What You Should Know If You Have Neck or Back Pain

Back and neck pain are two of the most common health complaints affecting people around the world. Recent investigations into back and neck pain let us know the following facts.

1. People usually begin to feel pain in their 20's, but sadly, up to 50% of children also complain of neck or back pain.

2. Up to 30% of people have back or neck pain at any given moment.

3. Up to 80% of all people develop neck or back pain in their lifetime.

4. Most untreated neck and back problems will get worse, often leading to spinal arthritis. "In Australia, arthritis is the most common cause of profound and severe handicap, with many sufferers requiring help with their activities of daily life"- Arthritis Foundation of Australia.

5. The treatment of neck and back pain is one of the greatest and most inefficient expenditure of health care resources today.

Neck and back pain is such a huge problem that governments from all around the world, in an attempt to help solve this problem, have sponsored leading researchers to find the fastest and most effective treatments for back and neck pain.

The major investigations have been done by the USA, UK and Canadian governments, their aim was to find out the most common causes of neck and back pain and to identify what the best treatment for those problems are. Here is what was found.

1. That there are 3 general types of spinal problems that cause back and neck pain.

(i) Mechanical problems.

(ii) Nerve root pain.

(iii) Serious pathology.

(i) Mechanical: these are problems with the joints, muscles, discs and ligaments of the spine. Here are some of the common types of mechanical problems muscle strains, ligament sprains, increased muscle tension, spinal joint misalignment, abnormal spinal curvatures, disc problems (disc bulges, disc herniation, or "wearing out"), arthritis (spinal degeneration).

Some common signs and symptoms of mechanical problems are aching pains, sharp pains, increased muscle tension and tightness, poor posture, pain usually gets worse with activity, pain is somewhat relieved with rest, the pain can restrict your normal movements.

Mechanical problems have been reported to be the cause of up to 90% of neck and back pain. Most neck and back pain sufferers have a mechanical cause to their pain, and usually they'll have more than on type of problem e.g. someone with back pain may have muscle tension, spinal misalignments and some arthritis.

In fact, the longer someone has an uncorrected problem the more additional problems they will develop e.g. someone develops a spinal misalignment, which causes an increase in muscle tension and some abnormal spinal curvatures, then if these problems are left uncorrected, over time, they can cause some wearing out (thinning) of discs and lead to the early development of spinal arthritis.

(ii) Nerve root pain: This is usually due to leaving mechanical problems uncorrected... The pain felt with these problems is characteristically a very sharp, intense "shooting" pain into the arms or legs (e.g. Sciatica), it is caused by pressure on or irritation of, the spinal nerves. The pressure on the nerves is usually from bulging discs or spinal arthritis (both usually due to uncorrected mechanical problems). Nerve root pain causes about 10% of neck and back pain.

(iii) Serious pathology: This includes fractures, infections, tumors and others. These causes are, fortunately, quite rare causing less than 1% of back and neck pain.

So, the majority of back and neck pain is caused by mechanical problems and the complications of uncorrected mechanical problems (nerve root pain).

These mechanical spinal problems are usually caused by bad postures, repetitive strain injuries, or by trauma. Risk factors for developing mechanical spinal problems are bad posture, bad lifting habits, stressful living and working conditions, a loss of spinal strength and flexibility, a loss of general physical fitness.

USA, UK and Canada government research found the best treatment for most neck and back pain was Chiropractic care. Chiropractic was often found to be the most effective, the safest, the most cost effective, the most successful in the long term and had some of the highest patient satisfaction levels.

The results from scientific studies, from all around the world, done to find the best treatments for neck and back pain:

The "Magna Report," 1993, this study was done by the government of Ontario, Canada in an attempt to find the most effective for low back pain sufferers, here's what they found.

(i) Chiropractic care was shown to be the most effective treatment for low back pain.

(ii) Chiropractic care was the safest treatment for low back pain.

(iii) That spinal manipulation was best (and most safely) performed by Chiropractors.

(iv) That patients were "very satisfied" with Chiropractic care.

(v) Recommendations for Chiropractic to be fully integrated into the hospital system.

The British Medical Research trial, 1990 -1995, this research examined the effectiveness of Chiropractic care compared to the effectiveness of a combination of medical and physiotherapy treatment. This research showed that Chiropractic care produced excellent short and long term results for patients with both acute and chronic pain; and patients with moderate and severe pain. This research showed the superior effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Chiropractic care. The results of this research were endorsed by the British Medical Association.

The "Agency for Health Care Policy and Research," 1994, a 23 member multidisciplinary (all types of health care professionals) expert panel set up and run by the US government recommended spinal manipulation as an appropriate first line approach to the treatment of most people with acute low back pain.

The "Clinical Standards Advisory Group," 1994, a 10 member multidisciplinary expert panel set up and run by the UK government found as above that Chiropractic treatment is an appropriate first line approach to the treatment of back pain.

The "Royal college of General Practitioners," 1996, recommended spinal manipulation as an appropriate first line approach to the treatment of back pain.

Dr William H Kirkaldy - Willis, Orthopaedic surgeon, Professor Orthopaedic surgery, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Canada, reported after his 40 years of distinguished practice and research, that many spinal pain sufferers are greatly benefited from Chiropractic treatment, in fact, in one study he preformed approximately "90% of patients returned to full function with no restrictions for work and other activities," after Chiropractic treatment.

All across the world, experts are recommending Chiropractic care for people with neck and back pain. If want to find out if Chiropractic can help your neck or back pain contact your local Chiropractor.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment by Physiotherapy

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritic disease or spondyloarthropathy, classified with reactive arthritis, bowel disease arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The underlying relationships between these diseases are complex but they are connected by enthesitis (inflammation of the ligament/bone junctions) and by possession of the HLA B27 gene on white blood cells. The enthesitis process at the joint edges can cause fibrosis and then ossification of the area (bone formation).

The frequency of the HLA B27 gene in the population determines the number of people with Ankylosing spondylitis, the most common disease in the spondyloarthropathy group. AS occurs in about 0.1 to 1.0% of people, being much more common in northern Europe and much less common in equatorial regions and with white people more frequently affected. 100 people may possess the HLA B27 gene but only one or two of them will develop AS unless they have a closely related person with it, in which case their risk rises to 15 or 20%.

Only one female is diagnosed with AS for every three males, and female patients' symptoms are often much milder and some may be missed as a diagnosis of AS. The most typical presenting group is young men under 40 years old, with under sixteen year olds making up to twenty percent of this group. The symptoms appear on average at twenty-five years of age and the diagnosis is rarely made above fifty years old. AS can look like mechanical back pain if sufficient attention to detail is not made. Strong and persistent stiffness is often an answer to the question of how they are in the morning.

Ankylosing spondylitis has similarities but distinct differences from the much more common low back pain:

Morning stiffness in the lumbar spine, lasting at least 30 minutes or longer Exercise improves the back pain and stiffness Rest worsens the pain and stiffness Pain is usually worse in the second half of the night, after a time of rest Peripheral joints are affected in 30 to 50% of patients Tiredness is common AS has systemic affects from its inflammatory nature which can include feeling unwell, fever and loss of weight.

Physiotherapy examination of the spine in an AS patient usually uncovers significantly reduced ranges of spinal movement from normal, with perhaps a reduced lumbar lordosis and an increased thoracic curve. Neck movements may also be limited in later stages and a reduction in chest expansion noted due to rib joint involvement. Peripheral symptoms occur in around a third of patients and the physio will palpate the tender areas, searching for evidence of enthesitis in the insertions of the Achilles tendon and plantar ligament of the foot. These are areas of high mechanical stress and commonly affected.

Postural analysis of the AS patient is the first thing a physiotherapist notes after the subjective examination, recording spinal abnormalities, flexed knees, rounded shoulders or poking head posture. The ranges of movement of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine are measured and a battery of standard measures taken which allows assessment of the disease progression. The hips or other peripheral joints may be affected and these need to be measured also, with the physio likely testing out sites where the enthesis is likely to be painful and inflamed. If the disease is active then the patient may also have joint effusions and may appear unwell, be sweating and not have slept well.

Initially a physiotherapist might treat an active, inflamed site such as the tendo Achilles insertion using ultrasound, ice and gentle stretching, with foot problems responding to insole use. Whole spine exercises are taught with encouragement to get to the end of the movements, concentrating on antigravity movements including extension of the lumbar and thoracic spine, rotation of the thorax and neck retraction and rotations. To counter the typical spinal deformities, patients are taught to rest in good positions such as flat on a firm surface with only one pillow and lying prone. Pool therapy is very popular and effective and patient education is vital to maintain therapy over time.

Permanent Solution To Cure Arthritis

Arthritis is a disorder of the joints. The word "arthritis" is a Greek Words "Arthon" which means joint and "Itis", which means inflammation.

That goes to mean that arthritis is the inflammation of joints which a lot of people will experience in their life time. There are hundred types of joint disorder and they are all related. This means everyone will experience joint pain at some time of their life but you may not know when it will be your turn.

Arthritis is usually characterized by pain, swelling and stiffness which can lead to deformity. Sometimes it can also be called rheumatism which is a term use commonly to describe aches and pains in muscles and joints.

A joint is where two bones meet. There are immobile and mobile joints. Immobile joints are referred to as inflexible and semi-inflexible joint of the body. These joints does not move much as they have no cavity, e.g. head and spinal cord.

Mobile joints are the flexible joints of the body; for example the shoulder, knee, waist, toe, finger, etc. They all have a cavity.

There are different type of Arthritis:

1. Osteoarthritis is the most common type that almost everyone will experience at some point of their lives. This is because it is a degeneration or wearing out of joint due to old age, over-exertion or injury. This type of arthritis affects the mobile joints of the body and can be due to wear and tear, heredity or excessive stress on dislocated joint, not properly healed injured joint and overweight that put extra weight on those hips and knees.

