THE APPROPRIATE OFFICE CHAIR

Hello everyone!!Today I will share quick tips to help make sure that the office chair and work area are as comfortable as possible and will cause the least amount of stress to the spine:
1.Elbow measure
First, begin by sitting comfortably as close as possible to your desk so that your upper arms are parallel to your spine. Rest your hands on your work surface (e.g. desktop, computer keyboard). If your elbows are not at a 90-degree angle, adjust your office chair height either up or down.
2.Thigh measure
Check that you can easily slide your fingers under your thigh at the leading edge of the office chair. If it is too tight, you need to prop your feet up with an adjustable footrest. If you are unusually tall and there is more than a finger width between your thigh and the chair, you need to raise the desk or work surface so that you can raise the height of your office chair.
3.Calf measure
With your bottom pushed against the chair back, try to pass your clenched fist between the back of your calf and the front of your office chair. If you can’t do that easily, then the office chair is too deep. You will need to adjust the backrest forward, insert a low back support (such as a lumbar support cushion, a pillow or rolled up towel), or get a new office chair.
4.Low back support
Your bottom should be pressed against the back of your chair, and there should be a cushion that causes your lower back to arch slightly so that you don’t slump forward or slouch down in the chair as you tire over time. This low back support in the office chair is essential to minimize the load (strain) on your back. Never slump or slouch forward in the office chair, as that places extra stress on the structures in the low back, and in particular, on the lumbar discs.
5.Resting eye level
Close your eyes while sitting comfortably with your head facing forward. Slowly open your eyes. Your gaze should be aimed at the center of your computer screen. If your computer screen is higher or lower than your gaze, you need to either raise or lower it to reduce strain on the upper spine.
6.Armrest
Adjust the armrest of the office chair so that it just slightly lifts your arms at the shoulders. Use of an armrest on your office chair is important to take some of the strain off your upper spine and shoulders, and it should make you less likely to slouch forward in your chair.

Work smart.

Proper ergonomics can help reduce a lot of stress on both the lower and upper back, thus reducing the frequency of conditions ranging from stiff back and headaches to carpal tunnel and sciatica, Make sure your workspace — whether a laptop, phone, computer desk, or even your car — is set up for your height and functionality. Choose a chair that provides back support. Your knees should be at 90 degrees and your feet should rest comfortably on the floor. Never cradle your phone between your ear and shoulder. Hold your phone to your ear or use a headset to avoid neck pain. Also, plan regular breaks. Staying in one position for too long will cause back muscles to tighten up and become immobile.A short break is good for your mental health and productivity.

THE PERFECT PILLOW

Hello everyone!!

Today I will share with you my secret of perfect pillow.Nothing starts your day off better than getting a good night's sleep. And sleeping with the right pillow can help.Pillows can not only impact the quality of our sleep, but also how healthfully we rest and recharge.But the wrong pillow may worsen headaches, neck pain, shoulder and arm numbness, discomfort, sneezing, and wheezing.A bad pillow won't be the cause of any of these problems, but using the incorrect pillow can certainly exacerbate many of the underlying problems linked to these symptoms, and it certainly can keep you from getting a good night's rest,And if your pillow is past its prime, it may contain skin cells, mold, mildew, fungus, and dust mites, which make up more than half of an older pillow's weight.

Is it time to buy a new pillow?
The general rule is to buy a pillow every 12 to 18 months. After two years, it's definitely got to go.

Pillow Shopping:
Before you buy a new pillow, think about your sleep position.
The goal of using a pillow is to help keep your head in what is called a 'neutral alignment,' meaning your hold is sitting squarely on your shoulders without bending back too far or reaching too far forward.

Pillow Advices:
-If you sleep on your back: "Back sleepers need thinner pillows, so their head is not thrown too far forward. Also look for a pillow with extra loft in the bottom third of the pillow to cradle your neck.
-If you sleep on your side: Side sleepers need a firmer pillow to fill in the distance between the ear and outside shoulder.
-If you're a stomach sleeper: Look for a very thin, almost flat pillow. You may not even need a pillow for your head, but consider tucking one under your stomach to avoid lower back pain.

Pillow Stuffing Options:
There is no shortage of fillings you can find stuffed in a pillow these days. The most common ones are down-feather combinations, foam, or polyester fiberfill. Memory foam and latex pillows have become quite popular in recent years, particularly among people looking for additional neck support.

