When most of us hear the word “arthritis,” what we’re really picturing isn’t rheumatoid arthritis, but rather “osteoarthritis,” the most common form of the condition. The differences between the two forms vary drastically. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a crippling disease, and if you think you may be suffering from it, you should seek out a medical professional for treatment options right away.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the body’s flexible (Synovial) joints by inflaming and swelling the soft tissue (synovium) that surrounds these joints. In particular, two of these flexible joints related to your back and its dealings are:

• the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint
• the cervical spine –  the part located directly below your skull and above your ribcage

Smaller joints, like those in the cervical spine, are most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but larger joints, like the shoulder, can also be affected, although this is less common.

Why Back Pain?

When the soft tissue becomes inflamed and swells, the joint becomes less flexible, leading to stiffness and varying degrees of discomfort. If the joints of the shoulder and cervical spine are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, back pain will probably be a likely occurrence.

However, the pain caused by RA can be felt throughout your body, not just in the area of the affected joints. This means you may have back pain without having a swollen or inflamed joint associated with that part of your body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Treatment Options

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, through some treatments the destruction of the joints can be slowed, and the pain can be managed. These include, but are not limited to:

• DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) – used to slow the disease by reducing the rate of bone and cartilage deterioration
  • DMARDs are the only type of drug that will slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis
  • Prescribed, brand name drugs include: Plaquenil and Arava
  • NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – used to lessen symptoms of RA, such as inflammation of the joints, but do not slow the progress of joint damage
    • Ibuprofen and Aspirin are over-the-counter NSAIDs
    • Prescribed, brand name drugs include: Naprosyn and Naprelan
    • Painkillers – used to ease the pain caused by RA, but these do little else to help treat and manage the condition
      • Tylenol and general acetaminophen are over-the-counter pain relievers
      • Prescribed, brand name drugs include: Codeine and Vicodin
      • Cortisone Therapy – useful for suppressing inflammation of the joints in the short term, but research suggests it’s less effective over the long term
      • Physical Therapy – maintaining the flexibility and strength of your joints with regular exercise is important to living well with rheumatoid arthritis and will likely also ease the frequency and intensity of back pain
      • Surgery – sometimes surgery may be performed to slow the progress of the disease (before cartilage damage) or replace affected joints

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Final Notes

If you believe you may have rheumatoid arthritis, please seek treatment from a qualified, medical professional. By following their advice and direction you may be able to greatly decrease both the destructive progress of the disease and the severity of the pain, including any back pain caused by RA or otherwise.

Only a medical professional can provide you with a correct diagnosis and course of treatment.  Please seek help for rheumatoid arthritis. There’s no need to suffer with the pain and swelling when treatments are widely available.

Most of us are aware that strain injuries can occur if you overexert yourself or engage in strenuous activities. But did you know that you can sustain repetitive strain injuries from doing things like typing at a keyboard a lot or sitting in an odd position for long periods of time? It may not be glamorous, but it’s true! Most Americans will experience some kind of repetitive strain injury in their lifetime. However, it thankfully isn’t usually too serious of a condition.

Where They Often Occur

Repetitive strain injuries typically affect more than one area in a person’s body, depending on the nature and cause of the injury. The locations most often affected include, but are not limited to:

• the back
• the shoulder
• the arm
• the wrist
• the hand
• the thumb

The Symptoms
One important thing to note is that repetitive strain injuries are usually diagnosed by the fact that the affected area is otherwise healthy, with the only cause for complaint being the following:

• short, stabbing pains in the affected area
• weakness of the affected area
• pain is made worse with activity and use of the affected area

Who’s at risk?

Almost anyone who engages in repetitive activities for extended periods of time is at risk. However, there are a few groups of people who are more susceptible to repetitive strain injuries than others. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• desk workers
• typists
• industrial workers
• gamers

Treatments

Repetitive strain injuries will often resolve themselves, if the affected area is used less often and given rest at the onset of the pain and weakness. It’s extremely rare for corrective surgery to be required. Other types of treatments include:

• ergonomics (changing your posture)
• purchasing new equipment (specially designed computer items like a mouse, tablet, or keyboard)
• wearing an over-the-counter brace
• taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) over-the-counter drug like aspirin or Ibuprofen

Final Notes
Prevention of repetitive strain injuries can be an easy process. Typically, all that is required is for you to take a small, 2-5 minute break every hour from your repetitive activity. This will allow the area most at risk to rest, thereby relieving any strain that you put on it throughout the day. Aside from that benefit, taking breaks from your repetitive task is a great idea for your psychological well-being, too.

Whatever your situation with repetitive strain injuries may be, please make sure to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically! Remember: you are the only you that you’ll ever have.

