Pain Relief

by rogercarr

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis is a special type of arthritis that occurs in some patients with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It resembles rheumatoid arthritis in its effects, although most people experience a mild form. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include both skin disorders and conditions of the joints and can cause symptoms of psoriatic arthritis as well. There is no cure for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, but there are many treatments available to relieve symptoms. It is a chronic, however, and if left untreated can cause serious health problems.

Symptoms of the most common form of psoriatic arthritis affects the tips of the fingers or toes. However, one in five cases of the disease can affect the spine. The less common form of psoriatic arthritis is called psoriatic arthritis mutilating the objectives of the joints, causing severe destruction.

Psoriasis is a rough, scaly type of rash that appears most often in the knees, elbows and scalp. The rash consists of red scaly patches or silvery gray on the skin. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in about five to ten percent of the 30 million Americans with psoriasis.

The condition affects men and women equally and usually appears between the ages of 30 and 50. In approximately 15 percent of patients the onset of psoriatic arthritis may precede the onset of psoriasis. The progress of psoriatic arthritis is usually mild in most people and may affect only a few joints.
What causes psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms

The skin is composed of several layers, a thin outer layer of dead cells, the inner layer of the skin. The regenerated skin is usually completely in the course of about a month from the outer layers of the lower layers. The new skin replaces the layer below top of him, while the outer layer of dead skin cells fell apart.

In patients with psoriasis, however, part of this process happens too quickly. The skin is rather a matter of days, and layers of skin cells can not be shed quickly enough. The accumulation of these dead skin cells then causes thick patches, itching in the body. The most important symptoms are those which are dry, scaly skin. The areas may be cracked or raised, and covered with silver look at points. The area around the patches may be red, with small pustules or blisters. These patches are often itchy and sore. The most common areas that are affected by psoriasis are the elbows, knees, skin folds, and the trunk, but can affect skin anywhere on the body. Patients may also experience problems with their toes or nails, and / or burning eyes and itching.

No known triggers of psoriasis outbreaks, although the cause is not fully known. Injury to the skin such as abrasions or cuts, insect bites or other rashes, can aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis. Persons who are immunosuppressed due to chemotherapy, AIDS or other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are also at risk of more severe symptoms. Many other factors such as alcohol, lack of or excessive sun exposure, and stress can contribute to outbreaks ofdisease. The disease is not contagious.

Your doctor may take a skin biopsy of one of the scaly patches, and / or blood tests for diagnosis of psoriasis. More commonly, however, the diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical history and examination of the skin and / or nails.

The 5 types of psoriatic arthritis and its symptoms

There are actually five types of psoriatic arthritis, each with different symptoms, disease progression and treatment. Most people with psoriatic arthritis experience only mild symptoms of arthritis, and in only a few joints. The most common causes symptoms in only one or two joints. For those who experience more severe symptoms, however, as in the spine, the symptoms can usually be treated with medications and other treatments.

Distal interphalangeal predominant

This type of psoriatic arthritis primarily affects the last joint of fingers and toes (the distal interphalangeal joint. It is similar to osteoarthritis, and in fact often confused with that guy, although symptoms are generally limited to these joints only.

Asymmetric Arthritis

Asymmetric arthritis usually affects only two or three together, and separately and not in pairs. It can affect any joint in the body, although common in the fingers and toes. Often, what causes your doctor may refer as sausage digits, where the fingers are swollen. Joints are often red and hot to the touch. This type is quite common, affecting 55-70% ofpatients with psoriatic arthritis. It is usually mild, however, and does not advance as much as some other forms. It is quite sensitive to treatment with NSAIDs and other drugs.

Symmetrical polyarthritis

Symmetrical polyarthritis, also known simply as symmetrical arthritis, is identified by the fact that the swelling of the joints tends to occur in pairs, on both sides. For example, if the elbow is affected, both elbows are affected. It resemblesrheumatoid arthritis, although less severe. Its probably the second most common in patients with psoriatic arthritis, which affects 15-70% of patients. Can be severe and cause joint deformity and skin symptoms are often much more severe than in those with other types.