What's right for you? That may depend on how you're feeling on a given day.Most people have more than one type of pillow to choose from. A pillow wardrobe, in other words.

Stay Fit!!Stay Healthy!!

-Dr Sudeep Jain
‪#‎SpinesolutionsIndia‬ ‪#‎neckpain‬ ‪#‎bestpillowforperfectsleep‬

Benefits of Aerobic Exercises

Reconditioning through aerobic exercise is very useful for both rehabilitation and maintenance of the lower back. Patients who regularly undertake aerobic exercise to condition the back will benefit in several ways:

-They have fewer episodes of low back pain, and will experience less pain when an episode occurs.
-They are also more likely to stay functional (e.g. continue working and carry on with recreational activities), whereas those patients with chronic low back pain who do not engage in aerobic exercise are more likely to experience the gradual loss of functional capabilities.
-It is easier to control weight or lose weight, decreasing the stress placed on the spine structures and joints.
-An increased production of endorphins after 30 or 40 minutes of exercise can combat pain. These bio-chemicals are the body's natural painkiller, and frequent release of them can help patients reduce their reliance on pain medication.
-Endorphins can elevate mood and relieve symptoms of depression, a condition common in those with back pain or a back injury.

One should avoid doing forward bending exercises, if one has suffered slip disc.

Exercises do help in preventing back pain but once one has suffered from back ache emanating from Slip Disc,one needs to be careful about the kind of exercises one can do.Forward bending(as given in accompanying image) exercises are strictly no-no.
In addition they should not be picking heavy load and always be careful about the posture. 

Back and bone problems don't depend on age

Lot of people suffer from this misunderstanding that back,bone problems are age related problems and in young age these things don't touch you.Yes,back problems and arthritis are seen more in old age,but age is just one of the reasons for it. More than the age it is more of a lifestyle problem and with the kind of lifestyle youngsters are leading these day,they are getting more prone to such problems.relatively very young people too and the cause is their life style.The food they eat/lack of physical workout are among major reasons for early onslaught of these problems.

Obesity is like an open invitation to Spinal problems

Strangely though we are counted among the poorest countries of the world,still obesity is on the rise in our country.According to a recent survey one in every five Indian is an obese.There are several reasons for this, ranging from high consumption of junk food to lack of physical activity among others. But by now you must be wondering how come a Spine specialist is writing on Obesity.Well there is a connection ,obesity means increase of weight,increase of weight means that bones have to carry extra weight.For some time the body does it but after a while it gives up.The bones get weakened and once your bones get weakened,then you are surrounded by variety of problems like Slip Disc,Osteoporosis ,TB of Spine and several other serious Spinal problems.So watch your weight!.

All is not lost for those who suffer from Spinal Cord injuries

Spinal cord injuries are generally irreversible and cause life long disability.Tragedy is that it is generally young who have whole life ahead of them, who suffer from it.

Still there is always a hope.Timely surgery,followed by comprehensive rehabilitation and proper care often lead to miraculous results.

Back pain getting younger

Back pain was generally associated with middle age and onwards.However this has changed and many youngsters in early 20's are also coming up with the problem of back ache.This is a direct result of their spending more than the required time on electronic gizmos like laptops,mobile phone.It is not just the use but the posture in which they sit and use these gizmos which is most harmful.Constant use of these devices and that too in wrong posture can do maximum harm to the back.Youngsters need to watch out on this!

Continuing with our series on different exercises one can do to keep neck pain away,here is the last part.

Supine head Lifts

Lye on your back on a firm surface,raise your head fully off the surface after that take your chin to your chest and hold for 5 seconds before returning to your starting position.Repeat that lift 8-10 times,twice a day and see your neck pain running away...
Till then take care...

Neck pain is bothering you,try these exercises.

It needs no repetition exercises work like medicine.
So, here is another set of exercises, if done in regular manner can go a long way in reducing or completely relieving your neck pain.

Prone Head Lifts
First of all lye on a firm surface with your face down,then raise your chest,shoulders and head up by resting on your elbows.Let your head hang fully downwards so your chin is on or near your chest.After that lift your head upward and keep it in a neutral position,be sure to retract your head(tuck your chin).Then continue lifting your head upward and downward as far as it can go in an attempt to look skyward. Hold that position for 5 seconds before slowly returning in the head neutral position and at last to the original downward head hanging position.
Repeat this exercise 5 times twice a day and see how it works wonders..
Till then take care..

