Sacroiliitis And Back Pain

Sacroiliitis is one of those ‘itises’ that once you have it you won’t want to repeat it –ever!
This inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints that connect the lower spine (sacrum) to the pelvis can be extremely painful. There is severe pain and stiffness in your low back and hips and walking is difficult. Pain may radiate from the lower back and pelvis into the buttocks or back of the thigh.

The sacroiliac joints are surrounded by a large amount of ligaments and fibrous tissue for stability. Because these joints are deep in the muscle of your buttocks, they are difficult to examine. The pain when you move may be so severe that you become unwilling to move at all and this makes the condition difficult to diagnose. Sacroiliitis can be mistaken for other causes of low back pain such as:
• Sciatica
• Herniated disc
• Muscle strain
• Septic Hip
• Abscess of the psosas muscle –this is a part of the hip flexor group of muscles
• Malignancy
• Kidney Infection
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Appendicitis

Causes
• Trauma, such as a car accident or fall which affects your lower back, spine, pelvis or buttocks. Torn ligaments can create inflammation or lead to infection of the sacroiliac joints.
• Heavy lifting, if done incorrectly, can injure muscles and joints.
• Spondyloarthropathies, which are inflammatory arthritis conditions including: ankylosing spondylitis, arthritis associated with psoriasis.
• Degenerative arthritis of spine, which can cause inflammation of sacroiliac joints
• Osteoarthritis leads to degeneration of the sacroiliac joints.
• Pregnancy, in which the ligaments in pelvis become softer and stretch to accommodate childbirth.
• Infection of the sacroiliac joint. This may be due to a bacterial infection in food such as brucellosis. This disease occurs in slaughterhouse workers, farmers, veterinarians, ranchers. It was spread through contaminated milk prior to pasteurization requirements.
• Reiter’s Syndrome, which causes sacroiliac joint pain along with other symptoms.

Risk Factors
Because of the difficulty diagnosing this disorder, predisposing risk factors must be considered, including:
• History of bone, joint, skin infection.
• Injury to spine, pelvis or buttocks
• Urinary Tract Infection may spread infection from urinary tract to sacroiliac joints.
• Pregnancy, when the area around sacroiliac joints may become inflammmed.
• Endocarditis, which is an infection of the lining of the heart, can spread to joints and other body organs.
• Illicit IV drug use increases the risk

Symptoms
• Pain and stiffness in lower back, thighs, buttocks
• Pain becomes worse with walking due to the motion of the hips.
• Psoriasis, an inflammatory skin condition, may occur with a type of arthritis.
• Pain radiating down leg, often mimics sciatica
• Limp
• Decreased range of motion
• Elevated temperature
• Bloody Diarrhea occurs with Reiter’s Syndrome which causes painful urination, joint pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and eye inflammation
• Eye inflammation in one or both eyes, a symptom of Reiter’s Syndrome and often evident with sacroiliitis.

It is important to seek medical evaluation promptly with sacroiliitis and to not delay treatment. This illness is no ordinary episode of back pain, and it can lead to joint destruction and the possible development of a disabling ailment or a severe systemic infection.

Brought to you by Fort Lauderdale Spinal Decompression.

Reduce Stress – Reduce Back Pain

One of the main causes of back pain is emotional stress and that back pain may be a signal that you are not coping well with stress. It’s common knowledge that people under stress are tense and that the tension can settle in your back. When you are experiencing constant stress, your muscles may be tightening up so often that you become used to it. But those taut, tight muscles can send a strong pain signal to your brain. Turning the wrong way, a small jolt, or picking up a light load may trigger an episode of back pain.

Fear of recurrent back pain may make you wary of normal activities and, as you limit your movements, your muscles become weaker, more painful, and gradually de-conditioned, more prone to injury. As the vicious cycle continues, it leads to chronic back pain.

You may not be able to control all of life’s stresses but you can learn effective ways to break the vicious stress – back pain cycle.

