Muscle Pain Blog

The Most Common Low Back Pain: Axial Pain

March 24, 2009 at 5:24 am (back pain) (axial pain, back pain)

Lower back muscle pain may be a result of muscle or nerve irritation or bone lesions. It is caused due to an injury or trauma to the back. In fact, there are number of causes behind lower back pain. The severity of the pain depends upon the type of low back pain. Axial back pain is one of the types of lower back muscle pain.

Axial lower back muscle pain could be mild or severe, dull or sharp which can be felt constantly or intermittently. Axial pain is usually mechanical and is characterized by the muscle pain that gets worse with certain activities like sports, pain that gets worse with certain positions like sitting for long periods, muscle pain that is relieved by rest. The area covered by this muscle pain is the low back area. This pain does not travel or radiate in to other parts of the body. Axial lower back pain can vary widely: it can be a sharp or dull pain, it can be felt constantly or intermittently, and the pain can range from mild to severe. The most common type of axial back pain is “mechanical” and is characterized as:

*Low back pain that gets worse with certain activities (e.g. certain sports)

*Low back pain that gets worse with certain positions (e.g. sitting for long periods)

*Low back pain that is relieved by rest

Axial pain represents the most common type of low back pain, and it is usually non-specific – meaning that the anatomical structure responsible for the pain need not be identified because symptoms are usually self limited and resolve. Axial pain is confined to the low back area. Unlike other low back problems, this type of pain does not travel into the buttock, legs and feet, or other areas of the body.

Treatment of Axial Lower Back Pain

Once the possibility of a serious underlying medical condition as the cause of a patient’s lower back pain is ruled out, treatment is conservative (non-surgical) and may include one or a combination of the following:

*A short period of rest (e.g. one or two days)

*Physical therapy and active exercise and stretching

* Ice and/or heat application for activity related pain relief

*Appropriate medications for pain relief (tramadol, fioricet, etc.)

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Back Muscle Pain Classifications

March 23, 2009 at 6:21 am (back pain) (back pain)

Back muscle pain can be divided into three large classifications :Axial Pain, Referred Pain, and Radicular Pain.

If you have multiple episodes of this type of pain, you will want to engage yourself in a rehabilitation program to help resolve the underlying causes of the problem. Here, the diagnosis goes farther than just finding out what is causing the muscle pain, but additionally centers on what weakness or restriction you have that ultimately causes you to have an episode. Here again, we function much like a “coach”, finding the cause(s) and helping to direct you towards ways of avoiding and limiting future bouts with muscle pain.

The most common type of back muscle pain is known as axial pain. Here, patients complain of having an achy, dull type of pain that seems to move around. The discomfort comes and goes and varies in intensity. This achy pain starts in the low back area and commonly spreads into the groin, buttocks and upper thighs.

The treatment options here are similar to those used in treating referred pain. Diagnostic and therapeutic measures are aimed at correcting abnormalities in the muscles, ligaments and small joints of the spine.

The last type of back muscle pain is known as radicular pain. In this case, the pain is described as deep and usually constant. It follows the nerve down the leg and is often accompanied by numbness or tingling and muscle weakness.

The most common example of this type of problem is the sciatic pain that radiates along that sciatic nerve – down the back of the thigh and calf into the foot. This type of muscle pain is caused by injury to a spinal nerve. Some of the possible causes of this are a disc protrusion or bulge, arthritic changes or a narrowing of the opening through which the nerve exits.

While a few of these cases will require surgery, most respond to conservative care. Here the care will consist of multiple therapies, all designed to reduce inflammation, balance your posture, strengthen supporting structures, attain normal motion and improve the health of the nerve that is involved.

In all types of back muscle pain, your health habits play an important role. For example, there are certain foods that are high in the fats that cause more inflammation. Limiting intake of these animal fats and increasing your intake of the good fats that reduce inflammation may play an important role in your healing. Smoking is another health concern. Statistically, smokers are slow healers with respect to back muscle pain.

An important part in prevention is keeping these back muscles active and in good tone.

One of the most important areas in chronic back muscle pain management is the strength of your abdominal wall and your pelvic floor. There are three major abdominal muscles, each with small subdivisions. Any weakness in one of these sections can be the root cause of a chronic back muscle pain problem. Weakness in these structures causes your back muscles to tighten and shorten. This adversely affects the lower back on the small joints and discs.

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What Are The Different Types of Back Pain

March 20, 2009 at 8:33 am (back pain) (back pain)

There are many structures in the lower back that can cause severe muscle pain. These include muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, joints and discs. The outer rim of the disc can be a source of significant back muscle pain due to its rich nerve supply and tendency towards injury.