There are some special exercises for neck pain. Do them regularly,you will never suffer from neck pain.

According to spine specialists physical exercises in a great a way help in relieving neck pain .Here are for your benefit some easy exercises which can help you remain away from neck pain ..
First Exercise
1. Sit in a chair with a back support and keep your head in a neutral position. Place your hand across your forehead, now try to push your head and neck as hard as you are able to, resisting any movement of your head with your hand.
2. In the same way place your hand against the back of your head and try pushing your head backward with all the force, resisting the movement of your hand with your head.
(Do it as given in the image below.)

Try doing this for 10 seconds each,relax and repeat three times.

You will definitely feel better but just in case the pain still persists , then please consult a specialist..
Till then take care...

Surgry combined with regenerative medicine is best treatmnt option for any person who has suffered serious spinal injury

With rising number of vehicles,there has been corresponding increase in accidents where the victim has suffered serious damage to spinal cord.And most tragic is that most of these patients are young and staring at permanent paralyses.
In such a scenario,only option left to Doctor for saving the victim from permanent paralyses is open surgery.Post the operation if it is followed up with "regenerative medicine" it can really give great results as it prevents further damage and death of nerve tissues.In addition it supplies " growth factor proteins & hormones” which can lead to regeneration & regrowth of dying nerve cells & neurons inside the spinal cord.
Drive carefully and be safe.

Spinal disease can happen even in an embryo..

Our mother's lap is the safest place for us and so is her womb. But have we ever thought that spinal diseases can occur during pregnancy??? No, right. But its true,a birth defect known as "Spina Bifida" occur's at the end of the first month in pregnancy.
In this defect the two sides of an embryo fails to join together completely, leaving an open area. This condition is usually diagnosed before the baby is born and corrected right away.

The causes of this problem are not known.But few guesses are made like its related to family genes though it has not been proved yet.Still high fever , intake of valproic acid drug to control seizures during pregnancy may increase the risk of having a new born with "Spina Bifida"..

Therefore go for regular checkups during pregnancy to avoid such problem..
Till then take care..

Surgeries are better option then living in pain all throughout life

As a surgeon one feel's duty bound to see patient free from agonising pain.But lot of time due to undue delay on the part of patients and close family members the surgeries are delayed,which kind of affect the patients condition very badly.
Surgeries are done only when they have to be and one should get over this mindset that they are risky.Given the level of advancement in technology,these are as safe as any thing else.

It's is dangerous to use net for medication

Nowadays people love to keep themselves updated and most of them have this illusion that they know everything.You ask anything to them and they will have an answer.Not only this if you have any problem in your body like back pain etc.. then also they will have a cure for it . BUT have you ever thought who gives them all this gyan????? or is it SAFE for us to take medicines on our own without taking a proper advice from a doctor????? hmmm NO right...

lets start with the answers first.. The above kind of people go to a special BABA known as Google baba..This baba has the answer for all the questions and these people seek all their answers from them..

Now if we talk about people who obey them and don't see a doctor before taking any kind of medicine or rely on either Google baba or his followers then they put their own life in danger . As the information given on net is not always correct and can prove to be very harmful.

Therefore we would like to warn you from relying on these FAKE advises and always believe in the right method i.e seeking advice from the doctor for any problem..
Till then take care

Follow simple tips and stay away from backache

Today we wont talk about something which is rare but the one which is common.The name of this culprit which is slowly expanding itself in our body is known as backache...we all experience backaches while following our daily routines but we don't pay attention to it..we don't even bother to seek proper cure for this problem.. but don't worry we are here ..
By following these simple instructions we can eradicate this budding devil from our lives..

* First of all posture while doing any work should be correct.
* Don't bend vertically,sit on your knees to pick things
*If you are into weight lifting/heavy gymming,don't lift heavy weights without proper warm up
*Have a healthy and balanced diet and avoid sedentary life style.
*Stay away from heavy drinking and smoking

By keeping in mind all these points you wont see this culprit ever again..
Till Then Take Care...

How to know about Spinal Health

Our body rests on our spine. Without it being healthy, we literally can't move. But have we ever thought what are the symptoms which can tell us that our backbone is loosing its strength and making us weak???? the answer must be no. So here are some signs which can tell us that our backbone needs care....
*loss of movement
*loss of sensation(sense of touch,heat or cold)
*loss of bowel or bladder control
*exaggerated reflexes
*pain or stinging due to nerve damage
*difficulty in breathing,coughing or clearing throat.