Steps That YOU Can Take To Reduce Daily Stress

• Get a medical checkup to determine the severity of your ailment.
• Talk to your health care provider about your stress. Is there a medication or herbal preparation that might be helpful? How about yoga and stretching exercises? Is Physical Therapy recommended?
• If neck or back pain is severe, Physical Therapy may be helpful. Pain relieving treatments can be combined with therapeutic exercise, posture correction, and improved body mechanics.
• Massage therapy and aroma therapy are stress relieving spa type treatments that can be done at home. A massage of stiff back or neck muscles with a soothing, aromatic oil can be relaxing. A massage after a soak in a warm bath or hot tub is beneficial and relaxing. Massage promotes healing and relieving stress as it increases circulation and relaxes the muscles.
• Hot and cold packs can help ease neck and back pain. An ice pack is applied to the neck for 10 minutes and then replaced with a warm or hot pack for 5 minutes. Alternate this process several times.
• Stretching exercises loosen tight muscles and help relieve stress. Aerobic exercises are very effective as they burn up stress producing hormones and increase the body’s production of endorphins. These hormones are the body’s natural chemicals that help relieve pain and improve your mood.
• Stretch breaks are important, especially, if you are sitting at a desk much of the day. Take frequent breaks to loosen up tight back and neck muscles.
• Yoga is a potent stress reliever as it promotes stretching. Viniyoga blends breathing and movement together to quiet body and mind. Unlike other forms of yoga, it is less precise and can be adapted to a person’s physical condition.
• Swimming, possibly combined with a sauna or steam bath, will take the kinks out and relieve stress induced pain.

• Caffeinated coffee, cokes, and tea do little to reduce stress or promote restful sleep. Avoid red wine at bedtime as it can keep you awake. A good night’s sleep or afternoon nap is helpful in reducing stress and fatigue.
• Make meal time less stressful Take your time and eat slowly, savoring each bite. Choose nourishing foods and be aware of what you are eating and the amounts. Snack on healthy foods.
• Take time out for yourself .Sit back- relax and put your feet up or walk the dog. A short walk at break or lunch time improves circulation and is good exercise for the back.
• Inversion is helpful for some. In yoga, the Shirsonana, head stand position, has been used as a form of postural exchange, which means it reverses the flow of gravity. The concept of turning the body upside down for improved health has been around for centuries. Of course, not everyone likes to do or can do headstands, so inversion products create an easier alternative to ‘reverse gravity’. Compression by the thighs or ankles is decompressive on the spine. Advocates of inversion therapy say just a few minutes can help relax tense muscles. Muscle tension can be measured by a machine that monitors electromyelographic (EMG) activity. One study, conducted by a physiotherapist, found that EMG activity declined more than 35 % within 10 seconds of inversion. This indicates that Inversion effectively reduced muscle tension.
• Biofeedback requires special equipment and must be taught by a professional. By monitoring subtle changes in the body’s autonomic nervous system, including muscle tension, blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, you can learn what techniques are helpful. The goal is for you to eventually learn how to produce the same relaxing effects without any monitoring equipment.

There are almost as many ways to relieve stress related back pain as there are ways to cause it. Recognizing how stress is affecting your back and causing pain is the first step in decreasing the episodes or lessening their severity.

Brought to you by Delray Beach Spinal Decompression.

Prevent Back Injury. Get Rid Of Those Bad Habits

During their lifetime, three out of four adults will experience back pain; and with an aging population and the prevalence of obesity, this number may rise even higher. Pain in the lower back, (lumbar area), from sprains and strains is the most common complaint. Often, the cause is due to lifting without using proper techniques or from a sudden twisting movement. Muscle strains and sprains will usually heal with time. Heat and massage, over-the-counter medications, and possibly physical therapy also help.

Some causes of pain are due to severe spinal disorders such as spondylolisthesis (slippage of vertebrae) or a herniated disc. These conditions will require varying degrees of medical treatment and possibly life changes.

Many lumbar strains and sprains can be avoided by changing some practices. Here are six bad habits which can cause a back injury:
1. Using poor body mechanics when lifting
2. Poor Posture
3. Lack of Exercise
4. Overweight
5. Ignoring an injury or persistent back pain
6. Smoking

Poor Body Mechanics
When Lifting:
Stretch and loosen your muscles before lifting anything.
Get close to what you will lift.
Bend your knees and grasp it firmly.
Lift straight up in one motion. DON'T TWIST!
Hold lifted object close to your body.
Move close to where you want to put the object you lifted.
When lowering the object, bend your knees.
Ask for help when needed.

Poor Posture
To Have Good Posture:
Stand with your feet slightly apart.
Keep the knees straight.
Tuck your chin slightly in.
Keep your shoulders back
Sit in a chair that supports your back.
Slouched shoulders, drooping head, locked knees place stress on the spine. Good posture is more comfortable and keeps the body in good alignment.



Lack of Exercise
Find a way to include exercise in your daily life. Keep your back muscles strong and keep your spine healthy.

Overweight
A sedentary lifestyle has become all too common today. Research shows that people who do not exercise regularly and are overweight are more likely to suffer from back injuries and pain. Unwanted pounds, especially if the weight is in the abdomen, place stress on the spine. Follow a proper diet and maintain adequate nutrition.