During our development, there is a great deal of overlap of nerve supply to all of these structures. This makes it nearly impossible for the brain to distinguish between injury to one structure versus another. For example, a torn or herniated disc can feel identical to a bruised muscle or ligament injury. This is where an examination into the cause of the pain is important; each of these different structures may need a different type of treatment to resolve your muscle pain.

Back muscle pain can be divided into three large classifications. The most common condition is known as axial, or mechanical back pain. This pain can run the gamut from a very sharp to a dull ache. It may occur all the time, or it may come and go. It also varies in intensity from very mild to extremely severe. One patient may report that his/ her lower back is only sore when having been seated for a long time, or after working in the garden. Another patient may report severe, debilitating muscle pain and need assistance to walk or stand, or even to get up from a sitting position. While one patient is perfectly straight, the other is bent over and locked in a crooked posture. The one thing that is common in these conditions is that the pain is restricted to the lower back area.

This most common type of problem, mechanical back pain, is completely non-specific with regards to the injured structure or structures. Generally, the muscle pain gets worse with certain activities or positions. It is usually relieved by rest or changing positions. Note, extended bed rest may aggravate this type of problem.

This condition responds extremely well to conservative care. At times, spinal manipulation alone is the “miracle” affording immediate relief. More often, the injury involves more than just a misalignment of a vertebrae or of your pelvis. nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments and skin can all have an influence on the degree of discomfort. And each of these may need to be addressed to attain relief.

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Exercises To Reduce Neck Muscle Pain

March 19, 2009 at 7:21 am (Uncategorized) (neck pain)

How can we lift that load off our shoulders? Let’s do some ISOMETRIC NECK EXERCISES.

Isometric Neck Exercise #1

1. Sitting in the chair, put one hand on the waist and bring the other beside your head with the palm on your cheek.

2. Breathe in and as you breathe out, GENTLY press your head into the hand as though you are trying to bring ear down to shoulder.

3. Resist with the hand. Do not allow head or hand to move. Count out loud to the count of three. (Counting out loud assures you that your participants are breathing and not holding their breath.)

4. Take another breath in, relax, and repeat the exercise.

5. Now while still maintaining good neck alignment, lean head to the left as if trying to touch left shoulder. Using your right arm, press right palm down toward floor for a stretch from your right hand through your neck. By stretching the muscles, range of motion is improved.

6. Repeat on other side.

Isometric Neck Exercise #2

1. Clasp hands behind head. As you move elbows back, PULL CHIN IN and move your head back into the hands, pressing GENTLY to the count of three, then release.

2. Blow out gently through the mouth with each passing movement.

3. Do this exercise four times.

Isometric Neck Exercise #3

1. In addition to the above exercises or to add variety, place your left hand on the side of your head, palm facing the cheek. Touch your chin with the fingers of your right hand to support the head.

2. GENTLY and VERY SLIGHTLY, turn head to the left, meeting resistance from your left hand. Do not allow the head or hand to move. Count out loud to the count of three.

3. Repeat exercise on other side.

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Reduce Neck Muscle Pain With Good Posture

March 18, 2009 at 7:12 am (neck pain) (neck pain)

On some days, the weight of the world might feel as though it is concentrated on your shoulders near the base of the neck. Quite a heavy load, isn’t it? This comes as no surprise since the neck muscles are on constant duty, holding the head, which weighs ten to twelve pounds, in an upright position. During the course of the day, a person’s head, normally centered on the neck, may move forward because of gravity and daily activities. Forward carriage of the head and neck can add up to thirty pounds of pull on the cervical spine. This is the major reason for tightness in the back of the neck. It’s no wonder some of your students come to exercise class already fatigued and lacking energy.

Poor posture is also a culprit that causes neck pain. Not only is poor posture unattractive, but it also:

1. Produces dominance of one muscle group over another, causing muscle strain and creating pain and abnormal bite;

2. Restricts spinal nerves, which can in turn produce numbness or weakness in hands, arms, and fingers;

3. Affects blood and nerve supply;

4. Throws the body off balance, which can lead to increased incidence of falls and the possibility of fractures.

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Avoid Back Pain In Sex: Helpful Sex Positions

March 17, 2009 at 8:46 am (Uncategorized)

When standing up straight and/or bending backwards (extension) feels better?

For example, if a man with lower back pain prefers “extension” then he can use the missionary position, with the woman bending her knees toward her chest. For this to work, the man has to support himself on his hands so his back is extended or bent backwards more. Or she can straddle him (facing away or towards him) while he lies on his back with a pillow under his lower back or he may sit in a sturdy armless chair.