If anyone is suffering from these things, then you know where to exactly find the solution..
Till then take care..

Majority of Indians are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency

According to a recent study,majority of Indians suffer from Vitamin D deficiency and that too when we are a sun shine abundant nation.The reason vary from genetic -we have high melanin pigment in our skin to sedentary life style.Bad dietary habits further compounds the problem.The problem shows up in the form of weak/brittle bones,back aches,cardio problems.In addition the recovery from any disease is slow and the person generally is sluggish and suffers from lack of stamina.
It's a shame in our country when easy solution(standing in the sun) can solve this problem.We need to spread more awareness about it.

Kids in India continue to be loaded with heavy bags

You will be surprised,even school going kids come and complaint about back ache these days.And you know,what is the reason(you don't have to guess it),it is their heavy school bags.Lot of things have changed but our attitude towards education has not.Schools keep on burdening students with text books,copies for each subject,with the result ,the weight of the bag of the school going student exceeds safe limit.Department of Education has come up with guidelines but the question arises where is the need for the Department of Education to come up with guidelines for as innocuous a subject as weight of school bags.Should schools on their own not do something to stop this practice.
What is your take.Pls get back with your feedback.

Health is the most ignored subject in the Indian elections

Elections in India are almost about to get over but most surprising is that none of the parties deemed it fit to talk about health as an issue.What are their plans to make India disease free,none of them talked about it.
Infact India recently became polio free but most surprising is even Congress has not highlighted this as an achievement.In advance countries health is a primary concern of the public,where as in India we are not even discussing i.t. Media too, gives minuscule space to health as compared to other trivial issues

With slight modification,ambulance for heart attack patient,can also be used for properly shifting spinal cord injury patient.

In case a person suffers from heart attack,the ultra modern ambulance equipped with all modern gadgets can help in saving a life.Though one single ambulance costs about Rs 40 lakh,it is still worth it, as it plays a critical role in saving the life of patient who has suffered a heart attack.My take is, what if with in the same ambulance, a hard board is added.It can ,just as in the case of heart attack patient , play a critical role in saving the life of some one who has suffered spinal cord injury.The cost of the board is mere Rs 2,000/- or so, but it can greatly enhance the usability of these ambulances.

Know whether an accident victim has suffered spinal cord injury

Remember spinal cord injuries can be irreversible and may even cause death.If somebody has suffered an injury on the neck and back and shows signs of any of the following,presume the person has suffered an injury in the spinal cord and shift him as safely as possible to the nearest Hospital.
1 The victim indicate signs of severe pain in the neck and the back.
2 The person is unable to move.
3 Wetting of pants.
4 Neck or back placed at odd angles.
Remember your timely help may save somebody's life. Pls spread the message as far as possible.

How to provide first aid to some one who has suffered spinal injury

Very little awareness is there on how to provide first aid to some one who has suffered a head,back or neck injury by a fall from a height or in a motor accident.Such injuries generally happen among youngsters and if proper first aid is not provided, the victims run the risk of risk of spending rest of the life in a paralysed condition.
First and foremost call the emergency medical services.Don't move the victim around.Place the body of the victim on the back board.Settle the victim and check that there is no movement of back and neck.
Remember the victim has suffered spinal injury but further damage is caused during the time victim is shifted to the medical centre.So this is where one needs to be very careful.Would advocate,such things should be taught in the schools.

Most of the disc injuries happen in lower back

Here is one important fact,not known to many people.Ninety percent of the disk injuries are suffered in lower back with just ten percent affecting upper back.The reason is, it is the lower back which bears the maximum pressure.
Disc injuries are common in the age group of 30-50 years.However those who do regular and moderate exercises are less likely to suffer disc injuries as compared to those who lead sedentary life style.

Workouts are so essential to remain fit.

The importance of workout in open in keeping one fit is known to almost everyone.But the question arises how many still do it.Some are genuinely busy and don't get time and some have space problems.There is an old saying-Where there is will there's a way.Similarly if some body wishes to work out despite the problems,one can still do some exercise.There are certain stretching exercises which can be done at the office table itself.For those who don't find space,a small bit of stretching can be done even from with in the confines of a room.
For fitness,you have to work out.Choice is yours!