Spondylitis, or psoriatic spondylitis

Spondylitis refers to inflammation of the joints of the spine. This is a serious condition that can cause deformities and changes in posture as a result. It is less common than the above rates, affecting 5-33% of people with thedisease. In addition, patients with this form of psoriatic arthritis often experience symptoms in the joints of the arms and legs. The most prominent symptoms of this type include inflammation, pain and joint stiffness in the joints of the back and neck. Indeed, it can affect the ligaments in these areas.

Arthritis mutilating

Mutilating arthritis is a very serious type of psoriatic arthritis. It is quite rare, affecting less than 5% of patients who are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Its severity is due to the fact that actually destroys bone and cartilage in the joints, deformed joints of the hands and feet mainly. It tends to come and go in a number of exacerbations or relapses and remissions. These usually coincide with flares in the skin symptoms.

Patients may have one or more of these types in the course of their disease and can actually show signs of several types at once, so that the identification of a single rate is not always possible. There are also three other forms of arthritis that can occur inpatients with psoriasis Reiters syndrome, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Reiters syndrome is a disease that causes inflammation of the urethra, inflammation in the eye, and arthritis. There is a venereal disease , but they do produce lesions on the genitalia and the palms, soles of the feet and mouth. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation and sudden attacks of severe pain, often in the big toe. It is the result of excess uric acid in the blood, which causes the crystals to form in the affected joints. Inpatients with psoriasis, the disease is usually only present for a short time.

When the deformity occurs in one of the above forms of psoriatic arthritis, the disease can be easily confused with rheumatoid arthritis, which is a type of arthritis associated with the immune system resulting in severe joint deformation. These types differ mainly rheumatoid arthritis by the absence of a particular antibody in the blood of most patients with rheumatoid arthritis known as rheumatoid factor, in addition to skin symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur in patients with psoriatic arthritis as well, however. Your doctor will use tests like blood tests and x-rays of affected joints to help determine what type or types of arthritis you have.

Causes of psoriatic arthritis

The cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown. Doctors suspect that genetic factors, environmental and immunological play a role in the condition. It is classified in the group of diseases called seronegative spondyloarthropathies. Approximately 40 percent of people who develop psoriatic arthritis have a family withpsoriasis or arthritis.
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

The nature of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis range depending on the type, but are generally similar to those of other types of arthritis. Patients often experience pain and stiffness or pain in the joints, usually in more than one joint. This pain is often accompanied by a reduced range of motion, or pain that worsens with movement. Psoriatic arthritis usually affects the joints of the fingers and toes more often, particularly joints near the ends of the fingers and toes. It also affects the knees and ankles. The pain and stiffness is usually worse in the morning, subsiding during the day.

Treatments for psoriatic arthritis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatment programs tailored to the patients symptoms in order to manage more effectively. Because the course of the disease can be very different from patient to patient, factors such as remission and exacerbation of symptoms are also important to consider. Each patient is different, and our treatment program is tailored to their particular needs.

Treatment plans include reducing inflammation in joints, reduce pain and prevent further damage. Psoriatic arthritis is actually treated the same way that the conditions of psoriasis and arthritis are treated individually. The skin is treated with topical and oral medications, including antibiotics. One objective in psoriasis patients is prevention of secondary infections resulting from skin irritation.

Mild forms of arthritis are treated as accompanying other forms of arthritis, aspirin, anti-arthritis drugs and other medications.

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by LLacertae

What Is A Bulging Disc, And What Does That Mean?

or you read it on your MRI report, you may wonder what that means. Is that what is causing my pain? Will it go away? Do I need surgery? How can I fix it?

These are all good questions that need to be answered before you decide what treatment is right for you. Understanding your bulging disc begins with understanding your anatomy, where the disc is, and what the disc does.

Commonly called, the disc or the disk, the intervertebral disc connects each vertebra to the next vertebra and helps to form your spine. It allows a small amount of motion and acts as a shock absorber between each pair of vertebrae. When it becomes deformed, or pushed out of shape, it is often called a bulging disk.