Those who stand for longer hours every day are prone to pain on the knees. And those whose occupation requires lifting heavy objects are prone to waist pain which is usually called lumbago.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is an inflammation of the same joints on the two sides of the body e.g. say you experience a pain in the right knee or shoulder on one side, it will still be showing up at the other side. The pain or symptoms tend to come and go. This is more common between the age of 25 and 55. Infants can also experience this type of arthritis.

This type is usually caused by viruses that live in the body for a long time undetected and never treated. It can be cause by immune-deficiency syndrome, a situation where the anti-bodies that was suppose to fight against foreign agents begin to attack the tissues of the joint which cause inflammation and pain.

Early Signs Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Pain and stiffness in one or two joints like the hands and feet and the pain come and go. It is usually worst in the morning and wears off during the day. As this progress, the pain and inflammation becomes more painful and starts to spread to other parts of the body such as the elbows, knees, hips, waist, ankles, shoulders and neck. It can make the person weak, tired, feverish and pale plus the eyes become dry due to a reduction in tears. The mouth also becomes dry due to reduction of salivary fluid and lack of appetite which can be followed by weight loss.

How To Eradicate Arthritis Pain

To treat arthritis and eradicate the pain, the aims are:
1. To strengthen the bones
2. Repair damaged joint tissues e.g. the cartilage
3. Strengthen the immune system against bacteria and viruses
4. Eradicate the pain symptoms

To achieve these aims, diet is very important. Processed or refined food and drinks like sugar, cold foods, biscuits and ice-cream or coffee must be avoided. Smoking and alcohol of all kinds must be avoided.

Take plenty of water upon rising up daily and use fruits for breakfast. Fruits and certain vegetables can help mops off uric acids deposited from the joints and help in the healing process.

Get the right bone supplements that can repair damaged cartilage (the damaging of the cartilage is what results in deformity or folding of body due to arthritis) and strengthen the immune system against bacteria and viruses.

Chiropractic Treatment of Whiplash Injury: What Can a Chiropractor Offer?

Each year approximately 2 million Americans suffer a whiplash type injury. Chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial in these cases. A Chiropractor can help assist patients with both the short and long term effects of whiplash associated injuries. Before we consider the numerous unique benefits offered by Chiropractic care in the treatment of whiplash, let's briefly discuss what exactly a whiplash injury is.

What exactly is whiplash? Surprisingly, the name "whiplash" isn't an official medical term at all. Rather the term "whiplash" is a non-medical term commonly used to describe a sprain and strain injury to the soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash is considered an acceleration-deceleration type injury and occurs when the cervical spine, or neck, is abruptly forced to stretch and move beyond its normal range of motion. This typically involves the neck suddenly extending backward and then flexing forward beyond the normal anatomical range of motion. This results in an overload injury due to excessive forces being placed on the cervical spine. The initial injury is actually thought to be tearing of muscle and ligament fibers within the neck. Although predominately an injury to the muscles and ligaments, whiplash may also include injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, and nerve roots. The degree of injury can range from minor to severe.

As if the initial injury weren't bad enough, the response of the body post injury can further complicate matters. After the injury muscles in and around the area respond to by contracting in spasm to splint and stabilize the area. This limits movement of the head and neck and is the body's well intentioned efforts to prevent movement and further injury. Essentially the body attempts to make its own soft collar to limit motion of the head and neck. Unfortunately this can eventually lead to chronic pain, inflammation, stiffness and loss of range of motion.

Whiplash is usually associated with an automobile accident, but it can occur in many other instances. Whiplash can also be caused by things such as a fall, or an impact or collision in a sporting event or recreational activity. Some examples are a fall from a horse, a collision in football, or an impact experienced in basketball, boxing, or hockey.

What are some of the symptoms of whiplash? Headache is a frequent symptom of a cervical strain. In addition to headaches and neck pain, other symptoms of whiplash may include:

- Neck stiffness

- Dizziness

- Shoulder pain

- Back Pain

- Changes in vision

- Abnormal sensations in the neck, hands and arms (such as burning, pins and needles, numbness, or tingling)

Surprisingly, symptoms are not always an accurate indication of whether or not a patient has whiplash. Contrary to common misconception, whiplash isn't always obvious at the time of injury. Many victims of whiplash related injuries often do not consult with a health care provider because they do not have neck pain at or immediately near the time of the accident or injury. This is a mistake because symptoms of a cervical sprain and strain can take time to manifest themselves. Generally speaking, the onset of symptoms is much faster in more severe injury. A severe case of whiplash injury may cause pain and symptoms immediately or within hours. In a more mild case of whiplash symptoms may not occur for weeks or months.

Many victims of an automobile accident do not seek medical or chiropractic attention because their accident occurred at a low speed. There is a misconception within the general public that high speed impacts are needed to cause whiplash. This couldn't be further from the truth. Studies show that the soft tissues in your cervical spine have an injury threshold of 5 mph. In other words, an impact of 5 mph or greater can theoretically cause damage to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the neck.

The likelihood of developing whiplash in an automobile accident depends on a multitude of factors and speed is just one variable. The position of the head and neck at the time of impact, the direction of impact, the position of vehicle headrests, whether or not a seatbelt was worn, and whether the occupants saw the impact coming are just some of the additional factors involved.

It is obvious that any impact or collision should be taken seriously. A victim of a car accident or other impact would be wise to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible afterward, even if no symptoms are present. A Chiropractor is a great choice.

Few health care providers are as well educated on the anatomy of the cervical spine or as well prepared to address the musculoskeletal effects of whiplash related injuries as a Chiropractor. Chiropractors receive extensive training in the normal structure and function of the cervical spine. They are also equipped to recognize and treat both the acute and long term effects of whiplash injury.

Chiropractic care can be of great value to a patient in the acute phase of a whiplash injury. During the acute, or early, stage of whiplash a Chiropractor will place an emphasis on controlling and minimizing inflammation, muscle spasm, pain, and symptoms. During this early phase of care a Chiropractor focuses on gentle treatment. Application of ice and cold therapy is common to control swelling and inflammation and to help alleviate pain. A Chiropractor may also use special forms of therapy such as electric muscle stimulation or therapeutic ultrasound to relax muscles and help reduce pain. Cold laser therapy, acupuncture, trigger point therapy, massage therapy, gentle stretching and joint mobilization techniques are also common early treatment techniques available to many Doctors of Chiropractic.

As a whiplash injury heals, symptoms often progress from pain to stiffness and inflexibility. A Chiropractor is equally beneficial to patients at this point. As you progress from the acute phase of care a Chiropractor will focus on correction, flexibility, and prevention. At this point a Chiropractor may begin to utilize more intense forms of therapy. These treatment options will include things such as chiropractic adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment and nerve function, along with prescribed stretches and strengthening exercises.

So what makes Chiropractic care different from conventional medical care? Most often conventional medical care focuses on the alleviation of pain and symptoms. This is usually done primarily through the use of drugs and medication. While getting a patient out of pain is certainly important, it is only part of the clinical picture. The long term effects of injury, rehabilitation, and prevention of future injury are all areas that need to be addressed as well. The focus of Chiropractic care extends well beyond the treatment of pain and symptoms.

A Chiropractor works with patients long after pain and symptoms have decreased or subsided. In addition to symptoms, a Chiropractor is also concerned with treating posture, spinal alignment, and any abnormal spinal biomechanics. Even after a whiplash injury has healed, a Chiropractor can continue to offer a great deal of benefit to the patient. A Chiropractor can provide a patient with ergonomic advice, home exercises, and a stretching and strengthening program to restore normal range of motion and help prevent further injury in the future.

Another benefit of Chiropractic care for whiplash patients is the fact that a Chiropractor is trained to evaluate and treat the entire spine. The spinal column is one large kinetic chain. It consists of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The effects of forces and impacts exerted to one area of the spine are not isolated to that area. Injury to the cervical spine can, and does, impact the middle back and low back areas as well. The ability to examine and treat the entire spine is just another unique benefit offered by a Chiropractor

Yet another benefit is the fact that a Chiropractor is also educated to recognize how spinal misalignment can affect the overall health and wellness of a patient. A Chiropractic health care provider views injury and treatment from a different point of view than the most of the traditional medical community. However, Chiropractors also recognize the unique limitations and advantages of each health care profession and will refer to, and work in cooperation with, medical providers as needed.

In conclusion, whiplash type injuries are a common occurrence within American society. Research has shown Chiropractic care to be effective in the treatment of pain and the musculoskeletal effects of whiplash. A Chiropractor is armed with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to address cervical spinal dysfunction and the related effects. If you or a loved one feels they may suffer from whiplash, be sure to seek the advice of a qualified health care provider as soon as possible. A Doctor of Chiropractic just might be the ideal choice!

Proper Posture - Why Mom Always Says Sit Up Straight

Yes, that's what moms always say. So did my fourth grade math teacher while we were wedged in her class for what seemed forever. "Sit up straight". So why do doting mothers and well-meaning teachers tell us this? Sitting up straight primarily has to do with proper posture. Proper posture is when your skeletal structure is correctly aligned when carrying out activities. Having proper posture is necessary when you're on the move, or merely just relaxing such as lying down. Your posture is the window to your spine. And when the positioning of this particular structure of your body is incorrect, it can cause spine and nervous system problems.

But more often, we tend to be unaware of improper posturing we carry out. For instance, slouching. You may think this is negligible. Slouching may seem harmless at first, but in the long run it can spell trouble. So it is forward head posturing. These improper postures hamper the lymphatic drainage in the neck. Consequently, muscles would become strained. Another posturing problem is the forward tilt of the pelvis. This, on the other hand results to anterior weight bearing. Even more so, sciatica, chronic low back pain, muscle and leg weakness could arise. This incorrect posture can further lead to the development of premature spinal arthritis of the discs and the joints.