Faulty lifestyle causing slip disc in youngsters

Life style being followed by youngsters is so faulty that something which used to happen in late 40's is seen in people as young as 23-24.Slip disc used to happen in the age group of early 40's now it is common in late 20's.The youngsters need to be told about the long term ramifications of such life style.

Surgeons dilemma

Surgeons while treating patients,many a times face moral issues.The patients condition may be such that conventional treatment may not offer much hope.Such a question comes up especially when one is treating a patient suffering from spinal cord injury.In addition if the same patient is young and staring at spending rest of the life in a paralysed state,it creates a moral dilemma for the surgeon.He asks himself,Can I leave the patient like this or should i try what ever is in my hand..In such situations surgeons have used stem cell Therapy with it working in some cases and not working in some of the cases.This is agreed that efficacy of stem cell is still being tested in the clinical trials
....A surgeon in such cases sh'd not be held guilty as he from his side is only trying his best.The final verdict on this is yet to be out.

Weight lifting for building body carries its own risk

There is a craze in youngsters to build body these days.Copying current set of actors , they crave for similar curvy,muscular bodies.To attain this,youngsters start lifting weights like anything.They don't understand that lifting can't be done just like that,it is a specialised sport and those who do it ,have spent years and years on mastering the technique of lifting weights.Despite all this,these trained people also sometimes suffer injuries.But these untrained and uninformed youngsters don't realise the risk of the short cut they follow to make body. 
Many have suffered grave injuries,I even know the case of a youngster whose lower half of body got paralysed.So please before you start lifting weights,remember it carries risk and should be done only in the presence of some one who is very experienced.

Why health as a subject been ignored in elections

Health which is the most basic issue has totally been ignored in elections.Even media is not asking questions on why health as a subject been completely sidelined.In advance countries, the primary concern of the public is health.Here we have so many health problems but still a line has not been said by any politician worth his salt on diseases and how will they check their spread.Awareness on such issues is lacking a lot.

Bending posture is pivotal for good spinal health.

 How we harm our spine.When we bend in a humped manner,we exert force which ultimately causes ruptures.The best is to sit on knees and then pick a thing lying on the ground.

Our posture during work and sleep contributes singularly to our back pain

Now any body reading this post, by now would know that primary cause of back pain is wrong posture.Our office chair ,our sleeping posture contribute to it.Let me tell you,you are your best judge and you would know about wrong posture immediately as your body would give signals in the form of stiffening up. It is only when you ignore such signals for a long time,this results in disc or other related back problems.So please at first stage itself, make the corrections.Or if you are not able to understand,then meet a qualified doctor.

For achieving best result of spinal surgery,post operative therapies play a key role.

In case of unbearable back pain where all other medication has failed to give relief,spine surgery becomes necessary.And given the advancement in technology and skill enhancement of the surgeons these have started giving good results but best outcome is possible only when post operation therapies are used in conjunction.

Back pain and its several causes

There is a lot of confusion about back pain as there are variety of causes such as degenerated disc,prolapse disc,slip disc and several others.For common man,let's keep it simple.Let's define it as a back pain.Now one of the biggest reason for back pain is wrong posture.Yes aging and stress affects the spine but nothing affects the spine as much as wrong posture does.Our posture while working/sleeping plays the most important role in keeping our Spine healthy.

Spine transplant is a boon for young patients who suffer severe back injury in accidents.

Disc Transplant has come as a boon to those suffering from irretrievable spinal damage.Specially youngsters who suffer spinal damage in serious accidents can look forward to leading normal life thanks to the spinal transplant. Traditional surgery involved fusion.And in this to give relief to the patient,the bones were artificially fused together but it used to severely impact mobility. Particularly it was not very useful for young patients as it impacted movement and thus they could not lead normal life.Now a days artificial disc replacement is done in which a device is planted into spine and it does the role of actual Disc ,carry load and offer mobility.The overall impact of this surgery are very positive.

Frequently asked questions before spinal surgery-

Frequently asked questions before spinal surgery-

Q Can I eat and drink before my spinal?
You will need to have an empty stomach before your operation and you must follow the same rules as if you were going to have a general anaesthetic. This is because it is occasionally necessary to change from a spinal anaesthetic to a general anaesthetic. The hospital should give you clear instructions about fasting.

Q Must I stay fully conscious?
Before the operation you and your anaesthetist can decide together whether you remain fully awake during the operation or would prefer to be sedated so that you are not so aware of the whole process. The amount of sedation can be adjusted so that you are aware but not anxious. It is also possible to combine a spinal with a light general anaesthetic.