Your disc has two main parts, the annulus, and the nucleus pulposis. The annulus is a tough strong ligament that wraps around the outside edge of the disc. It connects one vertebral body to the next. The nucleus pulposis is a soft jelly like material that fills the inside of the disc. Together they form a jellyroll cushion between the vertebrae.

When you bend or twist, it is the disc that allows your spine to flex and move. As you move the soft inner part of the disc, is pushed around inside of the disc. When you flex forward, the nucleus pulposis is pushed towards the back; then when you stand up straight in a neutral position it moves back to the center.

Humans have evolved over thousands of years as hunter gatherers, we are designed to stand and walk, and the intervertebral disc works wonderfully for that. Problems can occur when we spend too much time bending and lifting, or hunched over a desk. Long hours bending forward pushes the nucleus pulposis towards the back of the disc. Eventually the tough ligaments of the annulus will begin to stretch and push out beyond the edge of the vertebra forming a bulging disk.

Early on when you stand up the nucleus will return to the middle of the disc and the bulge will go away, but over time, repeated bending will continue to stretch the annulus and the bulge will become more permanent.

A bulging disk is often associated with back pain. This occurs because of the stretching of the ligaments of the annulus, and because the vertebrae are not properly aligned. When the vertebrae are not held in proper alignment by the annulus, the small joints of your spine can develop painful arthritis. Back pain from a bulging disk is often some combination of these two factors.

Other symptoms that may be associated with a bulging disk include leg pain or sciatica. This can occur when the weak spot or stretching of the annulus develops in an area where it can press on nerves. This most commonly occurs in the lumbar spine where it may press on nerves that go into the buttocks or legs.

If a bulging disk is left untreated, and you continue activities that caused it, it may progress. The back pain may get worse and if it is pressing on a nerve you may have weakness or numbness in your legs. As the ligaments of the annulus stretch and grow weaker they may eventually tear, allowing the nucleus to push outside of the disc. If this disc herniation causes pressure on nerves you may have sudden severe lower extremity symptoms such as numbness or weakness.

Treatment for a bulging disk will depend on what symptoms it is causing. If it is just an incidental finding on your MRI it may not require any treatment at all, but we should all be smart about our backs and what we do. Avoiding, or limiting how much you bend and lift, will keep your bulging disc from progressing into a problem.

If your bulging disc is causing symptoms such as back pain or leg pain there are exercises that can sometimes reduce a bulging disk. Correcting a bulging disk will realign the vertebra and take the pressure off of any nerves that may be involved. How much relief you get will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how long you have had them.

If your bulging disc has progressed to a herniated disc more aggressive treatments may be required. Depending on your symptoms, and how bad they are, your doctor may talk to you about physical therapy, steroid injections, or surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve.

but they may or may not be important depending on your symptoms. If your symptoms are tolerable you can discuss conservative treatments with your doctor. Things like physical therapy and over the counter pain medications can be very effective therapy for many people.

We should all practice good back mechanics and pay careful attention to our posture. Avoid bending and lifting whenever possible, and when you must bend, bend at your hips and keep your back straight. Preventing a bulging disk is much better than treating one.

Find More Bulging Discs Articles

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If you suffer from chronic back pain, chances are you have a long list of standardized exercises that are claimed to provide you with pain relief, make your back stronger, and help to support your spine. If you’re sticking to these exercises, it’s possible that you might see some improvement, BUT if you’re not getting results from your back exercise routine, there’s a good explanation and some great ways for powerful improvement!

Here’s the deal, cookie-cutter back pain exercises fall short because they aren’t geared to your specific issue. In order to get rid of your chronic back problem, you need to focus on back pain exercises that target your unique circumstance. For example, If you’re suffering from sciatica, and you have pain shooting down your legs, a back pain exercise that is targeted toward the upper back may be futile for you.

It’s likely that you may find it difficult to identify your specific back pain exercise needs. Your best bet is to first examine the balance of your body.

Believe it or not, most back pain and tension is caused by living with a body that is ‘out of balance’.

It only makes sense that the load bearing integrity of your body will be compromised if the foundation of your body is out of balance.