In 99% of these cases, the lower back pain cause is attributed to muscle strain, and it is referred to as non-specific low back pain.  The onset of this type of pain is usually sudden, and can be caused by something as simple as heavy lifting.

The other 1% of lower back pain causes are attributed to a wide variety of factors and illnesses.  Listed below are three of the most common lower back pain causes of the 1%:

Slipped Disc

A spinal disc herniation, or “slipped disc,” can cause mild to severe pain in the lower back, depending on how much damage is done.  When a disc “slips,” it means that the soft tissue has torn, and then swelling occurs.  If the tear is the only damage that is done, then the pain may be mild.

However, if the swelling causes irritation to a nerve, or pinches a nerve, then the pain may be more severe.  This condition is typically brought on by lifting something that is too heavy for you or by spending too much time during the day just sitting around.  Although painful, this lower back pain cause, if mild, will heal itself in about six weeks; in rarer cases, surgery may be required.

Degenerative Arthritis

This common form of arthritis, also known as Osteoarthritis, can be a lower back pain cause, too.  Degenerative arthritis causes pain in the lower back by affecting, and degrading, the joints in the spine.  The result is a dull ache that may feel as if it is coming from the muscles in your lower back; however, without treatment the pain may become more severe.  Although there is no cure for arthritis, some lifestyle changes, as well as anti-inflammatory medication can manage this lower back pain cause.

Oxygen Deprivation

This condition is also known as Asphyxia, and typically is a lower back pain cause for scuba divers or others who engage in deep diving activities.  Of course, oxygen deprivation can occur in a variety of individuals for a variety of reasons, such as having the wind knocked out of you; the onset of symptoms may not be as sudden as the lower back pain cause, however, and it may take up to 2 days to detect the first sign of pain.

Without oxygen, your body’s cells cannot function properly, and this interruption of their normal processes can result in a dull pain, located throughout various places in your body.  This lower back pain cause can be treated with oxygen therapy, and in many cases it may be prevented through conscientiousness on your part.

Final Notes on Lower Back Pain

If the pain in your lower back:

1. Increases with time
2. Persists steadily over a long period of time
3. Is just generally worrying you

Please do not hesitate to consult with a medical professional.  Even though in most cases your lower back pain cause may be attributed to muscle strain, it should never be taken too lightly.

Go easy on yourself until the pain disappears, or if you have seen a professional for your lower back pain cause, make sure to follow their directions and regimen to the tee.  This will typically result in a speedy, and less painful, recovery period.

People develop aches and pains in their shoulders for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes, they can be caused by something as simple as a pinched nerve.

What Did I Do?

Many of us get minor aches and pains from time to time, and in most cases they leave as quickly as they came, without us having to pay much attention to them.  However, serious consideration should be given to relieving your pain if you find yourself asking, “What did I do?”  or “Why did I do that?”  This is especially true for pains in your shoulder, and seeking shoulder pain relief should become one of your top priorities.

Causes

How Did This Happen?

People developaches and pains in their shoulders for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes, they can be caused by something as simple as a pinched nerve (in medical circles this is called “radiculopathy”), or you might have overexerted yourself recently with strenuous activity.  Other times, pain in the shoulder can be a symptom of something more serious, like a tumor or degenerative disease.

Should I Panic?

Don’t panic!  If the onset of your pain occurred while participating in an activity, it’s important that you stop lifting, pulling, stretching, etc. right away, and you should attempt to find some shoulder pain relief.  However, if your pain has persisted for an extended period of time, and you can’t seem to remember how or when it started, you should probably visit a medical professional for advice on relieving the pain in your shoulder.

Treatment

How Do I Fix This?

Sometimes, shoulder pain relief is only a Tylenol (acetaminophen) and/or heating pad away.  Other pain relievers like Ibuprofen and Aleve also work.  Taking any ofthese over-the-counter pills for shoulder pain relief is a great strategy if you’re on the go, because they’re easy to carry with you and simple to take.  If needed, at the end of your day apply moderate heat for shoulder pain relief.  You can use a heating pad or a product like Icy Hot.

Then What?

If you continue to experience pain after taking these measures, then it’s definitely time to go and see your friendly, neighborhood medical professional to ask them about finding relief for the pain in your shoulder.  They’ll be able to diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the best shoulder pain relief treatments.  Methods like physical therapy and/or a local corticosteroid injection may need to be administered at your medical professional’s clinic/office.

Final Note

Finding the appropriate shoulder pain relief is extremely important, and you shouldn’t be hesitant to ask a local doctor or chiropractor for advice on treatments.  Also, aches and pains are fairly common, so please, don’t panic!  With the right method, relief for your shoulder’s aches and pains can be a relatively easy and painless process.  Just take it easy next time, okay?