This significant health dilemma can result once this unhealthy posturing habit is not corrected, especially as it causes an unusual spinal weight bearing. These are few of the most common posture problems. What are ways of addressing these issues? There is the treatment or healing therapy known as chiropractic which can be an effective modality. Chiropractic is a widespread technique used to apply proper posture and relieve spinal pain. Practitioners of chiropractic are called chiropractors. These health professionals have been trained on analyzing improper and proper posture and detect spinal problems. Through years of study, chiropractors have studied and continually research on spinal curvatures and alignment.

In the same manner, they analyze and determine what problems may arise due to poor posturing pattern. One such means that chiropractors do this is by looking at the outward turning of a foot, or else both feet. They are also keen on how the knees align, or how the hips or the pelvis level. Chiropractic practitioners analyze the height of differences across the shoulders along with the tilting of the head and the neck. Whatever changes in your stance are examined to determine possible problems. It can cause much inconvenience when spinal problems develop due to improper postures that we negligently carry out.

Among the most common consequences which is backache can in fact be a significant discomfort, especially if it becomes chronic. So when mom says "sit up straight", she actually knows what she is talking about- proper posture. Not only is this a boon to your poise and physical appearance, but can spare you form health problems. Proper posture merely takes awareness, such as holding the head up with the chin in- no tilting forward, sideways or backwards. Shoulders are held back, the knees and the back straight. The stomach ought to be tucked in, and the pelvis not tilted forward.

Arches in the feet should be supported so that weight is evenly distributed. With these basic proper posture techniques you get to move about with ease and comfort. You give an impression of confidence, and more so, avoid health conditions and further expenses.

Spinal Decompression For Lower Back Pain

The lumbar area, commonly referred to as the lower back serves as an important structure in the human anatomy. It is vital for structural support, movement, and protection of certain tissues. Therefore, when the lower back gets injured due to accidents or diseases, many bodily functions are affected as well. Lower back pain can happen at any age, but naturally occurs to those beyond age 40.

The major causes of lower back pain are:

1. Lumbar radioculopathy - when the nucleus polposus, the gel-like center of the lumbar disc, leaks out due to compression, it irritates the nerves located near the disc as it makes its way out of the spine. This causes such symptoms as lower back pain, tingling, and numbness of the legs.


2. Bone encroachment - any condition that result in the movement or growth of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine which, in turn, compresses the space for adjacent spinal cord and nerves.


3. Bone and joint conditions - these can be congenital (acquired since birth) degenerative (due to aging), or caused by inflammation, for example, arthritis.

Spinal decompression offers a long-lasting, safe, non-invasive, non-surgical, and cost-effective way of treating lower back pain. It works by using a machine, DRX 9000, to apply the forces needed to decompress injured discs and vertebrae. This relieves the discs of excess pressure, and relieves us of pain and other symptoms. Its mechanism involves the continuous cycle of stretching and relaxing of the spine in order to separate it from the bone and create negative pressure inside the injured discs.

The vacuum created from the negative pressure also works to assists the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the injured discs, thereby regenerating homeostasis, and accelerating the healing process.

Spinal decompression promises instant relief of pain and requires only a few analgesics to be taken after the treatment. It is more reliable than the traditional spinal surgery since only minimal side effects can occur. Muscle spasms, due to excess forces applied on the back, are prevented by the continuous oscillation process of elongation and rest as the machine senses when the muscles become too tense.

Cognitive Decline Linked To Physical Decline In Alzheimer's Disease

Loss of cognitive ability in Alzheimer's disease is made worse by physical decline. As the body deteriorates in Alzheimer's disease, blood flow to the brain is negatively affected. Improvement to this condition can be made by doing Active Isolated Stretching therapy (also known as AIS). Alzheimer's patients are affected by poor circulation and muscular rigidity. This typically occurs throughout the body; and muscular rigidity in the upper body worsens circulation to the brain. The muscles that cause this are the upper arms, chest, and most significantly - the neck. For Alzheimer's disease, tightness in the neck muscles can impede the flow of blood to the brain. The carotid and vertebral arteries are the main lines of blood flow to the neck, and they lie underneath the neck muscles. When the neck muscles are tight, they are affected by inflammation, inflammation presses into the arteries causing poor circulation. Physical exercise is highly encouraged for Alzheimer's patients. But what is not widely known is the benefits of adding Active Isolated Stretching therapy for Alzheimer's disease.

Brain cells need oxygen and nutrients to function. Blood circulation to the brain is what delivers oxygen and nutrients. One of the conditions of Alzheimer's disease is muscular rigidity. It is not the cause or the only negative condition of Alzheimer's, but if left unattended, muscular rigidity will accelerate declining cognitive abilities in the Alzheimer's patient.

The general public is not aware of how helpful AIS therapy can be for an Alzheimer's patient. Aaron Mattes, a Kinesiologist, has studied and perfected his method through forty years of research. He found the optimal way to lengthen muscles affected by rigidity. Alzheimer's disease is one of the conditions that can receive great benefit from receiving his method of treatment.

Typically an Alzheimer's patient will be very stiff in the upper body. AIS therapy would involve a therapist to unwinding the muscles that are locked up. This freeing process in the upper body would facilitate circulation to the brain and thereby improve cognitive abilities in an Alzheimer's sufferer. Areas that can improve are: memory, mental clarity, concentration, and decision-making ability; not to mention the physical benefits of being more mobile and self-reliant.

As AIS therapy continues, an Alzheimer's sufferer would also learn to incorporate physical strength training to uphold their posture. But strength training will be more effective after muscle lengthening. One reason that physical exercise is encouraged is to promote circulation. If circulation is first improved through AIS muscle lengthening, the benefits of physical exercise will be more prominent.

Alzheimer's disease affects the entire family. Family members adjust their schedules to accommodate their family member affected by Alzheimer's. And in later stages of Alzheimer's, families often send their family member to a nursing home for constant supervision. AIS therapy can reverse this downward negative spiral. AIS therapy addresses cognitive decline from the view that mental decline is related to physical decline. If circulation can be improved than cognitive abilities can be enhanced. Active Isolated Stretching therapy offers Alzheimer's patients a way to maintain independence and self-reliance.

The Benefits of Cervical Spinal Decompression Treatment

Spinal decompression treatment was FDA cleared back in 1996. Over the past 15 years its popularity has been rising as it represents an excellent alternative to surgery. The cost of spinal decompression is less than 5% of the cost of surgery, and the risk profile is very low.

How does it work? The popularity for spinal decompression initially was for low back pain, however, as the years have gone by it's been showing considerably good results for neck pain. The science behind spinal decompression works the same for both cervical and lumbar.

Spinal decompression involves intermittent traction with an attachment on the machine which pulls underneath the mastoid process on each side of the neck. It's very comfortable and gentle - a lot of patients fall asleep on the table. The intermittent nature of the traction prevents the neck paraspinal muscles from going into spasm. As the traction works, it creates a negative pressure within the disc itself. This allows for an increased blood flow into the disc, bringing with it increased oxygen and nutrients.

This can help dramatically with degenerative disc disease along with herniated discs. It may allow the disc pressure to be alleviated off of the nerve root being compressed, and the pinched nerve may no longer be pinched.

In addition, the intermittent traction may allow relief from spinal stenosis, which is where multiple nerve roots are compressed from arthritis and bony/soft tissue overgrowth. This relief may last for quite a few months.

Treatment sessions last between 20 and 60 minutes. Patients often fall asleep during treatment, but it doesn't mean it's not working. For the lumbar region, research shows that it works well over 75% of the time. A typical length of therapy lasts for 20 sessions over a period of 6 to seven weeks.

The risk of an adverse event from spinal decompression is very very low. It is non surgical, non interventional, and non forceful.

Spinal decompression is often performed in conjunction with other pain management treatments. These may include chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, acupuncture, interferential treatment, ice, heat, along with treatment from a pain management doctor.

Pain management treatment will depend on the patient's symptoms, signs, and what the imaging studies show. It may include epidural injections, facet blocks, possibly subsequent radiofrequency ablation. Along with spinal decompression therapy, patients have a very good chance of avoiding surgery while being able to return to work, socializing, and doing things like playing with kids and pets.

Backpacks - Not Your Spine's Best Friend

Alas, the new school year is here! On top of every child's list of school supplies is a new backpack. While backpacks vary in their style, color and sizes, they all share one thing in common: they are detrimental to the health of your child's spine. According to an article in a 1998 edition of the prestigious scientific journal Spine, by the time a young adult has graduated from high school, he or she has experienced at least one episode of back pain, due in part to the improper use of backpacks.

Children are carrying around excessive amounts of weight on their backs. In fact, a backpack can easily weigh upwards of 20 pounds. That kind of pressure on the back of a child in early adolescence can result in premature degeneration of the spine. But how do the backpacks cause so much damage? Backpacks cause postural shifts, which then may result in shifts in the alignment of the spine. Shifts of spinal vertebra are called vertebral subluxations (a.k.a. vertebral subluxation complex). Vertebral subluxations can lead to back and neck pain, muscular tension, muscular imbalance/asymmetry, decreased range of motion and early degeneration and arthritic changes of the spine.

When a child walks with a loaded backpack hanging off of one shoulder (let's say the right side), they compensate by leaning towards the opposite direction. As a result, other areas of the body also compensate for the weight imbalance. Further compensations result in muscles working much harder on one side of the body versus the other. Take this scenario and repeat it on a weekly, daily, or monthly basis, and it is easy to see how this situation can snowball into a major problem. Similarly, take a look at your child from the side while they are wearing their backpack. You'll quickly notice how their head becomes displaced forward, once again compensating for the excessive load that is being levied onto their spine.

As chiropractors that focus on the structural correction of the spine, we are now seeing a higher incidence of children and young adults with severe neck and back pain. What parents don't often realize is that a child's spine is still in its developmental stages. Considering that the human spine becomes far more stable in the mid to later teenage years, it is easy to understand how unnecessary pressure applied to the spine in pre-adolescence and adolescence can leave a permanent scar (no different than leaving a footprint in wet cement). Unfortunately, damage to the spine at such a young age is likely to result in debilitating pain and early arthritic changes that will be most apparent in later years.