A woman with this type of lower back pain may want to lie on her stomach with a pillow under her chest, allowing her partner to enter her from behind. Or she can straddle him – facing toward him or away – as he sits in a chair, which lets her control both the position of her lower back and her movement. She can also use the missionary position, supporting her lower back with a rolled up towel or flat pillow and being careful not to bend her legs up too far, or perhaps bend one leg towards her shoulder and to the side slightly. Do not pull too much for this may flatten the low back and cause more flexion.

When bending forward (flexion) feels better?

A man with lower back pain who prefers flexion may be more comfortable entering his partner from behind as they both kneel on the bed. Or, the woman can kneel on the edge of the bed, facing in, while he enters from behind, allowing him to bend forward as he stands. Also, they can lay in a side-lying position with him entering from behind (sometimes called the fetal position or spooning).

A woman with this kind of lower back pain may want to try the missionary position, keeping her knees bent and pulled towards her armpits. The more she brings her knees upward, the more the spine will bend. If she opts to straddle the man, she should bend forward and put her chest against his.

Anyone who suffers from severe back pain should lie on his or her back on a relatively firm surface with pillows supporting the knees and head, with a small rolled up towel placed under the lower back. A position where both partners are on their sides may also work.

For some people, positions that allow genital intercourse may simply be too painful. In this case, partners can try other options that are less taxing on the back, such as massage, gentle touching or oral sex.

As a rule, the partner with lower back pain should take a passive role in lovemaking, with the other partner introducing stimulation in a very relaxed manner. Just remember to take it slow. And identify as specifically as possible which movements are comfortable and which ones hurt and should be avoided.

Trying new positions can be a rewarding journey of exploration that leads to a new intimacy between partners. Just because back pain may limit one’s physical abilities, it doesn’t have to limit sensuality. Never underestimate the power of candlelight and soft music. And as an added benefit, restoring healthy sexual relations will lower stress, and lower stress often leads to less pain.

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Sex and Back Pain

March 16, 2009 at 3:57 am (back pain) (back pain)

For many of the millions of Americans who suffer with back pain, trying to maintain a healthy sex life can be frustrating. But back pain doesn’t have to mean no sex, though it may mean taking a different approach to lovemaking. And that can be a good thing. As the saying goes, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” The first step is to get a sound diagnosis from a doctor or therapist. Remember that sexuality is an integral part of normal, healthy relationships. So be sure to ask how a specific back condition might affect it, and follow the advice received. Ideally, both partners should be present so both hear the same advice.

Emotional and Psychological Issues

Understandably, the limitations brought about by back pain may produce stress that can damage a relationship. The person who doesn’t have the pain often finds it difficult to understand what his or her partner is experiencing. The negative effects that pain has been causing in a couple’s sex life can sometimes spill over into other aspects of the relationship.

Good communication is critical. Otherwise, one partner may mistakenly interpret a reluctance to engage in sexual activity as an excuse for not wanting to be close, which can lead to feelings of rejection and resentment.

To reduce the tension, try to create an atmosphere in which neither partner will feel rushed. Be patient with each other. Many therapists suggest setting the stage with a gentle massage, a hot bath or shower, or the application of a pain cream – any of which can relax the muscles and ease pain. Even under the best of circumstances, back pain may occur during sex. Knowing this, couples should plan how they’ll respond ahead of time, so they can avoid becoming angry or frustrated.

Positions and Approaches

For people with lower back pain there may be a preference either for bending forward, or standing straight / bending backwards.

1) Bending backwards/standing straight. For some people with degenerative disc disease or a disc herniation, standing up straight or bending backwards tends to feel better, and bending forward tends to make the pain worse. These people are usually most comfortable when the spine is straightened or bent backward slightly (basically stand more upright, not slouched). Bending backwards is called “extension”.

2) Bending forwards. For some people with spinal stenosis, they feel better when they bend forward, and worse when they stand more upright. People with spinal stenosis may resist standing upright and may slouch or tip their shoulders forward to feel more comfortable. Bending forward is called “flexion”.

These differences must be taken into account when deciding which sexual positions might work best.

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Common Causes of Muscle Pains

March 13, 2009 at 4:16 am (joint pain, pain relief) (chronic muscle pain)

A common cause of back and neck pain, shoulder and arm pain is cervical herniated disc . Symptoms involving cervical herniated disc include dull or sharp back muscle pain in the neck or chronic back pain between shoulder blades. It may shoot down the arm to the hand or fingers, or numbness or tingling in the shoulder or arm.