Ignoring An Injury Or Persistent Back Pain
Most sprains and strains can be cleared up with time, medication, massage, and possibly physical therapy. If an injury goes untreated and there are no modifications in activity, it can progress to a more serious injury and, possibly, disability.

Smoking
According to experts, smoking increases the risk for back injury. Nicotine, in any form, blocks the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the intravertebral discs, the cartilage pads that are cushions between each vertebra, allowing smooth movement of the spine. When they are starved for oxygen, the discs are less able to repair themselves and often collapse at a much earlier age than in non-smokers. This can develop into degenerative disc disease with chronic back pain.

A study by Duke University showed that in 1998, total health care expenditures incurred by people with back pain in the US reached $90.7 billion. Wouldn’t some of that money have been better spent on leisure activities or vacations, something more enjoyable than treating an episode of back pain? Many steps you can take to avoid back injury are simple and based on common sense.

Brought to you by Coral Springs Chiropractic therapist.

Osteoporosis Frequently Asked Questions

Brittle bones, frequent accidents, grueling pain. These symptoms may sound like someone’s worse nightmare, but they are a reality for many. Millions of people around the world suffer from Osteoporosis, a debilitating disease that breaks down the bones in your body, leading to fractures and severe pain. Due to the fact that this is such a common theme among older individuals, we feel it’s important to educate the masses.
With the right amount of information, perhaps you too can be aware of the causes and know how to prevent such an illness. What is Osteoporosis? According to Medicinenet.com, “Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the loss of the normal density of bone, resulting in fragile bone.”

When your bones become thin and brittle, fractures are more likely to occur. This can result in extreme pain and if you are older, can make rehabilitation difficult. One hip fracture could significantly put you in serious condition. What are the symptoms? Surprisingly, symptoms are far and few between. Minor pain and poor posture could be sure signs of Osteoporosis. However, most individuals do not experience any symptoms until a bone has fractured. This “too late” scenario proves to be frustrating, as prevention can significantly reduce your risk.

How can I get such a disease? Osteoporosis is caused by a variety of factors. The most prominent one is lack of Calcium and Vitamin D. These nutrients, which are commonly found in milk, yogurt and cheese, strengthen your body. Without this “food” for your bones, they become fragile as you age. Smoking, genetics and menopause may also increase your risk of Osteoporosis. For this reason, it is important you do what you can to prevent this from happening. Are there any ways to prevent it? While you can never be 100% safe from any illness, there are plenty of ways to reduce your risk of Osteoporosis.

The most important thing would be to change your diet and take a vitamin supplement. Be sure to eat healthy and consume Calcium, Vitamin D as well as other nutrients. By giving your bones the food they need to remain strong, you will certainly be setting them up for success. In addition to a nutritious diet, incorporate exercise into your routine. Whether you enjoy riding a bike, running on a treadmill or simply taking a walk, exercising your muscles and bones will significantly benefit your health. What about treatment? If you suffer from Osteoporosis, there is help available. While it cannot be cured, you can find treatments that will slow down the process and alleviate a lot of the pain.

Suffering from back pain problems?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure that sends pressure to your spine. As a result, the discs begin to stretch apart, enabling lost nutrients such as Oxygen to heal the area. For many, it is finally a way to continue living life, without feeling as if time has stopped. Medications such as Evista can also slow down bone thinning and may actually increase the thickness, which could reduce the risk of fractures. No matter what you choose, know that there are options out there for you. Pain doesn’t have to rule your life - instead, take control of it.

Brought to you by Hollywood Spinal Decompression.

Common Causes Of Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common ailments today; in fact, four out of five people in the US will experience it at least once in their life. That number may even increase in the future due to the aging of our population and the increasing amount of obesity. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor and is second only to the common cold as a cause for missing work.

Common Causes

The cause often determines the type of pain experienced. Most acute back pain is caused by an injury or trauma such as a car accident, a sports injury, lifting or straining at work or around the house. Sprains and strains from sudden twisting movements, improper lifting or a fall can all result in back pain.

Symptoms

• Pain in the lumbar region (the lower back) is the most common and it may appear suddenly as a sharp, stabbing pain that causes extreme discomfort.
• A dull, persistent, nagging back ache may appear after hours of working in the garden or shoveling snow.
• Pain that radiates down the front, side or back of leg.
• It may be accompanied by tingling, numbness, and weakness of the affected limb.
• Back pain may worsen with activity but may also be aggravated by sitting for prolonged periods, such as on a long plane flight or car trip.
• There may also be an inability to stand erect and walking may become difficult.