So how do we go about preventing damage to the spine that may result from the use of backpacks?Recommendations in accordance with Backpack Safety America®, include advice for purchasing backpacks and proper lifting techniques:

1. Make sure the backpack has belt straps. A belt strap serves as a means of stabilization when fastened around the waist.
2. The backpack should have a structurally reinforced base. This will prevent unnecessary sagging commonly found in less expensive models.
3. When the child is preparing to put on the backpack, have them face the backpack when lifting it onto their shoulders.
4. Next, Have them bend at the knees, squat down and use their legs (not their back) to lift their backpacks (always lift with the legs).
5. Have the child slip one arm at a time underneath the straps, securing both straps comfortably around the shoulders.
6. Finally, make sure that all straps are adjusted so that the backpack is snug to the body.

As was mentioned previously, vertebral subluxation complex (vsc) is a condition in which the spine has been forced from its normal alignment. The consequences are far more reaching than just neck and back pain. Look through any anatomy book and you'll see that the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) communicate with every cell, tissue, gland and organ of the body via the nerves that exit from the spine. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to realize that shifts in spinal alignment can easily interfere with the optimal function of the nervous system.

My favorite backpack company is Airpacks. They are fashionable, and much better on the spine due to its extra padding and air pockets in the straps and lower back, easing tension and weight off of the spine.

Chiropractors that focus on the structural correction of the spine, and vertebral subluxation complex (vsc) practice a chiropractic technique called Clinical Biomechanics of Posture. CBP is a corrective technique that is not part of the standard curriculum at any chiropractic college throughout the world. CBP doctors commit themselves to extensive post-graduate study in the areas of spinal biomechanics and biophysics. CBP is backed by more peer-reviewed research in scientific (medical) journals than any other chiropractic technique.

When parents bring their children to many chiropractic practices, they perform a very thorough structural evaluation. In addition to offering structural corrective care, they go the extra mile by providing education that will help families implement proper postural habits that will prevent any further damage to their spines and inhibit the development of vertebral subluxation complex. In our practice, we believe that the greatest gift any parent can give their child is the gift of health. Since health and wellness are dependent on a properly functioning nervous system, it's easy to understand the benefits of structural corrective chiropractic care.

New Treatment For Neck Arthritis - Cervical Spondylosis

Neck Arthritis

Cervical spondylosis, often referred to as "neck arthritis", is a common degenerative condition of the cervical spine and may be associated with mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae. Clinically it manifests itself with symptoms such as neck and shoulder pain, suboccipital pain and headaches, radicular symptoms such as shooting pain down the arms.

In advanced stages it symptomatically manifests itself by:

• Weakness or numbness in the hands, fingers and the arms.


• Pain in the neck that spreads to the shoulders as well as the arms.


• Headaches that spread to the rear side of the head.


• Losing one's balance.


• If there is pressure on the spinal cord, weakness or numbness in the legs.


• If there is compression on the spinal cord, a loss of bowel or bladder control.

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis may appear in those as young as 30 years, and spondylosis usually starts earlier in men than in women with 90% onset in men older than 50 and 90% in women older than 60. In some patients cervical spondylosis can lead to narrowing of the spinal canal which results in pressure which may affect the ability to walk.

Historically the general treatments are wearing a cervical collar or neck brace in the day time in order to lessen the motion of the neck as well as to reduce irritation to the nerves. Cervical collar immobilization treatments have many doubters of it's efficacy. The taking of anti-inflammatory drugs that are nonsteroidal like ibuprofen in order to provide relief for the pain and a physical therapist may also prescribe exercises to strengthen the muscles of the neck as well as stretch the shoulders and neck. Water aerobics or walking may also help in relieving the condition.

If it is a more severe case then hospitalization may be required consisting of bed rest or prescription drugs such as cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol, especially if spasticity is an issue exacerbating the pain. Corticosterodial injections may be be required between the facet joints as well as use of localized anesthesia to reduce the pain and inflammation.

The New Treatments involve the use of at home interferential therapy ( IFT) to:

1. decrease the pain throughout the painful areas


2. increase the blood flow


3. prevent muscle spasticity


4. provide carryover pain relief to slow the progression of the disease


5. increase range of motion so walking and rehab. exercises can occur more frequently and for longer time periods.


6. decrease swelling if inflammation is present.

The protocol to achieve the above is to have available a home interferential unit for use, on an as needed basis, as well as a prevenitive once the diagnosis is established. Occasional use may prevent or retard future deterioration and symptomatic responses.

Natural Supplements As Treatment For Ankylosing Spondylitis

Using natural treatments for ankylosing spondylitis appeals to many who are afflicted by this condition. ankylosing spondylitis is a form of spinal arthritis that can be both painful, and debilitating to the body of the sufferer. While almost all treatment protocols within the medical community will involve physical therapy to combat the tightening of muscles and to keep the joints as mobile as possible, as well as offering pharmaceutical drugs that are aimed at taking away the inflammation. We are going to look at 5 Supplements that can help alleviate some of the discomfort of ankylosing spondylitis, as well as being to treat some of the underlying causes that may be the true issue.

1. Curcumin

Curcumin is a member of the ginger family, and is found in the indian spice turmeric. Curcumin has shown in studies to reduce inflammation and combat against the diseases of inflammation, such as ankylosing spondylitis. Curcumin is an excellent supplement to add to your regime for it's anti-inflammatory property.

2. Zinc-Carnosine

Zinc-Carnosine attack what many researches believe is the root cause of ankylosing spondylitis; leaky gut syndrome or chronic inflammation of the large and small intestine. Zinc Carnosine in many studies has been proven to help stabilize the lining and gut mucosa. Oral supplementation with zinc carnosine has been found to reduce gastric inflammation and possible injury to the lining of the digestive system. This supplement is used in natural medicine to treat ulcers.

3. N-Acetyle Glucosamine:

N-A-G supplementation can help provide the body with what it needs to repair wounded tissue in the gut. NAG can also be used as for musculoskeletal health, which makes it an even better candidate for the treatment of ankylosing sondylitis. NAG is often used to help reduce the symptoms of IBS, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis as well as has been used as a treatment for Osteoarthrtis. Bottom line reduce inflammation in the gut, reduce the inflammatory effects of ankylosing spondylitis.

4. Deglycyrrhiziniated Licorice (DLG)

DLG has been traditionally used in Chinese and Aurvedic medicine for a long time as a treatment for intestinal inflammation. This powerful supplement. The studies suggest it helps improve blood flow to damaged areas of the digestive tract, to help remove inflammation and promote healing of the stomach

5. L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid that is commonly used in the gym world as part of the supplementation routine of those who exercise frequently, this is because L-glutamine is the fastest absorbing amino acid that body can absorb. The body can use this to repair muscles, but it repairs damaged tissue in general, it has been researched to have a very positive impact on the stomach and digestive system. L-Glutamine is a part of many natural medicine practitioners protocols for healing the stomach

With regards to natural treatment for ankylosing spondylitis, it can be used as a side effect free way to help reduce some of the symptoms of this painful condition. Seeing as the underlying cause ankylosing spondylitis is inflammation of the digestive tract, working to reduce this inflammation treats the real cause, which will in turn help provide relief.

How to Stop the Ugly Pain of Spinal Stenosis!

Spinal Stenosis sufferers everywhere --rejoice! A new day is upon us! Yes I'm talking about the recent popularity of the use of cetylmyristoleate (CMO) to combat the UGLY pain associated with joint pain and Spinal Stenosis pain.

Cetylmyristoleate CMO), was first discovered way back in the early 1960's at The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. by a research chemist named Harry Diehl. While he was studying the immunity of mice, Mr. Diehl accidentally discovered an ester substance with a waxy /milky-like form that could travel to the joints and lubricate the region that was degenerating. With the newly "lubed" joint, comes the added benefit of joint pain relief and better mobility.

It wasn't until 1994 that Mr. Diehl introduced cetylmyristoleate (CMO) to the general public.

First published in the 1994 issue of the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and with the double clinical studies that followed, it was concluded that cetylmyristoleate(CMO) is effective in the treatment of many forms of arthritis joint pain and spinal canal degeneration.

Needless to say, many of us spinal stenosis sufferers are thankful for the arrival and rise of this new joint pain supplement!-- The lubricating properties go right to work, reducing and in some cases, eliminating the pain associated with medium to severe cases of any type of joint related ailment, including degenerative arthritis; gout; spinal stenosis; bursitis and fibromyalgia.

So the cetlylmyristoleate (CMO) goes to work immediately-- and before too long, you just feel better and you also move better too! -- it improves your lifestyle--all naturally and without the use of harmful drugs.

What I like about cetylmyristoleate is the fact that so many doctors use it, and swear by it because of the lubricating properties that are in it. They approve it and many of them recommend it to their patients to aid in their recuperation from Spinal Decompression therapy and from the excruciating pain of degenerative arthritis; and also from spinal canal degeneration.

As we age our body stops producing bone and cartilage nutrients. The spine discs degenerate; the spinal canal narrows (exposing nerve endings) and the inflammation is painful and constant. In many lumbar and cervical spinal stenosis cases cetylmyristoleate (with its fatty acid lubrication) helps to alleviate the excruciating pain.

Keep in mind that not all joint pain relief systems work on everybody. Research shows that cetylmyristoleate(CMO) helps about 80% of those who use it in about 3 weeks.

You might want to consider using a quality cetylmyristoleate product if you suffer from medium to severe joint pain; spinal stenosis pain or if you are hampered with poor mobility and range of motion.

Laser Spine Surgery Vs Spinal Fusion: Differences In Treating Back Pain

It's estimated that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. In most cases, symptoms will disappear in 6-8 weeks regardless of whether or not the person seeks professional help. However, 80% of those individuals will experience a recurrence of debilitating pain. Just by looking at those statistics, it's clear that back pain is a serious problem.

