates. Deficiencies of essential nutrients like Vitamin D can result in diseases like osteoporosis. Another important aspect is to maintain body weight within healthy limits. This is very important as increased belly fat is linked to increased back pain due to mechanical factors.
Lift objects correctly and maintain proper posture:While lifting objects, keep them as close to body as possible. Do not slouch or bend excessively while lifting. Just keep your back straight at all times. You may bend your knees a little if required (see figure). Think before you lift and get help if needed.
While working, you must not sit for more than 45 minutes at a stretch. Walk for two minutes, go to a colleague's desk and say hi or even just drink some water or visit the washroom. Humans evolved as hunter - gatherers and our bodies are more adapted to walking / standing than to sitting for prolonged periods. Those of you who travel more and have to sit for long periods of time also need to follow above tips - avoid prolonged sitting in same posture.While exercising, improper position can do more harm than good. Therefore, proper form and posture is a must.
Bonus tip: Avoid cigarette smoking and those who smoke cigarettes to decrease your chances of having degenerative disc diseases leading to chronic back pain early in life.
Word of caution to prevent permanent damage: In case of back pain, which is not responding to home remedies or over the counter painkillers, please contact a Pain Physician to pinpoint the diagnosis and appropriate management.

3 Essential Tips to Prevent Back Pain

At some point in life most people experience acute pain in their lower back which is extremely painful. Pain in the spine causes a lot of discomfort and disruption in the life of an individual and hence, it is always better to get it checked on time. There are patients who even wonder when they should consult a neurosurgeon or a spine surgeon for their back pain. It is advisable that a physical examination is done by a primary care physician for low back pain before consulting a spine surgeon.

Why consult a Physical care Physician First?
The main reason to consult a primary care physician at first is that he would prescribe medications for severe lower back pain. The medications could include non-narcotic pain medications such as Ultram or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Motrin. The physician can even refer you to a chiropractor or for physical therapy to get relief from the back pain. Mechanical means are made use of by a chiropractor mainly to alleviate the back pain of the patient.

If the patient feels better with the physical therapy or the medications prescribed by the family doctor and is able to resume normal activities, then there is no need to see a spine surgeon. It is often recommended to take good care of the back and to exercise. A combination of ergonomics, regular stretching and improved everyday posture is beneficial as it reduces the chance of causing pain in the lower back. Exercise plays a very important role and it provides the possibility of reducing the pain.

Conservative Care for Treating Lower back Pain
It is best for patients to consult a conservative care specialist if after consulting a chiropractor they do not find any reduction in their pain and they do not want to undergo spine surgery. The conservative care specialists are well-trained in rehabilitation of musculoskeletal disorders and specialize in spine care. The role of the conservative care specialist is similar to a cardiologist who specializes in treating neurological disorders.

The specialist for spine care works along with the surgeon in a spine center to treat the lower back pain. The specialist is trained in diagnostic techniques and is capable of making use of a combination of diagnostic tests as well as injection techniques such as epidural steroid injections to diagnose the source of the lower back pain in a patient. They can even advise patients whether it is appropriate to consult a spine surgeon for surgery. Surgery is done to correct the anatomical conditions and it is performed only when non-surgical treatments are not successful in alleviating the pain of the patient.

When Is The Right Time To See A Spine Surgeon?

Spinal fractures are extremely painful and usually happen when an external force applied to the spine exceeds the vertebral column s ability to bear the load. Many times, the bone fragments pinch and damage the spinal cord, which leads to an injury or dislocation of the bony vertebra. Although spinal fractures can develop anywhere along the spine, the most common site is the lower back.

What causes spinal fractures?

Spinal fractures can occur due to both minor trauma/falls and major accidents. The following are the probable causes of such fractures-

  Injuries sustained while playing a sport
  A traumatic injury
  Spinal instability
  Injuries sustained after falling from a height
  A whiplash
  Injuries sustained in an accident
  An underlying condition such as Osteoporosis, which causes the spinal bones to weaken

Symptoms observed:

Spinal fractures are characterized by the following symptoms-

  Muscle spasm and swelling
  Numbness
  Acute pain that worsens when you walk or stand for a long time
  A tingling sensation
  Restricted mobility of the spinal column
  Spinal deformity/disability
  Sudden onset of pain in the lower back region

What are the various types of spinal fractures?

Spinal fractures primarily fall into four categories, namely the following-

  Compression - Compression fractures are quite common in people with osteoporosis or bone cancer. The bones become fragile and brittle. If sudden force is applied with extreme pressure, the vertebra may not be able to support the load and that may result in a fracture.