Q Will I see what is happening to me?
Sometimes you can choose. Normally a screen is placed across your upper chest so that you see nothing when surgery starts. Some operations use video cameras and telescopes for “keyhole” surgery and many patients like to see what is happening to them on the video screen. You will be aware of the “hustle and bustle” of the operating theatre when you come in. Once surgery starts noise levels drop. You will be able to relax, with your nurse and your anaesthetist looking after you. Some patients like to wear personal stereo headphones to listen to their own choice of music during the operation. The options available to you will vary, depending on a number of factors to do with your operation. You will be able to discuss all these possibilities with your anaesthetist at the preoperative visit.

Q Do I have a choice of anaesthetic?
Yes. Your anaesthetist will assess your overall preferences and needs for the surgery and discuss them with you. If you have anxieties regarding the spinal then these should be answered during your discussions, as it is usually possible to accommodate individual patients’ wishes and still use a spinal anaesthetic.

Q Can I refuse to have the spinal?
Yes. If, following discussion with your anaesthetist, you are still unhappy about having a spinal anaesthetic you can always say no. You will never be forced to have any anaesthetic procedure that you don’t want.

Q Will I feel anything during the operation?
Your anaesthetist will not permit surgery to begin until you are both convinced that the spinal is working properly. You will be tested several times to make sure of this. You should not feel any pain during the operation but you may well be aware of other sensations such as movement or pressure as the surgical team carry out their work.

Q Should I tell the anaesthetist anything during the operation?
Yes, your anaesthetist will want to know about any sensations or other feelings you experience during the operation. They will make adjustments to your care throughout the operation and be able to explain things to you.

Q Is a spinal the same as an epidural?
No, although they both involve an injection of local anaesthetic between the bones of the spine in the small of your back, the injections work in a slightly different way.

Q Where can I learn more about spinals?
This leaflet is designed to give you a brief overview about your spinal anaesthetic. If you would like more detailed information, speak to your anaesthetist or contact the anaesthetic department in your local hospital or the organisations listed at the bottom of this leaflet.

Exercises can help alleviate back pain

Normal reaction of a person to a back pain is to lie on a bed and rest.Though this approach can not faulted at the beginning but such an approach does not in any way aid in relieving the pain.Moderate exercises and that too as guided by the physician have the potential of greatly reducing the pain. Regular lower back exercises helps in distributing nutrients in the disc thus reducing the stiffness in the muscles,lessons the chances of such ailment happening again and in reducing the severity and duration of the pain.

Don't ignore pain in the heels

We have all heard of Achilles heel.How it was the weakest point of otherwise almost invincible warrior.Almost the same happens with us.But some how we don't realise it.Aching in the heels is caused by wearing of high heel shoes/sandals on a regular basis.Running/walking for long hours on hard surface can also cause aching in the back.Other factors are obesity and to certain extent aging.Mind you don't take pain in the heels lightly as if ignored, it may lead to severe back problems at a later stage.

Spinal Cord Injury

Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. A spinal cord injury disrupts the signals. Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine. Most injuries don't cut through your spinal cord. Instead, they cause damage when pieces of vertebrae tear into cord tissue or press down on the nerve parts that carry signals.

Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. With a complete spinal cord injury, the cord can't send signals below the level of the injury. As a result, you areparalyzed below the injury. With an incomplete injury, you have some movement and sensation below the injury.

A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can reduce long-term effects. Treatments may include medicines, braces or traction to stabilize the spine, and surgery. Later treatment usually includes medicines and rehabilitation therapy. Mobility aids and assistive devices may help you to get around and do some daily tasks.

Be Kind To Your Spine:

Be Kind To Your Spine:

Too many times, people who experience spine pain say, “I wish I would have taken better care of myself when I was younger.” All of those accidental injuries from mistakes, rambunctiousness, and judgment errors do add up over a lifetime, leading to post-traumatic arthritis.

Because spine discs and ligaments have limited capabilities to heal after being injured, young athletes and adventurers often feel the effects of those injuries years later. Eventually, back and/or neck pain creeps into daily life. Specific activities like gymnastics and football are especially hard on the spine. Injuries often result from poor conditioning and risk-taking behavior. Counsel your children about making good decisions and proper conditioning techniques. Better yet, work with professionals that specialize in sports medicine, personal training and injury rehabilitation to ensure a pain-free future for your child.

Be kind to your spine now, and it will be kind to you in the future.