Effective treatment is important because it helps return these people back to the workforce and more importantly, restores their quality of life. Spinal fusion and laser spine surgery are two of the most commonly recommended treatments for moderate to severe back pain. Read on to learn more about the differences in the two procedures.

Treating back pain with spinal fusion

The most conventional kind of back operation is called spinal fusion. It involves removing a small section of bone from the spinal column to stabilize the affected nerves. A stainless steel cage or wire mesh is then inserted, and the patient's bone can then fuse to the new hardware, creating a structure that provides more support.

This approach is viewed by the medical community as fairly invasive because the surgeon will need to create deep incisions within the skin and muscle tissue to be able to perform the actual procedure.

Recovery time following a surgery like this can be as long as one year, and requires lengthy hospital stays. Besides being traumatic for the individual who has the procedure, it is not always effective. In fact, as many as thirty percent of these types of back surgeries are unsuccessful. In some cases, individuals cannot undergo the same intrusive surgery more than once because of an increased risk of complications.

Treating back pain with laser spine surgery

Unlike spinal fusion, laser spine surgery is considered a minimally invasive procedure because the incisions are routinely smaller than a quarter of an inch. This operation does not involve removing section of bone. Instead, the surgeon uses micro-surgery techniques to address the root cause of pain. Patients are normally are provided a local anesthetic agent, and some can expect to regain mobility in a matter of days. When a hospital stay is needed, it is generally less than twenty four hours.

The smaller incision site offers several advantages to the patient. For example, the surrounding skin and muscle tissue is preserved. This leads to faster recovery, more mobility, and fewer post-surgery complications like infection. Also, because there is no fusion, the patient can undergo additional surgeries if necessary. Later, if fusion is recommended the patient can still opt for it.

The success rate for minimally invasive laser surgery is high. On average, 75% of patients describe their outcomes as good or excellent. Another advantage to this type of spine therapy is the expense. On average, it costs 50% less than other conventional kinds of surgical treatment.

Who is an appropriate candidate?

Surgery is ideal for those who have already undergone unsuccessful surgeries, experience recurrent bouts of back pain symptoms, are diagnosed with narrowing blood vessels, as well as certain joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

An experienced surgeon can help individuals determine if they are appropriate candidates for surgery through a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and personalized consultations.

The choice to undergo a minimally invasive procedure is a highly personalized decision. Only an experienced surgeon can help an individual determine if they are appropriate candidates for surgery through a combination of MRI scans and personalized consultations.

Degenerative Myelopathy Treatment

Degenerative Myelopathy Treatment...Treating the Untreatable

...I've been practicing veterinary medicine for over 30 years and I've never seen anything as safe and effective as this new, scientifically developed formula which has been clinically proven to not only slow but in many cases actually stop the progression of degenerative myelopathy in dogs. There is no disputing it..."Sanus-Biotex is by far the most effective formula my colleagues and I have ever encountered in fighting the horrendous effects of this debilitating disease."
Dr. Kim McNeil DVM - Internationally acclaimed veterinarian and a specialist in treating mobility issues in dogs suffering from disease.

Degenerative Myelopathy or DM - often a disease in which most people are completely unaware of. That is, until their dog happens to be diagnosed with this dreadful disease. If your dog has been diagnosed with the disease there is HOPE! Only a few dozen dog breeds in the world (see list below) have been found to carry the genetic history of the degenerative myelopathy, and I cannot stress this enough - how vital it is that you do not overlook or ignore the symptoms. It's important to exclude known causes of spinal cord dysfunction before accepting the diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy. Often misdiagnosed, the symptoms of the disease may resemble other spinal diseases such as: disc disease (protrusions) or spinal cord tumor. Both can cause compression of the spinal cord and show similar signs to degenerative myelopathy.

Some of the symptoms include but are not limited to:

1. hindquarter weakness and rear limb ataxia (the rear feet turning inwards)
2. loss of balance with difficulty rising or laying down
3. knuckling under while walking (seems like the dog is tripping sometimes)
4. limp tail, rear leg dragging, or crossing under the dogs body
5. wearing of rear nails before others which eventually leads to nail scraping.

What is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)?

DM has an insidious onset typically occurring between 5- 7 years of age. Why? No one has really identified the exact cause although researchers have been getting closer and closer to finding the answer to that question. On the other hand, What is known about DM, is that it is a deficiency where the nerves along the spinal cord become inflamed causing what is commonly known as "DM flare-ups." These flareups which cause extremely painful inflammation are normally associated when the nerves surrounding the spine become deprived of blood and die. Overtime this cycle repeats causing more "flare-ups" as the disease progresses through the animals body. The disease moves from the rear hind quarters up along the spinal cord towards the brain. As a result, the progression of the disease eventually causes complete paralysis and incontinence. However, being able to say with absolute certainty why this occurs is debatable.

Moreover, most researchers do agree that degenerative myelopathy is caused by a unique mutation in the SOD1 gene and only occurs in approximately 40 different dog breeds. Did you know that DM is closely related to a well known disease in humans? Well it is, the same gene mutation is also associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in people.

Canine degenerative myelopathy, unlike Lou Gehrig's disease, initially affects the back legs where it causes visible muscle weakness and loss. A lack of coordination and balance in the dog is normally present as well.

Your Dog and Degenerative Myelopathy

It's important to know that DM, because of its initial symptoms such as: decreased activity, trouble getting up and laying down, oration, soreness, etc - is often misdiagnosed as arthritis or more commonly, hip displasia. The misdiagnosis at this stage can be a fatal mistake. If the disease is allowed to progress through the body, the animal will eventually show front limb involvement and extensive muscle atrophy. At this stage, even with proven treatment options, such as Sanus-Biotex, a successful turnaround and outcome is highly unlikely.

Because degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease I cannot stress the importance of starting treatment as soon as possible. Although their have been a few case studies where dogs suffering from late term degenerative myelopathy were successfully treated with Sanus-Biotex and survived. However, treating degenerative myelopathy should always begin sooner rather then later due to the progressive nature of the disease.

A dog diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy will normally succumb to the disease within a few months but it is very possible to see where the disease seems to be active and other times may seem to be in a dormant stage. However, the outcome is bleak and without specialized treatment the animal will eventually need to be put down as degenerative myelopathy is a chronic and progressive disease, which always results in paralysis.

Unfortunately, to date, there is no 100% cure that has proven to work successfully with all dog breeds. However, much has been learned over the past two years and extensive research by some of the worlds most renowned veterinarians and scientists have yielded incredible breakthroughs in how we go about successfully treating degenerative myelopathy. Regardless, of what others say, degenerative myelopathy can be suppressed and reversed. Especially, if actions are taken and treatment begins shortly after the diagnosis.

Medical Breakthrough in Treating Degenerative Myelopathy

One of the most recent breakthroughs in the battle to treat degenerative myelopathy, as mentioned previously, is Sanus-Biotex. Currently being introduced within the United States - Sanus-Biotex as it's named, was funded, researched and developed by Sanus-Labs - a highly regarded Australian research company which specializes in the discovery and treatment of canine diseases, including degenerative myelopathy.

Distribution throughout the United States is handled by Pet Harmonics Co. - a premium canine supplement company whose main focus is on bringing unique canine treatments to market from around the world since 2007. Getting approval of not only Sanus-Biotex, but all imported medical treatments, for wholesale distribution within the US is extremely difficult. All must undergo rigorous testing and meet stringent standards before approval is granted. In the case of Sanus-Biotex, the testing showed time and time again, to not only slow but in many cases, it actually reversed the progression of the disease in various dog breeds.

How Sanus-Biotex Slows Progression of Degenerative Myelopathy

Sanus-Biotex is designed to dramatically increase the stimulation and communication between the nerves in the body of the animal and the brain. By using a propriety blend of 100% all natural herbs and extracts - all of which were known and used successfully for centuries by the abagordes of Australia - to cure various internal nerve and spine diseases (most notably Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease).

In summary, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease or sometimes called (hereditary and motor sensory neuropathy) is a neurological disorder causing damage to the peripheral nerves - which are the nerve cell fibers that connect the brain and spinal cord to muscles and sensory organs. The disease affects the ability to convey sensations such as: pain, temperature, texture, etc., from the hands and feet to the spinal cord. The disease stops the transmission of this information from the feet and hands to the brain. From this point, the Peripheral nerves become confused and the brain loses the ability to know where to place the feet when walking and where the hands should be placed to reach for something. Eventually, the nerve damage, or neuropathy, causes muscle weakness and wasting, and some loss of sensation. Especially, in the extremities of the body: the feet, lower legs, the hands and the forearms. Sounds very familiar to degenerative myelopathy...Doesn't it?

If the progression of degenerative myelopathy is allowed to continue, the animal will lose the ability place its rear legs correctly, get up or lay down, the animal will lose it's sense of balance and seem to trip or stumble while walking. Pain and paralysis will increase in frequency causing increased inflammation of other nerves surrounding the spinal cord.

Sanus-Biotex is designed to fight progression of the disease through a variety of ways. Most importantly by relaying impulses which stimulate the nerves and not allowing defects in the myelin (outer covering of nerve) to breakdown. Thus, keeping the nerves active and alive. At the same time...Sanus-Biotex floods your dogs body with relief by increasing blood flow and circulation around the spinal cord. This helps with the rejuvenation of nerve fibers and increases the thickness of the myelin covering which protects the nerve fibers.

Once the "flow" of signals between the nerve fibers, spinal cord, and brain slows - it is at this point the dog will begin to lose the battle with the disease.

I cannot address this enough - It is so important that you start treating degenerative myelopathy with Sanus-Biotex as soon as possible. This ensures that only a limited number of the nerves which have already been affected by the disease remains the same. Thus allowing Sanus-Biotex to isolate and rejuvenate those nerves. Statistically, it is easier for Sanus-Biotex to rejuvenate fewer nerve fibers then it is to rejuvenate millions.

