No Back Pain

eMedicine - Mechanical Low Back Pain : Article by Everett C Hills ...

2007-03-25T21:40:00.001-07:00

WorldOrtho - Lecture Notes on Lower Back Pain
Psychogenic - Psychological disturbances play an important role in some patients with chronic low back pain disorders. Evidence of secondary gain ...

eMedicine - Mechanical Low Back Pain : Article by Everett C Hills ...
Discover what causes back pain and how to treat it.

2007-03-25T21:37:00.001-07:00

Back Pain Information Page: National Institute of Neurological ...
Low back pain fact sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

ScienceDaily: Spinal Cord Stimulation Can Relieve Low Back Pain
Psychogenic - Psychological disturbances play an important role in some patients with chronic low back pain disorders. Evidence of secondary gain ...

Low Back Pain: Ultrasound Retraining | Home
Mechanical Low Back Pain - Mechanical low back pain (LBP) remains the second most common symptom-related reason for seeing a physician in the United States.

Backpain Europe
Low back pain is the #2 reason that Americans see their doctor -- second only to colds and flus. ... I. Back to Basics: Step 1: What is Low Back Pain? ...

Aikido teaches a person to look at the big picture

2007-03-14T22:32:00.000-07:00

Many of my patients come into the clinic in such pain that they cannot hear any instruction that I give them. Many times, after a couple of weeks of treatment, I ask them "Do you still have pain?" and they roll they fix their eyes to one side or the other and wiggle their bodies a little bit as if looking for just the right spot, and they say, "Yep, the pain is still there". I often wonder whether or not they are not more remembering the painful feeling rather than experiencing the pain.

I read this in the Toronto Star and it was profound

I first meet Wayland DeLong's fist in a small courtyard behind a toy store in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood.

He parks his giant knuckles just off the tip of my nose so his fist and my fear consume my cosmos. There's nothing else.

Then DeLong directs my attention to the trees, the sound of birds, and the ground beneath my feet. Soon, the fist becomes smaller, less paralyzing, and I can think beyond the fear.

It's an invaluable demonstration of what happens when we fixate on our fears. It costs us perspective – the big picture – and an ability to function effectively

How true.

Modern Surgical techniques

2007-03-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

There is a pretty cool video on this site. There wasn't any sound, but the graphics were pretty good. The site's subject is spinal surgery and specically fusion. There is some good information on questions to ask your MD and even how to prepare your home to help with the recovery from the spinal surgery. Click through. You will like it.

Relief for some forms of back pain

2007-03-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Most persons with back pain tend to see a resolution of symptoms over a matter of 4-6 weeks. Some, however, have to deal with chronic pain for years. Many health care providers have tried different approaches using different types of injections but results were mixed.
A physician in Texas uses special scans to help determine which of his patients will benefit from facet joint injections.

But Dr. Spiros Pneumaticos, professor of orthopedic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, found that a bone SPECT imaging scan (single photon emission computed tomography) can identify patients who can benefit from the shots. The scan can also help pinpoint, better than X-ray or MRI, exactly where the shots should be given.

The Dallas Morning News has the story

Good tips for preventing back pain

2007-03-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

This is a good website for tips to relieve your back pain

Tips for preventing back strain

* Don't lift by bending over. Lift an object by bending your knees and squatting to pick up the object. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. Avoid twisting your body while lifting.
* Push rather than pull when you must move heavy objects.
* If you must sit at your desk or at the wheel of a car or truck for long hours, break up the time with stops to stretch.
* Wear flat shoes or shoes with low heels (1 inch or lower).
* Exercise regularly. An inactive lifestyle contributes to lower back pain.

Call your family doctor if:

* Pain goes down your leg below your knee
* Your leg, foot, groin or rectal area feels numb
* You have fever, nausea or vomiting, stomachache, weakness or sweating
* You lose control over going to the bathroom
* Your pain was caused by an injury
* Your pain is so intense you can't move around
* Your pain doesn't seem to be getting better after 2 to 3 weeks

Even horses can have back pain

2007-03-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

I found this on 'thehorse.com'.I hadn't even considered this but I guess horses need therapy too. I thought that this short article was good because it outlines the steps I use to discover what's ailing someone. The following paragraph are some of the steps.

