back pain

A Closer Look into Back Pain

Health and Fitness Yuniar Hamond

Back Pain

For many people, back pain may come and go. However, it can be an agonizing ordeal that interferes with their daily lives and quality of life for others. If you experience debilitating chronic back pain, it can be not easy to lead a normal life. Specialists at Bayonne Pain Center of NJ treat back pain and other conditions through various interventions. Here are the causes of back pain and some treatment options you may want to consider.

Causes and symptoms

There are several causes of back pain, though the most common is an injury or strain. However, it can also occur due to medical conditions such as arthritis, scoliosis, and herniated discs. Other issues include poor posture, which can lead to pressure on the muscles in your back. There are various symptoms of back pain. However, it can manifest as discomfort in your lower back or spine area. Other times, the pain can radiate to your arm or legs, especially if there is a recent injury. The pain can worsen when you are standing or walking. Some symptoms can disappear with home treatment, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. However, it is important to consult a doctor for a comprehensive assessment, especially if the pain does not disappear within a few days.

Signs that you need to seek medical attention for your back pain

Quite often, back pain can improve with self-care. However, several signs can indicate a severe problem. Also, if the pain persists for several weeks or does not get better with rest, seek medical help. Another sign to watch out for is when the pain radiates to your knees, legs, and arms. Also, medical intervention is necessary if it makes you weak, numb, and feel irritations in your legs. For some people, back pain may lead to weight loss and bladder issues.

The risk factors

Seniors are likely to experience back pain more than young people. Also, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to excess weight, which can put pressure on the back. Medical conditions such as arthritis or cancer may accelerate back pain. Poor posture and lifting a heavy load is also a leading cause of back pain. Other risk factors include depression, anxiety, and unhealthy dietary habits such as smoking.

Preventing back pain

You can prevent back pain by making several changes to your lifestyle, such as incorporating workouts. Also, you can build your muscles through exercises which also help in strengthening your core. In addition, avoid situations that can cause a strain on your back, such as lifting weights and lousy posture. Lastly, stop smoking and observe good dietary habits.

Diagnosis and treatment

Your doctor will want to conduct a thorough assessment to establish if underlying factors are causing your back pain. First, your medical history is analyzed, and several tests are conducted. In addition, an X-ray will assess if the back pain is due to a problem with the spine. Your doctor may prescribe medication to treat arthritis, including pain medicine. In some cases, surgery may be a long-term treatment option.

If you experience back pain, it is vital to seek medical help for diagnosis and treatment. Contact the professionals at the Pain Center of NJ and get treated for back pain.

Are You Experiencing Prolonged and Severe Back Pain?

Health and Fitness Yuniar Hamond

lumbar spinal stenosis

In most cases, pain is an indicator of an injury of sorts. On the other hand, prolonged and severe cases are a more significant indicator of something more serious.

The human back, for example, is made up of the spine, which has 33 bones stacked vertically, one after the other. The spine is responsible for carrying the weight of the upper body, lifting, and carrying things. As a result, it is under constant pressure which might result in pain. Prolonged and severe back pain might be an indicator of something more severe such as stenosis, but do not worry, as there is an expert on lumbar spinal stenosis in Huntington.

What is lumbar spinal stenosis?

This is a medical condition in which the spinal canal narrows. This can result from injury, fracture, or degenerative conditions that diminish the space inside the opening of the spinal canal. In some patients, genetics may play a role in contributing to spinal stenosis.

The degenerative conditions that are most often responsible for causing lumbar spinal stenosis include:

  • Herniated disc
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis
  • Bone spurs
  • Bulging disc
  • Thickened ligaments
  • Degenerative disc disease

These conditions cause changes that protrude into the spinal canal or cause misaligned vertebrae, which leads to nerve compression and inflammation.

Stenosis can cause pressure on your spinal cord and on the nerves that run through the spinal cord down towards your muscles. Stenosis usually occurs in the lower part of the human back.

Symptoms that Indicate Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

When the spinal nerves are compressed, you will experience symptoms such as:

  • Lower back pain.
  • Pain that radiates down your legs.
  • Leg cramping when you walk or stand.
  • Tingling or numbness in your buttocks and legs.
  • Leg weakness or fatigue.

Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis find that their leg pain feels better when they rest or bend forward compared to when they are standing up.

Treatment Offered for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

After reviewing your symptoms and performing an exam, Dr. Kakoulides orders an MRI or CT scan of your lower spine. The information provided by diagnostic imaging is essential for planning your treatment.

