Treating Children and Teens for low back pain with self training methods: A Study

Low Back Pain is common ailment in adults, but is also among children and adolescents. Exercise increases strength and endurance with positive benefits for Low back pain relief.

A new study released by Spine on September 29 by Dr. Laurie Barclay and Dr. Desiree Lie compared the effects of a self exercise program for low back pain in children and adolescents . This study found that lower back pain improved with treatment.

"LBP among children and adolescents has increased," write Anna Ahlqwist, MSc, RPT, from the Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Friskrehab, Göteborg, Sweden, and colleagues. "The literature shows that children with LBP also suffer from this condition as adults. Thus, it is important to prevent and treat LBP in children and adolescents."

It was the goal of the study to show how 2 different treatments administered to children and adolescents with Low back pain affect perception of health, pain, and physical function over time. For twelve weeks 45 children and adolescents were put into 2 groups:

• Group 1: received individual physical therapy and exercise and a standard self-training program and back education
  
• Group 2:a self-training program and back education but no individual therapy.
  

To measure how the children and adolescents did, outcome measures that were used:

• Child Health Questionnaire Child Form 87- this measures quality of life
  
• Children completed self-assessment scales on health-related quality of life and back function and questions about daily function, leisure time activity, and perceived pain.
  
• Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire
  
• Painometer – a handheld pain measurement instrument, was used to measure pain intensity, quality, location, and duration.
  
• Back Saver Sit and Reach
  
• test of trunk muscle endurance administered before and after the treatment period (Hamstring flexibility and trunk muscle endurance were assessed )

Over time, both groups had statistically significant improvements in most outcome measures. Compared with group 2, group 1 had statistically significant improvements in physical function, measured by the Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire, and in the duration of pain, measured by the Painometer

• The authors concluded that all assessments in back pain and function and quality of life showed improvement in both groups, but the Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire score and duration of back pain showed greater improvement in the group with individualized education.
  
• The authors recommended that combining physical activity and exercise was a useful strategy to address LBP in children and adolescents.

According to the study authors: "An individual assessment by a knowledgeable physiotherapist and an active treatment model improve how children and adolescents experience their back problems with respect to health and physical function, pain, strength, and mobility, regardless of whether treatment consists of a home exercise program with follow-up or home exercise combined with exercise and treatment supervised by a physiotherapist,"
"A cost-effective treatment model that includes careful individual back examination and analysis of appropriate home exercise with follow-up and evaluation will help the majority," the study authors conclude.

A self-training program of exercise with individualized therapy is associated with greater improvements in the Roland & Morris Disability Questionnaire disability score and pain duration compared with a similar program without individualized therapy. Both exercise programs improve all pain, function, and quality-of-life outcomes in children and adolescents with Low Back Pain.


Additional Sources: Spine 2008;33:E721–E727
Picture: Gamercize on Flickr


Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.


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Indians’ Cliff Lee May be Sidelined due to Stiff Neck

BOSTON - Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a left-handed starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians in Major League Baseball. Lee may not be playing on Sunday because of a pain in his neck, specifically a stiff neck. Lee ability to play on Sunday was already undecided, as the Indians are considering sitting him if the White Sox's playoff fate is determined by that regular-season finale. And now that Lee -- the likely American League Cy Young Award winner -- is dealing with a stiff neck, his chances of making the start have decreased even further.

Manager Eric Wedge didn't make Lee's neck condition out to be serious, describing it only as "a little stiff." But the Indians, obviously, wouldn't have much incentive to push Lee, who didn't throw his regularly scheduled bullpen session on Thursday. Wedge stated that Lee received treatment on Wednesday and they would see how he felt on Friday

Lee's stuff has lacked some of its luster his last three outings, in which he's gone 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA. The loss on Tuesday night at Fenway Park was his first since July 6. Before the neck stiffness was divulged by Wedge, Lee said that he would like to make Sunday's start.

"It's not my decision," Lee said. "My job is to pitch when they want me to pitch, and that's what I'll do. I definitely want to pitch every chance I get."

A Stiff Neck will prevent any player from putting their best ball forward; A stiff neck will cause decrease cervical range of motion, making it difficult for any movement. This soreness can be caused by sleeping incorrectly, keeping the head and neck in one position for a long time, trauma, or an accident. Even simple activities such as having poor posture while watching tv, or too aggressive exercise can cause neck pain. Having muscle spasms or neck tension can increase the symptoms of a stiff neck.

Doing neck exercises that involve stretching and strenghtening are important to prevent a stiff neck; Using ice can decrease pain and reduce inflammation. Using a natural pain relieving gel like BioFreeze can help with muscle spasm and tension. Finally, even massage therapy can be of benefit for a stiff neck. Sleeping on a good ergonomic cervical neck pillow will ensure that your head and neck will be in a proper position for sleeping.

