Our posture during driving determines our back's health

The posture while driving has assumed importance as driving is consuming most of our time these days. Long driving hours leads to stiffness in the back and neck. This leads to starting of back pain. Small changes in our posture can help in avoiding this situation. Adjusting seat at an angle of 100-110 degrees can help as such a position helps in supporting the upper part of the body, keeping it upright for safe driving.

Lift weight but carefully

Continuing our series on importance of correct posture for Spinal Health, today we will talk about the correct posture to be adopted while lifting. Just like bending, the best way to lift is to widen the distance between your feet and kneel down rather than bending. Also, make sure that your back should be straight while lifting. Follow the process depicted in the picture below.

 

 

While bending follow some precautions to avoid back injury

In day to day chore activities bending can't be avoided. We have to kneel down to put things in the proper place. But, people are not aware that this innocuous looking activity, if not done in a right way can end up harming our back in an immense manner. Best way to bend is to kneel down on the knees and not by bending the back perpendicularly. The process is depicted below in the accompanying picture.

Maintain a good body posture for a healthy spine

Correct posture plays an important role in keeping our spine healthy. We should stand straight and make sure while sitting that the spine is not stressed. This way we can reduce lot of pressure on our spine.

For quicker recovery from back problems, it is better to lead an active life

The best way to cure moderate back pain is to limit bed rest and be physically active. Inactivity lowers the blood circulation level which affects the spine's ability to rehabilitate. Lying down or sleeping for long hours, does not in any case help in recovery. Sleeping for 7-8 hours is more than enough.  Bed rest should be resorted only in rare circumstances. Doctors are advising people who have undergone surgery, to start walking a bit as this has been found to be helpful in aiding healing.

Physical exercises like Swimming and Pilates are the best for your Spine

There is no substitute of physical exercises for a healthy spine. Among them Swimming and pilates are the best. Not only do they help in stretching muscles but also, these ultimately increase the flexibility of the spine, which is so essential.

Happy news this Diwali for patients paralysed with Spinal injuries

On the occasion of Diwali, sharing a very happy news with all my friends. Doctors have been able to treat a young paralysed patient, so much so that the patient is even able to drive. This gives hope to thousands of young paralysed patients across the world. May everyone live with hope, happiness and good health!

Correct pillow position is important for right sleeping posture

Today, we conclude our series on role of sleeping postures in maintaining spinal health. In maintaining correct sleeping posture pillow plays an important role. First, it should not be either too thick or too thin. Secondly, it should be made up of a natural fiber.  And as regards with the position, it should be at about 90 degrees to the neck. Remember your pillow supports the curvature of your neck. So, while sleeping make sure that it is correctly placed behind your shoulder, neck and head.

Interchange your sleeping posture for giving relief to your ailing spine

There is no gainsaying rest is the best cure for an ailing spine and of all sleep offers the best rest. Now, quite often we are asked which is the best posture to sleep. Well, the answer to this is, there is no one single posture which can be recommended over the other. Sleeping on the side and the stomach both have their own benefit. To have the maximum benefit, it is required that you keep changing your sleeping posture.

Symptoms of aging spine

Our spine starts ageing after a certain age. Some clear symptoms to identify ageing spine are: neck pain, lower back pain, stiffness in the shoulder, buttocks pain. If you feel them with pinching nerves, pain radiating down to the hands and legs or numbness in legs; it is a sure shot signal to visit the doctor.

Knowledge is the best assistant while handling spinal emergencies

With increasing number of accidental cases, Spinal injuries are on the rise. Timely and proper assistance post the injury can save a person from getting paralysed for life. Here is an article by me on this subject that appeared in prominent Hindi daily Hari Bhumi.

Don't let your bones turn weak with Osteoporosis

We all know Osteoporosis is a condition in which our bones turn brittle and they break easily. This is caused by lack of calcium and affects old the most. In our country because of general neglect of women,incidence of Osteoporosis among them is very high.
Generally it causes wrist, hip joint and spinal fracture. Out of these three, spinal fractures are most difficult to treat as no plastering can be done on spine. For treating this, Balloon Kyphophlasty is safe and effective surgical technique.

Preventive measures to keep spinal problems away in youngsters

Youngsters coming up with back pain is becoming too common.Here is one detailed article carried in Mint newspaper on this and other spinal problems along with best possible treatment.Few of my own comments find mention it.