Lest you’re wondering what recovering from back surgery is like, here’s an idea of what to expect. Some of it may surprise you – even pleasantly!

After you get home from the hospital . . .

Which you were in for probably three to four days, you’ll need to take it easy for at least a month or six weeks. But taking it easy doesn’t mean staying bedridden. While many people who’ve just had back surgery are afraid to move at all for fear of defusing the fusion, it’s not a good idea to be completely immobile. The smaller muscles in the back are critical to supporting the spine, so it’s best to make sure they stay flexible and don’t stiffen up. Doing very gentle exercises to keep the blood flowing and bringing oxygen to those muscles – we’re talking the core back, abdominal, and hip muscles – will help you move better overall and heal faster.

Don’t overdo it!

While it is encouraged to do non-stressful exercises during your recovery period, you do need to make sure you’re not overly-enthusiastic and aggressive about it. Take it easy. No bending, lifting, or twisting, even if you have been a triathlete for the past 20 years.

Brace yourself

It’s possible your doctor may think it’s a good idea for you to wear a brace for a while after your surgery, to make sure your newly fused spine stays aligned. After about a month, you may also take part in physical therapy, where you’ll be taught how to do normal, every-day activities in a way that will keep your spine nice and straight.

“So when will I be back to my regular routine?

It depends on how severe your surgery was and what your “regular routine” is. Many people can return to a desk job after four to six weeks. Those who are required to be physically active on the job need to wait a little longer – like four to six months post-surgery. Full recovery generally takes between three and six months, depending on your age, your physical condition, and how much activity is included in your daily life.

How much time have you got? There are multiple answers to this. Ruptured discs don’t discriminate against a person’s age – while the aging process does play a role, it’s not uncommon to find bulging, herniated, or ruptured discs on people of all ages. They can happen suddenly, say if you take a fall or are in a car accident, or they can develop over time due to continual bad posture or constant strain from activities like lifting, bending, or twisting. Lack of exercise (e.g., weak muscles) and being overweight can also contribute to this condition. The bottom line is, bulging, herniated, and ruptured discs are caused by pressure on the spinal nerves due to one darned thing or another.

Yes, you CAN get relief from the pain!

Depending on the type and severity of your pain, your physician can recommend your best course of action. You’ll be happy to hear that surgery is not necessarily the answer. HOWEVER, if you feel pain radiating down your leg, or you have a tingling sensation or weakness in your legs, it’s important to see a medical professional as soon as possible to diagnose the exact cause of the symptoms in order to rule out the necessity of surgery.

If the pain is less severe, there are a number of options to choose from to find relief:

• Here’s a simple one: Take an aspirin! Ibuprofen can also be helpful.
• Get a massage! Massage therapy can help relieve muscle spasms, as can stretching exercises . . . but go slow if you haven’t stretched for awhile. Don’t overdo it. Remember – “No pain, no gain” is no good!
• Build up your abdomen muscles and overall muscle tone. If you want to get rid of your back problem, first you need to get rid of your front problem!
• Sleep on your back (not on your stomach, which exacerbates the curve of your back and puts pressure on your discs and spinal nerves) on a medium-firm mattress. It’ll help keep your spine correctly aligned.
• This is the perfect (and legitimate!) excuse to let someone else do the heavy lifting! Avoid bending, twisting, and lifting as much as possible.
• Finally do as your mom told you all those years and stand up straight! Good posture is key to a healthy spine.
• Ladies, throw out the stilettos! High heels are very debilitating to your back. Make a new fashion statement in low-heeled shoes!

It’s sort of a mouthful, but basically it means hands-on therapy used for healing or lessening pain in many areas of the body. Quite often, a chiropractor will do spinal manipulation (or make “adjustments” to your spine) but that’s just one type of treatment among many others he or she might employ. The alignment of the spine affects all other systems of the body, so making sure it’s lined-up and in good shape is critical to overall good health.

Are chiropractic treatments only used for back problems?

Not at all! Through spinal manipulation, a chiropractor can relieve pressure and open up energy channels in your body that may be blocked. Many chiropractors use manual stimulation on muscles to stretch and relax them, which can be a significant pain reliever for active, sports-minded people. And you may be surprised to learn that chiropractic manual therapy has even been shown to improve respiratory circulation, among many other health issues. This treatment is usually quite effective in eliminating or significantly decreasing low-back pain and disc herniation discomfort. It’s also commonly used to treat neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and a number of joint issues.

Chiropractic looks at the big picture

In addition to performing manual therapy, chiropractors generally take a wholistic view of your health. Which means that while it may seem they’re working on one specific problem area, their treatments can affect the health of your whole body due to the important role of the spine. They may suggest a lifestyle program for you to undertake including exercise, better nutrition, hot and cold therapy, and – here’s a legitimate excuse to have one – massage. Stress is a huge factor contributing to “dis-ease.” Manual therapy, in conjunction with a healthier lifestyle, go hand-in-hand to create optimal health.