Depending on the severity of your nerve damage and symptoms, Dr. Kakoulides may initially treat lumbar spinal stenosis with nonsurgical options, such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and alternative therapies.

If your pain doesn’t improve, he may recommend an epidural steroid injection.

If you get worse, Dr. Kakoulides recommends surgery to decompress the nerves. He has extensive experience performing several decompression procedures, including:

Lumbar laminectomy

During the procedure, Dr. Kakoulides removes part of the bone and ligaments, effectively increasing the size of the spinal canal and eliminating pressure on the nerves.

Following a lumbar laminectomy, you may need to have a spinal fusion to restore spinal stability.

X-STOP® Interspinous Spacer

Using a minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Kakoulides places the X-STOP between two vertebrae. It safely increases the space between the two bones, enlarges the opening where nerves exit the spinal canal, decompresses the nerves, and relieves your pain.

If you need relief from lower back or leg pain, call George Kakoulides, MD, or schedule an appointment online and let him take your pain away.

6 Possible Reasons You Are Experiencing Back Pain

Health and Fitness Yuniar Hamond

Back Pain

According to recent studies, approximately 80% of American adults have or will experience back and neck pain at some point. This makes back pain one of the major conditions affecting people worldwide. It has also been named as one of the top reasons for missed workdays. Therefore, it affects you as an individual and the economy. Book an appointment with a Shrewsbury back pain specialist for the right treatment option. Here are the common reasons you could be experiencing back pain:

1. Osteoarthritis

An osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that causes wear and tear in joints. Women are usually at a higher risk of developing this condition than men. When it affects the spinal cord, it breaks down the cartilage between the facet joints, which serve as cushions. In turn, they rub together to cause pain and stiffness in the back. Luckily, doctors can manage this condition medically.

2. Endometriosis

This cause of back pain only affects women. Endometriosis is the abnormal growth of tissues outside the uterus. It is a gynecological disorder that can be treated by doctors to eliminate chronic back pain. Apart from lower back pain, people living with this condition also experience painful menstruation and pelvic pain.

3. Prolonged sitting

If you are living a sedentary lifestyle, research shows that you are at risk of lower back pain. The Guardian report revealed that it could even cause premature death. This is because sitting for too long results in poor circulation and also compresses the hips and spine. Therefore, experts recommend that people with such jobs should walk regularly and occasionally stand to exercise back muscles and prevent back pain.

4. Strenuous exercises

The body requires regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and work properly. However, strenuous exercises strain and stress the body to cause pain. Injuries from extreme sports could also cause a similar problem. You should exercise with an expert’s advice to ensure that you don’t stress your body muscles beyond their limits.

5. Obesity

The cause of your problem could be your weight without you even knowing. Too much weight causes stress in muscles, which is the leading cause of unexpected lower back pain. Obesity affects the joints located in the lower body on most occasions. You should adopt measures to restore and maintain a healthy weight, such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, and drinking a lot of water.

6. Posture and furniture

The furniture you sit on or sleep on regularly could significantly affect the health of your lower back. It could play a role in the wrong posture, which will cause you trouble. If your job involves using a computer, you should be keen on the furniture. According to experts, posture plays a key role in physical and mental wellness.

There are so many reasons you could be experiencing lower back pain. See a doctor immediately after the pain begins to affect the quality of your life. For example, bladder loss or chest pain could signal severe problems. The doctor will first establish the cause of your problem before determining the best treatment option. Book an appointment today with the Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine.

Simple Tips to Manage Low Back Pain at Home

Health and Fitness Yuniar Hamond

Low back pain is a common problem, especially for middle-aged people. 80% of people experience back pain at least once in their life. You may experience back pain if you bent the wrong way or strained your back when lifting heavy objects. Low back pain may also be a sign of degenerative conditions. Before contacting your Ramsey low back pain specialist, there are lots of home remedies that you should try out. Some of them include:

1.     Ice It Before Applying Heat

Chilling your lower back may help alleviate the pain. The best time to ice your lower back is within 48 hours. It may reduce inflammation and relax your back. Ice packs are better than warm compresses. Even though applying heat to your low back may help you feel better, it increases the inflammation. However, it is okay to apply heat after 48 hours.

2.     Maintain a Good Posture

Slumping will increase low back pain. It exerts excessive weight on your lower back. Keep your back straight and avoid lifting heavy items. If you are experiencing pain in your lower back, avoid bending over from your waist.