Your spine has a natural curve, and consists of a series of consecutive discs. If the natural curve of your spine extends beyond a certain point, or just one of those discs slips out of alignment, the strength of your spine becomes significantly weaker. Imagine your spine as a spring, as long as the coils are aligned as they should, the spring will flex and bend with ease. But, if just one coil is kinked or pulled, suddenly the spring becomes useless. The same goes for your skeletal structure.

Your skeletal structure isdesigned to work smoothly in a specific manner.

Typically, when we’re born our spine is flawlessly curved, our joints work smoothly, and the balance of our skeletal structure is perfect. Surely, as time goes by, we tend to spend more time sitting, develop poor postural habits, suffer traumas, deal with stress, and the list continues.

As a result of these developments, our once balanced physique becomes contorted, and when the pain starts, as it inevitably will, we neglect to take steps toward correcting our balance issues, and instead we be begin doing cookie-cutter back pain exercises. For this reason alone, it is imperative that you practice back pain exercises that are designed to eliminate your specific issue. In many cases, this will mean addressing your posture, your alignment, and your overall physical stature.

So, where do you begin?

Start by examining your current needs. Where is your pain, do you slouch when you stand, what about when you sit, is one shoulder higher than the other, are your legs at even length, etc.?

Once you’ve assessed your specific problem areas, whether it’s upper back pain, middle back soreness, or sciatica in your lower back, with the right instruction (guided by a uniquely qualified practitioner or therapist) you CAN pinpoint the exact exercise and techniques that will provide you with amazing back pain relief.

If your current list of back pain exercises are not meeting your expectations, consider exploring some other, more beneficial options. You have nothing to lose but pain, and there’s no time like the present.

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In the United States alone, an estimated 31 million people suffer from back pain at any given time, and better than 50% of Americans report at least some back pain each and every year. Statistics indicate that around one third of Americans over the age of 18 have visited the doctor with back pain complaints within the last five years.

These statistics beg the question, “why do our backs hurt all the time”? The answer proves to be multifaceted. We suffer from chronic back and neck pain for a plethora of reasons; not the least of which is the fact that we spend most of our time sitting on our rear ends!

When you lead a sedentary lifestyle, your muscles and surrounding tissues begin to disintegrate and can actually atrophy. When this occurs, any kind of activity can create strain that causes chronic back pain. Your body depends on activity to remain healthy, but not just any activity, the right activity. You see, exercise helps to keep all the systems of your body working smoothly. That fact holds true for, not only your joints and muscles, but for your neurological and lymphatic systems as well. Let’s take a look at some other contributing factors to your chronic back and neck pain.

Nutritional forces that affect back pain come secondary to injury. That’s right, the foods you eat (and don’t eat) have a direct effect on your pain.

Many people try to eliminate all fats from their diet, but your body actually needs some fat to work properly. Too little fat in your diet will manifest itself as chronic pain in various areas of the body, including the back and neck.

Many people do their best to pack as much protein into their diet as possible. You may be surprised to learn that consuming too much protein can contribute to the development of ketoacidosis – a harmful physiological process that breaks down tissue, contributes to arthritis and, chronic back and neck pain!

Emotional strain can wreak havoc on your spine as well. Many people carry tension in their neck and back. If you’re among this group, you’re well aware that stress can manifest itself into serious chronic back pain.

The problems mentioned here are just drops in the bucket compared to the compiled list of factors that may be contributing to your pain.

Summing it up, your chronic back pain, your neck pain, your upper, lower, and middle back tension, your sciatica, and your aches in general can be directly contributed to a sedentary lifestyle, emotional strain, injury, and nutritional voids.

In short, everything you do can potentially contribute to your pain – on the flipside, everything you do can also contribute to your healing!

The good news is that there is hope for finding relief and help to get rid of your chronic back pain. A little time and effort geared towards learning more about the causes of your chronic back pain (and the best ways to eliminate that pain) can produce some awesome results.

After all, what could be more important than feeling great and living your life to the fullest as a result?

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• Arthritis Pain Relief 101

Arthritis pain relief and not cure is what is available when it comes to taking care of this unbearable disease. Occasional liberation from this ailment is accessible. The longer you can stay pain free, obviously the better off you will be.

The fingers, knees, hips, and spine are the areas of the body that osteoarthritis commonly disturbs. The wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles are additional locations in the body also affected. Joints with a record of injury or unusual stress are much more prone to developing osteoarthritis than other joints. That is why so many athletes have arthritis in their knees because of the constant pressure applied to that leg joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the more common types, occurs when synovial membrane gets inflamed and joints swells up. If it is allowed to increase it can affect the cartilage and cause severe pain. In its more advances stage it can affect other parts of the body such as lungs, heart and eyes. This disease is three times more common in women than in men.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as familiar as the previous two. This type eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin. An arthritis pain relief for this type would help.

Alternative arthritis pain relief solutions are being sought out by patients. For a variety of reasons such as:

The arthritis pain relief that once worked is not maintaining a consistent degree of protection any longer.

Moving away from chemical healing to some natural arthritis pain relief is much more appealing

Many times money is the motivating force. Patients will continue to look for lesser expensive arthritis pain relief solutions.

Patients are more and more concerned with side effects caused by some medications and are looking for an arthritis pain relief that is natural to ease their fears.

Rising above the pain
You must continually focus on what you can do, rather than what you cannot do. Devise strategies and set goals in order to continue living your life to the fullest potential. You must focus on remaining active and maintaining as much independence as possible.

Some useful solutions
By using fatty acids which provide lubrication for the joints, the joints will not wear down as much as a result less inflammation and less pain. Some recommend oils are: – Borage Oil – Primrose Oil and – NKO Oil

Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis preventative measure.

Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts and beans will provide selenium.

Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results. Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.

Nettle leaf: Reduces need for NSAIDS by 70% (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Yoga, meditation, creative visualization and imagery.

Aroma therapy

Osteopathy and chiropractic therapy

Homeopathy

Pantothenic acid

Resources
NutraSanus
Essortmant
Arthritis Foundation

Please send to people you want to lend a hand to.

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The sciatic nerve is not actually a single nerve, but a bundle of many nerves that leave the spine from the lower back and sacral regions. From here, the bundle moves towards the glutes then splits to various destinations on the legs. One nerve supplies the front of the thigh, one the back and another the lower shin. Irritation of any of these nerves may cause tingling, pain or numbness we call sciatica.

Individuals with mild to moderate sciatica are usually prescibed stretching and strengthening movements. Both are done to tolerance according to that days pain level. It is best to have a sciatica program designed by a Physical Therapist as few Personal Trainers have the knowledge to work with a special population like sciatica. The contraindictated movement for all strengthening and stretching is forward flexion as this could furthur irritate the condition.

Two more classic moves to avoid are toe touches and full sit ups. Toe touches involve full forward flexion and put all your body weight on your lower back. Full sit ups also stress the lower back. Instead of coming all the way up just do crunches with only your head and shoulders raising slightly off the ground.

Finally, many people will assume since they have a back problem they need to strengthen it. Not the case with sciatica. With sciatica you want to stretch your lower back and strengthen your abdominals. Performing back extensions which are a low back strengthener can worsen sciatica.

In summary, either have a Physical Therapist or a Chiropractor design your exercise program. The stretching and strengthening exercises will provide pain relief as well as a better level of overall fitness. Pay attention to the trigger exercises listed in this article to avoid injury, pain or relapse.

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Low back pain and sciatica can cause great distress to people, at times making them unable to carry on routine day to day activities. Treatment methods can vary depending on what exactly is causing the low back pain or
sciatica and how severe the symptoms are. Medications can help in immediate relief to patients, especially for those suffering from acute pain. However
the course of treatment and also in cases where symptoms are not so severe, exercise and sciatic stretches can help in sciatic relief.

The cause for sciatic pain should be identified. Often it could be caused by some irritation nerve points leading up to the sciatic nerve, pelvi instability could cause sciatic pain so could some kind of tightening in the

Piriformis muscle. Whatever the cause, sciatic stretches have been recommended and found to be helpful to address the sciatic pain. Obviously, the stretches have to address these three areas the Piriformis muscle, lower back and pelvis as they have to target those muscles that cause pain.

First, let us turn our attention to the lower back muscles and joints. The sciatic nerve starts in this area and it is important that these areas be corrected first. The best way of tackling problems in the lower back areas would be to combine both lower back stretched and lower back exercises with some joint mobility workouts.

Next, we turn to what relief from pelvis instability. Obviously, the pelvis now needs to be balanced which is achieved with the help of exercises that not only relax the tightened muscles that cause pain but also strengthen the
supporting muscles.

Finally, these exercises will aid in the realignment of the pelvis. Relief from pain caused by tightening in the Piriformis muscle can be achieved by
stretches that include flexing the lower spine as also stretching the muscles at the back near the spine and consequently, stretching the Piriformis muscle.

One simple exercise to stretch the piriformis and get some relief from the pain can be mentioned here. Lie flat on your back on the floor. Now hold your right knee and pull it towards your left shoulder. You have to pull the
knee and the foot across your body. Hold still for about 30 seconds. Repeat the same with the left knee. In addition to these exercises, hamstring stretches are also recommended for relief from sciatica pain. This is because any tightness in the hamstring can put more stress on the lower back
and generally leads to a worsening of the situation.

Care should however be taken to see that hamstring stretches are done smoothly, that there is no bouncing and muscle spasms are avoided. Further, Yoga stretches are also found to be fairly effective in sciatica pain relief
when it is caused by problems with Piriformis muscle. Again, certain yoga stretches do not help sciatica pain relief and in fact can cause more irritation.

It has been found that stretches for sciatica pain relief help a great deal in preventing future pain. However, always keep in mind that sciatica stretches must be done regularly and correctly to be effective.

For more info on sciatica
treatment head to: http://www.sciaticatreatment.org
today!

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Lower back pain is one of the leading reasons people in the United States visit their doctors. It will inhibit the lives of millions of Americans this year. In fact, an average four out of five adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. So the question, What is causing my lower back pain? is not uncommon.

Lower back pain can be excruciating. It can be caused by a large variety of injuries or conditions, such as:

* lower back muscles may be strained

* discs between the vertebrae may be injured

* large nerve roots extending to arms and legs may be irritated

* smaller nerves that supply the lower back spine may be irritated

* joints, ligaments, or even bones may be injured

When lower back pain occurs with other symptoms such as fever and chills, a serious medical condition may be present. You should see a doctor immediately.

Three categories of lower back pain

Your lower back pain will fall into one of three categories, which your doctor bases on your description of the pain.

1. Axial lower back pain mechanical or simple back pain

2. Radicular lower back pain sciatica

3. Lower back pain with referred pain

1. Axial Lower Back Pain

Axial lower back pain is the most common of the three. It is felt only in the lower back area with no pain radiating to other parts of the body. It is sometimes called mechanical back pain or simple back pain.

* Description: Axial lower back pain can vary greatly. It may be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent. On a scale of 1 to 10, you may rate its intensity #1 or a full #10. It may increase with certain activity when playing tennis, for example. It may worsen in certain positions such as sitting at a desk. It may or may not be relieved by rest.

* Diagnosis: Axial lower back pain might be diagnosed by you rather than your physician. You know it started when you were helping a friend move a heavy couch. On the other hand, it may be your doctor who determines that you have strained or otherwise damaged back muscles, have a degenerated disc, etc.

* Treatment: The cause of your axial lower back pain does not matter when it comes to treatment. You will want to rest for a day or two. Follow this by gentle back pain exercises and stretching. If you have more pain after exercise, use a heating pad on low or medium setting. Take an appropriate over-the-counter pain medication. Follow your doctors advice.

* Prognosis: Symptoms of axial lower back pain disappear with time, and about 90% of patients recover within four to six weeks. If you do not feel better within six to eight weeks, additional testing and/or injections may be needed to diagnose and treat the source of the pain.

* Caution: If your pain is chronic, or so severe that it awakens you during the night, see your doctor.

2. Radicular Lower Back Pain

Radicular lower back pain is commonly referred to as sciatica. It is felt in the lower back area, thighs, and legs.

* Description: Radicular lower back pain often begins in the lower back, and then follows a specific nerve path into the thighs and legs. Your leg pain may be much worse than your back pain. It is often deep and steady. It may readily be reproduced with certain activities and positions, such as sitting or walking.

* Diagnosis: Radicular lower back pain is caused by compression of the lower spinal nerve. The most common cause is a herniated disc with compression of the nerve. Other causes might be diabetes or injury to the nerve root. If you had previous back surgery, scar tissue may be affecting the nerve root. Elderly adults may have a narrowing of the hole through which the spinal nerve exits.

* Treatment: Conservative treatment is the best place to begin. Rest for a few days in a bed or chair. Follow this by gradual introduction of gentle exercises specifically for back pain relief. Follow your exercise with additional rest, applying a heating pad on low to medium setting. Soak daily in Epsom salts baths. Take an appropriate over-the-counter pain medication. Your doctor may want to use selective spinal injections.

* Prognosis: Symptoms of radicular low back pain may decrease with the conservative treatment outlined above. Give your back and legs six to eight weeks to improve. If surgery is needed after that, it typically provides relief of the leg pain for 85% to 90% of patients. The back pain itself is more difficult to relieve.

* Caution: If an MRI or CT-myelogram does not definitely confirm nerve compression, back surgery is unlikely to be successful.

3. Lower Back Pain with Referred Pain

Lower back pain with referred pain is not as common as axial or radicular back pain. This pain, which does not radiate down the thighs and legs, may be caused by the same conditions that cause axial lower back pain.

* Description: You will usually feel referred pain in the low back area, radiating into your groin, buttocks, and upper thigh. The pain may move around, but it will rarely go below your knee. It often is an achy, dull pain. It tends to come and go. Sometimes it is very sharp, but other times it is only a dull sensation. It can be caused by the identical injury or problem that causes simple axial back pain. Often, it is no more serious.

* Diagnosis: It is very important to have a physician determine whether your pain is lower back pain with referred pain or radicular lower back pain, since the treatment varies considerably.

* Treatment: Once you know for sure that yours is lower back pain with referred pain, you can follow the treatment for axial lower back pain.

* Prognosis: Symptoms of lower back pain with referred pain disappear with time, usually within four to six weeks. If you do not feel better within six to eight weeks, ask your physician if additional testing and/or injections are needed.

* Caution: If your lower back pain is chronic, or so severe it awakens you during the night, you should see your doctor.

You will want to visit http://www.backpainreliefblog.com for more detailed information about lower back pain. Packed with articles about many kinds of back pain, Back Pain Relief Blog offers practical, down-to-earth advice on how to care for your back. Find back pain exercises to avoid back pain and to heal your aching back. Learn what natural remedies are available for back pain relief.

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The question of pain relief is something that differs for each individual mum to be. More often than not, a decision to have a drug free labour is quickly overturned by fear, anxiety and stress in the first stages, especially for those of us who are having our first baby. Personally, I was so happy to be having a baby but at times it was almost overshadowed by the thought of the birth. I even toyed with the idea of asking my midwife if i could elect to have a cesarean section as i was so afraid of the impending birth.

The day finally came (as it inevitably does) and i was adamant that i would try any pain relieving drug that they offered me. I had gas and air and when that stopped taking the edge off the pain i had morphine on more than one occasion. When the pain finally became too much to bear, 17 hours since i had first arrived at the hospital, i was given the option of whether or not to have an epidural. By that time i would have cut my own arm off if it would have made the pain go away so i accepted. I found having the injection itself quite distressing as by this time my contractions were so close together that i found it hard to sit still for the anaesthetist to inject my spine. When the injection had been completed i became more distressed as my movement was now restricted and i found it increasingly difficult to find a comfortable position while hooked up to the drip. On more than one occasion i ripped the line from my hand which left it bruised and sore for days. Finally when it was time to push i literally had to have my legs moved and held by my birthing partners as i was unable to do so on my own. I was unable to feel any contractions at this point and was completely dependant on the midwife telling me when to push.

