Some common causes of Osteoporosis

Tips for healthy back

 Working for long hours in office.Pay attention to sitting posture.Remember your posture decides your back health.Here are few tips which can help you in keeping your back healthy
1 Exercise every day 
2. While bending bend you legs and not  your back.
3  Maintain a good posture – chair on which you work should be properly aligned with your seat
6.Take short breaks
7.Avoid junk food,smoking and drinking.
8.Keep your weight in check.Obesity is the mother of all health problems.
9.Learn to relax

How to identify Primary Symptoms of Spinal Disc Problem

We have number of times discussed Spinal disc problem on this platform. But how is that we at lay men's level, can catch symptoms of a Spinal problem. Its symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling pain starting from the back and going through the back leg and reaching the foot. Best diagnosis is done through MRI. Pain initially may be so severe that it may make even walking a difficult exercise for a short time. Initially a bit of rest is fine but beyond that one must start walking as that aids healing in a big way.

Knowledge of handling spinal injuries can be a boon at the time of distress

The recent Nepal Earthquake has made all of us question ourselves and our system- Are we prepared to face such calamity? Natural disasters like earthquake come unannounced. But what is needed on our part is better awareness and knowledge to tackle such situations. At the time of earthquake, a large number of people lose their lives due to lack of information on handling medical emergencies.

It is well known not the earthquake that causes deaths, but the building debris that fall on the person which causes injuries of the neck and the spine  during that period. When an earthquake strikes, people often bend down to save their lives. In such a situation, the rubble from the buildings fall directly on a person’s back, which leads to traumatic spinal injuries and the most common of them, are spinal fractures and cervical injuries. Traumatic spinal injuries often cause neurological deficits; which if not treated well in time, can in future lead to permanent neurologic injury. Untrained rescue workers are the first one to offer help but they are not aware how a person who has suffered back and neck injury needs to be immobolised before being lifted. It is pull drag method which further aggravates the condition of the affected person.

Spinal Immobilization, in-field care, proper lifting techniques and transport during rescue operations plays a very important role while coping up with a natural calamity, and especially, for the trauma patients. Certain things need to be kept in mind while handling spinal emergencies. The injured person should not be dragged. At least 5 or more people should be there to carry the patient, with one holding and supporting the head, one supporting the neck and shoulder, minimum two people standing on opposite sides of the patient holding the back and the pelvic area and one person holding the legs. Immediately shift the patient and make him lie on a hard board. Make sure that there is no abnormal twisting, turning or bending of the neck and back. Another thing to be kept in mind is that the neck should be immediately immobilized by a hard cervical collar, as failing to do so can cause cervical injury. Proper transportation and timely treatment can save many lives.

Always remember, our safety lies in our own hands. At the time of earthquake, it is important not to panic and maintain calm. The moment, you feel that an earthquake is coming move out to an open area or to the middle of the street, and stay away from electricity poles, trees and buildings, as they might fall down. Also, avoid using lifts on case of moving out of a building. But, if you can’t move out, follow the simple technique of “Drop, Cover and Hold On”. Hide under a sturdy desk or table and hold its legs firmly. You can also, sit next to a sofa or bed in a foetal position for your safety. Stay away from windows and lamps. If driving, stop your car at the side of the road and not in the middle especially, under a highway. In a crowded place like malls or restaurants, you can protect your head with your arms and hide under a seat or table. New theory has been propounded that if you lie next to triangular object, then the chances of the survival are the maximum since the debris don’t directly hit but slide down. According to this if you hide under a hard board, the heavy debris can break it and lead to more serious injuries.

Proper education regarding disaster management and how to handle any medical emergency at the time of any natural disaster, if given right at the school level can making our coming generation, a well prepared and more responsible citizen who is capable enough of helping a fellow citizen in such times of distress. It is important that general public is also trained in basic trauma care like proper lifting and carrying of injured person to prevent further aggravation of Spinal and neck injury.