Some physicians say chronic back pain is discomfort that persists three months or more. It is often progressive and the cause can be difficult to determine. Acute back pain is usually of shorter duration and often occurs after an injury or trauma.

The back is an intricate structure made up of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and discs, which are the tough cartilage pads that cushion the vertebrae, which make up the spine. Back pain results from problems with any of these component parts.

Physical Conditions That May Cause Back Pain

• Arthritis in the spine can cause pressure on the nerve roots or cause narrowing of the spinal canal and pressure on the spinal cord.
• Spondylolisthesis occurs when one or more vertebra slip forward, out of place, causing pressure on nerves, creating back pain.
• Herniated or bulging disc is a intervertebral disc that is being compressed and pushed out of its position between the vertebrae. This makes pressure on the sciatic nerve or other nerve roots.
• Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine to one side.
• Spinal Stenosis is a narrowing of the foramen, the opening in each vertebrae thrugh which the spinal cord runs. Narrowing causes pressure on the cord, resulting in pain.
• Degenerative Disc Disease occurs when the intervertebral discs become compressed, flatten and allow pressure on the roots of spinal nerves.
• Osteoporosis results in brittle bones and compression fractures of the vertebrae.
• Fibromyalgia is characterized by pain and tenderness over trigger points, one of which is in the lower back.
• Pregnancy causes back discomfort and sciatica type pain.

Less Common Conditions That Can Cause Back Pain

• Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrium tissue grows outside the uterus on other organs, often causing low back pain.
• Kidney stones or kidney infections often cause severe back pain.
• Cauda Equina Syndrome is a serious neurological problem due to pressure from a disc on the lower portion of the spinal cord and spinal nerve roots.
• Cancer of the spine causes severe back pain.
• Bone infection in the spine causes pain.
• Stress has been blamed for some episodes of both acute and chronic back pain.
  

Many episodes of back pain can be avoided by using proper body mechanics and, often, simple home treatment and time will see a back heal within a few weeks. Treatment is varied but based on common sense. Those whose pain is due to a more serious injury or physical condition will find there are many methods of treatment and steps that can be taken to avoid further episodes. Surgery is usually needed only in the most serious cases.

(Brought to you by Pembroke Pines Spinal Decompression)

Improving Your Back’s Health

No one wants an aching back and there are a number of things that you can do to avoid that misery. First, consider the important functions of the back, especially the lower(lumbar) region. The lumbar spine supports most of the body’s weight when you are standing. It also allows you to bend over, twist, rotate at the waist and bend both forward and back. It takes the smooth action of the vertebrae and joints of the spine, muscles, tendons and ligaments to accomplish all this movement.

Wear and tear over the years, takes its toll on the back and its various components. Joints become worn, discs deteriorate, muscles weaken. However, there are many things you can do to maintain your back’s health and keep it moving well into your advanced years. First, recognize the most common causes of back injury and back pain. Then, take the necessary steps to avoid them.

The Most Common Reasons For Back Pain
• Over-exerting when using your back leading to fatigue
o Fatigued muscles are susceptible to injury.
• Using poor lifting techniques
o Leads to a variety of injuries to back and neck
• Muscle Strains and Sprains
o The most common causes of back pain.
• Sprains of the Ligaments
o These tough fibrous bands attach muscle to bone
• Joint Ailments And Disease

What You Can Do To Maintain Or Improve Your Back’s Health And Avoid Injury
• Exercise
These exercises will strengthen and increase endurance of your back.
o Swimming
o Walking
o Low impact aerobic exercises
• Consult with your doctor to determine whether you can begin a gradual program of these exercises.
o Exercises to increase core muscle strength of the abdominal and back muscles which support the spine.
o Stretching exercises to loosen and lengthen muscles to release pressure on the discs between the vertebrae.

• Use Good Posture When Standing
o Keep your ears, shoulders and hips in a straight line with your head up and stomach pulled in.
o Don’t slouch or slump as both of these positions fatigue the muscles, making them more prone to injury.
o If you must stand in one position for a long time, shift a portion of your weight by resting one foot on a stool or a low object.
o Low heeled shoes with non-skid soles are much better in avoiding trips and falls.

• Use Good Posture When Sitting
o Use a chair that is the correct height and allows your feet to rest on the floor.
o Support the lower back with a small cushion or towel roll and keep your knees and hips level. A chair with a swivel base decreases twisting and turning.
o Take stretch breaks when sitting for long periods of time or on trips.

• Use Good Body Mechanics When Lifting
o When lifting a heavy object, let your legs do the work. Don’t bend. Lift straight up and down.
o Keep the heavy object close to your body and don’t twist when setting it down.
o Always get help when lifting an awkward or extra heavy load.
o Avoid lifting and twisting at the same time.
o Push rather than pull heavy objects.