All of these spine care tips offer words of advice that should be passed along to children. If spine care education is not emphasized, spine pain will continue to be as common in the future as it is now. Furthermore, if general health education is not emphasized at an early age, our children will continue to suffer the consequences of preventable diseases, painful conditions, and poor health choices. Knowledge is power. Children are our future. So please pass the knowledge onto the next generation for the sake of our future

Spondylosis

What is Spodylosis?
Spondylosis literally means stiffening or fixation of the bony building blocks of the spine (vertebrae) as the result of a disease process. Spondylosis refers to degenerative changes in the spine such as bone spurs and degenerating intervertebral discs. Spondylosis changes in the spine are frequently referred to as osteoarthritis.

Types of Spondylosis:
Spondylosis can occur in the cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (upper and mid back), or lumbar spine (low back). Lumbar spondylosis and cervical spondylosis are the most common.

Spondylosis Causes and Risk Factors
Spondylosis is an aging phenomenon. With age, the bones and ligaments in the spine wear, leading to bone spurs (osteoarthritis). Also, the intervertebral discs degenerate and weaken, which can lead to disc herniation and bulging discs. Spondylosis is common. Symptoms are often first reported between the ages of 20 and 50. The rate at which spondylosis occurs is partly related to genetic predisposition as well as injury history.

Spondylosis Symptoms and Signs 
Characteristic findings of spondylosis can be visualized with X-ray tests. These findings include decrease in the disc space, bony spur formation at the upper or lower portions of the vertebrae, and calcium deposition where the vertebrae have been affected by degenerative inflammation.

Self-Care at Home for Spondylosis:

Self-Care at Home for Spondylosis:

Home treatment is important in pain caused by spondylosis because pain may frequently improve or resolve after several days. Bed rest prolongs the time to recovery. Therefore, it is recommended to continue normal or near normal activities.

However, do not do anything that could exacerbate the problem, such as heavy lifting.
Some people find heat and/or ice to be helpful for back and neck pain caused by spondylosis.

Sleeping with a pillow between their legs may be helpful for low back pain. Special pillows to offer additional cervical spine support have been developed for neck pain.

Spinal Injuries and Children:

Spinal Injuries and Children:
Older children tend to be more aggressive in their activities and sports, thereby increasing the risk of injury to the bones, nerves and soft tissues in the spine. Teenagers are also more likely to test the limits of their bodies, often being exhorted by commercial advertising and/or peer pressure to push the envelope.

At this point, compression fractures are more commonplace, and we begin to see occasional disc injuries. Older pediatric patients also can injure the joints between vertebral bones, causing painful stress injuries. Only very rarely do the nerve roots become compromised in older children.

Slightly older children can be convinced to minimize their activity to speed up healing times for back pain, but then they frequently return to the same injurious behavior that caused the initial damage. Here, older kids may also find themselves the victims of their own intermittent inactivity and suffer overuse injuries, similar to an adult who is a “weekend warrior”.

Myth exploded:More youngsters suffer spinal injuries than older people

Generally it is believed that is among old people that most of the spinal injuries happen.Well, this is not true at all.Yes,among elderly the incidence of arthritis/osteoporosis are common but out of the total patients suffering from spinal injuries,roughly eighty percent are youngsters.This one fact is generally not much splashed.The common reason for spinal injuries in youngsters is accidents,injuries from heavy exercises and faulty life style.
Accident by nature can not be avoided.But certain precautions like wearing a seat belt while driving a car or wearing a well strapped helmet can help in cushioning the impact of any major crash.Similarly, when doing heavy exercises it should be done in the presence of an expert and secondly if the body is giving you uncomfortable signals,you should stop at that stage itself.
About faulty lifestyle ,this  definitely can be corrected.Faulty lifestyle includes  sedate life with hardly any physical exercise, sitting at desk for long hours and that too in a faulty posture.In addition having unhealthy eating habits like eating junk food harms further.
The cost of the young person suffering spinal injuries proves too high as he loses his mobility,which ultimately affects his capacity to work and earn.
So youngsters, should take care of themselves and avoid spinal injuries at all costs.

When to Seek Medical Care for Spondylosis?

When to Seek Medical Care for Spondylosis?