Sanus-Biotex has truly been a medical breakthrough in treating canine degenerative myelopathy. Clinical studies have shown that seven out of ten dogs diagnosed with the degenerative myelopathy have shown remarkable improvement in their quality of life. Another study conducted by the Australian Veterinary Board of Medicine, over a two year period, showed a 94% improvement in the overall rejuvenation of nerve fibers around the spinal cord.

Want More Information on Degenerative Myelopathy and Sanus-Biotex

If your dog has been diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy and you feel frustrated, just wishing there was something more you could do for your dog to help. Now, you can - no need to continually purchase expensive medications and/or steroids that seem to do nothing in addressing the core problem.

I encourage you to visit Pet Harmonics Co. website where you'll learn more about the company and also why Sanus-Biotex and its treatment program is highly regarded as the most successful supplement in treating Canine Degenerative Myelopathy.

"Wishing You, Family & Your Dog the Very Best!

Sincerely,
Dr. Kim McNeil DVM

How Does Degenerative Disc Disease Lead to Spinal Arthritis?

As one ages, the spinal intervertebral disc undergoes significant changes. Normally the intervertebral disk is comprised of 80% water. With age, that percentage begins to decrease and the spinal disc begins to lose hydration and undergo degeneration.

Some discs undergo rapid degeneration and that can lead to degenerative disc disease. This may or may not lead to pain. The disc can lose height from lack of water, and it can also start to bulge similar to a tire that is getting flat and bulging. Disc degeneration is diagnosed from either x-rays or an MRI, which can be ordered by a Pain Management Doctor.

Just because a person has degeneration present of spinal discs does not mean pain is inevitable as there are many individuals walking around with discs that are dehydrating, degenerating, and bulging but not causing any pain at all.

As the spinal disc continues to degenerate, it can lead to a cascade of degenerative spinal arthritis that occurs as follows. As the disc loses water and degenerates, it loses disc height. The joints behind the disc space, called facet joints, begin to experience abnormal stresses as the disc becomes defective in its ability to absorb stresses. These stresses go to the rest of the spinal elements at the affected level, in this case the facet joints.

The facet joints begin to degenerate and become arthritic, this involves overgrowth of bone around the joint and further pain. Because the degenerative disc is not always affected symmetrically, the patient may end up with scoliosis due to the degeneration that continues to build on itself.

Treatments for degenerative disc disease are multiple. They are all quality of life treatments, as degenerative disc disease and spinal arthritis are not life threatening. Pain management doctors offer facet injections, nucleoplasty, physical therapy, spinal decompression therapy, bracing, radiofrequency ablation, among other treatments. Surgery should be considered as an absolute last resort.

Causes and Solutions For Sciatic Nerve Pain

Sciatic Nerve Treatment and Chiropractic Manipulations

Sciatica pain originates in the lower back and radiates down one or both legs. The pain may be intense, moderate, or minimal, and occasional, frequent, or constant.

Physicians term sciatica as a radiating or referred pain, or as neuralgia. This pain is often dull, achy, sharp, or even similar to an electric shock.

Causes of Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain is not a disorder, but a symptom of compression of the sciatic nerve. The most common causes are spinal disorders due to:

- partial dislocation of a vertebra in lumbar spine
- herniated or bulging discs
- postural problems
- sitting on one's back pocket wallet

Sciatica pain may sometimes be due to certain non-spinal conditions such as diabetes and chronic constipation and pregnancy, childbirth, infections or tumors.

Piriformis syndrome also causes pain similar to sciatica. The Piriformis muscle in the lower spinal region and connects to the thigh. It is crucial for the rotation of the hips. When this muscle shortens or spasms due to an injury, hip arthritis, or difference in leg length, it pinches the sciatic nerve. The pinched nerve causes pain, numbness and tingling in the buttocks and along the path of the sciatic nerve.

Treatment of Sciatica Pain

Conventional sciatic nerve treatment involves symptomatic pain relief through non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and/or muscle relaxants. The problem is that the pain is caused due to the pinched nerve, and medications cannot correct that. Surgery may lead to irreversible changes in the disc or bones. Another problem is presented by the fact that sciatica pain gets worse with bed rest.

Chiropractic manipulations play an important role in alternative treatment modalities. Even in conventional treatments of sciatica pain, the initial step is stretching exercises, massage and avoidance of activities that add to the pain.

Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatica Pain

Chiropractic treatment of the pinched sciatic nerve is based on the scientific principle that the cause of the pain is the restricted spinal movement due to reduced functionality and performance. Chiropractic care is drug-free and non-invasive, which means that there is no risk of side effects.

A chiropractor employs various methods for treating sciatica pain. The most common and effective among them is spinal manipulation of the dislocations that have occurred in the patient's body. This involves application of gentle and minimal pressure, or fast high velocity thrusts to restore the position of the misaligned vertebrae in the spinal column.

In addition, a chiropractor may employ cold therapy and/or heat from ultrasound. Cold therapy is an effective way of reducing inflammation and pain relief. Heat produced from gentle sound waves from an ultrasound increases circulation and reduces muscle spasms.

It is important that you get chiropractic care from a qualified chiropractor. Chiropractic practitioners undergo training in colleges where techniques of treating partial dislocation of joints or organs are taught.

Like all alternative therapies, chiropractic care is also based on the self-healing capacity of the body. Chiropractic care does not seek to cure, but instead helps to restore the spine to its original position so that the herniated disc does not compress the sciatic nerve.

A qualified chiropractor will refer you to another sciatic nerve treatment if the condition is not within the scope of chiropractic care.
Sciatic Nerve Treatment and Chiropractic Manipulations

Sciatica pain originates in the lower back and radiates down one or both legs. The pain may be intense, moderate, or minimal, and occasional, frequent, or constant.

Physicians term sciatica as a radiating or referred pain, or as neuralgia. This pain is often dull, achy, sharp, or even similar to an electric shock.

Causes of Sciatica Pain

Sciatica pain is not a disorder, but a symptom of compression of the sciatic nerve. The most common causes are spinal disorders due to:

- partial dislocation of a vertebra in lumbar spine
- herniated or bulging discs
- postural problems
- sitting on one's back pocket wallet

Sciatica pain may sometimes be due to certain non-spinal conditions such as diabetes and chronic constipation and pregnancy, childbirth, infections or tumors.

Piriformis syndrome also causes pain similar to sciatica. The Piriformis muscle in the lower spinal region and connects to the thigh. It is crucial for the rotation of the hips. When this muscle shortens or spasms due to an injury, hip arthritis, or difference in leg length, it pinches the sciatic nerve. The pinched nerve causes pain, numbness and tingling in the buttocks and along the path of the sciatic nerve.

Treatment of Sciatica Pain

Conventional sciatic nerve treatment involves symptomatic pain relief through non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and/or muscle relaxants. The problem is that the pain is caused due to the pinched nerve, and medications cannot correct that. Surgery may lead to irreversible changes in the disc or bones. Another problem is presented by the fact that sciatica pain gets worse with bed rest.

Chiropractic manipulations play an important role in alternative treatment modalities. Even in conventional treatments of sciatica pain, the initial step is stretching exercises, massage and avoidance of activities that add to the pain.

Chiropractic Treatment of Sciatica Pain

Chiropractic treatment of the pinched sciatic nerve is based on the scientific principle that the cause of the pain is the restricted spinal movement due to reduced functionality and performance. Chiropractic care is drug-free and non-invasive, which means that there is no risk of side effects.

A chiropractor employs various methods for treating sciatica pain. The most common and effective among them is spinal manipulation of the dislocations that have occurred in the patient's body. This involves application of gentle and minimal pressure, or fast high velocity thrusts to restore the position of the misaligned vertebrae in the spinal column.

In addition, a chiropractor may employ cold therapy and/or heat from ultrasound. Cold therapy is an effective way of reducing inflammation and pain relief. Heat produced from gentle sound waves from an ultrasound increases circulation and reduces muscle spasms.

It is important that you get chiropractic care from a qualified chiropractor. Chiropractic practitioners undergo training in colleges where techniques of treating partial dislocation of joints or organs are taught.

Like all alternative therapies, chiropractic care is also based on the self-healing capacity of the body. Chiropractic care does not seek to cure, but instead helps to restore the spine to its original position so that the herniated disc does not compress the sciatic nerve.

A qualified chiropractor will refer you to another sciatic nerve treatment if the condition is not within the scope of chiropractic care.

Avoid Spinal Arthritis

Most people assume if they are pain-free, they are healthy but this is not true. The spine acts as the shock absorber of the body and if it's out of alignment, it breaks down relentlessly, whether we feel it or not. Doctors call this wear and tear process arthritis and it's preventable.

How we feel has little to do with how healthy we are. We could have heart disease developing for many years before developing our first heart attack. We can even have cancer and have no symptoms at all, till the very end. It should come as no surprise that the spine is the same as the rest of the body. By the time we have neck or back pain, the problem has usually been developing for years! All the pushing, pulling, slips, jerks, jolts, and heavy lifting misalign the spine, until one day we have back or neck pain. Cumulative damage is one of the most frequent causes of back and neck pain.

There are three main curves in the spine that act to absorb all the shocks we endure over a lifetime. Much like the leaf springs under a truck, these curves in our back absorb the shocks of life. Like springs, after a time the spine can wear out. Unfortunately, when this happens there are no good replacement parts for this part of the human body.

Even if we are pain-free, our spines might be crooked, but we assume if we feel fine, that everything is OK. We have car accidents once every ten years on the average and think, if we don't have pain right away, we don't have a problem. The aches and stiffness we have when we rise from bed in the morning, we pretend are normal. We go through bouts of neck and back pain and if we recover, we like to think we're healthy. We live in denial, as our spines actually rot away. Doctors call this relentless process degeneration or arthritis. It's quite common and is due to bones out of place from the various stresses and strains we endure over a lifetime.