• Maintain A Healthy Weight
o The more weight that your body carries, the greater the burden on the spine and back muscles. When excess weight is in the abdomen, the muscles of the lower back must support the load.

• Stop Smoking
o Nicotine reduces the amount of blood flow carrying oxygen and nutrients to the muscle tissues, contributing to fatigue. Fatigue muscles are more prone to injury.

• Good Sleeping Habits
o Since many spend up to one third of their day in bed, it is important to good mattress which gives proper support.
o Don’t use thick pillows that leave your neck at a sharp angle when sleeping and causes stiffness.
o The best way to sleep is lying on your side with your knees bent. A pillow between the knees may add support.
o If you sleep on your back, a small pillow under your knees and in the small of the back adds support.
o If you sleep on your stomach, put a small pillow under your hips.

Keeping your back in good health is much easier and less expensive than dealing with a back injury that could develop into prolonged, chronic back pain. Brought to you by Pembroke Pines Chiropractic therapist.

IDET Treatment For Back Pain

Intradiscal Electrothermic Therapy (IDET) is a relatively new, minimally invasive, procedure developed to treat chronic low back pain due to a spinal disc problem. It may be recommended for people who have had chronic disc related low back pain for at least 3 to 6 months.

It can be used to treat:

• Small disc herniations
• Internal Disc Tears
• Mild disc degeneration which is limited to one or two levels

Degeneration of the disc

Experts believe some cases of persistent disc pain may be caused by nerve fibers that have migrated from their normal location in the outer layers of the disc into its interior. The degeneration of the disc with age or injury is characterized by the breakdown of the tough outer layers of the disc, allowing fissures to develop in its walls. Filled with blood vessels and small nerves, these fissures can become a source of chronic pain in many patients.

Injury to the disc

If there has been a back injury which compressed the intervertebral disc, causing it to bulge or herniate, material from its center will protrude, stimulating pain sensors within the disc. This material from the nucleus of the disc is irritating and adds to the pain.

Before an IDET procedure is done, a discography should be completed to clearly identify the problem. IDET is not recommended for:

• Severe disc degeneration
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal instability as with spondylolisthesis

The Discogram is the primary diagnostic tool although an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) may also be done. With a Discogram, a needle is placed in the affected disc and a small amount of dye is injected. This provides information on the disc structure and pain source. It is very important that an accurate diagnosis is made and the disc identified as the source of the pain. IDET is not recommended for pain symptoms due to problems with spinal structures, such as nerve roots or spinal joints. It is important that the disc itself be identified as the primary source of pain.

Before the Surgery (Preoperative)

One week before the surgery, the following should be done:

• Stop taking NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs), aspirin and aspirin compounds.
• Continue taking any prescribed heart, blood pressure or diabetic medications.
  

• Be sure to alert your physician if you are:
• Taking blood thinners or have a history of a bleeding disorder
• Allergic to iodine (can’t tolerate shellfish or allergic to IVP dye)
• Having any illness, elevated temperature or sign of infection

• DO NOT eat the day of the procedure.
• Your physician may permit a small amount of clear soup, broth or juice. Be sure to ask.
• Arrange to have someone drive you home.

The Procedure

• An IV will be started and you will be given a mild sedative.
• You will be positioned on the x-ray table and given a local anesthetic.
• The doctor will insert a hollow needle into the disc. The process will be visualized on fluoroscopy.
• An electrothermal catheter or heating wire is inserted through the needle and positioned in the disc.
• The wire or catheter is slowly heated to about 194° F for about 15 minutes. This heat causes the disc walls to thicken and heal small tears as it destroys the nerve endings.
• An antibiotic may be given IV or directly into the disc to prevent any infection.
• The needle will be removed and a dressing applied to your back.
• You will be observed in a recovery area until you are ready to go home.

After Surgery

• Pain may be more noticeable after the procedure, lasting 2 or 3 days.
• Physical therapy will be prescribed.
• Restrict bending and lifting during recovery and avoid sitting for long periods of time.
• A lumbar support may be prescribed for up to 8 weeks.
• Walking and easy stretches are recommended.
• Activities such as swimming, running or tennis should not be resumed for at least 6 months.

This is the least invasive type of spinal procedure. Complications are rare but possible risks include:

• Weakening of spine
• Disc infection
• Nerve damage
• Disc damage

Pain may remain for up to 3 months after the procedure. There have been no large long term studies to evaluate the effectiveness of IDET. Brought to you by Lake Worth Chiropractor.