  Burst - Severe trauma, such as a car accident can cause burst fractures. The external pressure is so much that the vertebra gets crushed. As a result, the bony fragments spread out and cause spinal cord injury. Unlike a compression fracture, where only a part of the vertebra is damaged, a burst fracture leads to multiple fractures in the vertebra.

  Flexion-distraction - This type of fracture is likely to happen if you are involved in a car accident. Normally, the spine is made to flex forward. However, a sudden jerk that pushes your body forward can put a lot of pressure on the spine and cause the vertebrae to break.

  Fracture-dislocation - This debilitating condition results from a torn ligament and broken bone.

What is the treatment for spinal fractures?

Treatment options for spinal fractures include both non-surgical and surgical methods.

  Non-surgical treatment - Most cases of spinal fractures can be treated with immobilization in a corset or brace for up to 10-12 weeks. Bracing will help prevent deformity and reduce pain.

  Surgical treatment - The doctor may recommend surgery in severe cases. The two standard surgical procedures are-

Vertebroplasty - The surgeon will insert a tube, known as a catheter, into the compressed vertebra. Through the catheter, he/she will inject bone cement into the fracture site. This will harden and stabilize the vertebral column. Vertebroplasty has proved to be an effective procedure to reduce pain. The surgery restores mobility and prevents loss of bone due to bed rest.

Kyphoplasty - During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a catheter into the spinal column under the guidance of an X-ray. Next, he/she makes small incisions along the back and inserts an inflatable bone stamp. The tamp, once inflated, bring back the vertebral body to its original height. It also creates a cavity to be filled with bone cement, which seals the cracks. The bone cement stops the vertebra from collapsing again. After the whole procedure, the surgeon will remove the catheter and stitch the incisions.

Following surgery, you will need to wear a brace for about 6-12 weeks. Physical therapy is strongly recommended initially to help you get back to your daily activities in a week or two.

Spinal Fractures - All You Should Know!

The carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy can be the two problems which cause numbness in the fingers. The median nerve at the base of the hand passes through the carpal tunnel. If the tunnel is pinched or narrow, the nerve may be tightened, which affects the functioning of the fingers. The numbness, pain, and sensations in the fingers can be due to the neurological disorder in the body.

How Can I Relieve Numbness in My Hands?

The numbness in the hands and fingers can be very uncomfortable, especially when you are writing or driving. Many medications will relieve your numbness, but you can also try effective home remedies which have no side effects.

  Apply ice on the numbness or just dip your hands in the ice-cold water for a few minutes.

  You can also try heat massage by heating a massage pad or salt bag and applying on your numbed fingers.

  Daily stretching and exercise of hands and fingers can also relieve you from finger pain.

  Regular meditation and walk can relieve you from pain and refresh your muscles from stress.

  Avoid lifting heavy weights because it may tighten your tunnel.

There are also various ways to relieve your numbness in the thumb and fingers of the hands by means of using acupressure and herbal tea.

What Causes Numbness in Fingers While Sleeping?

Many reasons cause numbness in the fingers. Waking up with numb fingers or hands is generally not worrisome, if you do not have any other nerve symptoms. Many times, the sleeping position puts extra pressure on your hands or fingers, which causes numbness.

The nerve compression is very common while sleeping. This happens due to the position of sleep or the sharing of the bed. If you are experiencing other symptoms like weakness in the hands and legs or pain, this may lead to some serious nerve damage disease.

What Causes Numbness in Tips of Fingers?

The main reason for numbness in the tips of the fingers is the ulnar nerve compression. The ulnar nerve is responsible for the pain and shock to the hand that gives grip to the fingers. If you sleep with folded arms or legs inwards, then it is possible that you might have numbness in the tips of the fingers. The ulnar nerve reacts when pressure is put on the elbows or knees. What Does it Mean When You Wake up, and Your Fingers are Numb? Many people think that numbness in the fingers and hands are caused due to some disorder or serious illness. But, it is very common. Numbness in the fingers happens when the nerve compression is applied for a longer time.

Takeaway

Numbness is not always a problem. However, if it occurs with other significant nerve symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.

Finger Numbness - What Should You Know?

Cervical spondylosis is a disorder that affects the joints and disc around the cervical region or neck. Earlier, it was believed that spondylosis can occur in old people only and is an age-related disorder. However, it is not true nowadays. Today, even youngsters complain of pain in the neck region due to cervical spondylosis. It occurs mostly to people who spend longer hours sitting and working on the computer. It is caused due to damage of cartilage and bones in this region. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis include chronic pain and stiffness around the neck.