Whether we have pain or not, it's important to get our spines checked regularly for proper alignment. Doctors of chiropractic are most qualified for this specialized examination. If necessary the bones of the spine can be gently "adjusted" back into position. This process is virtually painless and very safe. By staying in good alignment, we can maximize our health and avoid spinal decay that can occur over a lifetime. By caring for our spines, we also avoid drugs that have serious side effects and surgery that is always dangerous. Even if there is arthritis in the spine, its progression can be stopped or at least slowed down with safe, gentle chiropractic care.

Scoliosis - Diseases

What is this condition?

Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that may affect any segment of the spine. The curve may be convex to the right (more common in chest-level curves) or to the left (more common in lower back curves). The spine may be rotated around its axis, deforming the rib cage. Scoliosis is often associated with humpback and swayback.

What causes it?

The deformity of scoliosis may be structural, in which the spinal curvature is fixed, or functional, in which the spine is temporarily deformed from poor posture or uneven leg heights.

Structural scoliosis may result from an inherited defect, such as wedge-shaped vertebrae, fused ribs or vertebrae, or partial vertebrae. It may be paralytic or musculoskeletal, developing several months after a one-sided paralysis of the trunk muscles due to polio, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy. Or it may be idiopathic (the most common form), which may be acquired through several genetic traits. This form of scoliosis appears in a previously straight spine during the growth years.

Idiopathic scoliosis can be infantile (affecting mostly male infants between birth and age 3), juvenile (affecting both sexes between ages 4 and 10), or adolescent (usually affecting girls between age 10 and maturity).

What are its symptoms?

The most common deformity in either functional or structural scoliosis begins at chest level and creates an S curve in an attempt to balance the body. Scoliosis rarely produces discomfort until it's well established, when backache, fatigue, and difficulty breathing are among the symptoms.

Because many teenagers are shy about their bodies, a parent may only eventually notice uneven hemlines, pantlegs that appear unequal in length, or subtle physical signs such as one hip appearing higher than the other. Untreated scoliosis can cause decreased lung capacity, back pain, degenerative spinal arthritis, disk disease, and pain in the hips and thighs.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor can see a change in the curvature and flexibility of the young person's spine, uneven shoulder height, and asymmetrical musculature. A series of spinal X-rays will confirm the scoliosis and tell how far it has gone.

How is it treated?

Treatment is guided by the severity of the deformity and potential spine growth. To be most effective, treatment should begin early when the curvature is still mild.

Here are some of the methods the doctor will use:

" A curve of less than 25 degrees is mild and monitored by X-rays and an exam every 3 months. An exercise program that includes sit­up pelvic tilts, spine stretching, push-ups, and breathing exercises may strengthen torso muscles and stop the curve's progression. A heel lift in the shoe also may help.

" A curve of 30 to 50 degrees requires management with spinal exercises and a brace. Stimulation with a mild electrical current may be an alternative. A brace stops progression in most children but doesn't reverse an established curvature. Braces passively strengthen the spine by applying asymmetrical pressure to the skin, muscles, and ribs, and can be adjusted as the child grows and completes bone growth.

" A curve of 40 degrees or more requires surgery (spinal fusion) because a lateral curve continues to progress at the rate of 1 degree a year even after skeletal maturity. Some surgeons prescribe a belt-pulley-weight system of traction and an exercise program for 7 to 10 days before surgery. The surgery often involves fusing part of the spine and implanting a metal rod as an internal splint to straighten the curve.

Sciatica and Buttock Pain

Of the many and varied sources of buttock pain, one of the most distressing is - without a doubt - sciatic pain. When you have this condition, it's known as sciatica.

Sciatica is actually a form of nerve pain, and it because of damage or trauma to the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts out in the spinal column, stretches through the buttocks and down to the lower limbs. It is approximately the diameter of your thumb. It is also the largest and longest individual nerve in your body. So when it's damaged, especially in the buttock area, the discomfort can be severe and unrelenting.

It's also not unusual for sciatic nerve damage to cause a tingling or numbing sensation along the nerve pathway.

Causes of Buttock Pain from Sciatica

Typically, sciatic nerve pain begins in the spine, when discs or vertebrae are worn, injured or damaged. This results in inflammation. There are a variety of places sciatic pain can strike, depending on the location of the damage to the nerve: buttocks, back, legs or feet.

A herniated disc, which takes place when a spinal disc presses against nerve roots, is a common cause of sciatica.

A typical cause of sciatica is incorrect posture. Your teachers knew what they were doing when they kept nagging you to sit up straight. Incorrect posture can put pressure on - and therefore damage - the sciatic nerve in a number of ways.

But even good posture is no sure way to escape sciatic pain. Just the act of sitting in the same place for a long period of time can wear down or irritate the sciatica nerve. People who work in cubicles where they must sit in one place, hour after hour, day after day, are especially likely to experience buttock pain from sciatica.

A number of other medical conditions may cause sciatic pain, including:

• spinal stenosis, a condition which occurs when the spinal canal becomes too narrow,



• bone spurs caused by arthritis, or



• when a nerve becomes pinched.

Relieving Buttock Pain from Sciatica

Sciatic nerve pain often is aggravated when you sit or stand for a long time. However, walking, lying down and movements that extend the spinal column may help reduce the pain. Contrary to conventional wisdom, there's been no scientific evidence proving that putting heat or ice on the painful area will do much good in relieving sciatica.

However, over-the-counter pain relievers and certain kinds of steroid injections may help.

If buttock pain caused by sciatica continues for more than a couple of days, you should visit your doctor. He or she may recommend physical therapy. Surgery for sciatic pain is usually done only in the most severe cases.

Steps for Assessing the Cause of Severe or Persistent Dizziness or Vertigo in Children

Since some causes of severe or persistent dizziness or vertigo in children can be life threatening (for example, a stroke), a physician should first review the patient's history and perform a complete medical exam. Look for impacted ear wax, ear infections, blocked Eustachian tubes, sinus infections, inner ear deformities, hearing loss, traumatic injury, or abnormalities in the responses of cranial nerves III to XII.

If these tests are negative, then the child should be observed for spontaneous nystagmus, gaze nystagmus, gait abnormalities, or ocular smooth pursuit abnormalities. Next a test of limb coordination should be performed, followed by a Romberg Test (the Sharpened Romberg can be used in older children and adults, having the patient stand heel-to-toe on an inch of foam, and the regular Romberg, standing with both feet together, can be used with younger children). If the Romberg is positive, the Epley Maneuver and Headshake test can be performed. A dynamic visual acuity test and specialized tests like a tympanogram, audiological exam, electronystagmography, electrocochleography, rotary chair response test, brainstem auditory evoked response, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) testing and CT or MRI can also be administered to identify the cause of dizziness or vertigo. Known causes of dizziness and vertigo include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV (vertigo caused by crystals in the vestibular canals)

vestibular neuronitis or labyrinthitis (vertigo caused by a viral infection)

Meniere's disease (episodes of vertigo, tinnitis and hearing loss caused by leakage of fluid in the inner ear)

labyrinthine fistula

vascular disorders such as migraine, allergies, diabetes or arteriosclerosis (caused by lowered blood flow to the brain)

cerebrovascular disorders (especially of the vertebrabasilar arteries)

cardiocirculatory diseases

compression of the 8th cranial nerve

vasculitis (showing as rash or hives)

tumors (acoustic neuroma, causing vertigo with unilateral tinnitus and hearing loss)

stroke (vertigo with headache, difficulty walking, diverted gaze)<br> multpile sclerosis (vertigo, eyes have difficulty moving past midline toward the nose)

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome (infection causing vertigo with partial facial paralysis)

neck injury (vertigo after whiplash, arthritis or degenerative spine disease)

head trauma (vertigo after a diffuse axonal injury, bleeding or temporal bone fracture)

posttraumatic encephalopathy (vertigo caused by trauma and endocranial bleeding)

Cogan's Syndrome (vertigo and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss together with ocular inflammation)

hypothyroidism (vertigo with hair loss, fatigue, weight gain and brittle nails)

Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome (vertigo due to malformation of the vestibular canals, often appears with a conductive hearing loss)

Psychogenic Posttraumatic Vestibular Syndrome (headache, vertigo, irritability, insomnia, attention deficits, weakness)

Lyme Disease or infectious causes (can present as vertigo, difficulty staying warm, inattention, chewing, weight loss, stomach pain, sound sensitivity, tinnitus, headaches, chronic fatigue, mood disturbances, photophobia, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, due to neuroborreliosis or erythema chronicum migran infection)

ototoxic or vestibulotoxic medications (e.g. the aminoglycosides, quinolones, antineoplastics, salicylates, Tea Tree Oil, anticonvulsants, loop diuretics, tranquillizers, anti-hypertensives, diuretics, amiodarone, alcohol, methotrexate, analgesics)

Familiarity with these causes and assessment tools will make the identification of the cause of dizziness or vertigo in children easier.

Whiplash Injuries Can Become Serious Long After Accidents Occur

Statistics show that nearly 25% of whiplash victims suffer from chronic injuries or disabilities that require long-term medical care. Furthermore, one in seven whiplash injuries result in severe lingering pain in the neck and back lasting more than three years after the accident occurs. Neck and back injuries resulting from any kind of accident are likely to interfere with an individual's daily life, potentially preventing them from returning to work, performing normal activities, or even getting out of bed without experiencing extreme pain. Whiplash injuries are particularly debilitating because the resulting pain can affect the neck, back, shoulders and even one or both arms.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries associated with neck and back trauma, often resulting from involvement in motor vehicle accidents, assault, or slip and fall accidents. Whiplash occurs when a person's head is violently forced forward due to an impact from behind, and is then jerked backwards. This type of injury affects the soft tissues of the neck, particularly the muscles, tendons and ligaments, and is caused by an abnormal force applied to the neck that causes the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion.

Symptoms of Whiplash Injuries
The symptoms commonly associated with whiplash include neck pain, neck swelling, muscle spasms in the neck, tenderness, headaches, difficulty moving the neck, and pain radiating from the neck into one or both shoulders and arms. Some victims of whiplash may suffer from additional symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, nausea and irritability. Unfortunately, some instances of whiplash injuries are disregarded because symptoms don't immediately arise, increasing the chances of the injury becoming a recurring condition later in life.