The shoulder is the most unstable joint in the human body. This is because our shoulder joint is designed to allow the maximum range of movement. Low back pain usually follows injury to the back, and might also be a result of degenerative conditions like osteoporosis or other bone diseases, arthritis or disc disease, viral infections, congenital abnormalities in the spine or irritation to joints and discs. Weight gain during pregnancy, obesity, smoking, stress, poor physical condition and poor sleeping positions may also contribute to lower back pain and may be taken care of by providing proper back pain support.

Patients with chronic back pain are treated with a combination of medications for back pain, physical therapy through exercise for back pain, and occupational or lifestyle modification to curb the causes of lower back pain. Exercises for back pain help in back pain treatment and are an easily available back pain therapy.

Chronic back pain between shoulder blades is very common. One source of the pain are the muscles that lie lengthwise with the spine between the shoulder blades. Sitting in a wrong posture for long periods affects these muscles by making them too long for their function of supporting the spine in an appropriate manner. An especially designed chair for back pain can also be used for back pain remedy.

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Back Muscle Pain Relief Treatment

March 12, 2009 at 4:17 am (back pain, pain relief) (back pain)

There are many treatment options available for back pain but depending upon the cause and type of pain, you should go for the appropriate option. For some people back pain gets cured within a few weeks of home treatment and careful attention but some require medications and therapies to get out of the situation. Each treatment has its own way of treating the pain. Some of the commonly used treatment options available for curing back pain are:

1) Medications : Your doctor may prescribe some medications helpful in curing back pain. The most common ones are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These block the substances that dilate blood vessels causing inflammation and pain. Some of the common NSAIDs are:

a) Over the counter NSAIDs including aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, Prescription NSAIDs including ibuprofen, naproxen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, tolmetin, ketoprofen, nabumeton, dexibuprofen, indomethacin.

b) Topical NSAIDs including gels, creams and patches reduce arthritic pain and minimize the risk of gastrointestinal problems associated with oral NSAIDs.

c) Cortisone injections- It is an anti-inflammatory medication which helps in decreasing inflammation around the nerve roots.

2) Exercises: Exercise plays an important role in speedy recovery of back pain. Exercise helps the person to return to normal home, work and social activities. Some of the useful exercise programs beneficial in back pain are:

1. Low impact aerobic exercises- Exercise like swimming, bicycling and walking strengthens the muscles in the abdomen and back without overstraining the back.

2. Lumbar extension strength training- These exercises generally strengthen the abdomen, improve lower back mobility and endurance thereby enhancing the flexibility in the hip and hamstring muscles.

3. Yoga Tai Chi, Chi Kung- Their main aim is to achieve a physical and mental balance and to grant help in preventing recurrences of lower back pain.

4. Flexibility exercises- Certain flexibility exercise should be performed which help in back pain.

5. Retraining deep muscles- Some contraction exercises are especially designed to retrain the muscles which prove effective in acute and chronic pain.

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Relieve From Back Pain

March 10, 2009 at 8:17 am (back pain) (back pain)

Back pain is one of the common pain that we experienced. Sometimes, we had ignored it, thinking that it will be OK sooner or later. But, as we let it, there are chances that it will get worse. therefore, we should know when to consult a doctor for our back pain.

By self evaluating some of the symptoms, we can come to know about the severity of the back pain and judge whether it’s time to call upon a doctor or not. Some of the symptoms of back pain are:

1) Worsening of pain at times of coughing or sneezing
2) When your pain or numbness radiates down to one or both legs.
3) When your sleep gets disturbed due to the pain.
4) When the pain is creating difficulty for the urine to pass through and having a bowel movement.
4) Losing control over urination and bowel movement due to pain.
5) Fever and chills along with the pain.
6) Severe trauma
7) Severe leg weakness
8) Severe abdominal or back pain.
9) Unexplained weight loss.

These significant symptoms could be a sign of nerve damage or other serious medical problems. There are many conditions or causes behind all these symptoms, so an early and accurate diagnosis will help to cure the pain.

Some of the other miscellaneous symptoms of back pain are:

1) Continuous aching, pain or stiffness around spine, neck or hips.
2) Sharp pain in the neck, or back after lifting heavy materials.
3) Chronic pain in the lower back after sitting or standing for long periods.

So, these are some of the important symptoms of back pain which if noticed timely can help in proper back pain treatment and thus prevent any serious complication afterwards.

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Muscle Pain Blog

The Most Common Low Back Pain: Axial Pain

Back Muscle Pain Classifications

What Are The Different Types of Back Pain

Exercises To Reduce Neck Muscle Pain

Reduce Neck Muscle Pain With Good Posture

Avoid Back Pain In Sex: Helpful Sex Positions

Sex and Back Pain

Common Causes of Muscle Pains

Back Muscle Pain Relief Treatment

Relieve From Back Pain

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