But does it hurt?

Roosevelt said it best: “The only thing you have to fear is fear itself!” If you’ve never had a chiropractic adjustment, it can initially be intimidating. However, if you’re in the hands of a skilled, qualified practitioner, you can rest assured that any pain you might feel will be minimal and the relief you experience after being adjusted is extremely welcome!

So what might you feel?

Spinal stenosis generously offers many diverse types of pain symptoms:

• Numbness and cramping from your feet to your legs and up into your back and neck, including your shoulders and arms
• Numbness in your extremities
• Tingling in your legs, arms, or feet
• Weakness in your legs, arms, or feet
• Feeling unbalanced, resulting in a tendency to fall
• And, for an encore, bladder and/or bowel dysfunction
  (If you have either of these last two issues, see your physician immediately!)

Does the pain start suddenly?

Usually not – it builds up over time, although spinal stenosis can also be caused by an accident or a fall. But more often, it’s simply due to wear and tear on your spine as you get older. Unfortunately, it happens to the best of us!

The good news is . . .

There are remedies for your pain! Sometimes it’s as easy as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, changing the way you sit or do other daily activities that may be aggravating your spine; sometimes it involves muscle stimulation, chiropractic adjustments, massage, or physical therapy or a combination of all of the above. If your condition is severe, surgery may be recommended – but first find out what, exactly, is causing your pain so you can follow the most optimal course of treatment.

Could you use a dollar for every time either you or someone you know has said that? Back pain can be considered the root of all evils by those who suffer from it on a daily basis.

So what’s the solution?

Depends on what kind of pain you have and how severe it is.

If the pain is not debilitating, doing exercises tailored to your specific problem area can help relieve it, although unfortunately, it won’t cure it. Pain relievers (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofin) or a supportive brace are also effective. Sometimes epidural injections are successful as well, when administered up to three times over several months. Modifying your activities can also help, e.g., walking in a bent-over position while leaning on a walker or shopping cart, or riding a stationary bike instead of going for a walk. Sitting in a recliner instead straight up in a chair is also recommended.

If the pain is so severe that you can’t function the way you’d like to on a daily basis, surgery is probably the answer. It will relieve the pressure you’re feeling on your spine by widening the spinal canal. The narrowing of that canal is a common cause of spinal stenosis, and there are now minimally-invasive types of surgery in practice that can rectify that situation.

But wait – there’s more!

Even though it may seem like your back pain started out of the blue for no rhyme or reason, it’s actually been building up for months or even years. It’s very possible you’ve been moving your body in ways that have been putting stress and strain on your spine without your even knowing it. The result is that you’ve developed imbalances in your muscles, pulling your pelvis and spine out of alignment. Eventually, your spine rebels and says, “Enough already!” That’s when the pain kicks in.

So it’s important for you to work with a health professional to figure out where your muscle imbalances have been occurring. Once that’s been determined, you can start to correct the movements you’ve been making and the positions that have thrown your spine out of whack. The sooner you talk to your doctor about diagnosing your muscle imbalances, the sooner you’ll give relief to that aching back of yours!

Chiropractic Massage recommended for many ailments

This method of healing is growing more popular then ever and many doctors are recommending chiropractic massage for many ailments. In fact, chiropractic massage has ranked as one of the top treatments for back pain. Deep tissue massage has also been affective on cases of fibromyalgia, and other pain causing illnesses.

Chiropractic Massage is not just for injury caused by trauma

Studies show that moderate pressure to certain areas of the body stimulates a biological effect inside the body, to eliminate pain and help the body correct itself. Sports medicine has been doing this for years, but now it is becoming practiced more for other problems, not just an injury caused by trauma.

Massage therapy is a growing profession.

Massage therapists use a general form of soft tissue massage to help the person relax, and relieve stress. They may recommend that you see a chiropractor if they feel your condition is more serious.

Chiropractic Massage relieves pain and discomfort

Chiropractic massage concentrates more on the areas of the body that are causing pain or discomfort. Stress relief is a secondarily reaction. Chiropractors are trained in areas of body dysfunctions and muscle and tendon performance. This is a much more in-depth treatment then getting a body massage.

Many methods are used by chiropractors to alleviate pain

Chiropractors determine the cause of the pain and use a variety of methods to alleviate that pain. Deep tissue massage is one technique that a chiropractor will implement, but treatments are not limited to just deep tissue massage. Chiropractors often align and adjust the body and follow up with a massage to areas of the body they feel need to be stimulated.