Source:
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com

Additional Resources:

• Dealing with a Stiff Neck Can be A Real Pain in the Neck
  
• Sally and her Stiff Neck: Solutions for Neck Pain Relief
  

Photo Source:
Flickr Photographer by WordofMouth

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.


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Dealing with a stiff neck can be a real Pain in the neck

Dr. Bellinger discusses how neck pain affects millions of people everyday and how it can be treated with alternative therapies.

Glastonbury, CT. Neck pain affects millions of Americans everyday, and is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and the reason why workers take sick days. It is also one of the less tolerated types of pain. Sufferers resort to pain medication, surgery, physical therapy and even pain management.

Dr Matthew Bellinger, Chiropractor, sees patients in need of various forms of pain relief. A big portion of his practice is patients with neck pain and headaches and patients with a loss of their normal lordotic curve in the neck.

Dr Bellinger has helped the vast majority of his patients but some would get recurring symptoms or felt great getting treated but upon x-ray still had an abnormal curvature. This prompted him to explore more options to help people and get them to stay better.

One place to start looking how to stop neck pain and stiff neck is to analyze the pillow you are using every night. The right neck pillow can make a big difference in how your body adjusts to laying on your back or on your side.

He started using the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow in his office for patients with neck pain, headaches, and decreased neck curve individuals. The results were amazing. To help more people (he could only see so many in his small, plus there were so many others in various areas to far from him) he decided to create Arc4Life.com.

The advent of the internet has allowed people from all over to learn about improving their neck pain or improving their posture and neck curve, and more. And now Dr Bellinger has been able to help thousands by putting the Cervical Traction Neck Pillow on the web.

Dr. Matt Bellinger is Chiropractor located in Central Connecticut. He offers pain relief for headaches, neck pain, lower back pain and more to his patients with over 5years experience. To get more information about his natural pain relief products visit www.arc4life.com.

Since it’s start Arc4life has grown substantially. The success of the pillow has become world wide with people from all over the world using it.

Arc4life.com’s headquarters are in Central Connecticut. Dr Bellinger has his practice located there as well. He offers pain relief for headaches, neck pain, lower back pain and more to his patients with over 5 years experience. To get more information about his natural pain relief products visit http://www.arc4life.com.

Source: Dealing with a Stiff Neck can be a real Pain in the Neck 09/18/2008
Additional Reading: The Top 10 reasons why you need to have a good cervical neck pillow

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.


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Working on a computer all day long...as a graphic designer...with neck pain

I recently answered a Yahoo answer for this desperate soul who works on her computer everyday as a graphic designer; Here is a snippet of her story:


"I've been doing computer work for years and have developed a sharp stabbing pain between my shoulder blades, around the T3 joint. I've been doing PT for a while but it's not doing much. Anybody out there do tons of computer work and have had the same problem/ overcome the same problem? My ergonomics are good. Great chair, monitor at eye level, special keyboard, even have two mouses to switch back and forth. I just don't know. Maybe got to lay off for a few months. But all my qualifications are in graphic design - on computers! I literally have no experience doing anything outside of that. Got into the biz straight out of a degree in digital media. Talk about running into a serious career block!" - Ms. Graphic Designer

Here are some suggestions for Ms. Graphic Designer:

Wow, this is really affecting your work..not good. Okay here are some suggestions. I know you said you have looked at the ergonomics of your desk and chair. Check out this link for a litte more information on how the position of your computer screen and chair can make a big difference. It discusses the angle of the computer screen, keyboard height, leg position. Read more about Neck Posture in the Office

Do take breaks throughout the day. Set a timer if you need to every hour. A 5 minute break (on the clock) will really help you. When you do take breaks, make sure to stand up, stretch, do some neck exercises and stretch out your upper back muscles. Simple stretching exercises for the neck can make such a big difference- Flexion, Extension, lateral bending and rotation. Consider doing them first thing in the A.M, when taking a hot shower (letting the water hit your neck). Not to the point of pain, only to the point of a stretch. During the day, have a ice pack ready to go at the office that you can apply to your back if you are having acute pain.

Also when you are sitting, watch the placement of your shoulders. So many of us raise our shoulders as we are typing, especially if we are concentrating. Make a concious effort to push your head back (cervical retractione exercise), and bring your shoulders down in a relaxed position.

I think a deep tissue massage with specific muscle work to the thoracic paraspinals, rhomboids and trapezius musculature would help reduce the muscle spasms in the upper back and neck area. You can do this at home as well with the addition of a pain relief gel, like biofreeze. Have someone help you. You can a really good neck back massager as well for home use.

I am glad to see that your MRI was free of disc herniations and disc bulges for the cervical spine. You may want to try traction in the neck and see if this gives you some relief of neck pain and soreness. You can just do gentle traction to the neck, which will promote proper alignment in the c-spine. You can accomplish this with a traction unit (like a posture pump 1000) and even a good cervical support neck pillow for sleeping at night.