Spinal Cord Stimulation:Revolutionary technique for treatment of Chronic back pain

We have all heard of  cardiac pacemaker  and how it can revive a critically and irreversibly damaged heart by  generating electrical impulses called cardiac impulses or action potentials required for proper pumping of heart thus acting as a true life savior in otherwise hopeless condition. Quite similar to it is, spinal cord stimulator, a device used to exert pulsed electrical signals to revive the already damaged spinal cord peripheral nerves of the patient when everything else has failed,thus giving relief from chronic pain.

Approved by the FDA in 1989, spinal cord stimulation (SCS), a form of neuro stimulation technology has over the years become a standard treatment for patients with chronic pain in their back and or limbs and those who have not found pain relief from other treatments. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a pain relief technique that delivers a low-voltage electrical current continuously to the spinal cord to block the sensation of pain.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) in the simplest form, involves stimulating electrodes implanted in the epidural space, an electrical pulse generator implanted in the lower abdominal area or gluteal region with the conducting wires connecting the electrodes to the generator, and the generator remote control. As pain changes or improves, stimulation can be adjusted as necessary.

Most patients who qualify for neurostimulation therapy report a 70 to 90% reduction in overall pain, as well as an increased ability to participate in normal family and work activities. Many patients find that they can decrease or stop taking painkillers or other pain medications after undergoing spinal cord stimulation. Given these benefits, there has been ongoing research and advances in spinal cord stimulation technology, and many individuals suffering from chronic pain find that neurostimulation positively impacts the quality of their lives. However, it is important to note that the degree of pain relief experienced from spinal cord stimulation or peripheral nerve stimulation varies from person to person.

In general, neurostimulation works by applying an electrical current to the source of chronic pain. SCS is the most commonly used implantable neurostimulation technology for management of pain syndromes. As many as 50,000 neurostimulators are implanted worldwide every year.

Types of incurable diseases where Spinal Cord Stimulation is used for treatment

One of these is Arachnoiditis , a painful condition caused by inflammation of the arachnoid, one of three linings that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.It impacts the nerves and causes symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and a distinctive stinging and burning pain in the lower back or legs. Other symptoms include debilitating muscle cramps, twitches, spasms, and bladder/bowel/sexual dysfunction. Some of the known causes of this are irritation from chemicals arising from Spinal procedures and epidural steroid injections;bacterial or viral infections; spinal cord injury; or complications arising from spinal surgery.There is no cure for this condition except spinal cord stimulation & neuromodulation.

One more disease where only spinal cord stimulation & neuromodulation only works is Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) , an uncommon nerve disorder which causes intense burning pain, usually in the arms, hands, legs or feet. Along with the pain, the patient may experience extreme skin sensitivity and changes in the color, temperature or moistness of the skin .Causes are largely unknown but it can occur after an injury, either to a nerve or to tissue in the affected area.

Besides Spinal Cord Stimulant is used in several other conditions such as Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) ,where surgery for back pain was done but the patient does not recover.In such cases too,SCS  works wonders. Other conditions include  Nerve damage, neuropathy, or neuritis  and motor neuron disorders(MND’s) which are classified as incurable diseases.

All in all Spinal Cord Stimulation is a measure of last resort and generally helps in reducing the chronic pain the patient might be suffering from ,thus giving him or her a chance to have better quality life.

Arthritis:It's causes and cures

Popular belief associated with Arthritis is that it is a health issue related to bones and muscles.It is not true,it is inflammation of joints.Generally it is seen in elderlies but it is no fixed rule and can happen in any age.Osteoarthritis is the commonest form,other types include Rheumatoid Arthritis.
 Osteoarthritis is caused by reduction of cartilage in the tissues where as
Rheumatoid Arthritis is more associated with immune system.
Arthritis can seriously impact a persons ability to perform daily chore activities.It's causes include injuries,unusually active immune system,disturbed metabolism,hereditary factors and obesity.Usually it is not one factor alone responsible for Arthritis and it is a combination of factors.Physically active people are generally not found to be suffering from it.Its treatment includes medication,physiotherapy(most effective) and in some cases surgical intervention too.
Generally this is more prevalent in women as compared to men.
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Avoid these sitting mistakes in office, to avoid back pain

A common mistake that most office goers make while working in their offices is either sitting tad too straight or in a bending position. Both these postures are bad for our back health and often result in lower or upper back pain. Choosing a correct chair that properly supports your back is of extreme importance in order to avoid conditions that lead to backache. Sit back comfortably and make sure that the height of the chair that you are sitting on, is properly adjusted so that your feet lie parallel to the ground.