A concern when treating horses with back pain is the identification of any musculoskeletal issues that might be creating pain in the hock or stifle. That type of lameness problem will cause a horse to alter its limb movement, placing strain on the back. It is also important to address issues of farrier care. Sometimes shoeing requires a trial-and-error process to work out the best option. Also, with a complaint of back pain, it can be valuable to check or treat for gastric ulcers. The panelists further remarked that some mares demonstrated signs of back pain when they were cycling.

I frequently tell my patients that their back pain compensatory or altered movements may mask or cause even more pain. The same applies to animals.

You can read the rest here

Heath Insurance changes proposed in Arizona

2007-03-14T09:16:00.001-07:00

The Arizona state house votes to let insurance carriers offer stripped down insurance to the public, according to a report in the Arizona Daily Star. Its an effort to get more people covered. However, there appears to be only two choices that the legislature appear to want.

"This bill will provide people with the opportunity to choose between a Cadillac and a Yugo," he said. "And most people are going to want something in between.""

Read it here

Heath Insurance changes proposed in Arizona

2007-03-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

My new case study template...

2007-03-12T14:35:00.001-07:00

Just checking to see how this looks in the blog.

Title: .

Problem: .

Explore Problem
Demographic: .
Cause of injury: .
Effect of injury: .

Anatomical Structures involved: .

Discussion of treatment approach: .

Benefits of study: .

Surgery + (Smoking or Obesity) = Potential Hazards

2007-02-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

I usually tell my patients about the problems presented by smoking when doing rehab. Namly the dehydration. However, Forbes magazine looks into an interesting study. The article points out some alarming statistics about surgical candidates and how smoking and obesity may affect them.

Smoking greatly increases the risk of needing spinal surgery to treat low back pain and being overweight boosts the likelihood of having postoperative pain and complications after such surgery, U.S. researchers say.
The study of 185 patients who had surgery for non-traumatic back pain found that smokers were 148 percent more likely than nonsmokers to require the surgery.

Startling numbers when you think about it.

Love of the game helped with his physical therapy

2007-02-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

HS basketball player Cody Holme loved the game and credited it with his quick recovery from a serious auto accident.

His love of sports was definitely the main motivating factor in his recovery, according to Holm.
“I’ve put a lot of time into my sports throughout life and my high school career here,” the 18-year-old said in an interview at the high school last week.
“It means a lot to me, so I’ve lifted weights and worked out.”

He also had some good things to say about his physical therapist!!

He credits Hudson physical therapist Rich Larsen with prescribing an exercise program that got him back into athletic competition as quickly as possible. It involved daily workouts in friends’ swimming pools and applying heat to his neck twice a day.
“It kind of stunk because I had to miss a lot of time with my friends because I had to go to my physical therapy appointments,” Holm recalled. “It was tough because it was summertime and I wanted to be with my friends.”
He also missed out on the summer league and tournament competition he was counting on to get him ready for the 2006-07 hoops season.
But the therapy regimen made him even more disciplined, he said. He had to work harder at it than most people realize.

He has a good story. Do something you like when rehabbing.

Senator gets physical therapy

2007-02-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

Senator Johnson was elected last november to represent the state of South Dakota. Then, during a radio interview last fall, Senator Tim Johnson began having trouble speaking and responding to questions. He was rushed to the hospital where it was discovered that he had experienced bleeding into his brain. It was not cause by a stroke, but by the malformation of blood vessels. After undergoing surgery and a lengthy ICU stay, the Senator is now participating in the rehabilitation process that will help him regain many of the abilities that have been impaired by his health incident and by deconditioning.
His son shares something of this from the Keloland.com TV news site.

Johnson says the majority of the Senator's time is taken up by physical therapy as he works to regain strength in his muscles and his speaking ability.
“Long and hard days really, doing physical therapy and speech therapy so he doesn't really have a lot of free time,” he said.

Its a short read.

Save your back while shoveling snow

2007-02-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

Winter has hit the northeast US. The annual experience of removing large amounts of frozen precipitation from sidewalks, front porches, driveways, etc. has begun in many places. It has already been underway in others.
The Toronto Daily news prints a short article with tips to prevent potential injury while keeping your home and its surroundings safe.

1) Know your current state of health prior to shovelling. If you have
experienced heart conditions, have a high blood pressure or are not used to
physical exercise, you may want to find someone else to do the shovelling.
2) Prior to heading outside, ensure you have stretched properly and are wearing
appropriate clothing. A five-minute warm up for the back, legs, shoulders and
arms can help prevent injury due to cold muscles.
3) Choose a snow shovel that will work with you – a curved handle will help in keeping the back straight. Plastic shovels are generally lighter than metal, which eases the strain placed on the lower back.
4) Avoid lifting the snow, and instead push it. If lifting is
absolutely necessary, bend your knees with legs apart, keep your back straight,
and lift with the legs. Avoid twisting the back when tossing the snow; turn with
the feet instead.
5) Shovel small amounts. Although shovelling is more frequent,
it is less strenuous than shovelling large amounts less often.
6) Be aware of ice on the ground, and spread sand or kitty litter to provide traction and reduce the risk of slipping.
7) Stay hydrated.
8) Take frequent breaks, and if you experience pain, stop shovelling.
9) Should you hurt your back while shovelling - stop immediately. Lying down or sitting with a back support, apply a cold pack to the affected area, ten minutes on then ten minutes off, repeating a few times. Never apply a cold pack directly to the skin, always use a thin cloth over the pack. Use a back support to help maintain proper posture and reduced muscle injury while recovering. Continue to use a cold pack several times a day for the first 48 to 72 hours.
10) Consult your health care practitioner if back pain becomes severe or persists for more than a few days.

Chronic back pain may cause brain to shink

2007-02-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

Whatever the cause, a study done in Chicago's Northwestern University found that persons who suffer from chronic back pain lose brain mass. The loss is directly related to the length of time a person suffers from Back pain.
With this in mind, it is important to prevent or treat chronic back pain as early as possible.

Radiofrequency Treatment Shows Promise For Lumbar Pain

2007-02-12T17:26:00.000-08:00

Another approach to treating disc pain can be viewed here.

The 23rd annual conference of the American Academy of Pain Medicine had there meeting Feb. 7-10
Program Highlights Included
• Multidisciplinary approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of pain
• Special focus on safety, efficacy, and outcomes of therapeutic modalities
• Evidence-based updates for pain specialists
• Refresher track in Pain Medicine essentials
• In-depth, topical coverage in preconference seminars
– Interventional Pain Therapies: Complications, Preventive
Strategies, and Risk-Management (full day)
– The Truth About Pain Management: The Interface of Pain and
Addiction (half-day) plus Practice Management Seminar
(half-day)
• More than 100 exhibits

Spinal Stimulation study shows promise

2007-02-12T17:11:00.000-08:00

Chronic pain sufferers may have another avenue for relief. A study was presented at a recent conference of Pain Management professionals in New Orleans, Dr. Todd Gross, PhD, director of biostatistics and clinical data management, Boston Scientific, Plymouth, Minnesota. The study showed promise of reducing pain in a majority of its participants.
You can read about it here

Should Health Insurance be a la carte?

2007-02-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

There is an attempt to reign in the high costs of insurance. Some suggest insurance provide basic health coverages to all but those who would like specific treatment for specific things pay an additional charge. The writer of this article uses Acupuncture as an example.

What do you think?

Physical Therapy supports the troops

2007-02-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

There are many stories already. There are going to be many more to come. The Arizona Daily Sun gives us a look into one of them.
Whether you agree or not with the policies surrounding the Invasion of Iraq there can still be a certain level of appreciation guven to the voluteers of America's armed forces.

Sgt. Frank Sandoval is one of those injured while doing his duty in Iraq. He now undergoes physical rehabilitation for injuries sustained there.

There are times when Sgt. Frank Sandoval feels frustrated, such as when he is trying to get dressed, or stand up from a chair without any help, or even tie his shoes, but he knows it will get easier.

"I've seen a lot of progress," said Sandoval's wife, Michelle. "I used to help him with everything, now it's just on occasion."
Sandoval, who graduated from Kofa High School in Yuma in 1999, was wounded during his second tour of duty in Iraq last year while in the U.S. Army. He is now undergoing physical therapy at Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital.

Read a little about his story here and then give a quiet thanks to him.

Another State looks at expanding health insurance

2007-02-08T00:28:00.000-08:00

Indiana is one of the latest states to look at providing insurance to the uninsured.

A Senate committee has unanimously approved the governor's plan to provide health insurance to thousands of uninsured Indiana residents.

A quick read.

Home Care for the back

2007-02-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

While some may need the help of a physician or PT, many can treat themselves with gentle and consistant activities as well as OTC medications.

"The good news is that there are a number of very easy strategies that help with back pain," Nelson says.
Rest, over-the-counter muscle relaxers, pain pills and anti-inflammatories can treat back soreness that lasts a few days.

See the rest of the story.

Has anyone tried this?

2007-02-04T22:50:00.000-08:00

Some doctors are using this technique for severe sprains and hypermobile joints.

At its most basic, prolotherapy involves injecting a solution in or around
a painful joint to provoke a biological response that results in the
proliferation of new cells. The type of response that prolotherapy tries to
provoke is a controlled, local inflammatory reaction. The theory behind
prolotherapy is that the new cells will strengthen weakened ligaments, tendons,
or other connectives tissues, and that this repair process will eventually lead
to a stronger joint and less pain.

Read the rest of the story here.

Class Reunion

2007-02-04T22:48:00.000-08:00

I had a very good weekend. One of my physical therapy classmates finally decided to visit California. We had a good time rehashing things and reminiscing.

Can't keep a good man down

2007-01-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

This guy is amazing. You can do anything... if you really want.

Read it.

Just say NO

2007-01-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

I encourage my patient to be as active as possible with as little pain as possible. I think that this helps tremendously when a patient is confronted with chronic back pain. A Yale study found also that persons who try to treat back pain with medications only may be hurting themselves more than helping.

"Patients with chronic back pain commonly request pain medication, and opioid medications are used despite the concerns clinicians have with patients developing an addiction to these medications," said first author Bridget Martell, M.D., assistant clinical professor of general internal medicine at Yale School of Medicine. "Our findings suggest that clinicians should consider other treatments with similar benefits but fewer long-term adverse effects."

Not for everyone..

2007-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

Pres. Bush spoke about tackling the persistant rise of health care insurance costs:

However, according to a Bush administration official familiar with the proposals, the plan would offer a tax deduction to people who purchase their own coverage while some employer-provided health care benefits could be taxed.

But what about those families that are just getting by on what they are making? Will waiting until the end of the year really help those who need it the most? It seems the way that it is proposed discourages people from opting into their employer based health care.

The real problem is the cost of health care. How will this plan reduce the cost of the services provided at a hospital or clinic? It seems that the only ones who would benefit from this type of arrangement would be the Insurance companies because they continue to reap their premiums and the businesses that employ us that don't have to pay those premiums any longer.

Read it here.

Stay on the path

2007-01-15T11:35:00.000-08:00

An article in the LA times gives some good advice for those with back pain.

Back pain is usually caused by the small things we have done over time to create a less healthy back and trunk. So reducing aches and pains can take some time to reverse. Even if you are not experiencing back pain now, these three tips can help reduce your risk of dealing with the problem later.

People tend to settle into lifestyle patterns of movement. These patterns are necessary when we go through our normal everyday activities. But, they can become repetitive patterns that can cause us problems in the future. We need to break these patterns up by varying activities which do not have to be strenuous.

Read it here.

The art of peace?

2007-01-14T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am having a 'youtube' kind of moment. Rohnner from brazil put this one up at YouTube

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.."Ain't it cool?"

Some will do anything...

2007-01-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

2007-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

A study at Thomas Jefferson University found that overweight persons were at greater risk for complications when they underwent spinal surgery.

Yet, Dr. Ratliff found a much higher incidence of complications in extremely
overweight and obese patients, including blood clots, wound infections, heart
problems, and deep vein thrombosis. “We found that the incidence of
complications related directly to the degree of obesity,” he says. “Not only
does being obese raise the risk of complications, but the greater the obesity,
the more the risk of having something go wrong around the time of surgery.” He
presents his findings on October 9, 2006 at the 2006 Congress of Neurological
Surgeons Annual Meeting in Chicago.

You may want to ask your MD prior to a potential surgery for a perscription to your physical therapist to assist with a weight loss program.

“Obesity and back pain is a Catch-22,” he says. “A person is obese, has
back pain, and the doctor says to exercise. But because of the pain, he may not
be able to exercise enough and continues to put on weight. Then the back hurts
more and he becomes even more inactive.”

Read about it.

Being overweight can influence back pain

2007-01-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

The North American Spine Society has conducted a reserch poll studying the potential correlation of obesity and back pain. They are making it a priority to educate the public about the findings of their survey.

In March 2005, NASS conducted a national survey of spine care
professionals* to measure the impact of obesity on back pain. The survey
unveiled an increasing trend in the number of obese patients being treated for
spine-related disorders – up nearly 67 percent from just five years ago.
According to the NASS survey, 44 percent of the patients they see are considered
obese.

You are what you eat

2007-01-14T00:15:00.000-08:00

Here is another way that a person can take greater control of their physical rehabilitation by paying attention to what they eat.

...anti-inflammatory foods consist of whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables,
and healthy fats and oils. In particular, Omega-3 fatty acids will help reduce
inflammation, and are found in oily fish (such as salmon, tuna, and trout),
walnuts, and flax seeds. Canola, grape-seed, walnut, and olive oils are the
healthiest oils to cook with. Tumeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory spice.
Olive oil has even been shown to help with pain relief. Superb protein sources
include fish/seafood, low-fat poultry, nuts, soy, legumes, and seeds. The best
vegetables are anything green, and berries and apples are among the best fruits.
But you really can’t go wrong with anything whole, unprocessed, and colorful.

Not surprisingly, take a look at this type of diet:

Foods such red meat, eggs, and wheat products, contain arachidonic acid,
which can increase inflammation if consumed too liberally. Similarly, junk
foods and processed foods often contain excess sugar or starch carbohydrates
that can cause inflammation as well. Unfortunately for runners, most pastas
fall into this category; so aim for whole-grain pastas rather than white
pasta to get your carb fix. Dehydration is another factor that causes inflammation, a reminder to us to pay attention to what we drink as well as what we eat. Since caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, they should not be
consumed in excess.

Keep these thoughts in mind when wrestling with an injury:

So the creating a viable anti-inflammatory diet can be broken out into two
aspects: 1) avoiding inflammatory foods and; 2) seeking anti-inflammatory foods.
Good hydration habits are essential as well.

Here's the rest of the story

The Back Plague

2007-01-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

WebMd reports that more than 80 percent of Americans will suffer with some
form of back pain throughout their lives. And while that pain can be experienced
anywhere along the spine, it’s the lower back — bearing the weight of the upper
body and serving as a hinge for all bending, twisting, and lifting – that is the
most typical location of back pain.

This wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't that debilitating. But there is an upside.

...the American Association of Neurological Surgeons has found that while
low back pain can be excruciating, most cases – 90 percent in all - improve
without surgery.
...The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons also highly recommends
healthy weight maintenance (to avoid the stress of excess weight on the back)
and exercise (to keep the muscles that support the back strong and limber), but
keeping a healthy back doesn’t end there.
AAOS also advises giving up
smoking — which reduces blood flow to the lower spine and causes degeneration of
the spinal disc — as well as protecting the back when lifting by bending the
knees and squatting down rather than bending at the waist to lift an object.

There are many things that individuals can do that will prevent possible back pain in the future. these are only a few.

Read the full article

Listen to your body

2007-01-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

As with most things that occur in a person's life, it is the event that one focuses on rather than what caused or precipitated the event. Many of my patients tell me during the intitial PT evaluation that one day they simply "woke up with pain". When pressed for some clue as to why a certain body part hurts or some function is impaired they cannot recall any thing that may have brought on the particular episode.