3.     Stay Active

Your spine is supposed to move. Do not stop doing your daily activities when you experience back pain. It is okay to perform light exercises such as walking and cycling.

4.     Avoid Wearing High Heeled Shoes

If you like to wear high heels, take a break and wear flat shoes for some time. Wearing high heels increases the pressure on your low spine and affects your posture.

5.     Stop Smoking

Avoid smoking. It is an unhealthy habit that may increase your chances of getting osteoporosis of the spine. It can trigger low back pain. If you struggle with addiction, seek professional help.

6.     Use Over-the-Counter Medication

Anti-inflammatory drugs may help with back pain. Drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin may be helpful. Speak to your doctor and they will prescribe the right medication for you. Certain drugs may be inappropriate if you have conditions such as liver disease and ulcers.

7.     Use Complementary Therapies

There are lots of complementary therapies that may help you deal with low back pain. Some of the most common types of complementary therapies include:

  • Movement therapies including tai chi and yoga. They stretch your muscles and alleviate pain
  • Acupuncture on specific points
  • Therapeutic massage to help relax the muscles
  • Spinal manipulation

Even though home remedies are great, there are times when you may need to call a doctor. Seek the help of a doctor if:

  • You can no longer control your bowels
  • You have severe back pain
  • You continue to experience severe pain even when lying down
  • Your legs are numb or weak
  • You have difficulty walking or standing
  • The pain makes it difficult to go on with your daily activities

The symptoms may be an indication that you have underlying health conditions. With back pain, age is usually the biggest culprit. However, you should seek the help of a doctor before making that conclusion.

Osteoporosis Treatment in Tampa

Health and Fitness Yuniar Hamond

Osteoporosis refers to conditions resulting in weakness of bones and requires a proper diagnosis before undergoing any treatment. Dr. Jeffrey Miller leads a team of medical practitioners at Osteoporosis and Rheumatology Centre to offer treatments aimed at renewing the patient’s health and joint functioning. The center treats various conditions such as autoimmune diseases and back pain in Tampa. Dr. Miller’s dedication to his work gains him recognition as one of the best in Florida. Using his vast knowledge in osteoporosis, his skills, and the use of advanced medical technology, Dr. Miller provides quality treatments for his patients.

About Professionals

After completion of an undergraduate degree at Princeton University in New Jersey, Dr. Miller pursued a degree in medicine at Temple University, Pennsylvania. Dr. Miller refined his postgraduate studies at State University, New York, and later completed his internship training at the University of Pennsylvania hospital. Continued learning and incorporation of advanced medical practices give Dr. Miller enough knowledge in osteoporosis treatment procedures.

About Services

Dr. Miller focuses on providing individualized care to administer up-to-standard treatments for his patients. The doctor leads a team of specialists in performing diagnostic testing for each individual to determine the actual condition before applying any treatment. Some of these diagnostic services include bone density testing, nerve conduction studies, EKG/ Holtor monitoring, lab vaccinations, performing X-ray, and ultrasound scanning. These procedures determine even the most complicated condition causing osteoporosis.

After performing accurate diagnostic procedures on patients, Dr. Miller selects the most appropriate treatment for a patient. Some of these treatments include Methotrexate, Actemra, Aracept, Rituxan, gold, and Cellcept. General medical procedures performed at the center are fibromyalgia, inflammatory myopathies, lupus, reactive and psoriatic arthritis, tendinitis, and gout. To improve the overall health and body outlook of an individual, the center also performs procedures such as body contouring and collagen boosts.

Dr. Miller provides consultation services to patients. Through consultation, he provides patients with information on their service administration. Patients use Dr. Miller’s guidance and information to define the right treatment and its expected results. Residents in Tampa and its surrounding areas seeking medical attention on conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, their general health, and osteoporosis ought to consult services from this center.

How to Contact the Center

A patient can seek services from this center by contacting them by phone or schedule an appointment through their online website. More conveniently, one can pay a visit to the clinic in Tampa. The facility provides a section on their online site where a person can ask any questions about their services.

Reviews About the Center

Osteoporosis and Rheumatology Center value reviews from their patients on their services. These reviews act as a reflection of how well the services of the center are. To date, the center has collected one review with a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Dr. Miller uses his knowledge and skills in the medical field to offer high-quality services to patients. Using his leadership skills, he guides a team of specialists at the Osteoporosis center in Tampa. The incorporation of advanced medical technology and diagnostic testing ensures individualized care for patients. Dr. Miller uses his blog articles as an educational tool to both patients and the general public, ensuring that people are well-informed about their services.