•If your pain is not manageable with the prescribed treatment
•For the development of acute nerve dysfunction, such weakness in one or more limbs (For example, see your doctor if your leg is weak and you are unable to flex your foot at the ankle or walk on your toes or heels.)
•Loss of bladder or bowel control, in the setting of acute back or neck pain, such as inability to start or stop urinating, can indicate a serious nerve dysfunction and should be evaluated at the emergency department immediately.
•Numbness in the groin area, or "saddle anesthesia," meaning numbness in the distribution where the bottom would contact a saddle. This can indicate a serious nerve dysfunction and should be evaluated at the emergency department immediately.
•If back or neck pain is associated with weight or fever greater than 100 F

"Lift light and lift right"

"Lift light and lift right"

We all put immense stresses on our spine daily. Whether you are reaching into your car to pick-up a child, loading grocery bags into your trunk, or digging weeds in your yard, your back endures a daily assault-course. Each time we lift too much, or lift in an awkward way, we risk injury to our spine. To minimize your chances of injury from lifting, follow these easy steps:

If it seems too heavy, don't lift it! Get help!
Do not lift at arms length; always get close to the object.
When lifting or lowering an object, bend your hips and knees while keeping your back straight. This is known as the "power position". Do not hunch over an object, and never lift with straight legs while bending at the waist.
Never make sharp movements. Lift smoothly!
Never twist your back when moving an object. Move your feet instead!

Ways to Minimize Failed Back Surgery Syndrome:

Ways to Minimize Failed Back Surgery Syndrome:

One of the biggest worries for most people considering back surgery is whether or not the surgery will actually work.When back surgery doesn't successfully alleviate the pain, it's known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS).Improve your chances of having a successful back surgery by following these five tips:

1.Be confident in your diagnosis:
Spine surgery is only indicated when there is an identifiable anatomical cause of spinal instability or a pinched nerve.
See What's a Herniated Disc, Pinched Nerve, Bulging Disc...?
The number one reason back surgeries are not successful is because of a misdiagnosis of the cause of back pain. Obviously, with a wrong diagnosis, a surgeon operates on the wrong part of the spine.Ask your surgeon how confident they are about their diagnosis of the source of your pain and about the specific area they will be addressing during the surgery.Also, ask your surgeon what the alternatives are to surgery and what would happen if you choose not to have surgery.f your surgeon is not confident with your diagnosis, or if they don't answer your questions to your satisfaction, consider getting a second opinion.See Getting an Accurate Back Pain DiagnosisRemember, if you are going to have surgery, you owe it to yourself to know that you're doing it for the right reason.

2.Trust your spine surgeon:
A good surgeon will be happy to answer any questions you have. If they seem irritated by your questions, this is a sign to reconsider allowing them to operate on you.
Ask your surgeon these questions:
How many times do you perform this particular type of surgery each year?
How have your other patients fared in the past following a similar surgery?
Do you have any patients who have had the same surgery and who would be willing to talk to me about their experiences?
Who would be assisting with the surgery?

3.Know the percentages:
Even in the best circumstances, spine surgery is not 100% guaranteed to be a success. Some surgeries are known to have more predictable outcomes than others.For example, discectomies and microdiscectomies are both used to treat lumbar herniated discs that are causing pain.Before the surgery, if the pain from the herniated disc is felt in the legs (known as sciatica), the surgery is known to be more successful than if the pain is felt in the lower Also, spine fusions for spinal instability from spondylolisthesis tend to be more successful than spine fusions for multi-level lumbar degenerative disc Knowing the success rate of your specific back surgery can provide you with a better idea of what outcome to expect.

4.Commit to a successful rehabilitation
The second most common reason a back surgery does not succeed is because of improper or inadequate rehabilitation after the surgery.Before you decide to have back surgery, make sure you understand all aspects of what your rehabilitation program will entail. A good way to gain a deep understanding of the projected schedule and timing is to speak to a physical therapist.Once you know all the details of your rehabilitation plan, ask yourself if you are dedicated and self-motivated enough to stick to it.

5.Feel confident in your decision and have a plan
By preparing thoroughly for back surgery beforehand, you'll have an easier recovery.Having confidence in your decision, making accommodations at work and in your family, and truly understanding the rehabilitation program will all help minimize the stress of having back surgery.Extensive research has shown that back patients' overall experiences and ultimate outcomes from back surgery can improve significantly with psychological preparation.

Stay Healthy!!Stay Fit!!

Sitting tips

The way we sit (specially when sitting at a strech) can determine how fast or slow our spine ages.
Read how these simple tips can help prevent back problem