Causes for cervical spondylosis-

A number of factors can be responsible for cervical spondylosis. Following are the common causes for the disorder:

1. Overgrowth of bones in the neck region: this can hamper the sensitive areas around the spine.

2. Drying of fluid: the spinal bone is made up of disc-like structures. There is fluid present in between the disks. Spondylosis is often caused due to the drying up of this fluid.

3. Herinated disks: in some cases, cracks get developed on the disks. This causes leakage of fluid in between them. Consequently, the nerves in this region get damaged.

4. Injury: if you have had an injury to your neck, such as during a fall or car accident, this can accelerate the aging process.

Homeopathic medicines to cure cervical spondylosis-

There are homeopathic medicines, which can cure cervical spondylosis over a period of time. However, the dosage of these medicines must be administered properly to get rid of the disorder. Some of these useful medicines have been listed below:

1. Conium: this medicine is prescribed for patients suffering from vertigo. If a patient feels pain or vertigo while turning the head sideways or lying down on bed, this medicine can prove helpful. Other symptoms that should be taken into account while prescribing this drug include feeling of tightness in the temporal region and pain in occipital area.

2. Gelsemium: if the pain in the neck region extends to the back of the head, one may be given doses of gelsemium. The patient complains of having the pain at the centre of the occipital region. Besides, the patient will feel inactive, dull and dizzy most of the times.

3. Kalmia latifolia: this is given when the pain spreads upto the arm region and fingers. The pain can also be felt around the shoulder blades. The patient suffers from frequent nausea. The pain increases when the patient tries to look down.

4. Silicea: when the pain is felt on eyes or forehead, this medicine is prescribed. It is also useful in treating spine curvature. These patients cannot adjust with cold weather. They feel chilly most of the times. The get quick relief by warm fomentation.

5. Calcarea phos: this is useful for treating patients who have developed spondylosis due to the overgrowth of bones in the cervical region or bone spurs.

Homoeopathic Remedies for Cervical Spondylosis

Paralysis can be concluded as the state when the muscles lose functioning in any part of the body. Any kind of disruption in our nerve system can be responsible enough to cause paralysis. Our central nervous system and peripheral nervous system communicate and control our senses of movement. But interruption in nerve impulses can cause weakness in muscles which leads to muscle paralysis.

Symptoms
A paralysed patient will encounter symptoms like:

Decreasing the motor power
Decreasing vasomotor control
Loss of sensation
Decreasing bowel and bladder control
When it comes to treating a paralysis patient, physiotherapy is proven to be the best remedy. Physiotherapy has thoroughly helped patients with paralysis in getting to feel confident and independent. Physiotherapy includes various exercises and techniques which are developed with time in order to provide a complete rehabilitation to the patients.

Types of paralysis:
There are mainly four types of paralysis

Monoplegia: when one limb gets paralysed
Hemiplegia: when arm and leg of a single side get paralysed
Paraplegia: when legs get paralysed
Quadriplegia: when both sides get paralysed
Treating paralysis with physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is advised to patients with any type of paralysis. It should be started soon in order to improve blood circulation in the muscles. It also helps in relaxing the stiff muscles. This treatment improves the overall health condition of the patient.
Physiotherapy is also responsible for reducing any kind of swelling which takes place due to external brain injury.
Physiotherapy is helpful in making the patient stable and independent.
It also helps in maintaining the blood pressure.
It helps to improve the respiratory system.
Physiotherapy maintains the affected muscles and nerves. It provides strength to the affected muscles and works to prevent the limbs from getting deformed.
One major symptom of paralysis is a loss of bladder and bowel function. Physiotherapy helps in managing the paralysed bowel and bladder.
Physiotherapy involves different techniques which can be learnt from a physiotherapist in order to transfer a paralysed patient.
Othorsis, canes, braces, splints are the equipment that is advised to the patient by a professional physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy helps in resolving problems such as anxiety, anger, depression, a denial which takes place after post-paralysis mental trauma.
A physiotherapist provides safeguarding tips to the patient and his or her family in order to avoid accidents.
Physiotherapy has a big role in creating motivation in the patient's mind.
These are the benefits of physiotherapy which help the paralyzed limbs getting stronger and better. But it is always advised to be done under a professional physiotherapist.
 In case you have a concern or query you can always consult a specialist & get answers to your questions!

Paralysis - Can Physiotherapy Help You?

Don't wait any longer, manage your Shoulder Specialist online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Shoulder Specialist - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES