Back pain, unfortunately, has many different causes and presentation in the body. What is sciatica, though? Sciatica–a form of pain that is felt in the legs, buttocks, and back–can be an especially prevalent form of pain for many patients. What is sciatica? Sciatica is a pain symptom that is felt when the sciatic nerve is…
So many people rely on caffeine to make it through the day. Coffee, diet Coke, energy drinks, or anything else containing the stimulant are very popular in our fast-paced culture. While caffeine is naturally occurring, it does have some negative consequences for some people, especially those already dealing with chronic pain conditions. Here are some…
Often when it comes to back pain, the recommend treatment is rest. Sometimes pain relievers, such as NSAIDs, can also help reduce the recovery time. However, there are times when gentle exercises can speed the healing process. Exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back can improve the overall recovery time. Here are…
Integrating exercise into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult and it can have huge benefits for your health. One of the major reasons for not starting an exercise program can be the cost. A gym membership is often based on a year-long contract that you may not necessarily use. However, there are many inexpensive…
Cigarette smoking has long been the subject of medical scrutiny for all of the possible negative effects on the body. While much of the research focuses on the cancer causing properties of cigarettes, some studies have also shown a correlation between smoking and chronic pain. According to one study published by Medscape in 2012, the…
Tai chi is a form of exercise developed in ancient China that has been practiced for centuries as a therapeutic, healing routine. Instead of jarring, high-intensity exercises, tai chi focuses on low-impact, slow moving, naturally flowing movements that are done softly and thoughtfully. Movements are often circular and muscles are relaxed during the exercises. Since…
Though it may not seem entirely intuitive, anti-depressants are often used to treat back pain. Many studies have found benefits of using these pills, though why exactly they help relieve pain isn’t entirely understood. Most health professionals believe that taking anti-depressants can block the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, which are hormones that…
Low back pain can run the gamut from merely annoying to chronic, debilitating pain. While the National Institutes of Health estimates that eight out of ten people will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, the reality is that many of these cases will be acute episodes lasting no longer than a…
Many patients suffering from forms of back pain have sought and found relief from various injection therapies. These treatments include sacroiliac and trigger point injections. What are these treatments and will they work for you? Back pain is the second most common condition, after the common cold, for which people seek medical attention. Staggering statistics…