How obesity increases the risk of Arthritis and worsens existing Arthritis

We have all heard of those Obese are at high risk of heart and diabetic problems.Which is actually true too.But besides these, it  equally increases the risk of developing life long Arthritis .But there is not much awareness around it. It is absolutely confirmed that Obesity worsens Arthritis.Excess weight puts more pressure on the joints increasing their stress and aggravation,ultimately leading to severe pain in the joints.

Besides fat is an active tissue which creates and releases inflammatory chemicals.
So to stay free from several of the health problems,see that you don't put on excess weight.

Sharing some tips below,which can help you with weight control and at the same time keep you free from Athritis

a) If you are non exercising types,gradually start walking.If you have stairs with in your home,go up and down few times on a daily basis.Don't go whole hog in one single go,probably you will get tired and won't have any urge left to indulge in exercise.If you start by doing up and down three times a day ,then take it to fifteen times in a months time.By this time,resilience in your body will be built.
b)Increase in take of fluids,the fluids will reduce your urge to eat more and would indirectly reduce your diet.It is important that physical exercises and the diet control go hand in hand.
c)Eat food like banana,nuts ,egg which gives you adequate proteins and as well as reduce the urge to go on binge.Avoid noodles,pizza ,coke,oily food.
These measures if adopted in all seriousness can go a long way in keeping our weight in check and keep the threat of joint problems away.

Irregular back pain;get examined for Spinal Stenosis

                                               Watch out against irregular back pain-It might be Spinal Stenosis

Spinal pain is one of the major health problem being faced by the people. Young or old,office goer or blue colared worker,all are affected by the pain,with the type and severity being the only differentiators. One such pain,is Spinal Stenosis,a problem which occurs when bulging discs, arthritic spurs, and thickened tissues combine to compress the nerves traveling through the spinal cana .Most commonly seen so far in the elderly, a disturbingly high number of youngsters have recently been started being diagnosed with this problem. It was known to be commonly caused by wear-and-tear changes in the spine related to aging but in youngsters life style issues are playing a major role.

In Spinal Stenosis, the open spaces within the spine (backbone) gets narrowed which causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. The narrowing process, which is gradual, reduces the space available for the spinal cord and nerves. In most cases, the narrowing of the spine is associated with stenosis which ultimately compresses the nerve root. It may cause leg pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in body.

Spinal stenosis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can be caused by other conditions. Usually, people who develop stenosis have no history of back problems or any recent injury. It symptoms generally includes irregular pain which goes away on resting.The pain is pronounced while walking.The condition is caused by years of wear and tear and not generally by sudden injury.

There are two types of spinal stenosis lumbar stenosis and cervical stenosis and unless and until very severe and complicated,it can be non surgically treated.It is important for the patient to be physically active and exercises may not cure but play a major role in quicker recovery. Change in daily activity like using a recliner instead of strait jacketed back seat are other important measures which can be taken.

Another treatment which works in about fifty percent of the cases is set of epidural injection.These have a further role as those require surgery,the one’s who have taken these injections have quicker and better recovery.If despite all these measures the patient continues to suffer from debilitating pain,then surgery is one such good option.Infact the result of the surgery in the case of Stenosis is second only to removal of Herniated discs.But there are due considerations which should be taken care of before the surgery and only best of the surgeons who is very sure of his craft should undertake it.

The surgeon should be sure of damaged stenosis.No other nerve should be pinched during the surgery.Also the physical condition of the patient should be considered before hand.If such precautions are undertaken the surgeries are generally safe and lead to good outcomes for the patients.   