I thought that when the 21 hour labour was over and my little girl was born the stress would eventually be over but as soon as the epidural drip was removed i felt nauseous and started to be sick due to the side affects of the drugs. So much so in fact that i then had to be given another drug to counteract the side affects of the pain relief. My baby slept for almost twenty four hours after she was born due to the drugs that she was subjected to during the birth and to this day i still regret not being the first person to hold my daughter when she was born. It actually took around an hour and a half after the birth before i was well enough to hold her. I was also unable to walk unaided for hours afterwards and had to be helped by nurses as i could sill not feel my lower body.

The birth of my second daughter was some what different. I admit that second time round you do at least have an idea of what to expect, but never the less i was more wary of the pain relief that i was offered. I delivered my second baby with just the help of gas and air. Yes, it was painful, i wont say that it wasn’t but it is a pain that i cant remember now. It stopped the minute she was born and i was able to hold her, feed her, change her and bathe her. These were all things that i had not been able to do and i feel that i missed out on first time around.

In my opinion it is the choice of the individual. It is not a decision that should be made lightly but providing there is no medical reason why not, then it should be given to those who want it. However, from my experience, I would not choose an epidural again as the pain is not so unbearable that i would ever forget those first moments my my new born baby. They are precious moments that once lost, you can never get back.

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Regrettably, there is no cure for this crisis. The drug companies may want us to think there is a cure. Taking their medicine will not cure any type of arthritis. Speaking to your physician for the latest research about your specific type of arthritis pain relief would be beneficial. But there are natural pain arthritis pain relief remedies. Now there is a bright side to easing the pain.

The fingers, knees, hips, and spine are the areas of the body that Osteoarthritis commonly disturbs. The wrists, elbows, shoulders, and ankles are additional locations in the body also affected. Joints with a record of injury or unusual stress are much more prone to developing osteoarthritis than other joints. That is why so many athletes have arthritis in their knees because of the constant pressure applied to that leg joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is another form of arthritis. Exceptionally painful and inflammatory, it attacks the inside layer of the joints and actually hits two million Americans in their twenties. Having an arthritis pain relief for this type of the ailment would be helpful.

Psoriatic Arthritis is not as familiar as the previous two. This type eats away at the joints and can also manifest as psoriasis on the skin. An arthritis pain relief for this type would help.

The three above mentioned types of arthritis are the most common. There are other forms as well.

Alternative arthritis pain relief remedies are being sought out by patients. For a variety of reasons such as:

Their current medication is not doing the job any more. While it may have worked in the past this arthritis pain relief solution is just not affective now.

Moving away from chemical healing to some natural arthritis pain relief is much more appealing

Many times money is the motivating force. Patients will continue to look for lesser expensive arthritis pain relief solutions.

Patients are more and more concerned with side effects caused by some medications and are looking for an arthritis pain relief that is natural.

The mental aspect. You are bigger than the pain.

Part of developing an arthritis pain relief mentality is keeping your mind targeted to what will help you rather than what will hinder you. Keep yourself strong by maintaining a positive lifestyle. You are bigger than this disease. It may sound crazy especially when you are suffering. But in the long run you mindset will help to carry you through, when times are toughest.

Some useful solutions
By using fatty acids which provide lubrication for the joints, the joints will not wear down as much as a result less inflammation and less pain. Some recommend oils are: – Borage Oil – Primrose Oil and – NKO Oil

Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis preventative measure.

Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts and beans will provide selenium.

Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results. Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.

More arthritis pain relief treatments.

Acupuncture

Animal foods: avoid them. Arachidonic acid found in meat provokes joint inflammation.

Bee/snake venom: Little scientific backing, real chance for allergic reaction.

Chondroitin: helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.

Fish oils: controls inflammation in the body. Examples of other oils also used for the same purpose: flax, borage, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin.

Food allergies: linked to many causes for arthritis. Common foods to look out for: wheat, corn, dairy, citrus, salt, caffeine, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant and peppers. (Does not include black peppers).

Resources
NutraSanus
Essortmant
Arthritis Foundation

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