Finally, do you exercise during the day? A mixture of cardio, and strength exercises will make a big difference to how you feel overall. Consider taking a yoga class to increase your flexibility.

I hope my suggestions are helpful to you. Your career sounds important to you and I hope you are able to make it more comfortable for yourself.

Extra Reading: True Neck Traction with Pronex Pneumatic Traction Unit at Home: A Blog Post
Picture Source: NoiRcORNEr on Flickr

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.


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What position do you sleep in to make your neck hurt in the morning?

There are many sleep positions that can increase your neck pain. Today I want to discuss which neck positions are not conducive for restful sleep. Suggestions will also be given that will reduce the chances of a stiff neck in the A.M Don't put too many pillows under your head and neck. This will put your head and neck into an awkward position and cause spasms to the neck muscles, which equals pain. Also avoid sleeping on your stomach; not good for the neck. You may want to try sleeping on your back- with some pillows under your knees; this is an optimal way to sleep because it take the pressure off of your lower back. The most important thing is to have a good cervical neck pillow that will put your neck into a comfortable ergonomic position. For example the linear gravity neck pillowThe great thing about this neck pillow is that it comes in 3 sizes and it has a square in the middle. There are two different neck rolls so you can choose which side will be comfortable for you. Finally, if you do wake up with neck pain, consider doing some gentle cervical neck stretches with a hot shower (not to the point of pain, just to the point of a stretch). This will help get rid of your neck pain.

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units. Products for pain relief.


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THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A HANDY ICE PACK AND HEAT PACK

,
Having that ice pack or hot pack ready to go when you need it is a big benefit. I still remember when I was younger, coming home from practice or a game. It’s inevitable something was hurting or an older injury was acting up. I put ice in a bag and wrapped it around my arm or leg with a towel. The ice would melt in 15 minutes making a big mess if the bag did not seal good. And when it was sealed fine I would put it in the freezer and it would freeze as a big solid block, unable to use really.
For a hot pack I would run a cloth under hot water burning my hands doing so or burning them when I rung out the towel. Not to mention it would only stay warm for about 3 mintues so I would repeat the whole process. What a pain- literally.
Now with newer advanced gel packs things are so much simpler. You can just leave the ice pack in the freezer and take it out whenever you need it. Thaw it and put it in the microwave for minute you’ve got a hot pack. I leave one Dual Comfort hot/cold pack in the freezer and leave one in the cabinet. This way I always have a cold pack ready to go and the hot pack is ready in just 1 minute.
Best of all, it holds the cold and the heat in for long periods of time. So I don’t have to freeze or scald my hands every few minutes or worry about making a mess and soaking our couch with water.
Another great benefit is that the gel is flexible and soft. You can sit against it, lie on it, drape it over your shoulder, you name it.
We’ve come a long way from that hard block that you don’t have to hold against the back of your neck or burning yourself with a hot cloth to get some pain relief and relaxed muscles. Go to Arc4life for more information on heat and ice therapy.

Visit Arc4life.com for your online selection of cervical support neck pillows, orthopedic pain relief products and Home traction units


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True Neck Traction with the Pronex Pneumatic traction unit

REAL NECK TRACTION – USING THE PRONEX PNEUMATIC TRACTION DEVICE- UNDERSTANDING NECK TRACTION
To start there are 2 kinds of neck traction. One that essentially just stretches you. This would be like a neck brace or over the door device or an air bubble type around the neck. This is similar to someone pulling your head upwards.
Doing this does open up the IVF’s which are your intervertebral foramen where the nerve roots exit off The spinal cord and travel outward branching out to more nerves going to various parts of the body. This type of traction gives short term relief, opening up the nerve holds temporarily taking pressure off the nerves and reducing inflammation. This traction also helps hold the neck in place so it heals better in someone with a trauma who cannot move their neck.
The kind of neck traction most people need and should use is traction that gives a gentle stretch about also restores the curvature in the neck.
The Normal “C” curve of the neck allows for the proper IVF spacing (in other words- space for the nerve roots to exit without any pressure). Having the normal neck curvature helps keep pressure of the nerves long term. This way pain goes away and stays away.
The Pronex neck traction device is the top of the line real neck traction to restore the neck curvature and help get rid of neck pain and other unwanted symptoms of pressure on your neck nerves.
The vast majority of neck pain sufferers and even headache sufferers can benefit tremendously from the use of this type of traction. The normal curve of the cervical spine is a huge piece to the puzzle of staying healthy and removing neck pain and other related symptoms.
The posture pump 1000 is also very good at restoring the neck curvature and when combined with neck stretches and exercises and other natural pain relief methods and muscle relaxing. Check out the The Neck Pain Relief Kit for fast and long lasting relief.

Visit us online at Arc4life.com


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