Whiplash Injury Treatment
Proper medical treatment for whiplash injuries varies on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature and severity of the injury sustained. Medical care for victims of whiplash injuries typically involves bed rest, immobilization of the neck, anti-inflammatory medications, range of motion exercises, ice therapy, heat therapy, and avoiding excessive neck strain. In severe instances, these injuries may require rehabilitation and physical therapy before they are fully resolved, as well as monitoring to ensure the victim has not suffered any additional injuries.

Serious Complications of Whiplash
Whiplash injuries can lead to serious complications if not immediately treated, including muscle spasms, joint pain, and ligament damage in the upper back and neck. In fact, whiplash is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in developed countries. More severe whiplash cases may cause life-altering complications like permanent neck pain, spinal cord damage, spinal arthritis, chronic pain or chronic headaches. If nerve roots are damaged in the accident, numbness and weakness in the affected area may last until recovery is complete. In approximately 10% of cases of whiplash, the symptoms are severe and in 4%, whiplash victims are unable to return to work.

Legal Help for Victims of Whiplash
Victims of accidents resulting in whiplash are often subjected to debilitating pain following an accident, which can sometimes become a serious condition long after the initial accident occurs. In addition, individuals suffering from recurring pain associated with a previous injury may incur costly medical bills resulting from injury treatment. Unfortunately, connecting this chronic pain to the initial accident and whiplash injury may be difficult, preventing you from collecting the financial compensation you require. The most important step to taking following an accident is to seek medical treatment, even if you don't notice any immediate injuries. Some of the most serious injuries, including whiplash injuries, are not physically visible and may not arise until hours or even days after the accident. After receiving medical care, the next step victims of accidents should take is to seek legal guidance from an experienced whiplash attorney. With the help of a whiplash attorney, injured victims can seek the compensation they deserve and ensure they receive the medical care their condition requires now and in the future.

Arthritis Treatment: Is It Neck Pain or Is It Shoulder Pain?

The cervical spine- the neck- consists of seven vertebrae which are stacked on top of each other and separated from each other up front by rubbery discs and in back by a pair- one on each side- of what are called uncovertebral joints. These are true joints which are covered with a thin layer of hyaline cartilage.

Right next to these joints, again on either side, are small holes or foramina, where nerve roots from the spinal cord exit. The spinal cord, originating in the brain, runs down a central canal or tunnel, formed by the various elements of the spine. The head weighs about 6-8 pounds depending on a person's intelligence (that's a joke, by the way) and is balanced on this cervical spine column.

Because of the complexity of the structures involved, it is no secret that neck pain can arise as a result of a variety of different causes. Arthritis can develop in the uncovertebral joints thereby narrowing the neural foramina. Since the nerve roots occupy 25 per cent of the volume of the foramina to start, further narrowing can lead to pinching of the nerves. In addition, disc hernation or the flattening of the discs that occurs with aging also can lead to narrowing of the neural foramina as well.

It has been estimated that more than 50 per cent of individuals beyond the age of 45 years have experienced at least one episode of neck pain.

With advancing age, neck pain tends to become more radicular, meaning there is an element of nerve pinching involved.

Pain coming from the cervical spine may be accompanied by pain in the shoulder. A pinched nerve in the neck, particularly a pinched nerve in the upper neck, often presents as shoulder pain. It may also cause pain to radiate down from the neck to between the shoulder blades.

Myofascial pain, pain arising from ligament strain or muscle spasm, can also be a source of discomfort.
Since conditions that cause neck pain and conditions that cause shoulder pain may coexist, it is often difficult to distinguish what problem is most responsible for the symptoms.

Diagnosis is made using a careful history and physical examination. Often times, though, even that can be unrewarding as far as providing an exact diagnosis. Imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography can be very helpful in sorting things out.

The choice of treatment obviously depends on diagnosis.

Physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), brief use of a cervical collar, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, and injections may be useful.

For soft tissue causes, prolotherapy or injections with platelet rich plasma may be useful. Only in cases where there is significant nerve root impingement with progressive loss of function, or significant pressure on the spinal cord is there a need for a surgical solution.

Symptoms and Treatment of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and/or on spinal nerves as they leave the spine. Compression of the nerve interferes with communication between the brain and the body, and results in sensory problems or loss of function to an area of the body. Compression can occur in the spinal canal, in the nerve root canals or the intervertebral foramen. It can be localized to one area or widespread throughout a section of the spine.

Causes

Spinal stenosis can be congenital or acquired. Congenital conditions that cause spinal stenosis include scoliosis, a congenitally narrow spinal column or a bone defect called achondroplasia.

Most spinal stenosis is acquired, usually as a result of aging, and it usually appears in individuals over 50 years old. Women are more prone to it than men. Normal degenerative changes that occur with aging are most often to blame, especially if arthritis is also present. Spinal stenosis can also be caused by tumors or injury or as a result of another disease, such as Paget's disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spinal stenosis depend on where the narrowing is. Most spinal stenosis affects the lumbar, or lower back, area. You experience pain radiating down your leg that is relieved if you sit or bend forward. In severe cases, you could lose bowel, bladder or sexual function and have difficulty walking.

The second most common area for spinal stenosis to occur is in your neck, or cervical spine. People with cervical stenosis may feel pain radiating down an arm, or aching, numbness or tingling in the arm or leg. They may have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as picking things up with their fingers or writing, problems walking or loss of bladder and bowel control.

Symptoms usually appear gradually and get worse over time.

Treatment

Conservative methods of treatment are used as long as possible. They don't cure the problem, but most people get relief of their symptoms for quite a while by doing prescribed exercises, including flexion. Most people have good results with physical therapy. Chiropractic, massage and acupuncture often help, too.

Most doctors prescribe muscle relaxers or anti-inflammatory medications to relieve the symptoms of spinal stenosis. If those don't work, epidural cortisone treatments and nerve blocks may be helpful.

Eventually, many people need surgery to correct spinal stenosis. Outpatient arthroscopic surgery may be sufficient to open up the intervertebral foramen or to relieve pressure from surrounding structures.

Sometimes, however, the entire spinal cord must be decompressed, requiring open surgery. A decompression laminectomy may be necessary to remove enough bone and tissue to relieve the pressure on the spinal column.

Spinal stenosis can be very debilitating. Conservative treatment relieves the symptoms and allows you to function normally for quite a long time. The disease is progressive, however, and eventually surgery is necessary to correct the narrowing and relieve pressure on the nerve.

Back Pain Products: Ergonomic Chair Accessories

For those who cannot obtain an ergonomic chair and those whose ergonomic chairs aren't enough to alleviate back pain, there are numerous orthopedic chair accessories on the market. These back pain products assist in alleviating pressure on the spine and easing tension on lower back muscles.

Much of the lower back pain experienced today is the result of poor posture, particularly for those whose jobs require long-distance driving or sitting in an office chair all day. The following back pain products are designed to counter the harmful effects of sitting.

Lumbar Cushions

When sitting for long periods of time, most people have a difficult time maintaining their natural lumbar arch. This is because the weight of the upper body bears on the muscles of the core, which give out eventually if they are not conditioned. This allows the shoulders to stoop and the lower spine to flatten. In this position, the spine is strained and the lower back muscles are forced to support the upper body without the abdominal muscles engaged to assist. Lumbar cushions are designed to maintain the natural arch of the lumbar spine, providing support to the lower back muscles and encouraging proper posture.

Lumbar supports are very helpful for many types of back pain, but not every type. Those with spinal arthritis, for example, should be cautious of these cushions, since enhancing the arch of the lumbar spine could cause painful compression of the joints.

Amazon customers report widespread satisfaction with various cushions. According to their reviews, the two main complaints with lumbar cushions are design and density. Many of these cushions have winged sides; they may not mold properly with a seat that also has winged sides. Some also feel that certain brands are too soft and provide inadequate support. Make sure the chair or seat you're adding a cushion to will actually fit it, and test density if possible before making a purchase.

Wedge Cushions

These foam seat cushions have a wedge design that tilts your pelvis forward, alleviating pressure off the tailbone. Many of these cushions have a built-in gap where your coccyx would rest to facilitate further decompression. Tilting the pelvis forward encourages the spine to maintain its natural S-shape curve.

Amazon reviewers are largely happy with their wedge cushions, but the common complaint pertains to density. Some are very firm, while others are very soft. If you are a petite person, a softer cushion may be capable of providing adequate support, whereas a firm one may cause painful compression in the buttocks. For a larger person, a soft cushion may simply flatten out and fail to tilt the pelvis. Take firmness into consideration when choosing what to purchase.

Comfort Seats

Composed of either thin plastic or foam, the comfort seat is designed to cup the buttocks and provide support to the pelvic bones, which serve as a foundation for the spine. On top of encouraging proper posture, this product is designed to support the tailbone. Some comfort seats also tilt the pelvis forward as wedge cushions do, but by different design.

Based on product reviews from Amazon and QVC customers, the main complaint with seats like the Relaxo-Bak is that they can be too big for some users. The plastic can dig into the backs of your legs and fail to match up with your pelvic bones. Some users prefer the more expensive foam seats by Backjoy to the plastic for both comfort and support.

It is important to remember that these back pain products are designed to assist your body temporarily, not replace core strength. These accessories will only help to alleviate some of your back pain; true relief comes from solving the problem that caused it. If core weakness is plaguing your back, it will affect your posture when standing and moving. Consider these products aides to recovery, not cures.

To help you decide if these products are right for you, refer to http://www.amazon.com/ and http://www.qvc.com/ and search for the product you're interested in. These sites allow you to compare prices and read customer reviews. Most of these accessories are relatively inexpensive, and are worth a try if your chair or car seat is uncomfortable. Chair accessories could be a useful supplement to your back pain relief plan.