After the surgery, pain may persist for a few days, requiring the use of pain medications and inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. Walking and strengthening exercises will be prescribed for the lower back and abdomen which will help stabilizing the spine. Hot showers and hot compresses or the use of an ice pack also will help removing pain.

Sitting for long hours can wreck your body

Do you sit in an office chair or on your couch for more than six hours a day?Then watch out for your general health and specifically your back.While sitting,your back faces the maximum pressure.The muscles have to expand to hold the whole body weight.With constant pressure they wilt, leading to a situation known in medical parlance as Disc prolapse which in simple language means on set of back pain.Infact if you compare,the back muscles of a typical office goer to somebody who does hard labour,such as Railway porter(coolie),you will find that office goer back muscles are much thinner and prone to pain where as the porter has stronger muscles and keep the back healthy.So constant sitting poses health risks against the popularly held belief that that sitting job involves rest.
So if your job involves long sitting work,please get up,walk a bit after every one hour and give your back some rest.


Simple tips which can be followed in order to avoid sitting for long hours at workplace-
  Keep a watch on how much you walk a day. It should be 1 mile at least, if not so then you should better start worrying about it before the conditions get deteriorated. In order to keep a watch on your footsteps one can purchase pedometer. 
 Set a target for yourself. Say “I have to walk for 20 minutes a day”. This will help you to boost your energy and mood and will also make you feel relaxed at the same time. If you are working in office for long hours then you can try these simple things-

·         Park near the back of the parking lot.

·         Stand up to visit the file cabinet instead of rolling your chair.

·         Walk over and talk to a coworker instead of emailing them.

·         

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Vitamin D deficiency, a major reason for back ache in office going youngsters

Almost every youngster into work life, these days after some time, starts complaining of back ache.Major reasons leading to this are improper posture,bad diet and stress.These issues have already been highlighted a lot in the past.Another reason which plays a significant role but not discussed as much as others is lack of vitamin D.Youngsters are being diagnosed with insufficient Vitamin D.Lack of Vitamin D,makes bones prone to aches and damage.And it is ironical,that it is happening in a country blessed with adequate sunshine all through out the year.What it indicates is largely sedentary life being led by youngsters.They go to offices in the morning(which have only AC air) ,come back at night.Then on holidays they get up late and after that go in a closed door place like Mall or a movie theater.This way they deny themselves adequate sunshine ,which ultimately shows up in the form of a backache.
This condition is more seen in working women then men.As compared to men,women have more requirement for Vitamin D  as they bear kids,bring them up and now in addition to their traditional roles they are working and supplementing family income.They are recommended D tablets but best is to have it naturally from the natural source.
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First aid for victims of Spinal injuries

If a person falls from great height or suffers a head on collision ,there is every possibility of the person having serious Spinal injuries.Symptoms of Spinal injuries are person being conscious but unable to move his head or neck.In such a case, those attending the injured person should see that injured person is not moved around as there is a risk of permanent damage or paralysis.Besides put a heavy piece of cloth around the neck on both sides so as to provide cushioning affect.While shifting the patient to nearest medical centre,extreme care needs to be made.First a hard board should be used,secondly head and neck should be lifted together.Any mishandling at this stage can be critical.It has been noticed that more than the injury itself,it is post accident mishandling which causes long term damage.Similar precautions need to be followed while the person is moved down at the Hospital itself.

No matter how much we may try,accidents do happen.But what we can do is to minimise the impact of the injury and do our best to save precious human life.

Causes and treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenrative disc disease as the name suggests is a general wear and tear of disc which leads to abnormal pain.it was generally seen in old age but owing to lifestyle changes youngsters can also be found to be suffering from this disease. Sudden injury ca also cause this pain. Classic symptoms of this includes- relief from pain while walking or running and experiencing shooting pain while sitting. It is also characterized by severe pain while bending, lifting and twisting. Treatment invovles- conservative therapy in the first stage, followed by one short surgical injection, surgery is tried only when first two fail. One thing would like to add here, surgery in this case offers very good result.

Exercises and that too specialised one can help in preventing and providing relief from this disease.