There is nothing new, or even wrong with this particular scenario. It happens millions of times on a daily basis in every country on Earth. However, it is my objective to try to educate the sufferer that "Things just don't happen" and that "effect" or event, follows "cause" with unerring certainty.

With that in mind, I introduce the concept that the effect that they are experiencing, that has followed a cause, is simply the way that nature brings to our attention some violation of natural laws. That may sound kind of harsh but it is not meant to. It is meant to be blunt and to the point. In educating patients that they have "done something" or "caused" the problem that they are now experiencing I attempt to empower them.

Rehabilitation following injury or surgery in not simply a matter of determination. Rehabilitation is determination coupled with an accurate understanding and employment of the principles of physical development. It is a choice the patient makes to work with nature to improve the elements of mobility.

As with most (not all) things. Progress with physical rehabilitation is the choice made by the individual.

Quiet Friday night

2007-01-12T21:17:00.000-08:00

At home doing housework tonight. Stomach flu is going around and I am trying to avoid getting hit with it.

Physical Therapy is important, even in politics....

2007-01-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

Democratic Senator to have "aggressive rehabilitation" after brain surgery. I am sure that, not only will he need the services of a Physical therapist, but also of Occupational and Also Speech.

Associated Press reports:

Johnson will be participating in "aggressive therapy" in the inpatient
rehabilitation unit at George Washington University Hospital, the statement
said.

Read it.

This is a tragedy

2007-01-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

From Tampa news:

In August of 2005, Willie Nelson Jr. had back surgery at Tampa General Hospital. According to a lawsuit Nelson is filing, he has permanently lost his vision as a result of the 10-hour operation.

This was a Back Surgery.

Ease into a comfortable training practice

2007-01-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

Humans are truly, as the Good Book says, "Fearfully and wonderfully made". However, many of us do not fully appreciate this fact. I try in my practice to convey to my patients that their bodies are "living, natural systems" much like a garden. The best way to garden is to work with nature by following natural principles. Our bodies are not "Nails" and exercise, especially Rehabilitation, is not the "hammer".

How can we continue to exercise while preserving our joints, delaying or avoiding the need of joint replacement as long as possible? Begin your exercise episodes by avoiding fast speeds or high impact until after the muscles are warmed up and the synovial tissues lining the joints have had time to be progressively, gradually stimulated to secrete synovial fluid into the joint spaces to act as both a lubricant and shock absorbing fluid. Wear shock absorbing shoes appropriate to your sport's activity. Choose exercise surfaces that provide further shock absorption such as wood flooring, grass, sand, or soft dirt, avoid pavement or hard packed dirt. Choose low impact sports or exercise whenever possible. See you out there in the fresh air!

You can read the rest here.

Does your PT treat you like this?

2007-01-10T21:30:00.000-08:00

Mind over Matter...

2007-01-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

Many times progress with physical rehabilitation is a product of sheer determination in spite of difficulties and perceived pain. European Scientists are investigating the effects of influencing potent chemicals released in the brain that affect what the person experiences.

What the mind expects, it often gets. This phenomenon is known as the
"nocebo effect". Nocebo is placebo's evil twin. With the placebo effect, the
expectation that something will make us better means that it does. With the
nocebo effect, the belief that something will make us ill actually does make us
poorly. What the mind expects, it often gets. This phenomenon is known as the
"nocebo effect". Nocebo is placebo's evil twin. With the placebo effect, the
expectation that something will make us better means that it does. With the
nocebo effect, the belief that something will make us ill actually does make us
poorly.

You can read the rest here.

Help for sore knees

2007-01-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

Good shoes, stretching, supplements. All good for the runner (and others) feeling the strain of overuse.

Read about it.

This is not basic training.

2007-01-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

For many patients, pain is something they expect from a visit to the physical therapist. Patients need to understand that rehabilitation is not boot camp.

No pain, no gain - this is what you're supposed to experience while undergoing physical rehabilitation, right? The harder you work, the more pain you experience, the faster and stronger you'll be in the end?It's a phrase we all know, but is it true? Is all pain experienced during rehab good, and will it really make us better?Unfortunately, for many, the answer is no. This particular phrase does not apply to people as they go through the rehabilitation process, particularly those who have had a recent surgery or injury.