Exercise regularly to avoid Arthritis

Concluding our series on Arthritis awareness, where we talked about Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteo Arthritis, Hip Arthritis, Gouty Arthritis and Knee Arthritis; their causes and how can they be treated in order to lead a healthier life ahead. If you analyse one preventive measure which is common to all is physical exercise. Remember, regular exercises along with balanced diet can go a long way in keeping diseases like arthritis at bay.

No need to be afraid of Knee Arthritis

Incident of Knee Arthritis is fairly common. Generally found in elderly it symptoms are swelling in knees,slanting of the feet,pain while climbing or getting down from the stairs,another symptom is difficulty in getting up once seated.The best cure lies in regular exercises and physiotherapy. Additionally, medicines can also be prescribed.In case this does not work,knee replacement surgery can also be considered.One sincere request to readers,on seeing swelling in knees,please don't apply home made balms,it harms more and can worsen the case.

Gouty Arthritis- Causes, symptoms, diagnose and treatment

Continuing with our Arthritis series, today we will discuss Gouty Arthritis. This is a form of arthritis which is caused by increase of uric acid in the blood and tissues. Crystals of uric acid accumulate in joints causing Gouty Arthritis. Normally, swelling in the foot thumb and knees is the most prominent sign of this disease. Mostly this attacks within 3-10 days and for a period up to 36hrs., there can be severe pain. If this keeps on reoccurring, it can take the shape of Chronic Arthritis or Advanced Arthritis. Few tests like blood test, synovial fluid, urine test and X- ray can help in detection. Change in dietary habits is the best way to bring change. Patients suffering from Gouty Arthritis should avoid high protein food items like non-veg, pulses, cheese, tomato etc. Also, drink lots of water. The first stage of treatment for Gouty Arthritis is prescription of non-anti inflammatory drugs. In cases of Chronic Arthritis, Surgery can be done.

Hip Arthritis: Syptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Though Knee arthritis is far more common in our country but Hip Arthritis is fairly common among well-off sections. Mostly Hip Arthritis hits young adults in their prime. In this, pain is felt in the hip joints which restricts its movement. Excessive drinking is the primary cause. The drink disturbs the blood circulation of the hip bone ultimately weakening them (Avascular Necrosis). Its symptoms are; pain in the hip area, difficulty and loosing stamina to walk. CT Scan and MRI tests help in detecting. To treat this, medicines and physiotherapy are given. In extreme cases, Hip Replacement can also be done.

Osteo Arthritis; its causes and treatment

Carrying on with our Arthritis series,today sharing info on Osteo Arthritis.It is a disease in which the cartilage of the joint gets degenerated. Afflicts people of 50 and above. Genetics and obesity are major cause of this disease.Common symptoms are: pain,swelling and stiffness in the joints, difficulty while moving ,sitting on ground or getting up from chair. In the course of treatment, special medicines are given to rebuilt the cartilage along with physiotherapy sessions. Apart from this, doctors may also suggest surgery depending upon the seriousness of the case.

 

Be positive and remember Arthritis is curable

In popular lore Arthritis is considered as disease of old but truth is completely different.Studies have found that in age group of 6 months to 18 years,one in every teenager is suffering from one or the other form of arthritis.Among this, the most common type is juvenile rhuematoid arthritis. In India almost 15 lakh kids are suffering from it.Common symptoms are swelling,inflammation of joints,high fever,swelling in eyes or redness.These symptoms are visible for 3 months or so.The treatment is prescription of anti inflammatory medicine and in addition they can also be administered disease modifying drugs. All in all ,it is curable and one should never lose hope.

Surgery is the best treatment for Spinal Degenerated Disc disease

Spinal Degenerative Disc disease can’t be treated by medicines alone and inadvertently needs medical intervention. Among all surgeries, the one done for treating Spinal degenerated disc, is the safest. Having said that skill and experience of the concerned surgeon matters a lot.

Regular exercises can prevent ageing related Spinal problems

Among the health issues related to ageing, Spinal degenerative diseases is among the commonest. However it can be prevented to a large extent is one regularly does physical exercise  and avoids putting on unhealthy weight.

Proper care taken post back surgery, can do wonders in the process of quick recovery.

Proper care, post back surgery can go a long way in helping patient recover quickly. Here is an article that appeared in Rashtriya Sahara on the steps patient needs to follow for a quicker recovery.