Children may be exposed to dangerously high levels of radiation during lower back pain diagnosis.
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Spinal stenosis can result from illness, injury, and general wear and tear but every year people suffering car accidents develop spinal stenosis symptoms without even realizing that the health of their spine was already compromised. Smoking, dehydration, other inflammatory conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and even repetitive microtrauma can all cause the cervical spine to suffer more extensive damage upon acute injury demonstrating the importance of keeping your spine healthy at all times. Slippy black ice due to the current wintery weather can have you spinning out of control in your car leading to an accident, whiplash, and cervical spinal damage causing spinal stenosis and neck pain. Find out more about spinal stenosis and car accidents and what could help reduce your risks. Continue reading “Spinal Stenosis from Car Accidents” »
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A three-year study on pain relief for sciatica has found that adalimumab may help delay surgical discectomy in those treated, despite there being little difference in leg and back pain between the treated group and those receiving placebo medication. The randomized study, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, looked at sixty-one patients suffering from severe acute sciatica and followed the progress of fifty-six of those for three years after randomization. Of the fifty-six, 41% had back surgery during that time, although the adalimumab group had a 28% rate of surgery compared to 56% of those receiving the placebo drug. There are concerns however that the trial focused on the wrong outcome and is too small to effectively demonstrate the use of adalimumab for sciatica treatment. Continue reading “Sciatica Treatment – Adalimumab Delays Surgery” »
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Those with spinal stenosis who use acetaminophen to dull the pain will want to take heed of new research showing that liver failure may result from repeated overuse of the analgesic. Known as Paracetamol in the UK and other parts of Europe, and Tylenol, Atasol, Panadol, or Triaminic in North America, acetaminophen overdoses are often simply associated with attempted suicide as a one-off massive overdose that can cause acute liver failure and death. Smaller, staggered overdoses from repeated overuse of the drug were found to increase the risks of liver and brain problems in patients, resulting in the need for kidney dialysis and respiratory assistance. These staggered overdose patients were at a higher risk of death compared to those using the drug in a suicide attempt. Chronic supratherapeutic use of acetaminophen for conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, and back pain from disc herniation and pinched nerves may occur accidentally as patients’ pain increases and they edge up their Tylenol dosage without noticing, presenting a challenge for physicians who may be unaware of the amount of pain medication their patients are taking to manage symptoms of spinal stenosis. Continue reading “Acetaminophen Overdose and Chronic Back Pain Medications” »
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The use of leeches in medicine might seem medieval but research into medical leeches for arthritis pain might have some spinal stenosis sufferers scooping up these bloodsucking worms in place of current pain medication. Osteoarthritis pain relief is just the latest in recent treatments involving leeches, which the US Food and Drug Administration have approved as a medical device. Continue reading “Medical Leeches for Arthritis Pain” »
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A new study, published at the beginning of the month in the Annals of Internal Medicine reports that yoga is effective for lower back pain, adding to the evidence already supportive this non-surgical therapy for chronic back conditions. The study, carried out in the UK, looked at a three-month yoga program, with twelve sessions in total, to improve back function and relieve pain. Functional improvements were noted but the therapy did not seem to result in significant changes in pain or overall health although patients were more confident in managing pain and carrying out normal activities compared to the control group receiving standard care. Continue reading “Lower Back Pain Relief from Yoga” »
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Is your diet stacking up problems like spinal stenosis?
Three-quarters of us experience back pain at some time or other and many resort to painkillers, NSAIDs, massage, yoga, non-surgical traction, chiropractic treatment, and even back surgery to resolve those aches and pains. In some cases it is clear that such interventions are necessary and desirable, but is it possible that by simply looking in your refrigerator and pantry you might find a key contributor to your swollen joints, painful back, and nerve pains? Continue reading “Spinal Stenosis and Diet” »
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Get to know your spine - October is Spinal Health Month
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Foot drop posture, a possible result of spinal stenosis.
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Curvature of the spine comes in a number of forms, cervical kyphosis, thoracic kyphosis, and other types of postural kyphosis as well as lordosis of the spine. The simplest kyphosis definition is a curving of the spine that creates a hunchback or slouching posture. Lordosis, in contrast, is the curving of the spine backward rather than forward and different portions of the spine have a naturally lordotic curve or kyphotic curve. It is the abnormal curvature of the spine which presents problems for patients, such as when kyphosis becomes pronounced or occurs in spinal segments that should instead have a lordotic curve. Spinal stenosis and kyphosis may occur together where the curvature is particularly advanced or where other factors, such as osteophytes or disc herniation are also present. Continue reading “What is Kyphosis?” »
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