You can read the rest of the story here.

A novel idea

2007-01-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

A health insurance carrier in Florida allows potential customers to compare insurance rates and services. Thats a good idea. Click here to see their website.

It is generally this simple...

2007-01-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

Many people with aches and pains at generally at a loss as to how to find relief. My thoughts are, that absent any outside trauma or disease process pain relief is a relatively simple achievement. But that simple acheivement requires sustained mental effort which sometimes is hard to achieve with a lifestyle filled with distractions whether that be work, family, or entertainment. In this article in the 1/08/07 edition, authorAnne Clark points out that one of the best things a person can do for themselves is simply stretch.

When a joint is injured, the body compensates by tightening the muscles, which get fatigued and weak and could cause another injury.
“The best way to break the cycle is to respect the injury and maintain flexibility,” Iveson said. “These guys train very well, but I don’t think anyone stretches enough.”
The simple formula for a full stretch is 3 times for 30 seconds on each side, right and left. Make sure to get to hamstrings, quadriceps, hips and calf muscles.

You can in the Daily News from Jacksonville, NC

Slow day at work

2007-01-08T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have had time for the blog today because of a few breaks in the schedule. Have been surfing the web for any interesting physical rehab. equipment or specific manual medicine techniques. I have been pretty satisfied with the Osteopathic approach using Strain/Counterstrain, and Muscle Energy. They are subtle and effective without a great deal of physical effort on the part of the practitioner and they are gentle enough that the patient can relax and even participate.

Share your experiences.

CA voters interested in

2007-01-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

California voters have many concerns and opinions about the current health insurance system.

The poll also seems to dispel the notion that health coverage issues are of low personal concern to the voting population. While just 10 percent of voters are themselves uninsured, about 4 in 10 others say they are very concerned that they or someone close to them will be without health coverage in the near future. Further, when asked about their own personal worries about health care, not being able to pay for the costs of a major illness and the prospect of employer cutbacks in contributions for employee health coverage are voters' biggest concerns.

Read it.

Putting you to sleep

2007-01-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Here is the rundown of the different types of anesthesia that your Doc may use. A good short overview posted by HuangLiLien. Take a look.

Good communication.

2007-01-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

Your doctor can go to bat for you and your therapist if treatment can be medically justified. Take a look at this article.

Garamendi. He was good for the people

2007-01-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

The San Diego Union-Trib has a good article about Garamendi. The former CA insurance commissioner was recently sworn in as Lieutenant Governor of Californa. He tried to get the insurance industry to take the long view apparently.

Since July 2003, after the Legislature passed a series of restrictions on medical services provided to injured workers, Garamendi lowered the target rate for workers' compensation insurance by 59.4 percent, including a 9.5 percent
reduction that went into effect Monday. Despite the rate cuts, many businesses complain that they haven't seen enough savings, injured workers complain that they are not getting enough service, and Garamendi believes that insurers have been keeping too much of the money for themselves. “Insurers must pass on all available savings to employers,” he said when calling for the latest rate change. “In 2004 and 2005, workers' compensation insurers spent only 31 cents of each premium dollar to provide for injured workers. That is an historic low, and an indication that not all of the savings are being used to benefit employers.”

Read the rest of the story.

Get your legs under you...

2007-01-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

Well, not only exercises for the back, but also for the knees. The condition of the leg and pelvic muscles can influence, and sometimes, directly affect what a person feels in their back. Shortened and/or weak hip flexors and extensors can take a toll on your lumbo-sacral area. Check those bad boys (or girls) out and get 'em in shape. A simple home program for the quads and hip flexors can be found here. Also, Dr. Miller is a professor at my Alma Mater, in case you were interested.

2007-01-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

Most people who suffer from back pain do not realize that it can probably be treated very simply. Robert Palmer says the following:

Most of us will experience low back pain at some time in our life. The good
news is most low back pain can be prevented. Decreasing the chance of acquiring
low back pain requires increasing strength and endurance of the supporting
structures as well as enhancing flexibility and utilizing proper movement
mechanics.

You can read the rest of the article here.